Join our crew.
Sign up to get tips, tricks, and news for all things kids + cycling.
FAQ’s
SALES, PRICING AND SHIPPING
Where is your list of dealers?
Yes, you can find them here: https://www.clearybikes.com/cleary-bikes/
Can you ship to anywhere in the world?
Sorry, we do not ship internationally at this time.
Sorry, not at this time. Please contact [email protected]
Do you sell Cleary Bike stickers?
Yes, we have brand new stickers and a cool kit to help kids personalize their bikes.
Stickers
Where are your bikes made?
We’re a small, tight-knit crew. We design our bikes in California and Oregon. Manufacturing and assembly happen in Taiwan and China.
Why do you make most of your bikes out of steel?
We wanted our bikes to last generations for riders, be high-quality, durable and lightweight. For these reasons we chose to go with steel over aluminum. Plus, the welds on steel are super clean, giving our bikes their distinctive styling.
How do I discuss becoming a Cleary Bikes Dealer?
Please contact [email protected]
When will model xxx be back in stock?
Please visit the product page of the bike you’re interested in for estimated eta.
Hedgehog Lightweight Single Speed 16 Inch
Owl Single Speed Lightweight Kids 20
Owl 3 Speed Lightweight 20 Inch
Meerkat 5 Speed Lightweight 24 Inch
Why don’t you sell a balance bike?
We’ve made a balance bike before, but have found that our 12″ Gecko without pedals does double duty. Once your child is tall enough to comfortably stand over the seat of the Gecko, they can use it as a balance bike before advancing to pedals. Pro tip: when you put the pedal on the bike, make sure the freewheel is properly seated so the wheel doesn’t lock up. This can be done by applying heavy pressure (like a big press back with an adult foot) in the forward position.
How much does model xxx weigh?
Gecko 12″ Coaster – 17 lbs.
Gecko 12″ Freewheel – 15.5 lbs.
Hedgehog 16″ – 16 lbs.
Owl 20″ 1spd – 19 lbs.
Owl 20″ 3spd – 21 lbs.
Meerkat 24″ – 27 lbs.
Scout 24″ – 27.5 lbs.
Scout 26″ – 28.5 lbs.
WARRANTY, RETURNS, REPLACEMENTS
What is your standard warranty?
All Cleary’s are backed by a lifetime warranty to the original purchaser against manufacturer’s defects on our entire line of bikes. To make a warranty claim or to get parts related to warranty, please contact us at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help. Proof of original purchase is required.
I purchased the wrong bike color/model. Can I exchange it for another?
Yes. We accept returns or exchanges on bikes returned in unused condition. Please re-pack the bike for shipping with the padding provided (ideally) so it is not damaged on the return trip. Please contact us at [email protected] for assistance and a prepaid return label. You can also visit the returns link on our website.
Dings happen! Although we don’t stock touch up paint, automotive stores and hobby stores will carry oil based model paints that work great.
What tires do your bikes have and where can I get replacements?
Gecko, Hedgehog and Owl bikes ship with Kenda Kontact tires (diameter 1.95” to 2.125”). Meerkats use Kenda 1.95″ K-Rad tires. Scout bikes ship with 2.25″ Vee-Tire Crown Gems. Cleary offers knobby tires to fit Gecko, Hedgehog, Owl and Meerkats.
What kind of chain can I use on your bikes?
A 3/32” chain for a single speed, or 7, 8 or 9-speed drivetrain will work on the Gecko, Hedgehog, and Owl bikes. Meerkat and Scouts use a 10-speed derailleur style chain. Any quality replacement will work.
19mm grips for the Gecko/Hedgehog/Owl are available on the website.
Meerkat and Scout use 22mm diameter grips.
You sent me a Return shipping label. How do I package my bike?
Carefully repack the bike in the original packaging and try to be mindful of how the wheel sits in the box. There should be a few plastic protectors that sit in the front hub to make sure the axel doesn’t poke through the box and at the same time protecting the paint on the bike. When the bike is all packed up, put the label you received via email. When the package arrives unharmed we will issue a refund. If you have further questions about repackaging, reach out on chat, [email protected] or 1-415-636-9689.
Do you sell replacement parts for your bikes?
Yep! We have them listed here by bike model and by category.
ASSEMBLY AND ADJUSTMENTS
Assembly
The xxx part is damaged/missing. Can I get a replacement?
Yep, we’re happy to help with replacement parts. Please send an email to [email protected]
How do I add the reflectors on a bike?
The red reflector goes on the seatpost, using the vertically oriented clamp.
The white reflector is for the handlebar, use the offset clamp on the wider part of the handlebar. The provided rectangular black rubber spacer fits between the handlebar clamp and handlebar.
What is that skinny valve on my childs bike tire?
That is called a Presta Valve. The air valve that looks like the one on your car is called a Schrader valve. Most modern bike tire pumps will work with both. However, you can also buy an adapter from your local dealer to adapt a Presta to a Schrader valve. See this video for how to work with a Presta valve.
Can Cleary bikes be used without pedals?
Absolutely! The bikes ship without pedals, so you can leave those off initially and use it as a balance bike, helping your child become a confident rider quickly.
Does the riser bar fit on the Gecko bike?
For pre 2020 bikes, it does! The 500mm/20 inch wide (19mm diameter) riser bar will fit a Gecko rider best. Late 2020 and all new Geckos come stock with a riser bar.
Riser Bars
What’s the difference between a coaster wheel and a freewheel?
Good question! A bike equipped with a coaster brake (most on the market) uses a back pedaling motion to stop the tires. Alternately, a freewheel bike doesn’t have a braking mechanism on the wheel but instead utilizes hand brakes only (we’re adamant fans of the hand brake option).
Adjustment
How do I adjust the chain tension?
Please see this video
How can I remove a freewheel from the bike?
We offer Dicta and ACS freewheels that thread on to the rear hub. Please check with your local shop for the appropriate tool to remove the freewheel.
Can I add a riser bar to a bike?
Yes. You can purchase a 19mm diameter riser bar in different lengths for the Gecko, Hedgehog and Owl bikes.
https://www.clearybikes.com/collections/parts/products/riser-handlebars
Can I shorten the seat post?
Accordion Content
Can I shorten the reach from the seat post?
If your child is a bit too short for the included seatpost, we recommend getting a shorter seatpost as opposed to cutting your post. Save the original post so, as your child grows, you can swap the longer post back to keep a good fit on the bike.
https://www.clearybikes.com/collections/parts/products/seatpost-160mm
Gecko, Hedgehog, Owl and Meerkat bikes all use a 25.4mm seat post. The Scout bikes use a 27.2mm seat post.
Is my Owl 3-speed shifting properly?
It’s not you, it’s the bike! Internally geared hubs shift gears when you’re not pedaling. To allow the internal hub to shift smoothly, stop the forward motion of the pedals, shift the gear then resume pedaling.
How can I adjust the bike saddle?
To adjust the reach, you can slide the saddle forward or back on its rails. You can adjust height 6″ to 7″ by raising or lowering the seat post. You can adjust the tilt of the saddle.
Freewheel on Gecko locking up?
From time to time the freewheel comes from the factory hand tightened. Generally the first pedal on the bike locks the freewheel in place, however there is the occasion where the chain is a bit on the tight side and the freewheel winds up backing itself off the hub threads as the bike coasts. To resolve this issue hold the rear brake tightly and push down hard on the right pedal . This should lock the freewheel in place(threaded back onto the hub). It sounds like it would be a good idea to loosen the chain a bit by moving the rear wheel 1-2mm forward in the dropouts.
If you need more assistance, we can schedule a phone or video call. to walk through the process.
FITTING AND MEASUREMENTS
How do I take measurements to make sure I’m choosing the right bike for my child?
Bike fit for children is just as important as it is for adults. The critical measurement is inseam. Second is your child’s height. Once you have those two bits of info, you can reference our size chart for best fit. It’s noteworthy that there’s a bit of over lap i.e a rider on the large scale for the Gecko will also fit on the smaller size rage of the Hedgehog. We offer bike sizing consultation over a video call. You can schedule one here https://calendly.com/clearybikesfit/bike-fit-consultation
Kids Bike Sizes Chart
Can we get an in-store fitting for a bike at your headquarters?
Our Richmond HQ isn’t set up for visitors just yet. In the meantime, you can schedule a virtual bike fit consultation here https://calendly.com/clearybikesfit/bike-fit-consultation
Bike Fit
Dealer Locator
Can I shorten the seat post?
If your child is a bit too short for the included seatpost, we recommend getting a shorter seatpost as opposed to cutting your post. Save the original post so, as your child grows, you can swap the longer post back to keep a good fit on the bike.
Gecko, Hedgehog, Owl and Meerkat bikes all use a 25.4mm seat post. The Scout bikes use a 27.2mm seat post.
Can I shorten the reach from the seat post?
To adjust the reach, you can slide the saddle forward or back on its rails.
How do I teach my child to ride a bike?
We’ve been around this block a few times. Our first piece of advice is to make sure your child (not you) is ready to pedal. Believe us, we know this can be the hardest part. There’s nothing better than seeing your kiddo take off for the first time! Second tip, place your hand on your child’s back for reassurance rather than on any particular part of the bike. You shouldn’t be holding them up. Don’t worry too much about right and left brakes, instead just teach your child how to grip the brakes to stop. If they’re worried about which brake to grab they’re likely to look down and could run right into whatever they were trying to avoid by stopping. Lastly, make it fun. Lots of positive reinforcement goes a long way. When they lose interest or become frustrated, take a break and try again later. Good luck!
How can I adjust the bike saddle?
To adjust the reach, you can slide the saddle forward or back on its rails. You can adjust height 6″ to 7″ by raising or lowering the seat post. You can adjust the tilt of the saddle.
Maintenance and Accessories
Maintenance
The rear derailleur hanger on my bike is bent. How do I fix it?
We strongly recommend a shop do this, as the bike will only shift correctly when the derailleur hanger is straight.
The chain guard is broken. Can I get a replacement?
Yes! Please email [email protected] and include your address.
Is my Owl 3-speed shifting properly?
Internally geared hubs shift gears when you’re not pedaling, but they can get out of adjustment. This can be fixed with minimal work and tools. Watch this video:
Is my Meerkat 5-speed shifting properly?
Internally geared hubs shift gears when you’re not pedaling, but they can get out of adjustment. This can be fixed with minimal work and tools. You can watch this video or schedule a video call with one of our mechanics to walk you through it.
https://calendly.com/clearybikesfit/mechanic-meeting
How do I adjust the shifting on my Scout?
Shifting problems on the Scout are caused by a few factors. The most common reason is if the derailleur hanger gets bent from a crash or a dropped bike. We recommend that a bike shop do this with the correct tool.
If you want to adjust the shifting yourself watch this video as a guide. It does take some practice!
Accessories
Can I get a kickstand for your bikes?
Yes! Greenfield brand kickstands work well and do fit our bikes. These kickstands must be cut to the correct length to match the bike. These come graduated by wheel size from Greenfield, so just cut this based on the wheel size of the bike. Also, please note that our Owl 20″ model works best with the rear mount style kickstand. All our other models work with the standard center mount version.
Center Mount
Rear Mount
Do you have bottle cages for your bikes?
Yes!! Owls, Meerkats and Scouts all have water bottle cage mounts on the downtube. Cages are available under Parts & Accessories.
Owl Bottle Cage
Do knobby tires fit on the Gecko, Hedgehog and Owl?
Yes, Geckos, Hedgehogs and Owls will fit up to a 2.125” width knobby tire.
https://www.clearybikes.com/parts/?_wheels_tires=tires
Can I get different size gears for the bikes?
Yes! Please see this link
https://www.clearybikes.com/products/freewheel-metric/
What are your braking options for the bikes?
All our bikes have front and rear hand brakes.
Can I change the bar to a BMX style?
We sell both a 35mm/1 3/4inch tall riser bar (Standard on the Owl) and 50mm/2 inch height riser bar (Standard bar on the Hedgehog) which are for 19mm controls. You can install a BMX style bar, however it would require new brake levers and grips for that bar’s 22.2mm control diameter.
link to Amazon
Can I get Meerkat frame sets?
None of our bikes are available as a frame only.
How do I tell if I have a flip-flop hub or a non-flip-flop hub?
The rear wheel of the Owl one-speed will have exposed threads on the left side of the hub, between the frame and the spokes. Use these threads to install a different-toothed freewheel, so it can be ‘flipped’ to the chain side and so make the bike easier to pedal or to go faster.
What is that skinny valve on my childs bike tire?
That is called a Presta Valve. The air valve that looks like the one on your car is called a Schrader valve. Most modern bike tire pumps will work with both. However, you can also buy an adapter from your local dealer to adapt a Presta to a Schrader valve. See this video for how to work with a Presta valve.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9byRp9e2USU
and
https://www.rei.com/product/857301/slime-presta-valve-adapter
What maintenance do I need to do to my childs bike?
We suggest typical bike maintenance for our bikes. Always visually inspect the bike before a ride.
Check tire pressure,
Chain tension (tight enough for no slack, but not too tight as to impede crank movement).
Check brake pad wear.
A yearly check up with a mechanic at a bike shop is suggested or 2-3000 miles of riding.
I didn’t know my childs tires would wear out or the tube would break. What else can I expect?
There are a few wear and tear items on a bike that will need to be replaced at certain intervals. Tires, chains, brake/shifter cables and brake pads. These items will wear over use and are not under warranty after the bike has been used.
