EXPLORE: The Next Chapter of woom
After intensive development work and countless test rides, we are proud to present our brand-new bike model – the woom EXPLORE. A behind-the-scenes look.
The woom EXPLORE in neon coral, jungle green, magnetic blue, and woom red (from left to right).
Discover the World with woom
The woom EXPLORE was specifically designed for older riders aged 6 to 14. With its distinctive design, upgraded components, and bold colors, it’s the perfect companion for exploring the world independently and confidently.
Like all woom bikes, the woom EXPLORE is super lightweight, high quality, and meticulously tailored to suit children of different ages.
What makes the new model special?
Redesigned ergonomic saddles and grips, hydraulic disc brakes from Promax, Billy Bonkers all-terrain tires from Schwalbe, as well as a sporty, modern frame design.
That’s not all. The EXPLORE bike collection also features improved gear shifting. The woom EXPLORE 4 comes with a twist grip from Shimano, while the woom EXPLORE 5 & 6 feature a trigger shifter from microSHIFT.
A Fresh New Concept
The design and development of the woom EXPLORE took three years—an important and intense process. It all started with extensive discussions and market research: What should the perfect bike for 6- to 14-year-olds look like? Which features are essential for them? What do they want to experience with the bike?
Martin Prähofer from the development team explains the challenges and considerations during that time. “We wanted to create a bike that gives kids and teens a sense of freedom. Something that lets them explore their surroundings independently and experience unforgettable adventures with friends. Whether in urban spaces or nature – it should expand their environment, encourage movement, and strengthen interaction with their peers.”
The result is a bike concept that perfectly meets the needs and desires of Generation Alpha.
Intense Development Phase
Designers, engineers, project managers, and many bike enthusiasts were involved in the development of the woom EXPLORE. “Teamwork is key for such a large project. We developed and launched three completely new bikes. This task could not have been achieved without the collaboration of passionate experts working together,” says Martin.
From the initial concept came the first sketches, which then evolved into prototypes. Every component and detail, down to the last screw, was discussed and carefully designed. And of course, everything was constantly reviewed and improved.
A critical part of this process was gathering feedback from actual kids! Young riders had the chance to thoroughly test ride the woom EXPLORE. Their feedback was incorporated into the development to ensure the bike offers maximum comfort, safety, and fun.
A New Design Language
The modern and contemporary look of the woom EXPLORE is shaped by several design elements, as Matthias Leite-Gürtner, one of the lead designers on the project, explains: “We made the tubing on the woom EXPLORE more angular and flattened the bend in the top tube, which suits older kids who often want a more mature, sporty bike compared to their younger siblings.”
The woom EXPLORE also features “chrome delete” style elements. Currently only popular in the world of car customization, “chrome delete” entails covering up the shiny elements in favor of a more subdued matte accent. This means fewer silver, chrome, and aluminum details, and more black.
Another difference with the woom EXPLORE is the subtle branding. With no large “woom” logo on the downtube or toptube, the blank space on the frame allows kids to personalize their bike with a custom sticker set. With self-expression being an increasingly important part of adolescence, the bike frame becomes an opportunity to let growing riders showcase their style.
Bold New Colors
The woom EXPLORE comes in four fresh, stylish colors: vibrant woom red, magnetic blue, neon coral, and jungle green. Matthias explains what makes the new color palette stand out: “The fork and rear triangle are in dark tones on the woom EXPLORE, and the rims are completely black. This highlights the central frame color even more. Additionally, the four frame colors feature a modern matte finish, giving the bike a contemporary look.”
The colors were selected in close collaboration with internationally renowned color expert Jen Holloway, who was able to adhere find just the right hues. “We had to find colors that fit the brand while also resonating with the right age group,” says Jen on the complexity of the color selection. But that wasn’t the only challenge she faced. “It’s not easy to ensure that the selected colors end up looking exactly as intended on the frame. The painting process plays a crucial role: the amount of paint, curing temperature, and material – all these factors must be precisely considered.”
It’s All in the Details: EXPLORE Componentry
The woom EXPLORE is equipped with disc brakes from Promax. The development team chose this brake type for two reasons, as Matthias explains. “For one, it was a feature that many kids wanted. Secondly, disc brakes make the bike more versatile – even in light off-road conditions.”
Ergonomics were a top priority during the development process as well. “We completely redesigned key ergonomic contact points, such as the saddle and grips, to perfectly match the ergonomics of children and increase comfort. This is especially important for older kids and teens, who tend to ride longer distances,” says Matthias.
The tires were also chosen with versatility in mind. “Schwalbe’s Billy Bonkers tire is an excellent all-rounder. It rolls well on asphalt but is also great for light off-road use, pump tracks, and more. It’s slightly wider, which increases comfort, and in my opinion, it looks pretty cool, too.”
Overall, the components make it possible to explore all types of terrain – hence the name 'EXPLORE.' The woom EXPLORE is the perfect companion for kids and teens to discover the world and take their first steps toward independence and self-reliance.
