The story behind Cortego: why we make kids' bikes that last longer.

Geschreven door Cortego fietsen
6 min leestijd
Het verhaal achter Cortego: waarom wij kinderfietsen maken die langer meegaan.

At Cortego we believe that a children's bike should be more than just a means of transport.
A bicycle represents freedom, adventure, and independence. That's why we build children's bikes that can withstand a knock or two, look great, and, above all, are safe and durable. Many brands focus on fast and affordable production. We focus on quality and durability. That's the core of our brand.

In this article, we'll take you through the story behind Cortego. We'll explain why we do what we do, how our kids' bikes are developed, and what sets them apart from the crowd. This isn't marketing talk; it's our philosophy.

Cortego's vision: a bicycle should grow with a child

Children grow quickly. A bicycle often only stays with the same owner for a year or two. That's why many parents are forced to opt for a cheaper bike. The result is usually the same: a bike that rusts quickly, shifts poorly, breaks easily, or becomes unsafe.

Cortego approaches it differently.
Our vision is simple: a children's bike should last longer than one growth spurt.

That means:
• high-quality materials
• strong paint and protection against rust
• parts that are easy to replace or adjust
• ergonomic geometry so that children can ride comfortably and safely

A Cortego bicycle is not a disposable product, but a bicycle that is designed to last.

Why quality is central at Cortego

A bicycle is used intensively every day, especially by children.
Think of school runs, playtime, rain, wind, curbs, mud, and sand. That calls for a sturdy bike.

We therefore use components that last for years:
• frames made of high-quality steel or aluminum
• highly lacquered paint layers with extra corrosion protection
• robust mudguards that do not deform at the first impact
• closed chain guards so that the chain stays clean and lasts longer
• robust braking systems that meet European safety standards

The result is a children's bicycle that not only looks good when new, but also still shifts and brakes well and looks good after a year of intensive use.

Children's bicycle quality starts with safety

Safety always comes first. Children trust their bikes. And parents trust us.

That's why we build our Cortego bicycles with:
• powerful brakes that are easy to operate
• reflectors and permanent lighting depending on the model
• ergonomic handlebars and grips with extra grip
• secure closed chain guard so that clothing can never get caught
• sturdy stand to prevent the bicycle from falling over when parking

Our frames are designed according to European standards (EN 14764).
This means that they are tested for load, impact and durability.

A Cortego bicycle should not only be beautiful, but also safe and reliable in everyday traffic.

Sustainable children's bicycle: better for your wallet and better for the world

A frequently asked question is:
Why is a Cortego bike more expensive than many other children's bikes?

The answer is simple.
A Cortego lasts longer.

Cheap children's bikes seem attractive, but many parents come back to reality after a few months:
• rust problems due to thin paint layer
• poorly adjusted or rickety brakes
• chain that runs out
• parts that cannot be replaced

At Cortego, we choose sustainable materials and replaceable parts from day one. This means that a Cortego bike often:

• can be used for longer
• retains its value better when resold
• can be easily passed on within the family

This means that a Cortego bicycle ultimately becomes cheaper per year of use.

Dutch design: built for everyday use

Wherever children ride, the bike must be able to handle it.
Our designs are inspired by everyday situations: school, rain, bags on the handlebars, sidewalks, parking spaces.

That's why we invest in ease of use and comfort:
• optimal sitting position to avoid strain on the back and shoulders
• smooth-running tires for less resistance
• smart frame geometry for stability and confidence

We test our bikes with real children, not just in a lab.
They ride it to school, play outside with it, and try to push boundaries. This provides valuable feedback that we immediately incorporate into new productions.

A Cortego not only feels solid, it also drives really well.

The choice for low-maintenance technology

Anyone who buys a children's bicycle does not want a maintenance project.
That is why we make our bicycles low-maintenance.

• A closed chain guard protects the chain against dirt and water
• The chain will last longer and will need to be lubricated less often.
• The brakes are easy to adjust and are robustly constructed
• Strong mudguards keep kids clean in rain and mud

Everything is designed with the idea that parents spend less time on maintenance.

How Cortego bikes are developed: step by step

The development of a Cortego bicycle consists of several phases.

1. Design phase

Here we translate the wishes of parents and children into a model.
We determine frame size, riding position, color and equipment.

• determine the correct frame size for a children's bicycle
• ergonomic children's bicycle
• children's bicycle for school children

2. Choice of materials

We select components that are designed to last. Consider:
• paint with anti-corrosion protection
• closed chain guard
• sturdy stand
• aluminum or steel frame depending on model

3. Test phase

Here we test for safety, braking power, frame load and splash protection.

4. Production and quality control

Every bike is checked before it leaves.

A Cortego bicycle only leaves the factory when everything is right.

Cortego is not a mass product but a conscious choice

Parents choose Cortego because they value:
• quality
• safety
• sustainability
• design

A children's bike shouldn't be seen as something temporary. It should be a tool that helps children feel confident, have fun, and participate safely in traffic.

That's what Cortego stands for.

The value of a brand that listens

We don't design from spreadsheets, but from involvement.
We listen to parents and children and adapt our models accordingly.

A few examples:
• handles with extra grip because little hands can easily slip away
• sturdy paint because school racks are hard on bicycles
• closed chain guard because children need to protect their clothes

Our bicycles are practical, comfortable and beautiful.
That's no coincidence. That's attention.

A Cortego bicycle: designed to be passed on

A Cortego bicycle is often passed on within the family.
From brother to sister, from nephew to niece, or sold with a high residual value.

That is sustainability in practice.


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