There's a moment we all recognize at Cortego. It's the moment a child chooses their first "real" bike. Not the 16-inch bike with cheerful flags, but the bike that says, "I'm not a little kid anymore." It's the bike for the final years of elementary school, or the exciting new start in high school.
We developed the Cortego Cargo in 24 and 26 inches precisely for that moment.
If you're involved with bikes every day, like I am, you see how much people's needs change at that age. A bike isn't just about getting from A to B anymore; it has to be able to carry things. It has to look cool on the playground. And above all, it has to give a sense of freedom and independence.
But – and this is what parents tell us – it should not be as big and heavy as an adult transport bicycle.
The challenge was: how do you make a really cool transport bike that is still perfectly manageable, manoeuvrable and safe for girls aged, say, 8 to 13?
The answer is our Cortego Cargo. And I'd love to explain why we're so proud of it.
The Hero of the Story: The Reciter
The first thing your daughter will probably say is, "I want that one, with a crate like that!" And she's right. The front carrier is the heart of this bike. It's a symbol of independence.
Finally, that heavy schoolbag no longer needs to be on your back. We all know what that feels like: a sweaty back, aching shoulders, and a bag that sways back and forth. Or worse: the bag dangling precariously from the handlebars.
With the Cortego Cargo, that's a thing of the past. Simply throw the bag into the crate or basket on the front carrier. This isn't just an accessory; it's a robust carrier specifically designed for this purpose. It can easily handle those heavy book loads. The result? Your ride to school becomes more stable, safer, and a whole lot more comfortable.
The Right Balance: Agile Yet Strong
Now I hear some parents thinking: "A bicycle with a carrier on the front, won't that be very heavy and cumbersome?"
This is precisely where our 24- and 26-inch models make a difference. We deliberately avoided the heavy components of an adult cargo bike. You won't find a heavy, double kickstand or a complex handlebar lock on these bikes.
Why not? Because these bikes are made for cycling .
At this age, you want a bike that steers easily, corners easily, and is easy to park in the bike rack. By choosing a strong yet lightweight single-stand and a slimmer frame, the Cortego Cargo remains wonderfully maneuverable. It's the best of both worlds: the convenience of a cargo bike combined with the flexibility of a regular city bike.
Your daughter can easily handle the bike, even with a full bag on the front. And parking is quick and easy, without the hassle of complicated kickstands.
Style Taken Seriously
Let's face it: at this age, style might just be the most important thing. You don't want to be seen on a kid's bike anymore. You want a bike that matches your new Nikes, your cool jacket, and your evolving personal taste.
As the Cortego team, we take this very seriously. We don't treat these bikes as "children's bikes," but as "compact adult bikes."
No flashy prints or unnecessary frills. We've chosen beautiful, deep, and often matte colors, just like those you'll find on our 28-inch models. Think stylish matte black, modern petrol, or elegant dark blue. The design is sleek, the lines clean. We often make details, like the saddle and grips, in a luxurious, matching color.
This is a bike that says, “I know what I want.”
The Quality That Reassures Parents
While your daughter is drawn to the looks and convenience, we (and most parents) naturally also consider the "internals." A school bike in the Netherlands needs to be able to withstand a few knocks. It's exposed to the rain, parked against a fence, and has to be reliable every day, no matter the weather.
That's why at Cortego we don't build bikes for just one season. We build them to last.
- Safety First: Good, bright LED lighting and reliable brakes. Most Cargo models feature the traditional Dutch back-pedal brake, often combined with an additional handbrake (V-brake) at the front. Double the safety.
- Low maintenance: The most vulnerable part of a bike? The chain. That's why we safely store it in a fully enclosed chain guard. No rust, no dirt, and never a dirty pant leg.
- Robust: A strong frame that can withstand a knock and tires that provide grip and comfort.
24 or 26 inches? A Short Guide to Choosing
The Cortego Cargo comes in two sizes to perfectly accommodate your growth spurt.
- The 24-inch Cargo: This is often the first "serious" cargo bike. Perfect for girls in the upper grades of primary school (approximately 8-10 years old, clothing size 134-146).
- The 26-inch Cargo: This is the ultimate first-year secondary school bike. It's not quite as tall as a 28-inch bike, making it easy to reach the ground, but it still has a mature look. Ideal for ages 10-13 (clothing size 146-158).
The Cortego Cargo is more than just a bike. It's a partner. It's the bike on which those first truly independent kilometers are covered. The bike that carries the heavy bag, that's proudly shown off to friends, and that's ready for a new adventure every morning.
And that, we at Cortego believe, is the most beautiful role a bicycle can play.
Ready to make the perfect transition?
