24/26" Kids Bikes Currently Available - 2021

dan-o · Jul 6, 2019

Buy whatever the local bike park is dumping at seasons end.
My son's 24 was from Trestle.

DaveW · Jul 7, 2019

The Commencal are pretty shred worthy 24's!
Check out this vid of a local 12year old girl ripping some of my local trails.

and this new one of her and some other kids riding in Valnord on the new 24" full sus ebike.

I've got a Kona Honzo24" sitting at work, it's also pretty damn good.

Kiwintas · Jul 7, 2019

We went for a second hand giant xtc 24 for the boy as it was hard to find a 24 bike with disc brakes for a realistic price.
And at the speed the kids grow and the minimal difference in size between a small 26 and a 24. It made sense to get the boy on to a 26 as soon as possible as it was far easier and cheaper to build him up a light 26 with disc brakes and good suspension. And he now loves his commie meta 4x and doesn’t touch the giant.

jonKranked · Jul 9, 2019

Transition makes a sweet 24" FS bike for youngin's.

jonKranked · Jul 9, 2019

https://www.transitionbikes.com/Bikes_Ripcord.cfm

maddog17 · Jul 23, 2019

kinda inline with the DB is the GT Stomper Ace. but you might/would swap out the tires

jonKranked · Jul 26, 2019

Trek recalls Kickster balance bikes

WASHINGTON (BRAIN) — Trek Bicycle is recalling about 11,560 of its Kickster balance bikes in the U.S., and 1,800 in Canada, because of concerns about the steer tube clamp, The recall involves all model year 2013 through 2019 Trek Kicksters. The bikes are made for toddlers who are learning how to...

www.bicycleretailer.com

jonKranked · Oct 28, 2020

thread bump....

my son has pretty much outgrown his 16" bike. i sized him out on my bmx bike and, while long for him, height wise he's good, he's ready for a bigger bike, with at least 20" wheels. i'm leaning towards something more MTB oriented than bmx oriented, as he's expressed interest in going riding in the woods with me. he'll turn 6 in March, and he's already 4' tall. based on his height, should i go 20" wheels, or jump straight to 24" wheels? I was looking at commencal's kids bikes, and based on the height ranges they list (3'9" to 4'5" for 20", and 4'2" to 4'11" for 24") he may get more use out of a 24" wheeled bike. plus at a 24" wheel size there'd be more suspension fork options to upgrade in the future (although the ramones is a 1-1/8 head tube which limits options).

what's everyone's kids on, and how tall are they? i do like the commencal ramones (both the 20" and 24" variety). they're fully rigid, but use 2.6" tires for a little more squish for actual trail riding. plus, at that price point any suspension fork would add a lot of weight and not a lot of performance. only downside i can immediately see is that with a 1-1/8 head tube it would limit options for a fork upgrade.

CrabJoe StretchPants · Oct 28, 2020

Have sandwich cobble something together for you

jonKranked · Oct 28, 2020

CrabJoe StretchPants said:
Have sandwich cobble something together for you

even i'd call CPS on me

slyfink · Oct 28, 2020

jonKranked said:
thread bump....

my son has pretty much outgrown his 16" bike. i sized him out on my bmx bike and, while long for him, height wise he's good, he's ready for a bigger bike, with at least 20" wheels. i'm leaning towards something more MTB oriented than bmx oriented, as he's expressed interest in going riding in the woods with me. he'll turn 6 in March, and he's already 4' tall. based on his height, should i go 20" wheels, or jump straight to 24" wheels? I was looking at commencal's kids bikes, and based on the height ranges they list (3'9" to 4'5" for 20", and 4'2" to 4'11" for 24") he may get more use out of a 24" wheeled bike. plus at a 24" wheel size there'd be more suspension fork options to upgrade in the future (although the ramones is a 1-1/8 head tube which limits options).

what's everyone's kids on, and how tall are they? i do like the commencal ramones (both the 20" and 24" variety). they're fully rigid, but use 2.6" tires for a little more squish for actual trail riding. plus, at that price point any suspension fork would add a lot of weight and not a lot of performance. only downside i can immediately see is that with a 1-1/8 head tube it would limit options for a fork upgrade.

I have both the 20" Ramones for my 7.5 y.o. and the 24" for my 10 y.o.

They both lasted 2 seasons on their respective bikes, and are both ready to jump up a size. My 8 y.o. will get the 24" next year, and I have yet to decide what to do for my eldest...

So... to the sizing question. My youngest got the 20" when he was 6. He fit really well on the bike for both the years he's had it, and I could probably eke out a third year on it if I didn't already have a 24" wheel bike for him to jump on.

I just went and had a look at my eldest's height markings from his birthdays... when he got the bike, he would have been between 51" and 52" (somewhere around 4'3" I think?). He's on the 24" and has been on it for the past 2 years. So I'd say the 24" will fit your guy really well. I measured my oldest again today (for xc skis). He's now 57" (4'9" I think?), with a 26" inseam. The bike still fits, but not for proper riding. For tooling around the hood it would be fine, but for real trails, it's a little too small now.

I like the Ramones lineup precisely for the reasons you stated. Fully rigid, plus-size tires, disc brakes, 1x, and price. It strikes a great balance of value and performance. They've ridden their bikes to school, in the skate-park, at the pump track, and on trails.

I also liked the lack of suspension for a few reasons: 1. suspension forks add cost 2. they add weight 3. they add to the "sticky fingers" attractiveness. Since they lock up their bikes at school (and we're in a downtown setting), that last one is pretty important factor. I also wasn't sure how enthusiastic about biking they would be at first. No sense getting something fancy if they don't want/need/appreciate it.

But it turns out my oldest really likes mountain biking. So this summer I got him a fork for the 24". I was able to source a 26" Manitou Markhor. It has a 1-1/8" steerer, 9mm drop-outs, and accepts disc brakes. It's also valved light enough for him, which I was a little worried about. I had it lowered by 20mm too so it wouldn't be too tall. I had to go for a 26" fork so the + tires could clear the arch.

I plan on selling the 20" for at least $350 (Cdn). I have a neighbour who bought a used 24" Ramones for his daughter for $400, so the resale value is good.

I highly recommend them.

jonKranked · Oct 28, 2020

slyfink said:
I have both the 20" Ramones for my 7.5 y.o. and the 24" for my 10 y.o.

They both lasted 2 seasons on their respective bikes, and are both ready to jump up a size. My 8 y.o. will get the 24" next year, and I have yet to decide what to do for my eldest...

So... to the sizing question. My youngest got the 20" when he was 6. He fit really well on the bike for both the years he's had it, and I could probably eke out a third year on it if I didn't already have a 24" wheel bike for him to jump on.

I just went and had a look at my eldest's height markings from his birthdays... when he got the bike, he would have been between 51" and 52" (somewhere around 4'3" I think?). He's on the 24" and has been on it for the past 2 years. So I'd say the 24" will fit your guy really well. I measured my oldest again today (for xc skis). He's now 57" (4'9" I think?), with a 26" inseam. The bike still fits, but not for proper riding. For tooling around the hood it would be fine, but for real trails, it's a little too small now.

I like the Ramones lineup precisely for the reasons you stated. Fully rigid, plus-size tires, disc brakes, 1x, and price. It strikes a great balance of value and performance. They've ridden their bikes to school, in the skate-park, at the pump track, and on trails.

I also liked the lack of suspension for a few reasons: 1. suspension forks add cost 2. they add weight 3. they add to the "sticky fingers" attractiveness. Since they lock up their bikes at school (and we're in a downtown setting), that last one is pretty important factor. I also wasn't sure how enthusiastic about biking they would be at first. No sense getting something fancy if they don't want/need/appreciate it.

But it turns out my oldest really likes mountain biking. So this summer I got him a fork for the 24". I was able to source a 26" Manitou Markhor. It has a 1-1/8" steerer, 9mm drop-outs, and accepts disc brakes. It's also valved light enough for him, which I was a little worried about. I had it lowered by 20mm too so it wouldn't be too tall. I had to go for a 26" fork so the + tires could clear the arch.

I plan on selling the 20" for at least $350 (Cdn). I have a neighbour who bought a used 24" Ramones for his daughter for $400, so the resale value is good.

I highly recommend them.

great info, thanks. my son is 48" on the dot now, he'll be taller by the time he's 6 (this will likely be a birthday present). i agree the ramones seems like a great value, i don't want to drop a lot more than that if its not something he's gonna be really into. also, he only really got 2 years out of his 16" bike, for the money these bikes cost it'd nice to get a little bit more use out of it for him (then again, it would just go to my daughter).

i think one of my neighbors kids has a 24" wheeled bike, i want to try and size him out on it first ideally.

Sandwich · Oct 28, 2020

I'd stick to the 20" for now. It'll give him more control over the bike and there are plenty of 20" options out there. Then you can get him a 24" as he gets into it more. That's what I'm doing. My 49.5" tall 7yo is still on her 20 and loves it. Speaking of, I need to get her in the woods again.

Also, I picked her bike up off the local "curb alert" page. I replaced the saddle, grips, bars, stem, bottom bracket, rebuilt the hubs and gave it a tuneup. It's better than any bike I had until I was 15, and I'd argue it's probably better than that still.

Also, @CrabJoe StretchPants I already trashpicked a 24" if she decides on a hybrid. If she gets into it I'll get her a real bike like the Ramones. If she just wants to ride to school, there it be.

DaveW · Oct 28, 2020

Orbea, Marin and Norco all do some pretty rad 20 & 24" bike now.
Orbea do the Laufey an aggressive HT in the smaller size's (130mm air forks and droppers!) and Marin have launched the San Quentin in the smaller sizes as well.

Toshi · Oct 28, 2020

My eldest is 48" and 7.75 years old. She has an Early Rider 20" rigid bike with discs and a SRAM 9 speed setup. She couldn't do the trigger shifter outside of the middle of the range but grip shift is fine. She digs it.

jonKranked · Oct 28, 2020

I had my son on my bmx bike yesterday. Height wise he was fine, it was too long, but that's because it's and adult length frame. One of my neighbors boys are on 24" wheel bikes so I'm gonna size him out on that at some point.

jimmydean · Oct 28, 2020

Not sure Lil Man will have gears anytime soon. His dad has always been a single speed guy, so it wouldn't surprise me.

Sandwich · Oct 28, 2020

@CrabJoe StretchPants this bike has the carbon flat bar you sold me a million years ago...

CrabJoe StretchPants · Oct 28, 2020

Holy crap....the FSA with blue lettering?? I can't even remember what bike that was on...must have been my Burner.

Sandwich · Oct 28, 2020

I think it's a truvativ. 570mm so I never used it!

CrabJoe StretchPants · Oct 28, 2020

Weird, can't say I ever remember owning one. I was thinking of a FSA k-force I had a long time ago, I think the first CF component I ever had actually.

Truvativ in the Burner time era makes more sense as we were sponsored by sram then so most parts were that.

Sandwich · Oct 28, 2020

Your stem is also on my road bike (120mm truvativ 7000 series).

I gotta grab a photo of the 24" bike

dump · Oct 29, 2020

Interesting conversation.

My guy is on a 16" wheel, single speed, rigid bike atm and doing great. I haven't raised his seat all summer as he's grown. When he needs more umph, he stands up and pedals. Similarly, when he's at the bmx track or going down steps/uneven terrain, he stands and has clearance.

He's probably fine on his current bike through next summer, but this thread has me thinking about the next step.

I think it's important to keep it fun, simple, not force sitting all the time and let allow him to do a range of activities. 20" kid-oriented BMX is what I was on around that age... and it's what I learned to jump on.

Anyone else go this route?

dump · Oct 29, 2020

stoney said:
I'm trying to get her to stand up more. She ate shot a while back and has been a lot more tentative ever since.

I've been riding my jumping bike on rides with him to keep things interesting. He saw me and just copied. I keep the encouragement to a minimum as it's often not well received, but just let him know it's smoother on bumps and leave it at that. Just got him riding some steps. He's cool w/ 2 steps atm

dump · Oct 29, 2020

stoney said:
when we go to the bike park she stands up when she goes to the pump track and goes over jumps but when we're out on trails she sits down for everything

Interesting. My guy is still sitting on jumps at the bmx track! He knows how to do this, but isn't ready yet. Is catching air sitting down!

slyfink · Nov 3, 2020

jonKranked said:
great info, thanks. my son is 48" on the dot now, he'll be taller by the time he's 6 (this will likely be a birthday present). i agree the ramones seems like a great value, i don't want to drop a lot more than that if its not something he's gonna be really into. also, he only really got 2 years out of his 16" bike, for the money these bikes cost it'd nice to get a little bit more use out of it for him (then again, it would just go to my daughter).

i think one of my neighbors kids has a 24" wheeled bike, i want to try and size him out on it first ideally.

Hey Jon,

I snapped a few pics of my youngest on both bikes. He's 49.5" tall now.

Here he is on the 20":

And on the 24":

he was grumpy caus' we were on our way to school, and he felt it was too cold for a photoshoot! Note he's wearing pretty thick boots too. Also, this is my neighbour's bike, with the stock rigid fork.

jonKranked · Nov 3, 2020

slyfink said:
Hey Jon,

I snapped a few pics of my youngest on both bikes. He's 49.5" tall now.

Here he is on the 20":
View attachment 151721

And on the 24":
View attachment 151720

he was grumpy caus' we were on our way to school, and he felt it was too cold for a photoshoot! Note he's wearing pretty thick boots too. Also, this is my neighbour's bike, with the stock rigid fork.

good info, thanks. give him a high five from me for being a good sport.

jonKranked · Nov 3, 2020

that also makes me lean more towards the 24". i'm still gonna get him sized out on one of my neighbors bikes.

slyfink · Nov 3, 2020

jonKranked said:
good info, thanks. give him a high five from me for being a good sport.

sure thing!

jonKranked said:
that also makes me lean more towards the 24".

That was my conclusion too.

6thElement · Nov 3, 2020

Looks like he needs 21.99" wheels to be in the middle.

dump · Nov 3, 2020

Saw the Norco 20/24” bikes at the bmx track some weeks back. Looked pretty nice.

jonKranked · Nov 17, 2020

hey @slyfink (and anyone else, generally) how did your kids do switching from a coaster brake to hand brakes? and single speed to gears?

jonKranked · Nov 17, 2020

also, last i discussed this with my wife, she felt that $400 was "too much" for a kids bike. she had a hard time believing that's on the lower end of the price range.

24/26" Kids Bikes Currently Available - 2021

Part of the unwashed, middle-American horde

Turbo Monkey

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Space Monkey

Chimp

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Detective Dookie

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Turbo Monkey

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Reincarnated Crab Walking Head Spinning Bruce Dick

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Space Monkey

butthole powerwashing evangelist

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The Official Meat of Ridemonkey

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Pig my fish!

Reincarnated Crab Walking Head Spinning Bruce Dick

Pig my fish!

Turbo Monkey

Part of the unwashed, middle-American horde

Turbo Monkey

Part of the unwashed, middle-American horde

Turbo Monkey

Turbo Monkey

Detective Dookie

Detective Dookie

Turbo Monkey

Schrodinger's Immigrant

Turbo Monkey

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Detective Dookie