I need a new kids bike with 24 inch tires

[sethschmautz]

If I were buying today:

https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/.../rp-prod195891

Bought the 24+ for my 9y/o in Sept, which should also be able to put 26” squish fork and wheels on in next year or so. Thing is light and high quality, would imagine this would also be good.


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We bought this for my 8yo. He was coming from a 20+ Cannondale Cujo. There are many things I like about the nucleus 24 hardtail but not the fork. Dan makes a clear point about their efficacy and I've considered replacing it with a light, 26" carbon fork and 24+ tires. The Nucleus is a good bike but I think the suspension fork is worthless.


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[VTskibum]

I agree that rigid for many/most little kids (DTM's ripper aside) is probably best. This one is an air fork though, which should be pretty decent, much better than something like that Giant and the other 5+lb coil forks. I'm thinking about getting on of those rigid Liv Giant 24s for my 7y/o daughter in a year or so and upgrading to some hydro brakes. She's a string bean so will have her on her very light 20 Cannondale Quick for another summer.

[cloud cult]

We bought this for my 8yo. He was coming from a 20+ Cannondale Cujo. There are many things I like about the nucleus 24 hardtail but not the fork. Dan makes a clear point about their efficacy and I've considered replacing it with a light, 26" carbon fork and 24+ tires. The Nucleus is a good bike but I think the suspension fork is worthless.


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Are you thinking about something like this? https://www.amazon.com/TOSEEK-Thread...1H2HG6ZWQ0YS8E

I got a 29er version of this for conversion of a mountain bike to a gravel bike and frankly, seeing what my kid does to his Transition, I don't think that carbon fork would last.

[Dantheman]

This one is an air fork though, which should be pretty decent, much better than something like that Giant and the other 5+lb coil forks.

Those Spinner Grind air forks still leave a lot to be desired. They weigh 1,700 g (https://www.spinner-usa.com/products...26&pc_parent=5) and have a pretty unsophisticated air spring so realistically you're going to have 40-50 mm of usable travel without much small bump sensitivity. Those fleabay carbon forks I linked to on the last page weigh 500 g (and, amazingly, are in stock).

At 11 kg the Vitus isn't a pig, so I'd say ride it, see how things go, and if you think the fork is worth the weight penalty keep it. If it's not smoothing the ride out much then the fleabay carbon fork is a sub-$100 upgrade.

[Dantheman]

Are you thinking about something like this? https://www.amazon.com/TOSEEK-Thread...1H2HG6ZWQ0YS8E

I got a 29er version of this for conversion of a mountain bike to a gravel bike and frankly, seeing what my kid does to his Transition, I don't think that carbon fork would last.

Yes, there's lot's of similar forks on ebay:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/26-27-5-29e....c100677.m4598
https://www.ebay.com/i/332525543709?...01945&rlsarel=

I've seen quite a few people on MTBR put them on their kid's bikes without issue. Though, how and what your kid rides certainly should be considered carefully before putting them on an off-brand carbon fork. You can also get alloy models that weigh about 250 g more and shouldn't have any durability concerns: https://www.ebay.com/itm/26-27-5-29e...96b4d0a9ba04c8

[sethschmautz]

Those Spinner Grind air forks still leave a lot to be desired. They weigh 1,700 g (https://www.spinner-usa.com/products...26&pc_parent=5) and have a pretty unsophisticated air spring so realistically you're going to have 40-50 mm of usable travel without much small bump sensitivity

I'm in complete agreement. The reviews I read on the Grind were decent but in actuality, the fork is not (decent). You have to choose between support and small bump. If you want the fork to not be bottoming 50%+ of the time it's going to require too much air to give any small bump compliance. I really don't think it's worth it's weight. I AM planning on putting 26" wheels on this bike as it looks like it should fit. At that time I think I'll probably look for a good used 26er fork. Of course his sister is going to be ready for the 24" bike. . .

[VTskibum]

Good info on the grinder fork.

Wish I kept my old Bontrager 26" carbon/alu switchblade(?) rigid fork, pretty wary of off-brand carbon fork, even for kids bikes. I have an old 28?mm stanchion RS SID which should be pretty good fork for my kid's Vitus 24+, also it's red and will match the frame. Red is fastest and adds 5hp as as we all know.

[detrusor]

I’m going to be selling a pimped out giant anthem (13”) in the spring. It’s tiny and the jump to 26 wheels was a game changer for my littlest being able to keep up.


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[sethschmautz]

I’m going to be selling a pimped out giant anthem (13”) in the spring. It’s tiny and the jump to 26 wheels was a game changer for my littlest being able to keep up.


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Please keep me posted.

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