quality single track bike for kid

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Originally Posted by teledad

...might as well save the weight and use a rigid fork.

The Vitus looks like a decent spec although I've heard it's hard to get the Spinner fork serviced...

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I bought my oldest a Vitus Nucleus 24 last year when he was 8. The quality and build was good for the price with the exception of the Spinner fork. That thing is crap and I should have replaced it when I got it.

He's going to get a new bike between now and next spring and the other two are going to be moving up. I'm planning on pulling the fork, replacing it with either a better suspension fork or a carbon fork and putting 24+ tires on there for his little sister. I'm sure it would drop some weight and perform a lot better.

The Nucleus 24 used to have an option for getting one with a rigid fork. If I were to do it again, I would go that route as the Spinner is both heavy and terrible.

Seth

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Check out the rocky mtn soul 27.5 Really impressed with the geo, build spec for the price. Just upgraded my kid's 24 which was embarrassingly small for him to a medium! Soul 10. Its a little bit of a stretch but not at all unmanageable for him. He loves it. plenty slack, does well on trails, he's fine without full sus for what he likes to ride.

Vitus are gone. That was quick. Back to seeing what is available. Will look at the soul 10

There is a used Timbercraft for $1200 on pinkie. gulp... It is purple and he digs purple. Nice looking bike but maybe more than he needs.

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Originally Posted by Ottime

Vitus are gone. That was quick. Back to seeing what is available. Will look at the soul 10

There is a used Timbercraft for $1200 on pinkie. gulp... It is purple and he digs purple. Nice looking bike but maybe more than he needs.

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When I bought my son's Vitus last Sept, I put in the email alert and was able to very quickly react. Even if you're looking at others, would recommend doing the same and if it pops up and you haven't found anything pull the trigger. Took about a week to arrive.

FWIW, that Timber 26 would probably re-sell for a grand easy when he outgrows it.

I'd also check out the Nukeproof Cub Scout 26. Not that much more than Vitus, but comes with a fork that is actually functional. Goes without saying, but setting up a stock alert and jumping on it immediately will be mandatory.

I don't see an obvious reason why 27.5 will be 4-8 lbs more than 26 unless you go FS. I've known quite a few kids that went straight from 24 to XS 27.5 without problems and that's my plan. One dad went through the hassle of building up a second set of 26" wheels and they only got used for a few months, he said it wasn't worth the cost and hassle in the end.

There's carbon 27.5 HT frames on Aliexpress that some folks on MTBR have had good success with. Off-brand carbon seems a lot less sketchy than it used to be.

My kid's 20 inch Specialized has a 32t rear cassette and I wanted to get him more range. I was looking at the MicroShift Advent 9 speed drivetrain for him. Clutch derailleur, shifter and 42t cassette can be had for short money and are actually in stock. Anyone have any feedback on a wide(r) range shifting for a 6 year old?

Not many 9/10 speed derailleurs out that can clear anything more than a 34t.

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Originally Posted by HankScorpio

My kid's 20 inch Specialized has a 32t rear cassette and I wanted to get him more range. I was looking at the MicroShift Advent 9 speed drivetrain for him. Clutch derailleur, shifter and 42t cassette can be had for short money and are actually in stock. Anyone have any feedback on a wide(r) range shifting for a 6 year old?
Not many 9/10 speed derailleurs out that can clear anything more than a 34t.

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I look after a fleet of bikes, and a bunch of them have the Micro-Shift Advent 1 X 9, with 11-42t cassette. They have been good, and shift great, I've not had any issues with them.
This drivetrain is on our LIV Tempt 27.5 hard tails ($800 ish bikes).

On the one hand, when kids are that age they are not that strong and, despite the inherent reduction in gear inches that comes with 20" wheels, it's basically impossible to have a lowest gear that's too low.

On the other hand, the chainstays are really short, which can make the chainline really severe on wide-range cassettes. I ran a 42t on a 20" hardtail for a while and it worked, but barely (Sunrace cassette and SRAM GX RD). I had to use some washers to space the chainring inboard a bit and even then it easily shifted off the largest sprocket when backpedaling. Considering the price of the Microshift stuff I'd say give it a try, but expect to have to fiddle with it a bit and that you may never get it perfect.

I agree with Dan. Cheat your chainring as far inboard towards the 42t as possible.

20" bike with a 11-42 matched to a 30T chainring gets you 13.84 gear inch for the lowest gear.
Thats actually lower (easier to pedal) than an equivalent 29er 10-52 with 28T chainring. It equals 14.84 gear inch.

Another consideration with a 20" wheel is the clearance for anything but a short reach derailleur. That is why you see a lot of Shimano Zee R.Der's on 20" bike - the DH will do a 28tooth and the FR will do a 36T (although some stretch this to a 42T). Both have a short cage and give lots of clearance...

Fits here maybe. "Hold my juicebox"

https://twitter.com/HldMyBeer/status...UuzYPqKTQ&s=19

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Originally Posted by Ottime

Vitus are gone. That was quick. Back to seeing what is available. Will look at the soul 10

There is a used Timbercraft for $1200 on pinkie. gulp... It is purple and he digs purple. Nice looking bike but maybe more than he needs.

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Trailcraft Timber FTW. Resale is crazy good. We have the pineridge24 and it’s really impressive.


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I have never heard anyone who got a Trailcraft say they have regretted it. Even if they all cried over the impact to their wallets.

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Originally Posted by Danno

Even if they all cried over the impact to their wallets.

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Until they sold it, realized the net cost was less than a Walmart bike, and cried all the way to the bank.

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Originally Posted by Dee Hubbs

I look after a fleet of bikes, and a bunch of them have the Micro-Shift Advent 1 X 9, with 11-42t cassette. They have been good, and shift great, I've not had any issues with them.
This drivetrain is on our LIV Tempt 27.5 hard tails ($800 ish bikes).

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Originally Posted by Dantheman

On the one hand, when kids are that age they are not that strong and, despite the inherent reduction in gear inches that comes with 20" wheels, it's basically impossible to have a lowest gear that's too low.

On the other hand, the chainstays are really short, which can make the chainline really severe on wide-range cassettes. I ran a 42t on a 20" hardtail for a while and it worked, but barely (Sunrace cassette and SRAM GX RD). I had to use some washers to space the chainring inboard a bit and even then it easily shifted off the largest sprocket when backpedaling. Considering the price of the Microshift stuff I'd say give it a try, but expect to have to fiddle with it a bit and that you may never get it perfect.

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Originally Posted by Dee Hubbs

I agree with Dan. Cheat your chainring as far inboard towards the 42t as possible.

20" bike with a 11-42 matched to a 30T chainring gets you 13.84 gear inch for the lowest gear.
Thats actually lower (easier to pedal) than an equivalent 29er 10-52 with 28T chainring. It equals 14.84 gear inch.

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Thanks guys, all good info. Chain line never occured to me with a short stays and a wide range cassette. I don't mind a bit of fiddling here and there........

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Originally Posted by Dantheman

FWIW, that Timber 26 would probably re-sell for a grand easy when he outgrows it.

I'd also check out the Nukeproof Cub Scout 26. Not that much more than Vitus, but comes with a fork that is actually functional. Goes without saying, but setting up a stock alert and jumping on it immediately will be mandatory.

I don't see an obvious reason why 27.5 will be 4-8 lbs more than 26 unless you go FS. I've known quite a few kids that went straight from 24 to XS 27.5 without problems and that's my plan. One dad went through the hassle of building up a second set of 26" wheels and they only got used for a few months, he said it wasn't worth the cost and hassle in the end.

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You are right, I was looking at FS mostly. Forgot about that. But even in the 26" bike world, I see 32-34# bikes with similar build as the Vitus. The Nukeproof I do like and have it and the Nucleus on watch. Ready to buy if they become available. Saw a Rocky Mountain Growler 26" that was over 32#. At that point, I would rather get an XS 27."

My son is a small ten year old. About 4'6", 70#, strong, lean. That is mostly why I am thinking of a smaller framed 26" bike for him. He is killing it on his 24" Hotrock rigid. He has not actually even fully outgrown that bike, but it is old, and failing and requires constant up keep. I think it is a 2008-2010 model perhaps. So it is time to replace the bike. I think a 26" model would fit him for two years, of course, unless he has a sudden growth spurt.

Trailcraft was/is in CO. If I found one I could drive to look at and pick up, I would maybe splurge. I figure my son gets about 35+ trail rides a year, so at $10 a ride, that is $350 per year owned. I imagine a Trailcaraft would not cost me more than that. I take care of our bikes and tend to have good resale.

After seeing nice kids bikes it is really hard to consider all the crappy ones.

The Nukeproof is rad. Snagged one back in the ‘rona spring of 2020 for my then 11 year old and he loved it. Really helped him progress and become more confident on the trails. Modern geo, decent components, and pretty light. He’s now moved on to a Devinci Marshall (nice but heavy) and his brother is rocking the Nukeproof. If one magically becomes available, jump on it.


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Anyone have any experience with Frog bikes? The Frog 69 w air fork is in stock right now. It is their own air fork and hard to find information on. Frog is also not on 99 Spokes so looking at geometry is a bit harder. They are light, geared decently, tektro hydraulic short lever brakes, short cranks.... Looks good on paper, but would love to see if anyone has seen one in person.

Anyone going to be selling a 24" FS bike this winter/spring? My kid might outgrow the Norco Fluid 20" this year (not for sale, he's got a little brother) and I want to get something lined up. I'd pick up a Norco Fluid 24" but they are not going to be around until "at least" this summer.

I am open to buying new. Trailcraft Maxwells are also on backorder. Are there other 24" options on the same level as the Norco?

It might be a bit more enduro than you're looking for, but I'll have my son's Clash 24 for sale in the spring. PB/KSL price was going to be $2,500, so thinking $2,000 for mag pricing. I've been running a bunch of custom parts on it for most its life and will be keeping most of those for his new bike and 24" DJ. So, it will come with the minimally-used JUNIT fork/shock/wheels and Dominion A4 SFL brakes I had on there before Hayes gave us the custom stuff. Tires are DHFs F/R in Maxterra 3C/TR/EXO flavor with 80-90% tread left, and I have a NIB one I'll throw in as well. Has a Lev Integra dropper. Drivetrain is mostly NX 11-speed but the cassette is XX1. JUNIT bars/grips.

As far as other bikes:

YT Jeffsy Primus 24 is pretty rad, though availability is also very TBD: https://us.yt-industries.com/product...?number=101577

I know a kid with the Spawn Rokk 24 and was super happy with it. Spawn is a great company that's worth supporting, but their site says "ETA FALL 2021" so who knows when they'll be available: https://spawncycles.com/rokk-24

The new Clash 24 is sick, but shipping in July at the earliest: https://www.commencalusa.com/clash-2...21-c2x34394569

SOLD if you're willing to ship.

Totally. I'm not sure what my LBS is charging these days to box up a bike or what Bikeflights rates will be in a few months, but probably figure $150-200 for pack+ship.

I'm trying to find a quality 26er (or maybe 27.5) hardtail or light full suspension for my 9yo before our annual March trip to Utah. Anybody have any leads or ideas?

I've been looking at the Frog and Nukeproof bikes mentioned above but currently no stock. I can get a Woom Off Air (I think) but having a tough time buying that with the outdated geometry and proprietary parts.

Any suggestions?

Seth

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Originally Posted by Dantheman

Totally. I'm not sure what my LBS is charging these days to box up a bike or what Bikeflights rates will be in a few months, but probably figure $150-200 for pack+ship.

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Sounds good. Do you know when you're going to be selling? I will be rolling through SLC in March a few times.

I'm not in a rush, and it depends on when I get around to getting the parts swapped out. If you'll be coming through SLC in March we can definitely work something out.

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Originally Posted by sethschmautz

I'm trying to find a quality 26er (or maybe 27.5) hardtail or light full suspension for my 9yo before our annual March trip to Utah. Anybody have any leads or ideas?

I've been looking at the Frog and Nukeproof bikes mentioned above but currently no stock. I can get a Woom Off Air (I think) but having a tough time buying that with the outdated geometry and proprietary parts.

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My daughter rides a Woom Off Air, and I'm happy with it in general. A few annoyances, and it's not cheap, but solid bike.

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Originally Posted by sethschmautz

I'm trying to find a quality 26er (or maybe 27.5) hardtail or light full suspension for my 9yo before our annual March trip to Utah. Anybody have any leads or ideas?

I've been looking at the Frog and Nukeproof bikes mentioned above but currently no stock. I can get a Woom Off Air (I think) but having a tough time buying that with the outdated geometry and proprietary parts.

Any suggestions?

Seth

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What's your budget? You could do a cleary and add a suspension fork or for more money the spawn yama Jama 26s are due in February.

I'd like to stay really close to $1000. I could go a bit higher but probably no more than $1200. I should have jumped on a Chinese carbon hardtail on pinkbike but I was really struggling with buying a carbon bike for my 9yo. And by that I mean my wife said no. :-)

Edit to add that I think a lightweight (25 pounds is less) hardtail is the way to go for him. It should climb well - we have a lot of climbing where we ride - and this is more important to me than a full suspension bike weighing 28-32 pounds.

I have looked at the Woom and may go that way - struggling with the proprietary/non-standard parts and the geo, but might end up going this way after all.

Anybody have any input on the Frog MTB 69? Looks like a reasonably light, upgradeable platform for the 10yo and his brother and sister behind him.

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Just bought my daughter a Trailcraft Blue Sky Pro Build. Any options to make it even lighter (besides a rigid fork)? She's 34 lbs!

That bike is already only 20 pounds with front suspension. I'd say be patient and let her grow into it. Or get a bmx bike instead?

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Originally Posted by funkendrenchman

Just bought my daughter a Trailcraft Blue Sky Pro Build. Any options to make it even lighter (besides a rigid fork)? She's 34 lbs!

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Nice!

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Originally Posted by Dantheman

Nice!

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Seriously nice!!

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Originally Posted by sethschmautz

I'd like to stay really close to $1000. I could go a bit higher but probably no more than $1200. I should have jumped on a Chinese carbon hardtail on pinkbike but I was really struggling with buying a carbon bike for my 9yo. And by that I mean my wife said no. :-)

Edit to add that I think a lightweight (25 pounds is less) hardtail is the way to go for him. It should climb well - we have a lot of climbing where we ride - and this is more important to me than a full suspension bike weighing 28-32 pounds.

I have looked at the Woom and may go that way - struggling with the proprietary/non-standard parts and the geo, but might end up going this way after all.

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My eight y.o. is digging the Prevelo Zulu Four but clocks just north of 25lbs. Derailleur has been a touch funky but fine 95% of the time.

Cleary Scout on sale now too but no experience there. Heavier than the Zulu tho.

Never mind….. reading comprehension. Missed thread dates and the whole 26” thing.

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Originally Posted by funkendrenchman

Just bought my daughter a Trailcraft Blue Sky Pro Build. Any options to make it even lighter (besides a rigid fork)? She's 34 lbs!

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I think that bike is just about the benchmark for light weight.

Congrats on the purchase!

Also: your 8 year old is tiny!

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Originally Posted by Sirshredalot

I think that bike is just about the benchmark for light weight.

Congrats on the purchase!

Also: your 8 year old is tiny!

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Haha. She’s 34 lbs now. Probably 37 lbs next summer when she gets on it at 6.5yo.

Got a good deal so I pulled the trigger now.

Shes on a Zulu Two now and I just switched tires to drop a pound.

Clearys are solid, my son just outgrew his 20 inch tire one. Replaced with a speshy riprock 24, which is crazy nice

I’m going to selling a sweet xs pivot Mach 6 26er shortly.


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Originally Posted by funkendrenchman

Any options to make it even lighter (besides a rigid fork)? She's 34 lbs!

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I looked up the spec and there's not much low-hanging fruit there. A XTR cassette and RD might save ~150-200 g, but 10 sp XTR is hard to find right now and the bike is already so light it doesn't seem worth the cost and hassle. Just go ride that thing.

My 8 yo loves his new Cannondale Cujo 24+ so far. He's light so the ridgid fork with low pressure big Slant Six 24 x 2.6 tires to smooth out the ride seems like a winning combo. Drivetrain not the best, but he will eventually break that and then we will upgrade to a Deore 1x10 or 11.

Thoughts on setting up this bike tubeless? Fairly wide Cannondale house brand rim with the aforementioned Slant Six. Just to lower some rotating weight and reduce flat risk.