Specialized has overhauled its Riprock kids’ bike, updating the geometry and ditching the suspension fork to make this a shred-ready trail bike for children.
Having been first released in 2016, the new Specialized Riprock now takes its geometry cues from the brand’s full-sized bikes, with a slacker head angle across the range, designed for children aged from four to 12 years old.
Pricing starts from £599 / $650 for the 20in rigid model and rises to £649 / $700 for the 24in bike. There’s also the top-of-the-range, suspension-equipped Rockrider 24 Expert for $1,500.
Ditching suspension (mostly)
As we learn more about what’s the best way to start cycling with kids, including the more recent emphasis on balance bikes – such as the (admittedly very expensive) Specialized Hotwalk released last year – Specialized has opted for a lightweight rigid fork on both the Riprock 20 and Riprock 24, compared to the previous model’s 60mm travel fork.
(We’ve got a guide to kids’ bike wheel sizes if you want to see where your child fits).
This switch yields a significant weight saving, which is crucial for young riders, where minimising bike weight is key.
The smallest Riprock 20 model weighs in at a claimed 10.2kg, according to Specialized. Getting the basic mountain bike skills dialled without suspension is now generally accepted to be a smart route.
“We designed the new Riprock to give young riders everything they need and nothing they don’t,” says Eric Fischer, product manager for Specialized kids’ bikes.
“Most young riders don’t need suspension forks, and by offering a rigid fork, we’re able to dramatically reduce the bike weight, which ultimately results in a more positive experience for smaller, less powerful riders.”
More experienced and confident riders can work up to the Riprock 24 Expert model, featuring a 100mm Manitou fork for trail progression and young riders starting to tackle those more technical features.
Geometry update
Taking design cues from Specialized’s full-sized range, frame updates include shortened chainstays, a slackened head tube angle and shorter stack heights.
Specialized says these changes put a greater level of control into the hands of your budding shredder, without losing that nimble ride feel.
| | 20in | 24in | 24in Expert |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stack (mm) | 385 | 449 | 523 |
| Reach (mm) | 295 | 350 | 355 |
| Head tube length (mm) | 75 | 95 | 95 |
| Head tube angle (degrees) | 68 | 68 | 67 |
| BB height (mm) | 239 | 287.5 | 287.5 |
| BB drop (mm) | 30 | 30 | 30 |
| Trail (mm) | 66 | 83 | 89 |
| Fork length (mm) | 320 | 370 | 455 |
| Fork rake/offset (mm) | 40 | 42 | 42 |
| Front centre (mm) | 482 | 565 | 611 |
| Chainstay length (mm) | 350 | 390 | 390 |
| Wheelbase | 830 | 953 | 999 |
| Top tube length (mm) | 405 | 479 | 505 |
| Standover height (mm) | 520 | 593 | 618 |
| Seat tube length (mm) | 290 | 310 | 310 |
| Seat tube angle (degrees) | 74 | 74 | 74 |
Tiny components for tiny riders
Confidence follows on from comfort, so getting sizing and position right for nippers is key.
The new Riprock features thinner grips, a smaller 130mm saddle and a narrower Q factor, all intended to optimise body position.
Expect everything you would from your trail bike here: hydraulic disc brakes, internally routed cables, a wide-ranging 1x drivetrain with a 42t cassette, capable trail tyres and even an inbuilt front mudguard.
Specialized Riprock range overview
Three Riprock models are on offer, sized with 20in or 24in wheels, with a 100mm travel Manitou J-Unit fork option for the larger size.
Specialized Riprock 20
- Size range: 42in/107cm to 47in/119cm
- Weight: 10.2kg/22.5lbs
- Price: £599 / $650
Specialized Riprock 24
- Size range: 47in/119cm to 56in/142cm
- Weight: 11.2kg/24.7lbs
- Price: £649 / $700
Specialized Riprock Expert 24 with Manitou J-Unit Comp 100mm fork
- Size range: 47in/119cm to 56in/142cm
- Weight: 12kg/26.4lbs
- Price: $1500
