Trailcraft Pineridge 24 Review

The Trailcraft Pineridge 24 defines lightweight – a bike so light, even gravity wants to take a ride; it's a gateway to lightning-fast, adventure-packed rides. Let's dive into this lightweight XC shred machine and discover why the Pineridge 24 is not just a bike but a game-changer for young riders looking to race in their local XC races and tackle endless singletrack climbs and descents.

Picture this: your young rider, a lean 45-pound daredevil, tearing through trails like a miniature tornado. How? It's not magic; it's the art of shedding every unnecessary gram. The 7005 series aluminum frame is the unsung hero here. While other bikes are lugging around 6000 series aluminum, the Pineridge 24 is practically weightless. It's not just about being different; it's about being better. 

Two to three pounds might not sound like much, but for your little speedster, it's the difference between ordinary and extraordinary. How much do adults pay to upgrade their bike by a pound or two? And that is reducing bike to rider weight by peanuts. Look at the ratios: a 175 lb person on a 30 lb bike is pushing 17% of their weight, a 195 lb person pushing a 35 lb bike is pushing 18% of their weight. Now switch to kids. A 60 lb little shredder on a 26 lb bike is pushing 43% of their weight, but drop that down to a 20 lb bike and they are pushing 33% of their weight. For families that pedal a lot, these numbers matter. If you are shuttling, riding chair lifts, or towing on every climb, these numbers may not matter as much. But getting to a 24” wheeled bike is when we find kids want to climb more on their own, and reducing weight can help them drastically.

Every component on the Pineridge 24 is a piece of the weight-saving puzzle. From the KS Lev SI dropper post to the tubeless tire setup, it's like assembling the Avengers of biking excellence. The ELITE: XT level 12-speed build is not just a collection of parts; it's a symphony of lightweight perfection. The 10-51 cassette and the 1350 gram Stans Crest MK4 wheelset are the secret sauce, making this bike not just fast but effortlessly agile. Or upgrade to the lightning-fast Trailcraft 1100 gram Carbon wheelset with a freehub so loud it will scare all the animals away. Trailcraft cranks are legendary in the kids' bike world, perfectly sized 140mm with the Trailcraft special aluminum spindles. Most of the competition uses steel, and Trailcraft’s cranks are top-notch. The flat bar, lock-on grips, and pedals are all in the name of performance mixed with weight-saving measures which the Trailcraft crew are legendary for going the extra mile.

Enter the TC30 suspension fork – the cherry on top of the weight-conscious sundae. With 80mm travel and carbon lowers weighing just 1475 grams, it's like having a magic carpet beneath the tires. Your young rider won't just ride; they'll float over obstacles, making every trail feel like a playground.

If you’ve got a few kids or want to avoid any sibling “color wars,” the Pineridge has you covered with some killer upgrade options. While our test bike looked like it rolled right out of Barbie’s Dream Garage, you can dial it down with a neutral frame and let each kid pick their own pop of color. Choices like Superpink, Superblue, and Supergreen add matching pedals, chainring, and grips for $99. It’s the perfect way to keep everyone happy—and maybe dodge a few arguments too!

Now, let's talk geometry – not the kind that puts you to sleep in math class but the kind that propels your kid into biking stardom. The Pineridge 24's geometry is a work of genius. With a shorter 385mm chainstay length, it's like giving your little rider a pair of turbocharged legs. They can corner faster, change direction at the blink of an eye, and lift the front end with the grace of a seasoned pro. It's not just about looks; it's about unlocking the full potential of a young rider. The 68.4 degree headangle pairs well to the intended shredders of this bike. Think cross country champion mixed trail bike that can handle some rougher singletract. The seat angle of 73 degrees tunes this little hardtail into a climbing machine.

And where does all this magic happen? In the heart of Fort Collins, Colorado. Each Pineridge 24 is not mass-produced; it's handcrafted for your little adventurer. Perfection takes time, and these bikes are not just built; they're nurtured into existence. So, parents, consider this a ticket to the front row of the childhood adventure show – worth the wait and built to last. Take Brett and his team up on setting up the wheel tubeless - less rotational weight and reducing flats is a win-win.

“The Trailcraft Pineridge 24 isn't just a bike; it's an investment in your child's biking journey. Lighter than the competition, smarter in design, and crafted with love. Get ready for family shreds with a bike that sets your kiddo up for success. The Pineridge 24: where weight is a myth, and adventure is a reality”

Priced from $1,349.00 – $3,899.00 USD