Forth Bikes X2 20″ review

We love seeing companies that are not only making great bikes but are also concerned with providing correct geometry at a reasonable price.

Forth Bikes out of Canada is charging forward with an awesome lineup of bikes with excellent geometry at a reasonable cost. Yes, bikes are expensive and even the Forth bikes are expensive in comparison to your Walmart or department store bikes. But unlike department store bikes the people behind Forth Bikes are people who care about providing a bike that will set kids up for success. Whether kids are learning to pedal, riding to school, or ripping up the local singletrack, Forth Bikes has a solid lineup for all-concerning bike families.

Forth divides its lineup into Park Models which are great learning-to-ride and neighborhood bikes, X1 Models which are mountain bikes that have some excellent value and their highest-end X2 Model which are their top-end mountain bikes. In this review, we are looking at the top end of the Forth Bike line with the X2 lineup. 

The people behind Forth Bikes dropped off both the 20” and 24” bikes earlier this spring and we waited for the snow to melt and then have been enjoying our time on the little shred machines.

• Manufacturer's Height Recommendation: fit: 46"-54" (3'10 - 4' 5)
• Weight: 24 lbs
• Min Seat Height: 22.5 inches
• Head Angle: 69 degrees
• Chainstays: 340mm
• Effective top tube: 449 mm
• Brakes: Shimano Hydraulic disc
• Shifter: Microshift Trigger
• MSRP: $600USD
• Available at: Forth Bikes

The Forth 20 X2 Kids Bike is a stellar combination of innovation and durability, providing young riders with an exceptional off-road experience. This bike is thoughtfully designed with top-notch components to open up new horizons for adventurous kids who crave the thrill of single-track trails, pump tracks and dirt jump parks.

Frame and Build Quality:

The lightweight aluminum hydroformed frame is a great feature of the Forth 20 X2. Not only does it contribute to the bike's agility, but the internal routing adds a sleek aesthetic touch. The hydroforming technique ensures durability for young riders who might put their bikes through the ringer and the whole bike comes in at a respectable 24lbs.

Suspension and Brakes:

Equipped with the Atlas Air Fork featuring lockout and rebound adjustment, the Forth 20 X2 provides a customizable and controlled riding experience. The Atlas Air fork is miles ahead of the majority of kid bike steel sprung  forks on the market, but not as supple as the top-end carbon suspension forks sold by Prevelo/ Spawn/ Vpace. But you have to keep in mind that carbon fork come with a significant price tag. Use tire pressure for the small bumps and the fork will handle the bigger hits.

The Shimano hydraulic disc brakes offer reliable stopping power. They provide reliability and easy serviceability while your local shop can easily bleed and service them if you have any issues (these brakes rarely have issues). The MT 200's do have a long lever but you can dial it in close to bar. While other shimano brakes offer shorter levers for kids, the price goes way up. 

Drivetrain and Gearing:

The Microshift 9-speed drivetrain with trigger shift is a game-changer for young riders. The wide-ratio MicroSHIFT drivetrain not only allows for versatile off-road riding but also makes ascending and descending more manageable. The trigger shifter and easy-squeeze Shimano brake levers ensure precise control, empowering young shredders to confidently navigate the trail ahead. Furthermore, that gearing works well on the majority of the trails we put the bike through. The cranks are properly sized at 127mm.

Handlebar and Stem:

The 31.8mm handlebar with a 22.2mm grip diameter provides stability and control. With a width of 600mm, a 20mm rise, and a 9-degree sweep, the handlebar offers a comfortable and responsive riding position. The Zoom 35mm length alloy stem with a 31.8mm diameter adds to the bike's lightweight construction while providing ample strength and stability.

Tires:

The 20" knobby tires are great for off-road adventures, providing excellent traction on varied surfaces. The tire hardness compound allows the tread to last a long time but if kids are riding in wet terrain you’ll want to let out a few psi in the tires to gain traction. The rims and hubs have served us well. The rims are drilled for Schrader values so setting the wheels up tubeless (without tubes) is a little trickier.

Seat and Seatpost:

We love the Velo seat that has been on a few Forth/Park bikes over the years. It wears well and has a great slim profile for when the kids are pedalling. The seat post is 27.2mm in size and is a setback post. The setback post provides a little more reach on the bike, If you are on the smaller size on the bikes you may want to swap out the post to an incline head clamp or better yet a pivotal seat to gain some better clearance.

"Whether conquering single-track trails or hanging with friends at the pump track this bike offers a great package, especially considering the price. With a focus on durability, awesome gearing and brakes, this bike is a solid investment for parents looking to help their child's love for mountain biking. The Forth 20 X2 is the best value for your money of any of the kids' bikes we have seen or tested." -Jack