KIDS WHEELSETS
These are mountain bike specific wheels that make for a great upgrade for kids bikes.
Stans Crest MK4 wheelset
This is an awesome 25mm internal width rim that can accommodate up to 2.3/2.4 inch tires nicely. Super light weight, these rims can be built up between 1300-1500 grams. This wheelset is great for lightening up a 24 or 26 inch bike. There is a reason Trailcraft and Prevelo put these on their high end builds.
MSRP: $499-599/set USD and up (depends on wheel size) | Where to buy: Trailcraft Cycles
SunRingle JUNIT Duroc 30 front wheel
Available in 20 and 24 inch, spinning on a durable and dependable Sun Ringle SRX hub, these 30mm rims (26mm internal) are ready taped with valve and sealant and ready to set-up tubeless out of the box. The hub also gives a firm hold on the 28 straightpull spokes, reinforcing the wheel against the abuse of your mini-shredder's trail-taming exertions. Robust and reliable for a confidence instilling showing on every outing, this J-Unit wheel is a superb selection for the youthful MTBer. 100X15 mm (QR adaptable) and boost spacing. 20 inch 719, 24 inch 792g.
MSRP: $275 | Where to buy: Jenson USA
SunRingle JUNIT Duroc 30 Rear wheel
Even kids can ride aggressively. This means they will need wheels underneath them that are durable and high-quality so they can continue shredding the gnarly terrain. The SunRingle Duroc 30 J-Unit 20/24" Wheel is high-quality and tubeless ready so you can drop the tire pressure for a smoother ride, better traction, and fewer flats. Both wheels include STR tubeless valves, STR tubeless sealant, and the rear wheel includes an XD driver so you can use SRAM 11-speed or 12-speed cassettes. 135 (QR adaptable), 142 mm and boost spacing. 20 inch 792g, 24 inch 887g.
MSRP: $375 | Where to buy: Jenson USA
Hi. I am building a mullet bike for my 140 cm kid. 26/27,5
Wheels appears to be a gimmick for me.
I want it 28h straight pull with light rims without sacrificing too much width. Carbon is no go as there is nothing available in 26 inch worth my attention.
I’m torn between duke lucky star which are insane light (slightly better then crest!) and proven for 2 seasons on vpace 24” Moritz. But these are only 23,5mm wide. For dhr2 combo (2,3 R, 2,4 F) it’s not much.
Other rim I have available in both 26/27,5 x 28h is stand arch. Proven on my wife’s trail bike but each rim would be 100g heavier.
Frameset is 160/160 Dartmoor Rocbird JR, but I want to build I’d as light as possible so my son could earn his decents on the uphill and can manoeuvre it better. The question: is the extra width on Arch worth the extra weight? I don’t know if the width is that much important for the small guys?
Go with stans crest. 25mm, work just fine with 2.4 inch tire and they are light.
Hi I am looking at forth 24×2 for my son. I checked they currently aren’t tubeless compatibile. I know you guys have done some testing with them. How were there standard wheels and what do you think for an upgrade
Wheelsets are pretty expensive to upgrade. You may want to look at a more premium bike with stock tubeless wheels/tires set up. Alternatively, you can try to go tubeless with stock wheels. Gorilla tape, Air Compressor, tall can IPA and some patience may work.
Hi! I just bought a 24” specialized Riprock expert to my son and I want to lower the weight. I’m looking for a new wheelset. The Stans Crest you talk about is only avalaible with quick release axles. Any ideas?
You will probably need to get a wheelset built as the J-UNIT fork is boost spacing.
Hello, I am looking for a front and rear 24 inch wheelset.
– 135 mm rear dropout
– size range of 24 X 2.5 to 24 X 3.0 (prefer) to 24 X 4.0 fat tires
– disc brakes
– 11 spd Shimano cassette. I can change this as necessary.
I think I am out of luck. Thanks for any suggestions.
Contact a wheel builder, probably a hand build is your best bet.
Thanks Colin
Do you know anywhere that the 20″ stans Crest mk3 rims or wheels can be purchased?
Hey just wondering what you guys can recommend for a replacement wheel for a 16 inch Prevelo Zulu Two? I’ve noticed a dent in the front wheel on my daughter’s bike so I need to pick one up. Thanks.
Prevelo should be able to sort you out.
Great too see manufacturers starting to pay attention to the segment, but at 1680gm for the 24in set these wheels are still a long way away from where we should be. Ordered a set from http://www.spokesmanwheels.co.uk with Stan’s crest, Bitex hubs, Sapim Race spokes. Even with 32 spokes for both front and back set came at 1370gm taped. Price wise it was under GBP400 delivered to Sydney Australia (GBP90 postage), which is well below SunRingle option. I am sure hand-building in the UK is way more expensive then production line in China/Taiwan. Not sure how SunRingle justifies the price of their product. Highly recommend hand-built option.
Stans Crest’s are a great rim for kids bikes…that’s why Trailcraft and Pevelo spec them in 20 and 24. There are some places in US that will build up a set like yours as well. Nice pick.