Drew 24 Kids Full Suspension Mountain Bike
At $3,999 CAD, the Drew 24 is a high-performance, full-suspension mountain bike tailored for young riders aged 7 to 9 (115–135 cm tall). Built to dominate singletrack and bike parks alike, this bike combines quality components with youth-specific geometry to deliver confidence and fun on every ride.
Performance and Handling
The full carbon fiber frame and four-bar suspension system make the Drew 24 a lightweight (claimed 24.5 but 26 lbs on our scale) bump eating machine. The Manitou JUNIT Comp fork (120mm travel) and Mara rear shock (115mm travel) offer plush, adjustable suspension that adapts to lighter rider weights, while quality seals reduce stiction for smoother suspension performance. The 24-inch Maxxis Rekon tires provide excellent traction, while the low bottom bracket (26cm) , narrow Q-Factor (155mm), 64.5 degree head angle, and 385 mm reach enhance stability and control, key for young riders tackling challenging terrain.
The Layla 24" Drew’s rear suspension is the stand-out. Designed with a higher leverage ratio, this setup translates into outstanding performance on the trail. Simply put: the rear suspension delivers a smooth, responsive ride without needing super low shock pressure. We ran the rear Manitou shock at 120 psi, and it felt impressively active and plush under our 7-year-old test rider.
Youth-Specific Design
Every detail is optimized for smaller riders: 127mm crank arms improve pedaling efficiency and ergonomics, the 90mm dropper post provides adjustable seat height, and Tektro hydraulic disc brakes with short-reach levers offer reliable stopping power. The internal cable routing, downtube/chainstay protectors, and ISCG05 mounts are impressive additions, while the lightweight 26.06lbs build keeps the bike easier to handle than its more portly peers.
The 24" Drew features a 27.2mm seatpost, which is smaller than the one found on the Mullet 26/24 Drew frame. This helps reduce weight but does limit compatibility with some kid-specific dropper posts. While the stock post performs reasonably well, it may be challenging for younger or lighter riders to operate. We recommend upgrading the dropper post lever to improve ease of use and make it more kid-friendly if it is found to be a challenge operating.
Geometry Chart
Build Quality and Components
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Drivetrain: SRAM NX 1x11-speed ensures reliable shifting. We would probably switch to a GX derailleur once the NX wore out for crisper shifting.
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Brakes: Tektro hydraulic discs with 160mm rotors deliver consistent stopping power, a noticeable improvement over previous versions. With a design that closely resembles the higher-end TRP brakes from Tektro's sister brand, these new levers offer better performance and a more refined look, making them a solid upgrade.
- Manitou JUNIT fork (120mm travel): Great initial part of the stroke but it does really ramp up at the end of its travel (last 25-30%) making it difficult to get full use for lighter and less aggressive kids.
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Wheels: Tubeless-ready Jalco rims with Formula hubs boost strength and reduce flats.
- Extras: Includes a youth-specific saddle, SDG Slater Jr grips, and a SDG 650mm handlebar for a comfortable fit.
Component List
Final Verdict
The Drew 24 is a premium choice for young mountain bikers, blending adult-level features with kid-friendly ergonomics. Its lightweight carbon frame, kid tuned suspension, and thoughtful geometry make it ideal for progression, whether on local trails or bike park jumps. Parents investing in this bike are setting their kids up for success (and endless stoke).
