Specialized Launches New Riprock Kids’ Mountain Bike
With modern geometry and components to match, the new Riprock is the best trail bike to kickstart a lifetime of riding.
MORGAN HILL, Calif., October 26th, 2021 - Specialized Bicycles today announced the launch of their new kids’ mountain bike, the Specialized Riprock. Originally launched in 2016, the new Riprock builds upon the existing platform to increase confidence and capability for young riders.
The new Riprock is designed to be a kid’s first trail bike. Built on learnings from the previous generation and borrowing insights from Specialized’s classic mountain bikes like the Stumpjumper, the new Riprock features modern geometry, modern components, including new Specialized Ground Control tires, hydraulic disc brakes, internally routed cables, and true wide-range cassettes, up to a 42T cog, to enable kids to climb higher, ride longer, and go further.
Based on rider research, the Specialized team learned that weight, handling, and capability are the most important aspects for first-time trail riders. To decrease weight and subsequently improve handling and capability, Specialized engineers spec’d two of the new Riprock models with a rigid fork and focused on geometry and tire choice to achieve the desired ride quality.
“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.”
Additionally, utilizing data from the recently launched Specialized Jett kids’ bike, the new Riprock features proportionally sized kids’ components, including narrower diameter grips, a 130mm Bridge saddle, and a narrower Q-factor to offer improved alignment between the hip, knee, and ankle. The properly sized Riprock reduces the chances of injuries and pain while also boosting pedal power and offering better handling, maneuvering, and control.
The Riprock is designed for kids 4-12 years old and is available in three models:
- Riprock 20”: 42"/107cm - 47”/119cm | $650 | 22.5 lbs
- Riprock 24”: 47”/119cm - 56”/142cm | $700 | 24.7 lbs
- Riprock Expert 24” w/ Manitou J-Unit Comp 100mm fork: 47”/119cm - 56”/142cm | $1500 |26.4 lbs
Specialized is excited to welcome young trail riders into the community and has created new content to help young riders holistically understand what it means to be a trail rider.
Learn more about Riprock - https://www.specialized.com/us/en/riprock
About Specialized:
Specialized Bicycle Components was founded in 1974 by riders for riders. Based in Northern California, we focus on the rider's need for functional and technically advanced products that provide a performance benefit. www.specialized.com
This bike looks good but I’m a bit worried about the low bar height being too aggressive for an adventurous but timid rider? The 20″. Is this something we need to be thinking about? Can we just put some kind of riser stem/bars on there to counter it if necessary?
Great cockpit to fit little riders as they can weight the front end for descending. Easy to Put a rise stem and/or bar on it should you want. We prefer low stack bikes to high stack for MTB for this reason, you can fit smaller kids on bigger wheel sizes.
What are your thoughts on the new riprock 24 vs the Norco Storm ridged frame?
The Norco will be a little more stable with .5 degree slacker head angle, lower BB, 10 mm longer reach and longer wheelbase. The Specialized will be sportier (easier to manage) and better climbing position due to shorter reach and steeper Seat tube angle. Splitting hairs with differences, both fantastic frames.
Considering a new riprock 24 for my son. We are also looking at the Norco Storm ridged frame. Is there a clear advantage to the riprock and the bit of extra price? We ride xc and bike parks, and he is developing more interest in jumps and technical skills. Are there other bikes you may suggest? I like the look of the Pello but haven’t been able to find any.
Check out our 24 inch page for more options…
The no name brakes are trash. Its been in the shop a couple times now. Trying to get them to swap them out.
Thought on the previous model Riprock? Is it trail capable as well?
Not a great bike, heavy and slugish. The new ones are fantastic.
this bike really amazing, this bike is designed for kids.