Trailcracft cycles was born from a kickstarter campaign promising no compromise kids mountain bikes to accelerate young riders' skills and love for the sport. The husband and wife team of Brett and Ginger delivered on their goal and continue to make some of the most progressive kids bikes available. If you are looking for one of the lightest and best spec'd 24 inch full suspension trail bike for an 8-11 year old, read on. Thanks to Trailcraft for providing a bike to facilitate this review.
Trailcraft Maxwell Details:
- Intended Age- 8 to 11 years
- Weight- 24 lbs (give or take depending on build)
- Features- 140mm Trailcraft cranks and choice of front chainring, 100mm Horst link rear suspension, Shimano Deore Brakes, Stans crest wheelset, carbon handlebar, lightweight stem, 100mm travel fork light weight rider tuned fork
- MSRP- $1350-$2999 USD
- Available- Trailcraft
The Bike Dads' Take:
"Where this Maxwell 24 really differentiates itself is it’s not a lift access bike park specific bike. Its shorter travel, 100mm front/rear is not the norm in this category of bikes, but I love it and so does my 8 year old son. Climbing is truly amazing and descending is quick and nimble. Sure you could better served in the likes of Whistler Bike park with more travel but for the kid who climbs to earn his descents, this is the bike!" -Colin
Hey Colin,
I’m curious for your take regarding Maxwell builds, specifically between “special” (currently $2000) and “pro” ($2600). I’m not worried about the drivetrain really, and brakes are easy to change later if I want, but what do you think of Trailcraft’s house brand fork and wheels that come on the special vs the RS Reba forks and Stans Crest wheels that come on the pro? Worth the extra cost?
We actually like the TC fork better the REBA for kids on the 24. The Stans are defiantly a bit lighter. ou could always ask to swap inthe STans crest on the Special Build.
Thanks this is super helpful!
Hello,
What are the details of the rear suspension?
Thanks,
Details? Are you looking for kinematics?
Hi Colin, I’m searching for a 24″ FS to move my small son to (from his Meta 24), and weight is a key factor as he is just 4’3″ and almost 10yrs old. I found a good deal on a virtually unridden 2020 Maxwell with the Reba, but I see that they have since increased the travel to 120mm. We are in the PNW (Portland area) and are progressing to chunkier blue trails, and would like to give some local bike parks a shot soon. Is the 2020 model (similar to what you reviewed here) still adequate, or should I hold out for a newer model? Could I increase the travel on the fork with an airspring? Appreciate your help as always!
At his size, he could be ready for a small fitting 26. Something like Reaper 26, low stand over/shorter reach than most 26 full suspension bikes and still somewhat light (would just need to swap in some shorter cranks, 140-152mm). He will only last this season on the Maxwell 24 at his size but he may be a bit short for the Maxwell 26.
The basic build options for this bike are Deore (M6000), XT (M8000), or Eagle (a steep $1200 USD jump). Can the Bikedads comment on these choices? I run XT on my Santa Cruz HighTower, but we’ve simply loved the SRAM GX deraileur on her current bike.
Also what say you of the carbon wheel sets for little groms? Is this just for Dentists’ kids? Or could there be a benefit for light/cautious riders?
Is ask because my daughter is 7, just over 45 lbs soaking wet (with armor), and just now tipping over 4ft tall…so slightly under the stand-over on most 24″ bikes…but with the long lead-times during COVID I want to get a jump on the market and not get caught bike-shorts down.
She’s currently rocking a Spawn 20″ YJ. With the 1×10 she outclimbs most kids her age (that we ride with) but doesn’t always master the same punchy climbs reliably…I’ve always found that the YJ bike seems a bit heavy/bulky for her as she’s not crushing booters or going full send on the bike…so could have used a lighter-duty design shave off a few grams.
She is a cautious controlled decender, and does not take air on the trails ever…we mostly do XC trails, but have ventured to the bike park at Kicking Horse so have seen the limitations of that rigid hardtail on steep rocky descents from the Gondy so we’ll need that active rear asap but cannot compromise the ups.
We’ve always pursued the strategy of lightest bikes and liked to support the local Canadian manufacturer…but with the next step up that becomes a large expense to plan for and I thought the Maxwell was a Slam dunk because Spawn doesn’t have an XC machine to compare. But now you’ve reviewed the Vpace and I’m confused again! I still think the Maxwell is more her style…but due to her size the Vpace may fit sooner….help!
I’m planning for Spring next year…maybe I’m too late already…she’ll be turning 8 in the bike season we’re aiming this bike for…but if the bike were to come before the end of September it would be nice if she could rip around on it…if only on smooth easy trails if she’s gotta tip-toe or tilt the bike over to get it going. She can track-stand and start on hills from a dead stand still without cycling her pedal up amazingly…so maybe that will come in handy?!
Btw we’ll definitely install a droper post…and I’m debating if I add one to her YJ..maybe just port it along and buy it separately?! I think she’s now ready to coordinate it herself and stopping to manually adjust her seat post is starting to become a chore (first world probs am I rite?)
Haha- Hey Chuck. Sounds like you have a lot to consider. Shoot me an email and we can arrange a phone call to talk it through. Cheers. info@thebikedads.com