Specialized Launches New Riprock Kids’ Mountain Bike

Specialized is taking a more nuanced approach with their latest kids bike effort – the Riprock. It’s not surprising to see the California brand defy convention, but it’s inspiring to see them doing so in the kids bike category – an often overlooked segment of the market. They’ve also put in a good deal of effort on getting a very nice video series on the basics put together for youngins – which are linked at the end of the article. Anyhow – read on for the scoop in full press release below…

Morgan Hill, California, 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
• Riprock 24”: 47”/119cm – 56”/142cm
• Riprock Expert 24” w/ Manitou J-Unit Comp 100mm fork: 47”/119cm – 56”/142cmSpecialized 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.

Geometry