If plus size bikes are the perfect tool for beginner and intermediate riders as we’ve been told, then it should come as no surprise that kids’ bikes are thrown into that mix. Thanks to the terrain clawing traction the big tires provide along with increased stability, the plus size tires really do seem to increase a rider’s confidence.
While we’ve heard the beginner and intermediate angle for some time now, most companies have been slowly releasing their plus size creations a few bikes at a time. Whether an indication of things to come or Specialized’ belief in big tires for little riders, the big S is introducing the Riprock – a full line of 20+ and 24+ bikes that harness the benefits of 2.8″ tires for stoked children everywhere…
Riprock Expert 24
Starting with an A1 Premium Aluminum frame, the Riprock series is built with low standover heights. This is likely an important feature given the additional height of the big tires and should keep the bikes easy to mount and dismount. They also feature custom SR Suntour XCT suspension forks set at 70mm for the 24″ bikes and 60mm for the 20″. The higher end bikes (Comp and Expert) even feature an air spring and multi-circuit damping with hydraulic lockouts while the Expert (above, grey and orange) gets further improvement with aluminum stanchions rather than hi-tensile steel.
Since this is technically a new tire size for both 20 and 24″ wheels, Specialized is using their own tire, the new Big Roller in 2.8″ widths for both wheel sizes. The 60tpi wire bead tires are mounted to double wall Alex aluminum rims laced with stainless spokes to 6 bolt disc brake hubs. All of the bikes down to the Riprock 20 include disc brakes with the Riprock 20 and 24 the only bikes to use mechanical discs – all others are hydraulic. The entire line also includes 1x drivetrains (7, 8, 9, and even 10 speeds for the Expert) to keep things fun, add tire clearance from the chain, and prevent constant front derailleur adjustments. Instead, each bike has a bash guard and upper chain guide to keep the chain in place.
Riprock Comp 24
Riprock 24
Riprock 20
Officially, the frame sizes are listed at 11″ for the 24″ bikes and 9″ for the 20″ models. Available soon, we’re tracking down pricing info and will update when it’s available. We’ve just received word that as of 11/15, the bikes have been shipped to Dealers are available in store. Pricing is as follows:
- Riprock 20 – $450
- Riprock 24 – $500
- Riprock Comp 24 – $750
- Riprock Expert 24 – $1000
