Oh, to be young again. Norco's pint sized Fluid 4 rolls on 24'' wheels, is built around an aluminum frame that looks like someone shot it with the shrink ray gun, and sports a load of components that make sense for a kid to use. It also retails for $1,485 USD, which is around what some of those specialty made little frames go for, so it also looks like a hell of a deal. Travel sits at 100mm front and back, both of which are air sprung so you can actually adjust it to their weight properly, but the fork is a 26" XC30 from RockShox due to their being no quality forks to fit 24'' wheels on the market. I was told that the frame was designed around the longer fork, though, so that the bike's geometry doesn't go from useable to Harley, something that would make handling difficult for a tiny person. There's a single ring drivetrain because no one should have to deal with front derailleurs, especially an innocent child, and Norco has spec'd a set of Shimano's hydraulic disc brakes so that little hands can easily slow the bike down. The only real concern is how long it's going to take until your kid is riding better than you. - Mike Levy |
My favorite innovation at Interbike 2014 was a flat pedal (no, that wasn't a typo). Road Not Taken is a start-up company from Asia that designed a CNC-machined, low-profile, flat pedal with a 12-millimeter-thick platform. Flex Fit's pedal axle rotates up to eight degrees in either direction, so the rider's foot can stay firmly planted on the pedal, while offering enhanced maneuverability while negotiating technical terrain. The foor is not left free to rotate willy nilly. Instead, rotation is damped by elastomers on either side of the axle, located at the crank-side of the pedal body. The adjustable elastomers control both the spring-tension and the amount of rotation, so users can tune the Flex Fit pedal to suit their riding styles. The axle spins on one needle bearing and one DH type bushing and it is easily serviceable. Flex Fit is a novel concept, but one that deserves serious consideration. I imagine that we will soon see copies of RNT's idea sprouting up, and if - more probably, "when," - that occurs, remember who brought this product to market: Road Not Taken. It is a brilliant idea, beautifully constructed and it brings fresh thinking to a product that has lacked a defining moment for over a decade. - RC |
It wasn't a product that stood out the most for me today, but a rider, and an incredibly talented one at that: Luca Shaw. Hailing from Hendersonville, North Carolina, the humble 18-year-old had an outstanding downhill race season, taking wins in the Junior category at the Pietermaritzburg and Mont Saine Anne World Cup races, along with a 2nd place finish at Windham, plus two wins in the ProGRT series. American DH racing has been in a state of disarray for a number of years, so it's refreshing to see another fast racer working his way through the ranks. World Champs didn't work out quite the way Luca wanted, but there's no doubt that the SRAM / TLD Racing athlete will be back at it next year, doing his best to reach that top step. - Mike Kazimer |
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Dad can I have a $2000 bike at age 5? NO!
Dad can you help me buy a hardtail when I turn 12? YES!
For those that haven't heard of them, Lil Shredder make 16", 20", and 24" hardtail and full-suspension bikes.
lilshredder.com/bikes.html
I agree that kids should ride BMX to learn their skills, but having seen the progression of local kids Jackson (Goldstone) and Finn (Finestone) - both of which ride and race BMX - these kinda kids need these smaller size bikes at a younger age. They are riding park better than grown men and a little forgiveness when they're doing it I don't think is going to hurt them. In fact, it probably helps their progression and love for the sport as they're not getting buck-wild everywhere on an adapted BMX.
Great job norco, well be calling before long.
True dat
Also, I always thank folks like Christopher Herndon, Specialized, SRAM, Industry Nine, Cane Creek, Troy Lee...and any other brand that put their time and money into all the GROM kids.
I take such interest in their success because I always felt I should do a youth program since our sport was lacking one after DEVO left.
But Herndon took the experience he gained through DEVO and paid it forward. Folks...that little bike right there may just get put under the next Luca Shaw or the next World Champ in a few years. How cool is that!
I was planning to convert my konig to 100mm travel and 24" wheel.
Looking at the chainstay length, it looks to be an extra small size 26" frame with 24" wheels and a small seat. You could possibly extend the life by fitting 26" wheels at a later date.
Pricing is better than commencal it has to be said.