Rocky Mountain Reaper and Growler - Crankworx Whistler 2016

The Reaper 26 on the left, and the Reaper 24 on the right.


Rocky Mountain says that their new, 130mm-travel Reaper packs the same punch as their Thunderbolt and Altitude platforms, only it's designed for pint-sized rippers that are either already making us adults look silly or about to make us look silly in a few years. There are two complete bikes, one with 24'' wheels and another with 26'' wheels, but the neat thing is that both are built up around the same aluminum frame. That means that your little person can start on 24'' wheels and then graduate to 26'' hoops when the time is right. The wheel size adaptability can also go the opposite direction, say if you have more than one tiny terror in your house. Hand-me-downs have never looked so fun.

Rocky has also incorporated their Ride-9 adjustable geometry system, letting the bike's head angle sit at 63.9, 65, or 66.1-degrees, as well as altering the suspension action.






The spec on both bikes isn't super high-end, which makes sense, but there is a handful of smart component choices, including hydraulic disc brakes on both models to provide enough power for little paws. There are also real tires on both rigs, and 1x drivetrains all around because it's one less thing for your grom to have to think about. There will soon be an entire generation of riders who've never had to master a shifter on the left-hand side of their handlebar.

The Reaper with 24'' wheels will go for $1,799 USD when it's available this coming November, and the 26'' version will cost $2,299 USD.





The Growler 750 goes for $1,699 USD.




The Growler 740 (right) costs $1,249; the Growler 730 retails for $899 USD.