The Taiwanese brand Giant is launching three size-optimised bikes for children and teenagers between 110 and 145 cm tall. Each model in the STP range is designed to combine age-appropriate geometries with child-specific components and make it easier to get into real mountain biking and trail riding - right up to jumps and bike park use.
All three variants use the same design language with different wheel sizes. According to the manufacturer, the development aims to give young riders more safety and confidence when performing their first jumps and tricks. The series promises to combine the manoeuvrability of classic dirt jumpers with the stability of modern mountain bikes.
ALUXX frame with recycled material
The frame construction is based on Giant's ALUXX aluminium technology with the recycled alloy RK6061. This consists of 90 to 100 percent recycled pre-consumer aluminium and is said to offer a favourable strength-to-weight ratio.
According to the manufacturer, the sustainable material has undergone extensive stress tests. The frame geometry has been customised for each wheel size to ensure age-appropriate proportions. Shorter chainstays and compact wheelbases are designed to make bike handling techniques easier for the next generation - right up to manual riding.
STP 20: The first real mountain bike
The smallest model, the STP 20, comes with a 63 mm suspension fork from SR Suntour and is designed to enable kids between 110 and 130 cm tall to get started off-road and on trails. The bike was also developed in a version with a rigid fork, but this will not be available in Germany for the time being. The rigid fork reduces the weight, while the suspension version promises more comfort and safety on rough surfaces. Both models come with disc brakes that are designed to meet the needs of small children's hands.
With its low standover height and 20-inch wheels, the STP 20 is aimed at beginners between 110 and 130 cm tall. The playful, stable handling is designed to accommodate initial off-road experiences.
Facts about the Giant STP 20 (FS)
- Price: 699 Euro
- Frame: ALUXX aluminium with RK6061 alloy (90-100% recycled)
- Wheel size: 20"
- Fork: Carbon rigid fork or SR Suntour XCT Jr. 63 mm (FS model)
- Wheels: Giant TRA 2
- Tyres: Kenda Booster 20 x 2.4 inch or Kenda Amrak 20 x 2.2 inch (FS model)
- Crank length: 105 mm
- Gearstick: Microshift 1x8
- Brakes: Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, 160 mm brake discs
- recommended height: 110 - 130 cm
STP 24 FS: A real trail bike
With the STP 24, young bikers can also tackle more difficult descents and trails. The bike uses 24-inch wheels with voluminous Kenda tyres and a 100 mm Giant Crest TR Lite suspension fork with a low-friction chassis. The tuned damping should react sensitively to small bumps. In addition, a telescopic seat post ensures more fun and flexibility off-road. The price for this is 1199 euros. The focus is clearly on trail and off-road use.
The STP 24 is suitable for riders between 125 and 145 cm tall who want to take the next step in their development.
Facts about the Giant STP 24 FS
- Price: 1199 Euro
- Frame: ALUXX aluminium with RK6061 alloy (90-100% recycled)
- Wheel size: 24"
- Telescopic support
- Fork: Crest TR Comp Lite suspension fork, 100 mm
- Wheels: Giant TRA 2
- Tyres: Kenda Amrak 20 x 2.2 inch
- Crank length: 140 mm
- Gear system: Microshift 1x9
- Brakes: Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, 180/160 mm brake discs
- recommended height: 125 - 145 cm
STP 26 FS: Full on tricks and jumps
Playing is not just for the youngsters. Accordingly, the STP 26 is a bike in the range of new bikes that is also the right choice for full-grown teenagers and adults who are young at heart. At least if it's a bike for pump tracks, dirt jumps or street tricks. Because the STP 26 is not a bike for classic mountain bike trails. As is usual in this category, the bike only has one gear, a stubby seat tube and a short seat post. The STP 26 comes with a 100 mm Marzocchi Bomber DJ fork specially developed for tough dirt jump use.
Facts about the Giant STP 26
- Price: 1699 Euro
- Frame: ALUXX aluminium with RK6061 alloy (90-100% recycled)
- Wheel size: 26"
- Fork: Marzocchi Bomber DJ suspension fork, 100 mm
- Wheels: Giant TRA 2
- Tyres: Kenda Booster 26 x 2.25 inch
- Gear system: Single speed
- Brakes: Shimano MT 501, hydraulic at the rear, mechanical at the front
- Recommended height: from 145 cm
TRA wheels with Wide Guard technology
All models roll on Giant TRA wheels in the corresponding sizes from 20 to 26 inches. The Wide Guard technology utilises reinforced, rounded rim flanks to reduce damage and punctures.
The largest STP 26 model is fitted with durable TRA-2 wheels for increased resilience. The rim design is intended to offer additional protection without weight disadvantages. Horizontal 135 x 10 mm rear wheel dropouts on the STP 26 improve frame rigidity and facilitate chain tensioning.
Conclusion on Giant's new STP bikes
The new Giant bikes look well thought-out, stylish and fully suitable for off-road use. Just right if the kids want to gain their first experience on the trail - but an expensive fully is too much of a good thing. The prices remain fair. - Florentin Vesenbeckh, Deputy Editor-in-Chief BIKE Magazine
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
