Longer, lower, slacker - almost all MTB manufacturers are currently following this trend. The Canadians are now also making their children's bikes longer, lower and slacker. As with adult bikes, this is intended to ensure better handling and more safety on challenging terrain. But much more important for children's bikes: Norco has also lowered the standover height compared to the previous models.
In a few weeks, it will be that time again: the best freeriders in the world will meet in the Utah desert for the Rampage, the off-road spectacle par excellence. With the Norco Rampage Youth even the little ones can practise tricks, albeit in the dirt park rather than in the desert. The Canadians design the Rampage Youth as a classic dirt bike, but in either 20 or 24 inches.
There are two models in each of the two wheel sizes. Norco builds the aluminium frames all with Manitou suspension forks, disc brakes and as single speed bikes. Unusual for dirt bikes, but definitely useful for children: the Rampage models have brakes at the front and rear. This provides additional safety. There are two models depending on the wheel size: the 20-inch bike is available from dealers for 799 or 1199 euros, the 24-inch Rampage Youth for 899 or 1299 euros.
Like most bikers, children will probably prefer a full-suspension mountain bike to a hardtail on rough descents. The Norco Fluid FS Youth also comes as either a 20 or 24-inch model. The equipment is reminiscent of current trail bikes: single drive, Vario seat post and disc brakes. The other side of the coin: even the 20-inch models are very heavy in relation to body weight. With a bike weight of just under 12 kilos, uphills become torture - for the 20 to 30 kilo child.
The 20-inch bikes already offer a high-quality 120 mm fork from Manitou and 100 millimetres of suspension travel at the rear. The cheaper model is available from dealers for 1599 euros (12.6 kilos) without a dropper post, while the higher-quality version for 2199 euros (11.9 kilos) comes with better equipment and a dropper post with 80 millimetres of travel. The larger bikes have more suspension travel: the 24-inch fluid has a 145 mm suspension fork and the rear suspension elicits 120 millimetres of travel from the shock. The adjustable seat post also has 100 millimetres more travel. The bikes cost 1699 and 2299 euros. The cheaper bike weighs 13.6 kilograms, the more expensive 13.2 kilograms.
