Marin, Roko.Bike & Scott: Three exciting 24-inch children's bikes in a quick check

For many children's bikes, 24 inches is considered the perfect middle ground between small 20 inch and larger 26 or even 29 inch wheels. Anyone looking at children's mountain bikes for the first time will therefore be surprised at the wide variety of 24-inch bikes now available. Established manufacturers such as Marin and Scott are constantly expanding their children's portfolio. But that's not all: previously lesser-known labels such as Roko.Bike are stepping on the gas and courting the favour of families. 24-inch bikes with rigid forks promise lower prices and a lower weight. Meanwhile, 24-inch hardtails with suspension forks can be serious fun machines for first jumps and increasingly demanding descents. The range on offer varies widely, which is why we have taken a look at three of the most interesting options currently available. Our quick check shows how exciting the market for children's mountain bikes for 700 to 1100 euros can be.

If I had known as a child what a fantastic selection of mountain bikes suitable for children would be available, I would have been green with envy! These three children's MTBs are great, but only the tip of the iceberg. The wide range of great 24-inch bikes on offer makes it difficult for parents to make a good purchase decision. My tip: get plenty of information and involve your children in the decision-making process! - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor, social pedagogue (BA) & educational scientist (MA)

>> Here we reveal the most important tips when buying a children's bike <<

1st Marin San Quentin 24

Traditional manufacturer Marin has long been dedicated to the subject of children's mountain bikes. The Californians recently presented a wide range of uncomplicated children's bikes with rigid forks. For off-road excursions, the Marin San Quentin 24 be the right companion. Just like its big brother for adults, the 24-inch model of the San Quentin is also a trail hardtail. The preference of freeride trick machine Matt Jones for robust, fun bikes with a rigid rear end was the decisive factor for the latest expansion stage of the Marin children's bike. The shrunken version is in no way inferior to the full-grown trail hardtail. The Rockshox Judy Silver suspension fork with 100 millimetres of travel can be adjusted to low children's weights thanks to air damping and child-specific hydraulic disc brakes from Tektro bring the youngsters safely to a halt.

The robust aluminium frame comes with a progressive geometry around a flat steering angle of 65 degrees. Children can benefit from the smooth running of the San Quentin 24 at high speeds on the downhill. A low standover height guarantees plenty of freedom of movement above the frame. Grip and additional damping are provided by Vee Tires Crown Gem, whose massive width of 2.6 inches is particularly effective on rims with an inner width of 27 millimetres. Only nine gears are available on the trail hardtail for children for the way to the trail. Thanks to the Microshift cassette, however, kids can still choose between eleven and 46 teeth.

The Marin San Quentin 24 in detail

• Price: 1099 Euro >> available here
• Weight: 13.62 kg (BIKE measurement, without pedals)
• Wheel size: 24"
• Available frame sizes: One Size
• Size recommendation: 124 - 144 cm
• Front suspension travel: 100 mm
• Range of use: Trail hardtail
• Gear system / cassette: 1 x 9 / 11-46 teeth
• Highlights: Trail geometry, 2.6" wide tyres

BIKE quick check

The weight and equipment of the Marin San Quentin 24 are designed more for riding fun and all-round use than for sporty tours. Over 13.5 kilos would be a lot even for an adult hardtail without a dropper post. However, a solid frame, thick tyres and a low top tube inspired by dirt bikes should help with learning riding technique. As Marin only offers one frame size, parents should check whether the trail hardtail really fits their offspring before buying.

2. roko.bike 24

You probably haven't heard much about the small label Roko.Bike in Germany. Time to change that, because the Polish company specialises in lightweight and affordable children's bikes. The young company has only been in business since 2022. This was preceded by a two-year development and test phase. Roko.Bike currently primarily serves the Polish market. However, the bikes are also available in Germany via the website and shipping is free. With the Roko.Bike 24, the small label aims to combine low weight and good propulsion with a favourable price. The frame and rigid fork are made of lightweight aluminium so that the simple bike easily stays under the nine-kilo mark. The fact that the lightweight bike is available in five different colours should please picky children. Extra short cranks with a length of 127 millimetres should fit children's legs ergonomically well.

The stem length and handlebar width of the Roko.Bike 24 are kept short at 35 and 580 millimetres respectively, so that even smaller children can easily control the bike. A 69.5 degree steering angle, nine tightly geared gears and fast-rolling Kenda tyres match the sporty character of the children's hardtail. Contrary to current standards, Roko.Bike relies on thin quick-release axles at the front and rear. In everyday use, their stiffness should easily be sufficient for children on moderate terrain. It makes it easier for parents to mount and dismount the wheels if the children's bike needs to be stowed in the car, for example. For 280 euros more, the Roko.Bike 24 is also available with a minimalist 60-millimetre suspension fork. Although its crown is made of lightweight carbon fibre, the softener adds around 900 grams to the weight.

The Roko.Bike 24 in detail

• Price: 699 Euro
• Weight: 8.28 kg (BIKE measurement, without pedals)
• Wheel size: 24"
• Available frame sizes: One Size
• Size recommendation: 120 - 145 cm
• Front suspension travel: rigid fork
• Range of use: Hardtail
• Gear system / cassette: 1 x 9 / 11-42 teeth
• Highlights: low weight, favourable price, young company

BIKE quick check

True to the motto "Keep It Simple", Roko.Bike has created an uncomplicated children's bike with tame profiled tyres. The light weight and fair price are nice. Despite only nine gears, the Microshift drivetrain manages to match the range of gear ratios of more expensive eleven-speed drivetrains. The rigid fork should also be sufficient for tours over gravel and forest paths. For family tours and the way to school, it doesn't need more anyway. The sporty character has the potential to get children interested in fast bikes.

3rd Scott Scale RC 400

Thanks to riders like Nino Schurter and Kate Courtney, Scott-Sram-MTB-Racing is probably one of the most famous cross-country World Cup teams around. The model name Scale is therefore no stranger, but moves away from professional sports equipment to children's MTBs through the Scott hardtail product range. Thanks to the rigid aluminium fork, the 24-inch model weighs in at just over 9 kilos. To give children plenty of freedom of movement over the bike, Scott has focussed on an extra compact frame with a low standover height.

Scott relies on Shimano products for the most important components. Not only the gears with eleven gears, but also the brake system with 160 millimetre discs come from the Japanese company. Finely profiled and good-rolling Schwalbe Rocket Ron tyres should ensure that no watts are lost by children. Overall, the Scott Scale RC 400 thus has the potential to be a fast as an arrow hardtail for ambitious young racers - very similar to its big 29-inch role model. The Silver Arrow should also make children's hearts beat faster in everyday use thanks to its bottle cage, pannier rack and mudguard mounts.

The Scott Scale RC 400 in detail

• Price: 899 Euro >> available here
• Weight: 9.15 kg (BIKE measurement, without pedals)
• Wheel size: 24"
• Available frame sizes: One Size
• Size recommendation: 125 - 135 cm
• Front suspension travel: rigid fork
• Range of use: Hardtail
• Gear system / cassette: 1 x 11 / 11-42 teeth
• Highlights: eleven-speed gears, Shimano disc brakes, low standover height

BIKE quick check

With the Scott Scale RC 400, young mountain bikers can emulate their racing role models and develop a love of speed. Although you have to pay a little extra for the image, the Scale has been a tried and tested children's bike for many years. The rigid fork and narrow tyres are not necessarily designed for trails with roots and rocks. The Scale is more of an uncomplicated friend for tours and excursions. This is exactly what many parents are looking for for their children.