Mind-Blowing! Specialized RipRock 20: The Ultimate Kids Mountain Bike

[@FreestylAM]

My son has a 20in Jett upgraded with ground control tires and it's been really steller. Only about $350 all in. Like a riprock lite.

[@FreedomMath]

Great idea. I may go this route

[@ChallengeGenerationAlpha]

My son rides a COMMENCAL RMNS16. The next one is 20 inches, so this was very helpful!👍

[@graysonmtb]

Awesome! It’s been a really great bike so far! I’m glad we could help!

[@yamahschector]

This bike is crazy. My 5 year old just tried it out in the store. He needed the seat lower and forward but could fit right now enough to use it and come spring summer he would be good to go. He is 43” tall 18” inseam this is just a close measurement. Looking at other bikes this bike looks pretty darn good. I agree it does not need a suspension fork yet. It is specked nicely for a kid. Price is more than the trek but better looking and better parts. Cheaper than some but more than others. 600 or what ever it is seems just crazy expensive for a kids bike and yes it is a tad pricy. Remember the parts are perfect for the kiddos and the bike is better than some it also gets your kid out there so that you both can have more days together on the bikes. Remember kids do grow and there are used ones out there to save money and potentially have a free to cheap kids bike because you will resell this bike and can get a good portion of your money back if not all of your money back if bought used. It’s a great time to be a bicycling parent not a great time for your bank account though.

[@graysonmtb]

Agreed. Double check your LBS if they’re a specialized dealer this goes on sale for $450 from time to time! It makes it cheaper than the Roscoe 20! The seat post can be trimmed to sit flush with the collar if you need to slam it down but Grayson was 42” when he first rode so your kiddo should be good. After all the upgrades we did (future video), knowing what I know now, I would have made it tubeless FIRST. All the stock rims and tires can be made tubeless with valves, tape and 2oz of sealant. Well worth the ~$30 in parts and time.

[@yamahschector]

@@graysonmtb if you’re like some of us you already have the parts to go tubeless except for valves

[@graysonmtb]

100%! Also, when I did my research no one could say whether or not the stock ground controls would seat to the rims. Apparently there’s some 20” tires out there that are just a “no go”. I can gladly confirm stock rims and tires seat and play nice with going tubeless 😀

[@yamahschector]

@@graysonmtbwhere can you find it this cheap

[@graysonmtb]

Go to your local bike shop and ask when they typically go on sale. For me it was on sale for $450 in October.

[@eightwheeladventures]

Good stuff as always. We would've bought Annie a Riprock had they been on sale when we bought her Trek. Its a great bike for sure and what you get on it is AMAZING.

[@graysonmtb]

You know I’ve been eyeing up those Roscoe 20’s for a year now! The sale is what hooked me in that moment. I really wish trek would update the geometry and throw in a set of hydraulic brakes but. At the end of the day I’m glad big bike companies are starting to recognize the kid mountain biking segment more and giving these kids what they need. As always we appreciate your support!

[@eightwheeladventures]

@@graysonmtb Yeah for sure thats what we wish Annie's has now. We didn't think that much into it back when we bought it but we were all just kinda starting out. I think we are going to upgrade them this summer for sure. Kid's mountain biking is great and yes I'm glad there are good kid options now. It makes it so much more fun for them on the trails.

[@Rspence_86]

Really well made video 👍

[@graysonmtb]

Thank you, we appreciate that a lot! That comment strikes heavier then you might think. We’re still learning how to create content that’s engaging and valuable. There are not many videos on the riprock 20. I wanted to make sure we delivered on something that I wish I had when I was trying to decide which bike would be best for us.

[@shawnjones1964]

Do you happen know an exact kick stand that will work with the Rip rock 20? I have no problem taking it off when we hit the trails, but for the standard neighborhood riding, it would be nice to have a kickstand on and would help take care of it. Specialized doesn't make one for the riprock 20 and I can't find an after market one that is compatible. Do you happen to know of an after market kickstand that would work?

[@graysonmtb]

Hey Shawn! I don’t have any first hand experience BUT, I suspect this would work out really well for what you’d want! www.amazon.com/CyclingDeal-Bike-Kickstand-Adjustable-Mountain/dp/B0BYR5J4CS/ref=asc_df_B093RJ3RN2&mcid=32456d433226308c8093ac4501329fbc?th=1&psc=1

[@renidel11]

Good video! Did you encounter any issues with the back derailleur being so low? Is it hitting on any obstacles or ground? Not sure why Specialized did not install a shorter one like other brands. Even Euro version of Riprock 20 has a shorter derailleur. Let me know if you had any issues with that, this is the last thing that stops me from getting it for my little guy. Looking at Trek Wahoo as well

[@graysonmtb]

I've had to bend it back a few times. I have not been able to find a short derailure that allows the 11 to 42 cassette! I'd have to go down to the advent 11-38 inorder to run a short cage. I've been thinking about it because I've since converted him to tubeless and its been getting smashed lately.

[@cassysamel3914]

@@graysonmtbthe latest model riprock 20 comes with the 8 spd super short cage and 11-38T.

[@R0BBS]

Looking to get one of these for my little lad. I have seen a riprock 20 that has front suspension, is that an old model or do you think the owner has upgraded this?

[@graysonmtb]

It’s possible it’s the older Generation. Best way to tell is the cable routing. Internal is current. External is previous gen. Current gen doesn’t spec with a suspension fork. Honestly it’s unnecessary weight. Kids their size don’t have the body weight to justify a suspension fork yet. The big tires can mostly absorb what they need. Just my .02

[@R0BBS]

@@graysonmtb thank you! Yes upon further research I can see it's older model with the grip gears instead of the triggers. I will go for the latest model with triggers and hydrolic disc brakes and no forks 👍🏻

[@graysonmtb]

Awesome! Yes grip twist shifters are a PITA and the triggers are easier all around (learning, servicing, upgrading/interchangability).

[@niklaspersson5136]

OK NOW. The bike is fairly heavy with tires with a weight of about 700g each (depends...), bad wheel bearings on new bikes (although boost standard so its easy to build new ones if you find a good rim), brakes are trash. Google "c-star problem brakes" and see for yourself. They should recall them is the opinion. But it looks great and my son loves it. Just need to change wheels and then theres only frame and gears left... :) 10,1kg stock. Also: Seatpost needs to be shortened to fit in the frame at the lowest. This is because of the port for dropper post being in the way. Edit nr2: Our bike dropped chain on biggest cog in the back all the time. Went better with use but now it has a GOLDIX with a 3screw eagle chainring. Works better IMO. Goldix 110 crank was like 150g lighter including bottom bracket so stock is not that heavy.

[@xxccccxxxxxx]

Are the tires really 700grams !? I need to change them!

[@niklaspersson5136]

@@xxccccxxxxxx Yep. 707g and 69Xg. Heavy boggers... Especially for a kids bike... Specialized is more keen on high profits than good gear.

[@yamahschector]

I forgot. The bike shop said the warranty is transferable to the second owner not just first owner.

[@TheeGabrielAndrew]

Great job, a great review really appreciated by this dad. The only decision now is to see if he picks the blue one like his dad or the red one bc it's his favorite color 😂 Ps. Did they have to sell you an extra rear tire? I'm noticing out our way, they require bikes to be sold with coasters breaks and you have to upgrade on your own 🤯

[@graysonmtb]

Your welcome. Stick around for the 8 month review coming soon! There’s a lot to talk about and some tips! I was surprised when Grayson picked the blue bike. I swore he would want the red. No second tire for us. Freehub from the factory 🤟🏻

[@Zstyle28]

Great Video! How tall was your son when you got this for him? My son is turning 5yrs old next week, but is only 41inches tall, and I'm wondering if the RipRock 20 may be too big for him even though the size guide starts at 41inches. Thoughts?

[@graysonmtb]

Go for it! Grayson was 42”. The bike shop agreed to trim the seat post so we could slam it all the way down. It was perfect for him!

[@Zstyle28]

@@graysonmtb Awesome! Thanks for the quick reply, really appreciate it!

[@graysonmtb]

@Zstyle28 yeah, man anytime!

[@MichaelSwinhoe]

bought this for my 7 year old who is now 9. Just looked into raisings the seat and bar and i cant raise the bars. do i need to buy additional spacers - Help

[@graysonmtb]

If any of the spacers are above the stem, you could move them to the bottom but that may or may not be enough to make a difference. There's options to extend the fork tube length but it's very sub standard. It sounds like it might be time to move to a 24”

[@Micarmn]

My son is 50 inches tall. Everything is saying get a 24 but something is telling me a 20 is ok. He will get maybe 2 years ya? If I get him a 24 and he’s on the low range of height it may be too big in the beginning. He may not have fun riding and it can also be unsafe and unstable. My son isn’t the best rider too he’s beginner. Your thoughts? Thanks for the video

[@graysonmtb]

Yeah I’d size down! Feeling confident and having fun without much frustration is going to be the golden key for any kiddo!

[@Micarmn]

@@graysonmtb I totally agree!! I figure he can get 2 solid years on the 20”. Sizing down has its advantages and I totally think with bikes starting out on a great note and minimizing the learning curve as much as possible is key. Feeling stable and having confidence is key vs learning how to ride a large heavy bike. Thank you so much

[@graysonmtb]

You’re more than welcome! Let me know how it goes!!

[@mad3arber]

I got my daughter the 20" merida with all the parts.....probably better than my rig lol

[@graysonmtb]

These kids bikes are getting impressive! The J20? It looks like a very capable bike! I like the style!

[@mad3arber]

@Grayson MTB yrh j20 very capable little bike. "I ride it down the bits she can't and it works well "

[@graysonmtb]

That’s pretty rad!!

[@michaelcallarman7720]

The stock brakes will fail. My poor son had it happen at his buddy pegs camp. Replaced them with some cheap Shimano s

[@graysonmtb]

Really!? Do you remember what the failure point was? Either way, thanks for letting us know! I’m definitely not a huge fan of these “Radius” branded brakes. But the adjustability is super convenient for a kid with small hands

[@TedLong-u6s]

I'm looking at this bike for both of my boys right now and was surprised to see the number of review complaints on Specialized site. Specifically about the brakes. There are several one star reviews. Can you tell us what specifically is the problem with the brakes? Thanks!

[@graysonmtb]

So far I haven't had a faiure 🤞but in my opinion they feel pretty mushy.

[@niklaspersson5136]

@@TedLong-u6s Google a bit for it. Suddently the brakes stop working or they feel like they need to be "bled". Cant hold pressure. I will probably get new ones working good, because its a new bike.

[@lclira]

Could you please recommend a dropper post for the RipRock 20?

[@graysonmtb]

I do not have any first-hand reviews (yet), BUT... I've been weighing two options for Little Man. The first one is Brand-X (TransX) Ascend Kids' MTB Dropper Seatpost (Lever included). I haven't pulled the trigger because he's currently under the minimum weight of 44 lbs. The other is a bit more expensive and doesn't include cable or lever but I think is higher quality and more adjustable as he grows. That's the One Up Dropper V2. If you get one of them before I do, let me know!!!

[@andersbjrnskov8130]

"Lightweight"??? 10kg isnt lightweight...😮

[@graysonmtb]

Keep in mind we’re talking about a trail-ready kids mountain bike with 160mm disc brakes, thru axles, and mid-fat tires. The only lighter bike I was able to find was the Prevelo alpha three. While they share the same MSRP the Prevelo has V-brakes, skinnier tires, and less range (8 Spd vs. 9 Spd).

[@andersbjrnskov8130]

@@graysonmtb Scott Scale RC 200, Cube Reaction Pro 200, Woom Off 4, Early Rider 20 as examples, are all 8kg (and under) bikes. Even the BMC Twostroke are lighter. Thats why I find it disapointing that Specialized can not make it a 8 kg bike.

[@graysonmtb]

Ahh thank you! That Scott Scale RC 200 is quite impressive! I really like the components especially the MT501 brakes and the 10 speed deore! Dang, It’s almost double the price though. If it’s worth any consideration When I converted the Riprock to tubeless it took some weight off but roughly half a Kg, and I noticed the cassette is steel. I could probably get it down very close to the weight of the Scott (future video!?). When our newest addition starts riding, hopefully there will be more options available at similar price points.

[@andersbjrnskov8130]

@@graysonmtb Yeah, the Scott is cool. Try look at the Cube Reaction 200 pro (2025 - the black one)...it has Microshift Acolyte and a carbon fork 👀💪 The Scott would be the coolest 20" bike ever, if it had the microshift and carbon fork, like the Cube 😎

[@lordbentley730]

Where did my comments go?

[@graysonmtb]

I haven’t seen anything come through. What’s up @lordbentley730 !

[@lordbentley730]

@@graysonmtb maybe youtobe filters

[@graysonmtb]

I double checked! The only filters I have are “hold potentially inappropriate comments” 🤣 and nothing is there so maybe just something went wrong on KZbin’s end 🤷