Specialized Riprock...
 

  You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more

[Closed] Specialized Riprock bikes for kids - why the suspension?

8 Posts
8 Users
0 Reactions
193 Views
Posts: 10980
Free Member
Topic starter
 

Just been sent this mailshot by Specialized and yes, the bikes look great fun but why on Earth did they waste money and add weight with the completely unnecessary suspension forks? Those fat tyres will give a cushioned ride and kids aren't going to be bombing down hardcore stuff; most of the time they're racing around the streets or along local footpaths and suburban trails.

http://www.specialized.com/gb/gb/bikes/kids/riprock/riprock-24-int


 
Posted : 17/11/2015 8:55 am
Posts: 5042
Free Member
 

fashion, they would be a hard sell at any price without them, after all, little johnny up the street has them. . .


 
Posted : 17/11/2015 8:58 am
Posts: 16346
Free Member
 

I'm a bit confused. Are you saying you don't need suspension if you have chunky tyres and that kids don't ride off road?


 
Posted : 17/11/2015 9:04 am
Posts: 10333
Full Member
 

To be fair, the suspension on those spesh's, like on most kids bikes, is crap. I just don't understand why companies like spesh, who should know a thing or two about bikes, don't fit decent lightweight suspension.


 
Posted : 17/11/2015 9:49 am
Posts: 16346
Free Member
 

the suspension on those spesh's, like on most kids bikes, is crap
How crap though? Obviously not Pikes or 888s but I bet they are better than my first forks (Manitou SX)


 
Posted : 17/11/2015 9:53 am
Posts: 3985
Free Member
 

I just don't understand why companies like spesh, who should know a thing or two about bikes, don't fit decent lightweight suspension.

Probably cost. I'd imagine that it would be hard to put out a kid's bike with say custom 60mm travel Rebas or similar at that £400 price point.

Like others have said, if little Johnny down the road on his Asda special has suspension then regardless of quality or weight, other kids will want it too.


 
Posted : 17/11/2015 10:07 am
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

I did loads of research on bikes for my son to find the best spec, weight, etc for the money.

In the end, he wanted an orange (the colour, not brand) one.


 
Posted : 17/11/2015 10:09 am
Posts: 2826
Free Member
 

I'll be sticking with Islabikes or similar.........


 
Posted : 17/11/2015 10:29 am
Posts: 13330
Full Member
 

fashion, they would be a hard sell at any price without them, after all, little johnny up the street has them

I suspect this is the real answer.


 
Posted : 17/11/2015 10:34 am

6 DAYS LEFT
We are currently at 95% of our target!