Cannondale Kids Trail 20 Review
- Price: $490
- Frame: Aluminum
- Wheels: 20″ Aluminum
- Gear: 1×7
What we like about it: The sturdy frame has good security.
What we don’t like about it: No disc brakes and weak braking power.
Rating (4.7/5)
Cannondale is a well-known brand in the world of bicycles, renowned for producing high-quality bikes. These bikes are designed to meet the needs of riders of all ages and skill levels.
One of their most popular series, the Kids Trail series, is particularly beloved by children for its lightweight frames, responsive handling, and reliable components.
The Cannondale Kids Trail 20 is the latest addition to this series. It is specifically designed for young riders who are ready to explore off-road trails and take their mountain biking skills to the next level.
This children’s mountain bike features a durable aluminum frame, mid-range components, and a versatile design that is well-suited for a wide range of applications and terrain types.
In this review, we will analyze the riding experience, main features, components and specifications, and other versions of the Cannondale Kids Trail 20. If you’re interested in learning more about bike reviews, be sure to follow us.
Riding Experience
I recently purchased the Cannondale Kids Trail 20 mountain bike for my daughter, who has shown a strong interest in mountain biking. As soon as we received the bike, we took it for a spin on some local trails to test its performance.
This is her first mountain bike. When we first got the Cannondale Kids Trail 20, my daughter was excited but also a little nervous. She had ridden bikes before, but never on more challenging terrain with a mountain bike.
As we started our first ride together, she was a bit hesitant and tentative.
But as time went on, she gained more experience and confidence on the bike. Soon, she went from being a beginner to a skilled rider.
I remember seeing her navigate a particularly steep and rocky section of trail, her eyes focused intently on the path ahead. She handled it with ease, and the sense of accomplishment and joy on her face was unmistakable.
With each ride, my daughter became more comfortable and capable on the mountain bike. She learned how to choose the right line, shift gears smoothly, and effectively control speed and braking.
Watching her progress and seeing her passion for mountain biking grow has been a truly gratifying experience.
Cycling Practice
Of course, there were a few falls and scrapes along the way, but my daughter took them in stride. She learned that falling is just part of the learning process, and getting back up and trying again is the only way to improve skills.
My daughter was immediately impressed with the bike’s stability, even on rough terrain. She mentioned that while the bike doesn’t have suspension, the wide tires provide great cushioning and make the ride comfortable.
One standout feature of this bike is its braking performance. The rim brakes provide reliable stopping power, allowing my daughter to easily control speed on steep downhill sections.
This allowed me to feel comfortable letting her tackle more challenging mountain trails. Shifting was also smooth and responsive thanks to the Shimano Tourney groupset. This allowed her to easily ride on a variety of terrain, and we climbed many hills together.
The handlebars and saddle were both comfortable, meaning my daughter could stay relaxed and focused while riding. She especially liked the soft, sweat-absorbing grips on the handlebars, which allowed her to maintain a firm grip even when her hands were sweaty.
Thanks to the Kids Trail 20’s nimble handling and intuitive design, my daughter was able to confidently tackle more challenging terrain. She felt that the bike was sturdy and gave her a strong sense of confidence. She needed to challenge herself and improve her skills.
Overall, the Cannondale Kids Trail 20 was truly an excellent choice for my daughter to be her first mountain bike.
Learning to ride her this bike was a wonderful journey for my daughter. It helped her improve her skills and confidence and increased our interaction and intimacy. Because we shared the excitement and adventure of exploring new mountain trails together.
Specification
The Cannondale Kids Trail 20 mountain bike is a high-performance bike designed with young riders in mind. The bike’s ALUXX-grade aluminum frame is lightweight, and durable, and provides a sturdy foundation for the bike’s components.
The high-strength steel rigid fork complements the frame, providing responsive handling and stability. The wheels feature Cannondale lightweight alloy rims, which are lightweight and durable, and stainless steel spokes ensure durability.
The drivetrain features a microSHIFT M21S rear derailleur and 1×7 microSHIFT shifter, providing young riders with a wide range of gear choices.
The alloy linear pull brakes are reliable and provide ample stopping power, while Innova tires provide excellent traction and cushioning for a comfortable ride.
Overall, the component configuration of the Cannondale Kids Trail 20 is carefully designed to provide young riders with a reliable, high-quality mountain bike experience.
Follow us to learn more.
What do we like about it?
- Lightweight Frame: The lightweight and durable SmartForm C3 Alloy frame provides a sturdy foundation for the bike’s components.
- High Strength Fork: High strength steel rigid fork provides responsive handling and stability on challenging terrain.
- Wide Tires: Wide Innova 20×1.95″ tires provide excellent traction and cushioning for a more comfortable ride.
- Smooth shifting: microSHIFT rear derailleur and 1×7 shifter offer young riders a wide range of gearing options.
- Reliable brakes: Alloy linear-pull brakes provide reliable braking force in all situations.
- Comfort Saddle: Cannondale Kid’s Comfort sport saddle is very comfortable during long rides.
What don’t we like about it?
- Braking: No disc brakes and weak braking power.
FAQs
- Is this bike suitable for off-road use?
Yes, the Cannondale Kids Trail 20 is designed for off-road use and can handle a variety of terrain types.
- What is the recommended age range for this bike?
This bike is designed for children 5-8 years old and has a height range of 3’9″ – 4’3″.
- Is the bike assembled?
The bike will require some assembly upon delivery, including the installation of pedals, handlebars, and front wheel. It is recommended that a professional bike mechanic complete the assembly.
- If you want to take your children to ride in well-known terrain, where is the right place to stay?
You can choose to book accommodation through Skyscanner, it contains a wide range and is easy to operate.
- Is this bike adjustable?
Yes, the bike has an adjustable saddle and handlebars that can be adjusted to fit the rider’s height and preference.
Cannondale Kids Trail 20 Specs
Build
| Frame | SmartForm C3 Alloy, rim brakes, rack/fender mountsColors: Volt; Lavender; Electric Blue |
| Fork | SunTour XCT-JR 20, 40mm travel, 1-1/8″ steerer, coil, w/ canti mounts |
| Bottom Bracket | Cartridge, square taper |
| Headset | FSA, Alloy, 1-1/8″ |
| Stem | Forged and machined aluminum, 30mm w/ fitted stem cover |
| Handlebar | Lightweight Alloy, 25.4mm, 580mm |
| Saddle | Cannondale Kid’s Comfort |
| Seatpost | One-piece, clamp-less, Alloy, 25.4mm |
| Pedals | Wellgo Composite Platform w/ reflectors, 1/2″ |
| Grips | Cannondale Kid’s Comfort |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | microSHIFT M21S |
| Crank | Prowheel, Pro-V30, 130mm length, 30T |
| Shifters | microSHIFT, low-torque Twist Shift, 7-speed |
| Cassette | Sunrace, 14-28, 7-speed |
| Chain | KMC Z7, 7-speed |
| Brakes | Promax V-Brake |
| Brake Levers | Alloy, linear pull |
| Rear Derailleur | microSHIFT M21S |
Wheels
| Rims | Cannondale, lightweight alloy, 20″, 28h |
| Spokes | Steel, 14g Black |
| Front Hub | (F) KT Alloy, nutted axle / (R) KT Alloy, 7-speed freehub |
| Rear Hub | (F) KT Alloy, nutted axle / (R) KT Alloy, 7-speed freehub |
| Tires | Innova 20×1.95″, multi-use tread |
Video
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Click View | Drivetrain | Frame material | Groupset |
| Trek Precaliber 24 8-speed | Click View | 1×8 | Aluminum alloy | Shimano Tourney |
| Marin San Quentin 20″ | Click View | 1×8 | Aluminum alloy | Shimano Altus |
| Norco Storm 24 Disc | Click View | 1×8 | Aluminum alloy | SunRace |
| Specialized Jett 20 Single Speed | Click View | 1×8 | Aluminum alloy | Single-speed |
Cannondale Kids Trail 20 vs Trek Precaliber 24 8-speed
The Trek Precaliber 24 8-speed bike has a larger wheel size, 24 inches, making it a good choice for taller children who have likely outgrown the 20-inch wheels on the Cannondale Kids Trail 20.
The larger wheels also provide greater stability and control on rough terrain.
In addition, the Trek Precaliber 24 8-speed has an additional gear option with its 8-speed Shimano drivetrain, providing more versatility and flexibility when tackling different types of terrain.
However, the Trek Precaliber 24 8-speed is also more expensive than the Cannondale Kids Trail 20, which may not be a good choice for all families.
Additionally, the Cannondale Kids Trail 20 is a lightweight bike, weighing around 21 pounds, which is an important consideration for young riders still developing their strength and coordination.
Overall, both bikes have their advantages and disadvantages. The best choice will depend on the individual needs and preferences of the young rider and his or her family.
If the child is taller, needs a larger wheel size, or requires more gearing, the Trek Precaliber 24 8-speed may be the better choice. However, if weight and affordability are important factors, then the Cannondale Kids Trail 20 may be a good choice.
Learn More: Is Trek Precaliber 24 A Good Bike? [Trek Precaliber 24 8-speed Review]
Cannondale Kids Trail 20 vs Marin San Quentin 20″
The “Marin San Quentin 20” is a much more expensive bike. It features a high-end Suntour XCM cushioned fork with 80mm of cushion travel. It offers superior cushioning and a smoother ride than the fork on the Cannondale Kids Trail 20.
The “Marin San Quentin 20” also features high-end disc brakes, which provide more powerful and consistent braking than the rim brakes on the Cannondale Kids Trail 20.
In addition, the “Marin San Quentin 20” has more advanced components such as the 1×8-speed Shimano Altus drivetrain. It offers a wider range of gears for more performance on different terrain types.
The Marin San Quentin 20″ also features wider tires for more traction and stability on challenging terrain.
However, the Cannondale Kids Trail 20 is still a quality youth mountain bike. It offers many of the features and abilities young riders need to tackle challenging trails. It’s also significantly more affordable than the Marin San Quentin 20″.
In conclusion, while the Marin San Quentin 20″ may offer excellent components and performance, it comes at a much higher price.
The Cannondale Kids Trail 20 is still a great choice for young riders who want to experience the thrill of mountain biking without breaking the bank.
Cannondale Kids Trail 20 vs Norco Storm 24 Disc
The Norco Storm 24 Disc is more expensive than the Cannondale Kids Trail 20, but it has some advantages in terms of components and performance. For example, the Norco Storm 24 Disc has a lightweight aluminum fork.
It provides a smoother ride and better damping than the rigid steel fork on the Cannondale Kids Trail 20.
The Norco Storm 24 Disc also has mechanical disc brakes, which provide more powerful and consistent braking than the rim brakes on the Cannondale Kids Trail 20.
In addition, the Norco Storm 24 Disc features a Sunrace freewheel that offers a wider range of gearing than the 1×7 Shimano Tourney drivetrain on the Cannondale Kids Trail 20.
This is great for tackling steep climbs and fast descents. However, the Cannondale Kids Trail 20 is still a great bike for young riders who want to experience the fun of mountain biking.
It features a durable and lightweight aluminum frame, a reliable Shimano Tourney drivetrain, and a comfortable Giant Jr. sport saddle and grips.
Overall, both bikes have their pros and cons, and the best choice will depend on the individual needs and preferences of the young rider and his or her family.
If a child is looking for a smoother ride with better damping and more powerful brakes, the Norco Storm 24 Disc may be the better choice. But if a family is looking for an affordable option with reliable components, the Cannondale Kids Trail 20 is still a great choice.
Cannondale Kids Trail 20 vs Specialized Jett 20 Single Speed
The Specialized Jett 20 Single Speed has a single-speed design, which means it may not be suitable for all types of terrain. The lack of gears may present a challenge when tackling steep inclines or fast descents.
Meanwhile, the 1×7 Shimano Tourney drivetrain on the Cannondale Kids Trail 20 provides a wider range of gears, making its performance more versatile.
However, the Specialized Jett 20 Single Speed does have some unique features, such as a very secure chain guard design that protects the rider from getting clothes or body parts caught in the chain.
The bike also has a very clean-looking internal cable routing, adding to its aesthetic appeal. Additionally, the Specialized Jett 20 Single Speed is more affordable than the Cannondale Kids Trail 20, which may be an important consideration for some families.
Overall, the best choice of these two bikes will depend on the individual needs and preferences of the young rider and their family.
If versatility and wider gearing are important, the Cannondale Kids Trail 20 may be the better choice. If affordability and chain protection are more important, the Specialized Jett 20 Single Speed may be the better choice.
Summary
Above is our test of the Cannondale Kids Trail 20. It’s a great little bike for youngsters to ride, with a comfortable and secure frame that allows kids to ride longer and have more fun. If you want to try one of those high-end mountain trail bikes, feel free to check out our test about it.
Finally, if you like our content, feel free to share it with your friends! If our content is helpful to you, you can click the email subscribe button below! Thanks for your support!
