Specialized Riprock 20 Review
- Price: $650
- Frame: Aluminum
- Tires: Ground Control Sport 20×2.35″
- Gear: 1 x 9
WHAT WE LIKE ABOUT IT: Outstanding geometry design that provides a more comfortable ride for children, boosting their confidence.
What we don’t like about it: Adjusting the seat height during the ride can be cumbersome since this bike lacks a tool-free quick-release seatpost clamp.
Rating: (4.6/5)
The Specialized Riprock 20 ignites your child’s passion, making them enjoy off-road adventures and fostering a love for nature. It also enhances their hand-eye coordination. You can ride alongside your child, ensuring their safety and strengthening your parent-child relationship.
Below, we will analyze the riding experience, key features, components, specifications, and other versions of the Specialized Riprock 20. In the latter part of this article, we will compare it with a few other bikes. If you want to explore more bike reviews, please stay tuned.
Riding Experience
Off-Roading
I booked tickets, reserved a hotel through IHG, and arrived at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort with my son. Here, I chose the True Grit trail. This trail is 629 meters long with a 31-meter elevation drop, primarily downhill. It’s not very challenging and is ideal for children.
My son was riding the Specialized Riprock 20. There were no smooth, paved roads here, only rugged mountain paths and untamed natural beauty. As he started riding, my son gripped the double-butted alloy handlebars tightly, leaned into it, steadied himself, and felt the synergy between the bike and the mountain trail. With every collision of the wheels against the ground, my son experienced the bike’s resilience and stability.
He gradually increased his riding speed, facing the bumps and unevenness of the mountain trail. The Specialized Riprock 20’s nimble performance allowed my son to feel the bike’s agility and speed. He told me that every turn and sprint was a test of the bike’s handling.
Continuing On
The path became steeper, and I advised my son to be more focused and cautious. The powerful C-STAR Hydraulic Disc Brake of the Specialized Riprock 20 allowed my son to navigate the steep mountain terrain with confidence, and I felt reassured as well. My son experienced each descent and climb as a challenge to his biking skills. He adjusted his posture, maintained stability, and felt the excitement and challenge that cycling brought.
He saw a muddy section ahead and confidently pedaled through it without hesitation. The efficient microSHIFT Advent transmission of the Specialized Riprock 20 made it easy for me to cross the muddy terrain. I felt that every challenge tested my son’s resilience and determination. He adjusted his breathing, throwing himself entirely into the challenge, experiencing the bike’s harmony and strength with the mountain trail.
As the finish line drew near, he accelerated, and the trail became relatively flat. The Specialized Riprock 20’s nimble performance allowed him to maintain a smooth speed. He crossed the finish line, feeling satisfied and proud.
Specifications
The Specialized Riprock 20 is an exceptional youth mountain bike. It features a robust and lightweight A1 Premium Butted Alloy frame, making it stand out. It provides convenience to riders with Nylon platform pedals with reflectors and Specialized Trail Grips. The MicroSHIFT Advent 9 Speed on this bike offers outstanding performance and smooth shifting.
Notably, the bike is equipped with Ground Control Sport tires, providing excellent traction, grip, and braking power. Coupled with the C-STAR Hydraulic Disc Brake, it ensures timely stops and effectively safeguards rider safety. Additionally, the Specialized Riprock 20 boasts an excellent Kids Bridge Saddle, which is highly suitable for children’s riding, maximizing comfort.
Video
Other Versions
After numerous tests, we have gained a deeper understanding of this bike. It is an outstanding youth mountain bike. However, many riders have their own performance and component requirements. Hence, we conducted further investigations into similar bikes.
Specialized Riprock Expert 24
The Specialized Riprock Expert 24 is equipped with a hardtail suspension, offering a 100mm front travel with excellent shock absorption for a smoother ride. Furthermore, it features a 1×11 drivetrain, which has a larger gear range and smoother shifting compared to the 1×9 drivetrain of the Specialized Riprock 24. It’s worth mentioning that the Specialized Riprock Expert 24 is equipped with a Manitou Machete JUNIT fork, which is highly suitable for young riders. It has a high-quality, lightweight chassis and an easily adjustable Expert Air suspension system, delivering outstanding performance.
The Specialized Riprock Expert 24 is slightly more comfortable than the Specialized Riprock 24. It has a stack/reach ratio of 1.47, allowing riders to open their chest and breathe more easily during long rides. It also has a relatively low head tube angle for an exceptionally stable ride.
What do we like about it?
- Outstanding geometry design that provides a more comfortable ride for children, boosting their confidence.
- Offers a choice of four colors, allowing riders to select their preference.
- Modern MTB features, ideal for off-road cycling.
- Currently available at a discount, priced at only $599.99, providing great value.
What don’t we like about it?
- Adjusting the seat height during the ride can be cumbersome since this bike lacks a tool-free quick-release seatpost clamp.
FAQ
- Is this bike suitable for beginners?
This bike is suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.
- What age group is this bike suitable for?
It is suitable for children around 5.5 to 8 years old, but it depends on their specific height.
- Where is this bike manufactured?
It is manufactured in Taiwan.
- How do I choose the right size?
The size chart is below:
These sizes are just general guidelines and the true fit may vary from person to person. The best way to find your size the best way is to go for a test ride.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 4’1″ – 5’2″ | 107cm-133cm |
Specs
Build
| Frame | A1 Premium Butted Alloy, unisex frame, internal cable routing, 148mm thru-axle, 30.9mm dropper post ready, replaceable derailleur hanger compatible Colors: Gloss Uv Lilac / Black; Gloss Sky / White; Gloss Oasis / Black; Gloss Flo Red / Black |
| Fork | A1 Premium Butted Alloy, Alloy steerer, 15×110 mm, W/Mini Fender |
| Bottom Bracket | Square-tapered, 68mm |
| Stem | Stout 3D-forged alloy, 31.8mm, 6-degree rise |
| Handlebar | Mini Rise, Alloy Double Butted, 6-Degree Backsweep, 600mm Width, 31.8mm , 19mm Bar End Diameter |
| Saddle | Kids Bridge Saddle, 130mm |
| Seatpost | Specialized, 6061 alloy, 2-bolt clamp, 0mm setback, 30.9mm |
| Pedals | Nylon platform w/ reflectors |
| Grips | Specialized Trail Grips, 19mm bar end diameter, lock-on |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | MicroSHIFT Advent 9 Speed, W/O Clutch |
| Crank | Forged Alloy, 115mm length, narrow Q-factor, w/ chainguard, 30T, chainguard |
| Shifters | microSHIFT Advent SL-M6190, 9-speed , short reach triggers for easy operation |
| Cassette | microSHIFT Advent, 9-speed, 11-42t |
| Chain | KMC X9EPT, 9-speed, anti-corrosion coating w/ reusable Missing Link™ |
| Brakes | C-STAR Hydraulic Disc Brake, 160mm rotor, adjustable reach |
Wheels
| Rims | Alloy, 16mm depth, 25mm internal width, 28H |
| Spokes | Stainless, 14g |
| Front Hub | Alloy, 6-Bolt, 28H, 15×110 Boost |
| Rear Hub | Alloy, 6-Bolt, 28H, 12×148 Boost, 11-speed compatiable |
| Tires | Front: Ground Control Sport, 20×2.35″, Rear: Ground Control Sport, 20×2.35″ |
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Click view | Tires | Drivetrain | Frame Material | Groupset |
| Co-op REV 24 | Click View | Slant Six Sport, 24 x 2.6 in. | 1 x 7 | Aluminum | Shimano Tourney |
| Trek Precaliber 24 8-speed | Click View | Bontrager XR1 24×2.25” | 1 x 8 | Aluminum | Shimano Tourney |
| Scott Scale RC 400 | Click View | Schwalbe Rocket Ron Evolution 24×2.25″ | 1 x 11 | Aluminum | Shimano Deore |
| BMC Twostroke AL 24 | Click View | Kenda Booster 24×2.4″ | 1 x 8 | Aluminum | SRAM X4 |
Specialized Riprock 20 vs. Co-op REV 24
The Co-op REV 24 features a 1×7 drivetrain, while the Specialized Riprock 20 is equipped with a 1×9 drivetrain. The 1×9 drivetrain provides smooth shifting and a wider gear range. However, the Co-op REV 24 has 24″ wheels, which offer better off-road capability. The Specialized Riprock 20, on the other hand, features 20″ wheels, providing greater agility.
The Co-op REV 24 is equipped with mechanical disc brakes, while the Specialized Riprock 20 uses hydraulic disc brakes. Mechanical disc brakes are lighter, and easier to maintain and repair, but they may not offer as impressive braking performance. The Co-op REV 24 is faster than the Specialized Riprock 20, reaching speeds of up to 18mph compared to the Riprock 20’s 16mph. Additionally, the Co-op REV 24 has a larger stack/reach ratio of 1.39, making the rider’s cycling experience more comfortable.
Learn More: Is Co-op DRT 1.1 A Perfect Selection? – [Co-op DRT 1.1 Review]
Specialized Riprock 20 vs. Trek Precaliber 24 8-speed
The Trek Precaliber 24 8-speed features a steel fork with strong shock-absorbing capabilities, but it is quite heavy. In contrast, the Specialized Riprock 20 has a lighter aluminum fork. Notably, the Trek Precaliber 24 8-speed is equipped with a 1×8 drivetrain, while the Specialized Riprock 20 features a 1×9 drivetrain for smoother shifting. Furthermore, the Trek Precaliber 24 8-speed has 24″ wheels, whereas the Specialized Riprock 20 has 20″ wheels, providing greater agility. The wider wheels on the Riprock 20 offer improved off-road performance.
It’s worth mentioning that the Trek Precaliber 24 8-speed is equipped with rim brakes, while the Specialized Riprock 20 uses hydraulic disc brakes. Rim brakes tend to accumulate a significant amount of heat during extended downhill braking, potentially causing damage to the brakes and rims. On the other hand, hydraulic disc brakes offer strong braking performance, but they can be more challenging to maintain and repair.
Learn More: Is Trek Precaliber 24 A Good Bike? [Trek Precaliber 24 8-speed Review]
Specialized Riprock 20 vs. Scott Scale RC 400
In terms of geometry, the Scott Scale RC 400 boasts a larger stack/reach ratio, providing a more comfortable riding experience, and allowing kids to stretch their bodies better. On the other hand, a smaller stack/reach ratio sacrifices some comfort in exchange for efficiency. Additionally, the Scott Scale RC 400 has a larger BB drop, lowering the bike’s center of gravity for a more stable ride. However, it may pose some challenges when navigating obstacles.
The Scott Scale RC 400 features a smoother 1×11 drivetrain, and it also comes with larger 24″ wheels, which offer better off-road capability. However, the Specialized Riprock 20 provides Specialized Trail Grips, making it convenient for riders without the need to spend extra time searching for suitable grips.
Learn More: Is the Scott Scale 940 A Great Value Hardtail Bike? [Scott Scale 940 Review]
Specialized Riprock 20 vs. BMC Twostroke AL 24
The BMC Twostroke AL 24 offers higher speed, reaching up to 21mph. It also features wider 2.4″ tires, which are broader compared to the 2.35″ tires on the Specialized Riprock 20. These wider tires provide better support. Additionally, the BMC Twostroke AL 24 has a wheel diameter of 24″, which results in greater off-road capability, whereas the Specialized Riprock 20 has a smaller and more agile 20″ wheel diameter.
The Specialized Riprock 20 is equipped with a 1×9 drivetrain. Compared to the 1×8 drivetrain on the BMC Twostroke AL 24, the 1×9 drivetrain offers superior performance. Furthermore, in terms of geometry, the BMC Twostroke AL 24 has a larger stack/reach ratio, ensuring a very comfortable riding experience. It has a smaller BB drop, resulting in a lower center of gravity for a more stable ride. Additionally, it has a 66mm trail, offering faster and more agile steering.
Learn More: Is BMC Twostroke AL 24 Worth Buying? [BMC Twostroke AL 24 Review]
Summary
This is our review of the Specialized Riprock 20. It’s an exceptional youth mountain bike that can ignite children’s passion for cycling. Combining all these factors, we’ve awarded it a high score of 4.6. If you’d like to explore more bicycle-related content, feel free to check out our other reviews.
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