trek precaliber 24 test

TREK Precaliber 24 Review

A versatile children’s bike called the Precaliber 24 8-Speed was created for young explorers who enjoy riding off the tarmac and into the mud. Its 8-speed gearbox, powerful suspension fork, and durable yet lightweight aluminum frame make it ideal for riding trails and routes with family, tearing through the woods, and racing home from school. 8 to 12 year old’s, 51 to 59 inches tall.

Specification

  pros & cons, check specifications here.

Specifications

Check specifications here

If you enjoy cycling in the great outdoors and your child enjoys going on adventures with you, then this bike is ideal for them. For your aspiring singletrack shredder, you’re looking for a high-quality kids’ bike that is cozy, strong, and equipped with trail-ready equipment.

a front suspension fork with 45mm of travel to smooth out bumps, a sturdy, lightweight aluminum frame, and an easy-to-use Shimano 8-speed gearbox. Additionally, there are rear rack mounts, a kickstand, and a saddle with a handle that can be switched out for a taillight attachment. This bike is made to last, so when it is passed down to younger siblings, it will still feel brand new.

Alpha Almunum Frame

With the same quickness and affordability that have historically made aluminium such a popular material, the Alpha Aluminum frame was created to offer more versatile frames. Using an all-encompassing strategy for frame design and production, Trek is able to fine-tune frames to be stiff where essential and supple where it is practical. You will therefore have more chances to enjoy your aluminium frame on the journey.

If you have Alpha Aluminum, you won’t have to second-guess going on a multi-day tour or hitting the gravel. Aluminum bikes are the only ones you’ll ever need for leisure, travel, exercise, and competition.

Linear Pull Brakes

A common type of brake is the linear pull. Despite being more simpler to adjust than conventional cantilever brakes, they are nonetheless cable-actuated. In comparison to cantilever brakes, pads are also more simpler to replace. Good all-around; simple to instal and maintain; simple to find replacement pads for. On a frame component known as a “braze-on,” each arm pivots. The pivots are situated below the rim, just like cantilevers. At a linkage and “noodle,” the cable housing fastens to one arm. A pinch bolt on the other arm is reached via the bare cable.

Shimano Revo Shift

The Shimano Tourney SL-RS45 shift lever offers simple and dependable shifting. By requiring only a twist of the thumb and index finger to shift, the REVOSHIFT shifter enables riders to keep a firm and stable grip on the handlebar. Compared to the SRAMs, the shifter is much smoother.

Oh! What a feeling

This bike can introduce your child to an enjoyable, healthy, and ecologically beneficial lifetime pastime.

Kids may easily change gears when their terrain changes thanks to the intuitive twist shift.

To increase visibility on family outings and solitary trips, you may swap out the saddle’s integrated handle for one with an integrated light mount.

Like all Precaliber bikes, this one has a lower frame height to make it simpler for kids to leap on and off.

It’s worthwhile to spend money on a kids’ bike from a reputable bike brand—

Trek’s kid’s bicycles are created and put together by biking experts.

Pros & Cons

Aluminum frame makes it a very light bike

Smooth and easy shifting, positive ride, a comfort factor, hand brakes are responsive, amazing at handling, not much color choices, what does precaliber mean.

A kid’s bike is the Trek Precaliber. These bicycles are appropriate for young riders between the ages of 5 and 8. Although there is a Precaliber for boys edition, the model is appropriate for both boys and girls. These bikes are lightweight and ideal for introducing your youngster to road racing or mountain biking (safely).

How much does a trek 2022 Precaliber 24 weigh?

The 2022 Precaliber 24 weighs around 11.93 kg / 26.31 lbs.

Precaliber 24 bike has a maximum total weight limit (combined weight of bicycle, rider, and cargo) of 175 pounds (80 kg).

What size tires are on a trek Precaliber 24?

How do i know the ideal trek precaliber 24 size for my kid.

The charts below illustrate our suggested sizes based on height, but other elements, such as arm and leg length, can affect how well something fits. You’ll see some overlap in our suggestions as a result. For example, not every rider who is 5’8″ will fit on the same size bike. Consult the specialists at your neighborhood retailer for the greatest advice on finding your ideal fit.

Does trek 2022 Precaliber 24 have tubeless tires?

Unfortunately no, it has Bontrager XR1, wire bead, 27tpi, 24×2.25”.

The XR1 Kids’ tyre is a tough, kid-friendly option that offers the same dependable traction and performance as the adult models. Little rippers can quickly get up speed and maintain momentum through turns and over hills because to its quick rolling, varied tread, and low weight.

Total score

Our rating​.

This tough, high-quality bike promotes enjoyment and trail skill development. With an 8-speed drivetrain and a front suspension fork that smooths down trails, it’s ideal for kids just starting out in off-road riding.

The Precaliber 24 with suspension is the ideal bike for adventurous neighbourhood riders who never intend to actually ride in the mountains since it strikes the optimum balance between being neither overly technical nor underwhelming.

The Trek Precaliber 24 is a win-win because it gives youngsters the awesome off-road appearance of a real mountain bike without the pricey high-end components that parents don’t want to pay for.

The Trek Precaliber 24 is a fantastic bike for kids eager to take on challenging jumps and trails around the neighborhood but not quite ready to ride real mountain bike trails because it offers great quality and performance for the price.

Check latest price of TREK Precaliber 24

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Our articles are developed after considerable research and studies online and also including seeking informational experience based tips from professional rides. Key sources of information are interviews, google search and youtube.

2021 Trek Precaliber 24 Review From Real Owners

In this review, we break down our experience with our kids owning and riding the 2021 Trek Precaliber in this Trek Precaliber review. We own what we share with you, that matters.

Trek Precaliber 24 Review

What can you expect from this Trek Precaliber 24 review? Well, you can expect that despite all the “reviews” out there regurgitating specs, stats, and numbers, we are breaking down what matters: Real kids and their real experiences on the Trek Pre-Caliber 24 mountain bike. 

Both CJ and Mike of Off-Grid Essential have kids with Trek Pre-caliber 24’s . In fact, between the parents and kids, we all ride Trek (Roscoe 7, Marlin 5, and Pre-Caliber 24’s). It’s safe to say we like Trek. 

Because of this, we decided to share our thoughts in a combined article from both of us with our kid’s experience rocking the Trek Pre-Caliber 24. 

Shopping for mountain bikes is exhausting, there are so many options and let’s be honest, they are expensive ! So when you fork over your hard-earned money, you expect quality and value to meet you in the middle with price, topped off with a big smile on your kid’s face. Psst! Brining your doggo camping with you? You need to check out our Camping With A Doggo Checklist , you wont regret it! It’s the little things folks. 

Kids nowadays are so wrapped up in video games and television that a little fresh air from time to time is needed.  One fun way to do get them outside is ensuring they have a good bike they can take out on the trails and around the neighborhood…insert the Trek Precaliber 24 8-speed Hardtail bike!

Mike’s Experience With The 2021 Trek Precaliber 24: 

My kids are fun, I’m sure yours are too. But, you know what’s really fun with these kids? Seeing their eyes get big and smiling/laughing as they take tier mountain bikes down the green/blue lines of the North Frutia Desert in Colorado and the trails of Moab, UT. 

Not sure what those “green/blue” lines mean? Checkout our guide on the Mountain Bike Trail Rating System . Previous to 2020, my kids had only owned cheap bikes from Target or other big box stores. While there is nothing inherently wrong with these bikes, they are a bit limited in both features and components when it comes to true mountain biking. 

Now, don’t get me wrong, my kid’s aren’t jumping their bikes or hitting black lines in Moab, but they are getting to an age where they push their bikes further than the Target/Walmart bikes were built to do. 

Mountain bike trails are fast and fun. With that speed comes the need for good braking, cornering, and shock absorption. When you go from a Walmart bike to a Trek, you see an immediate improved difference. 

This improvement in braking, cornering, and shock absorption bring a much higher level of safety as well. I can’t really argue that. I mean, who wants their kid flying downhill and not having good tires and brakes? Not me, amigos (I said that in my head with a 1970’s Mexican Bandito movie accent). 

At first, when I shelled out $800 for two bikes (kids aged 8/9), I was skeptical. Both of my kids seemed proficient on their bikes and I didn’t really see the need for the upgrade. All of that changed when we went riding in Colorado/Utah. I instantly noticed a confidence improvement from the kids. I think the improved control and braking allowed them to get a little more creative on the trails, and it showed. 

The unfortunate part? These bikes don’t physically grow along with kids. This means that although I’ll be able to get by over the next two years with seat post and handlebar adjustments, in a few years they will be upgrading bikes. But, hey, your a parent too and you know this already because you have likely had to buy shoes and clothes over and over every few months, not because they “wanted” new stuff, but because they needed it. 

And you know what they will be getting? Treks. All this love and fun with the bikes the kids had, promoted us to share this Trek Precaliber 24 review.

CJ’s Experience With The 2021 Trek Precaliber 24:

By now you know that we are a Trek family.  And why not?… Trek is a reputable brand that makes quality bikes. We purchased this bike for my son who is 7. So you can understand his evolution, he went straight from a Stryder bike to a Trek Precaliber 20. The Precaliber 20 was the perfect first bike that lasted him for four years.

We knew he needed a larger bike, but I had my heart set on finding him something that had a suspension fork because we were going to spend a good portion riding on trails here in Colorado.  Luckily for me, his Trek Precaliber 20 sold very fast and I cannot tell you how worth of investment that bike was.  Due to the success, we had with his previous bike, it was a no-brainer that the Trek Precaliber 24 8-speed Suspension would be his next.

Of course, COVID dried up the market but we lucked out and found a dealer in Denver that had three in stock.  This bike comes in two colors: Radioactive Red, and Trek Black.  They actually had both colors so we allowed him to choose which color he wanted and while Radioactive Red sounds cool, he ultimately went with Trek Black because he wanted to match mom and dad’s bikes. This bike retails for $379.99. 

What you will get with this bike.  To start, a strong lightweight aluminum frame, an easy to use 8-speed Shimano drivetrain, a front suspension fork with 45 mm of travel, a kickstand, rear rack mounts, and a smooth saddle.  This is a true kid rugged, adventure bike.  Pavement, dirt…does not matter, this bike performs on all and my son cannot stay off it.

I was initially concerned about the gears and his ability to shift, but a few times worth of practice in the neighborhood and he has it down.  The twist shifter is genius!  He now understands which gear he should be in to climb and descend.

He loves this bike so much that he is always asking to take to the trails…we actually just got home from riding a portion of the Sante Fe Trail here in Colorado Springs.  He found some hills that he could have some fun on.

The experience with this Trek Precaliber 24 8-speed Suspension bike is truly amazing.  He wants to be out riding, which means less time on Fortnite and Youtube!  His confidence level with riding is through the roof thanks to Trek’s frame design.  The lower top tube allows kids’ to stand over and hop on and off the bike with ease.

It is a true rugged bike, that will last him another 3-4 years, and because this bike is built to last when it is time we will have no problem selling it.  We did not know how he would respond to trail riding, but this bike has him begging for more time spent on the dirt.

Oh, and the kids in the neighborhood have taken a liking to his bike.  Every time my garage door opens there is a girl across the street asking to ride his bike…hopefully, her parents will buy her one soon ☺.

Final Thoughts? 

To summarize this Trek Precaliber 24 review, this bike is an excellent, smile-inducing, 8-speed, hardtail mountain bike. The Trek Precaliber is equipped with the Alpha lightweight aluminum frame that is both durable and rustproof, hand brakes, simplistic shifting, and a suspension fork…what is there not to love about this bike? Not sure if the Trek Precaliber is the right fit for your kid? Check out their entire lineup at the Trek website.

…..and if your gonna be out adventuring your gonna poop. Check out our write-up on the Best Camping Toilet Option. Stop acting like you won’t need it!

Essential Mountain Biking Gear

• Crankbrothers M19 Multitool
• Osprey Raptor 10 Hydration pack
• Crankbrothers Flat Stamp
• ROAM Phone Bike Mount
• Vibrelli Mini Bike Pump Flat Tire Repair
• Yakima Gatekeeper Tailgate Bike Pad – (Full Review on this, here )
• Kryptonite Evolution U-Lock
• Terry Women’s Metro Mountain bike Shorts
• Troy Lee Designs Men’sMountain Bike Shorts

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2016 Trek Precaliber 24 7-Speed Boy's

A 24″ aluminum frame mountain youth bike with mid-range components and rim brakes. Compare the full range

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A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

Precaliber 24 7-Speed Boy's

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• Precaliber 24 8-Speed

Trek Precaliber 24 8-Speed

Precaliber 24 8-Speed is a classic kids' bike with great style, performance, and durability. It has the simplicity of an 8-speed drivetrain and intuitive twist shift that makes it easy for kids to ride varied terrain. Plus, the strong yet lightweight aluminum frame stands up to even the roughest riders. For kids ages 8-12, between 51-59-inches tall. It's right for you if... Your kid loves to explore, and you want them to have a quality ride for all their road, path, or trail adventures. They're ready to upgrade from a singlespeed for a little extra help on hills and longer rides, but they don't need a ton of gears just yet. The tech you get A strong, lightweight aluminum frame that will stand up to whatever your youngster dishes out, with simple and reliable Shimano 8-speed shifting that makes it easy to climb hills. Plus, it has a kickstand, and a saddle with an integrated handle that can be swapped out for an integrated taillight mount. The final word Whether your kids are riding to school, racing around the neighborhood with friends, or tagging along on family rides, Precaliber 24 8-speed features the quality parts they need to ride with confidence and stay in control. Why you'll love it - Intuitive twist shift makes it easy for kids to switch gears when their terrain changes - You can replace the saddle's integrated handle with an integrated light mount to boost visibility on family adventures and solo excursions - This bike is hand-me-down heaven: it's built to last, so younger siblings can inherit this bike and it'll still feel like new - Like all Precaliber bikes, the frame is lower so it's easier for kids to stand over and hop on and off - You shouldn't buy your kid's bike where you buy your cereal—Unlike big box brands, Trek kids' bikes are assembled by people who know bikes

Due to supply-chain issues, Specs are subject to change without notice.

* Subject to change without notice.

Trek Precaliber

Part numbers.

Memories are made on two wheels

Bikes give kids the chance to get outside, have fun, and find freedom. Precaliber introduces them to the joys of riding and makes it easier for them to learn and grow their skills, whether they’re just starting out on training wheels or ready to learn how to shift.

Four wheel sizes fit growing kids

Height: 86 – 102 cm 2’ 9.9” – 3’ 4.2” 12” wheels—sized right for youngsters who are just starting to ride. Includes training wheels.

Height: 99 – 117 cm 3’ 3” – 3’ 10.1” 16” wheels—for beginning riders who are a little older and taller. Includes training wheels.

Height: 114 – 132 cm 3’ 8.9” – 4’ 4” 20" wheels—for intermediate riders who have mastered the basics and are ready to learn new shifting and braking skills.

Height: 130 – 150 cm 4’ 3.2” – 4’ 11.1” 24” wheels—sized for the big kids. Great for older children who have the solid handling, shifting, and braking skills necessary for a big kids' bike.

For neighborhood cruises and sidewalk races

Precaliber is perfect for practicing turns in the driveway, racing down the sidewalk, and taking a family spin around the neighborhood. Wide, stable tires and a light, easy-to-handle frame give kids the confidence to pedal across the yard and down the occasional gravel path.

Designed with kid-friendly features

Each of our Precalibers and all of their parts are designed specifically for kids, by people who know bikes. They’re lightweight, built to hold up to rough and tumble play, and have size-appropriate grips, levers, pedals, and saddles. We put a lot of thought into getting the details right, because we know positive and fun experiences with biking at an early age can encourage a lifelong hobby.

Easy to hop on and off

Precaliber's frame is lower than most kid's bikes, which provides more confidence when mounting and dismounting.

Handle or light - you choose

The kid-sized saddles have an integrated handle for easy lifting and guiding while they ride. It can also be swapped out for a tail light to boost visibility.

Wide tires, more traction

Wider tires are more stable and offer better grip. It makes kids even more confident and comfortable while riding.

12" + 16" wheels - great for the youngest riders

These Precaliber models are designed for ages 3-6, and they all come with training wheels. They’re perfect for kids who are just learning to ride but are too big for a balance bike, and for children who prefer to ride with training wheels until they feel a bit more comfortable on two wheels.

Tool-free training wheels

All 12 and 16" bikes come with training wheels that are easily removed with the twist of a knob once they're no longer needed. No tools required!

Kid-sized hand brakes

Some 16" bikes come with hand brakes, which is a great option for children who have the hand strength and coordination necessary to start learning how to use them.

20" + 24" wheels - more features, more chances to learn

These larger Precalibers are designed for kids ages 6-12 who have a good command of basic bike skills and are ready to tackle more. They have lots of different combos of brake types, and speeds so you can pick the perfect bike for your child's skill level.

Lots of gearing and brake options

We want you to be able to pick a Precaliber that's perfectly suited to your kid's age and skill level. That's why we offer models with different numbers of gears and brake types. For example, fewer gears are great for kids who are just getting used to them, while older kids with good hand strength and coordination can generally handle additional gears.

Roll over the rough stuff

Some 24" bikes have mountain bike-styling and suspension forks for kids who want off-road looks and a smoother ride while biking over bumps.

Bikes both you and your kids will love

Tested. trusted. made to last..

We want your kids to enjoy biking just as much as you do, so we put the same amount of dedication and know-how into their bikes as we do yours. Each one is made with durable, high-quality materials and assembled by a professional mechanic so you can focus on having fun with your little ones for years to come.

Kids' Bike Trade-Up Program

When you purchase a kids’ bike at a participating Trek store, you can bring it back within three years and receive up to 50% of the bike’s original purchase price in credit towards the purchase of a new, larger bike.

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Specialized Jett Kids Bike Review

Specialized set out to solve a common problem in the kids bike world – kids grow out of their bikes so quickly! Enter the Specialized Jett. But how well does the Jett actually solve this problem? And is it worth paying extra for? That’s what we’re on a mission to find out!

We put the Jett to the test in the real world with 8 different kids aged 7 to 12 to see just how well the Jett adjusts to different heights. In this review, we’ll break down just what makes the Jett different and show you (not just tell you!) how the Jett meets the needs of growing kids.

Beyond fit, we’ll also dive into why the Jett is an all-around amazing bike that many of our testers (who regularly ride high-end kid bikes) deemed, “the best bike ever!” Setting a new standard for “bike shop bikes”, the Jett is proof that major bike manufacturers aren’t completely out of the game and can produce quality, lightweight kids bikes comparable to many high-end consumer-direct brands.

Read our full review below to discover why our test riders were all begging for more time on the Specialized Jett!

Specialized Jett Kids Bike Overview

RATING : Exceptional

MSRP : $199 (16″), $299 (20″), $399 (24″)

BEST FOR : Everyday riders sticking mainly to pavement

SPECIFICATIONS

SEAT HEIGHT:   26.5″ – 35.5″ (24″ size) WEIGHT:   22.3 lb. (24″ with pedals and kickstand) GEARS:  8 speed (24″), 7-speed (20″), single speed (16″ and 20″ single) SHIFTER : microSHIFT trigger shifter (double thumb push) BRAKES : Standard v- brakes FRAME/FORK:  Alloy aluminum frame and fork TIRES : 2.0″ wide Specialized Pathfinder Sport on all models

• Built-in adjustability to allow kids to properly fit and ride the Jett for longer than most bikes
• Lightweight, aluminum construction
• Easy-to-use trigger shifters (on geared 20″ and 24″)
• Smooth-rolling tires that provide plenty of cushion and traction
• Quality build that will hold up through several kids
• Support and assembly from your local Specialized dealer if needed (bikes also shipped direct to you if you prefer!)
• Cushioned child-size saddle with numbered seat post for a precise fit
• Narrow q-factor for efficient pedaling
• Ergonomic handlebar grips
• Higher cost (but often found on sale!)

Specialized Jett – Video Review

Visual learner? See the Specialized Jett in action in this video review!

Specialized Jett Kids Bike – Review Outline

• What makes the Jett unique?
• How does the Jett adjust to my child as they grow?

Will the Jett really fit my child longer than other bikes?

• Is the Jett fun to ride?
• What type of rider is the Jett best for?
• Which size Jett is best for my child? (16″, 20″ or 24″)?
• A closer look at Jett’s components

Specialized Jett Kids Bikes – What makes them unique?

The Jett has a few unique tricks up its sleeve that truly makes it stand out, especially when compared to the kids bikes offered by most major bike manufacturers that are sold at local bike shops .

First and foremost, the Jett is designed to be a better fit for a longer period of time. The Jett’s adjustment features allow parents to extend the “sweet spot” of proper fit on a bike.

Most kids can technically ride a bike for 2 to 3 years, but they actually only properly fit on the bike for one of those years. During the last year or so, the bike’s seat typically can’t go high enough and the handlebars are too close to the rider and too low to provide a really great fit.

With a longer seat post as well as adjustable handlebars, the Jett sets itself apart from other bikes for its ability to adjust to a wider range of heights. In fact, due to this adjustability, Specialized claims that kids can properly fit on the Jett for 50% longer than other kids’ bikes (or 3 summers).

Does the Jett actually live up to this claim? We put 8 kids aged 7 to 12 on the Jett 24 to see how well the bike adjusted to their various heights. Keep reading to discover the results of our extensive testing!

Second, the Specialized Jett is lightweight. Kids bikes found at local bike shops are almost always great quality, but they are very heavy as compared to online boutique brands. But with aluminum frames and forks as well as a careful selection of components, the Jett bikes are several pounds lighter than previous Specialized kids bikes and even lighter than many online niche brands .

Third, the Jett is built with kid-specific components. In order to build a bike that will properly fit under a child’s smaller frame, narrower components were selected to provide for a more efficient riding experience (more details below).

Having tested out many different Specialized kids bikes over the years, we can honestly say this is hands down the best kids bike they have ever made. The Jett is in many ways comparable to bikes produced by industry-leading kids brands such as woom , Prevelo and Cleary .

INSIDER TIP! While the adjustability of the Jett is noteworthy, the overall quality of build and components is just as good of a reason to buy the Jett. Seriously, it’s an amazing bike that our testers all raved about and we wish Specialized would have tweaked their marketing of the Jett to focus on more than just fit.

How does the Jett adjust to my child as they grow? What’s the trick?

The Jett allows riders to properly fit on the bike for a longer period of time. Specialized accomplished this by carefully designing the individual components on the bike to allow for a wider range of adjustments than the standard kids bike. Extended areas of adjustability on the Jett include:

• Taller seat posts – Provide more height for taller kids while still sliding into the frame to create a low minimum seat height for shorter kids
• Rotating “u-shaped” handlebar – Bars rotate in to decrease the reach for shorter kids and can be rotated back up as the child grows to increase the reach
• Different pedal positions – Pedals can be attached to the crank arms in two different places to accommodate growing legs

THIS SOUNDS COMPLICATED! If the Jett seems like too much for you, trust us, it’s not. The Jett is essentially just like any bike! You can just have your child stand over it and adjust the seat height accordingly. The handlebars and pedal positions can be changed, but that’s not absolutely necessary.

Yes! Based on our tests with the Jett 24″, we found it provided about 3 more inches of room for growth on the high end as compared to the Trek Precaliber 24. While not life-changing, those 3 extra inches can certainly extend the life of a bike.

As a comparison, the Specialized recommends the Jett for kids ranging 46″ to 62″ in height (a 16″ range), while the Trek Precaliber 24″ is recommended for heights ranging from 51″ to 59″ (an 8″ range).

As a result of our tests (shown below), we found the Trek’s recommendations to be correct, while the Specialized Jett was closer to 51″ to 62″ (11″ range). Even with the change on the lower end making it about equivalent to the Precaliber, the Jett did in fact provide a better fit for taller kids.

This difference is not surprising when you compare the seat heights of the bikes. The Specialized Jett 24″ and the Trek Precaliber 24″ have similar minimum seat heights (Jett – 26.5″, Trek – 26″), but the Jett has a much higher maximum seat height of 35.5″ versus Trek’s 30.5″.

If we’re being honest, the extended seat post of the Jett 24 is the most significant factor in allowing a child to fit on the Jett longer than other 24 inch bikes. But a very similar result could be achieved simply by buying a longer seat post for the Trek Precaliber 24. While we assume this would be true with the 16″ and 20″, having not tested those sizes, we can’t say for sure.

Beyond seat height, a proper handlebar height is also essential to getting a proper fit. The “u-shaped” handlebars did allow for more height and adjustability as compared to Trek’s flat bar. While not a game-changer, our taller testers definitely felt and appreciated the extra height.

Jett Sizing with Taller Riders

Starting with our tallest 11-year-old 61″ tall tester. With the seat height adjusted properly, the Jett still had several more inches of adjustment available in the seat post. However, it was quickly apparent that the Trek Precaliber’s seat post was not long enough to accommodate his height. With the seat post maxed out, he was able to place his feet squarely on the ground on the Trek. (He should be on tip toes for maximum pedaling efficiency.)

While not a perfect fit, this shows how the Jett offers a more comfortable ride on a bike size that would normally be somewhat awkward for him to ride at this point. Ideally, the handlebars should be able to raised higher, but including a taller handlebar would be problematic for the smallest of riders on the Jett (See below).

Jett with Average-Sized Riders

For the average-sized rider (or those in the mid-range of the Jett’s fit), both the Specialized Jett and the Trek Precaliber provided a great fit. The tester shown below is 9 years old and 53″ tall. The reach on the Trek is longer than the reach on the Jett, but seeing as it is designed for a more aggressive rider than the Jett, that is to be expected.

Jett with Shorter/Younger Riders

To test out the low range of the Jett, we put our 48″ tall 7-year-old tester on the Jett and found that he barely fit with the seat post lowered as far down as possible. While he could touch the ground with his tippy-toes, the handlebars were much too high for him to feel comfortable (even with the bars tilted in as recommended by Specialized).

He refused to ride the bike for more than a couple of feet, but the same was true for the Trek Precaliber. Neither bike was a good fit. While this was expected on the Trek, with a minimum height recommendation is 51″, it was unexpected on the Jett with a minimum height listed as 46″.

Our 51″ tester, however, had a completely different experience than our 48″ tester. Although he also barely fit on the Jett with the seat post down as low as possible, his longer torso allowed him to gain enough leverage on the handlebars to comfortably and easily ride the Jett. Within minutes of getting started, he was doing wheelies on the bike!

What about adjusting the handlebars and crank arm?

For all of our testers, we adjusted the handlebars forward and back based on their height and reach. While minor in overall fit, the slight changes were certainly noticeable and appreciated by our testers.

During this first round of testing, we did not change the pedal position on the bike as we simply didn’t have time to do so. We will, however, continue to test out the Jett and will report back on the effects of pedal position. Based on our experience with other bikes with varying crank arm lengths, we don’t anticipate the pedal position to play a major role in the fit on the bike.

BOTTOM LINE : While the Jett is an incredible bike that performs like a dream, the adjustable sizing aspect doesn’t have as dramatic an effect as we anticipated. The Jett will provide more room for growth as your child gets taller, primarily because it has a longer seat post. But remember, we only tested the 24″ Jett, and can’t speak yet to the 16″ or 20″ Jett. We do, however, anticipate them offering more room for growth on the high end.

Is the Specialized Jett Kids Bike fun to ride?

1,000% yes! We were honestly surprised at how much our testers all loved riding the Jett. From the smooth-rolling, cushioning tires, to the soft ergonomic grips (more about this below), they all had something to rave about and continually ask to ride it. We have no doubt that any little city rider wouldn’t come to love the Jett.

What type of rider is the Specialized Jett kids bike best for?

The Jett is a comfortable and efficient machine that is best suited for city riding. Offering the comfort and smooth riding of a cruiser-style bike, mixed with the technical brawn of a mountain bike, the Jett easily tackles everything from longer paved rides with the family to cruising around the neighborhood with friends.

Its lightweight and top-notch components make it super easy to ride because its child-specific components make every pedal stroke more efficient compared to the average kids bike. The ease and efficiency these components provide were previously only available from the high-end niche kids bike brands such as woom and Prevelo .

As a result, the Jett is a great choice for timid riders, but still has plenty to offer for more experienced and aggressive city riders. When put to work on jumps and catching air on curbs, the Jett happily obliged! With thicker tires for added cushion, the Jett’s tires helped to soften the landing.

If your little rider is all about the jumps and tackling the pump track and dirt trails, however, a more aggressive bike, such as the Specialized Riprock , would be a better option.

To meet the needs of different ages and riding skill levels, the Jett is available in geared and single-speed models. The 16″ Jett is only available as a single-speed, while the 20″ is available in single speed or geared versions (exact same bike, just different gearing options). The 24″ Jett only comes with gears.

The geared models offer plenty of range for powering up hills or for gaining speed on long straightaways. With easy-to-use trigger shifters and a step up in quality in the derailleur (no basic Shimano Tourney here!), the Jett’s drivetrain is quick and responsive and ready to tackle the wide variety of riding many cities have to offer.

Compared to grip shifters, triggers shifters can be more challenging for some kids to learn on, but the trigger shifter on the Jett 24″ were exceptionally easy for our testers to activate and presented no issues.

What age child fits on the Specialized Jett?

The Jett is available in 16″, 20″ and 24″ wheel sizes which typically fit the age range 4 to 12. All sizes are available at your local Specialized dealer as well as at specialized.com for direct shipping to your house.

What if my child is tall or short for their age?

The beauty of the Jett is that you can test one out in person at your local bike shop. If you don’t have a Specialized dealer locally, not to worry, you can compare your child’s inseam to the bike’s minimum seat height to remove some of the guesswork when selecting the right size. (See our Kids Bike Sizing Guide for more information on sizing)

For beginning riders , the minimum seat of a bike height should be as close to their inseam as possible. This allows their entire foot to touch the ground to help them regain their balance or stop the bike if need be.

Older more experienced riders can set the seat 1″ to 4″ above their inseam. The taller and more experienced a rider, the higher the seat can be raised above their inseam.

**Specialized does not provide the minimum seat heights of their bikes, but we will be sure to update the chart above with those measurements as soon as we track them down.**

THIS IS GREAT, BUT WHY SO EXPENSIVE? Previous versions of Specialized kids city bikes (and essentially all bike shop brands) were comparable to an entry-level package on a Toyota, while the Jett jumps all the way up to a Lexus. Both are great, but certainly not built with the same components and comfort features.

Faster, more efficient, and more fun to ride, the Jett isn’t just a package upgrade, it’s a whole new bike! Just like cars, the parts and engineering required to build a better product simply cost more, often a lot more.

Considering kids are behind the wheel here, maximum efficiency is really the main perk here. Kids on the Jett will be able to ride longer without getting as tired as compared to the average kids bike.

Is the Jett worth the added expense? For those who want to shop at their local bike shop, 100% yes. It’s the best city kids bikes you’ll find in a bike shop. For those willing to shop online bikes , the Jett has some tough competition, but certainly is a standout amongst bikes designed for city riding.

A Closer Look at Jett’s Components

Starting from the ground up, the Jett was carefully constructed to fit the needs of young riders. Specialized’s team of engineers and professional bike fitters all came together to select and construct the best components for the Jett.

A seat post seems like an odd component to attempt to improve, but Specialized left no part behind when building the Jett. In order to provide a lower minimum seat height as well as a high maximum seat height (providing lots of room for growth!), the seat post, as well as the frame of the Jett, were modified.

To reach those higher seat heights, the Jett’s seat post is about 60mm longer than average. They also strengthened the post to allow for a smaller 75 mm minimum insertion point (that dashed line on the seat post that tells you not to extend it any further) versus the standard 100 mm. While seemingly minor, this change adds an extra inch of adjustability.

To achieve the Jett’s low minimum seat height, Specialized went to work on the bike’s bottom bracket (the part on the bike where the pedals attach, found at the base of the seat tube). Why the bottom bracket? The bottom bracket of a bike is usually what prevents a bike’s seat from being lowered all the way down to the seat post collar.

When inserted into the bike’s frame, the welds around the bottom bracket often prevent the seat post from extending all the way down to the bottom bracket. On Jett’s uniquely designed bottom bracket, however, the welds are out of the way to allow the seat post to slide all the way into the frame, allowing for a low minimum seat height.

We saw the importance of this new bottom bracket design when testing out the Jett with our 51″ tester. With the seat lowered all the way to the seat post collar, he was just able to sit on the saddle with his tip-toes touching the ground. Even on the low end of the Jett’s range, it provided a perfect fit for him. If the bottom bracket of the Jett weren’t re-designed or the seat post wasn’t lengthened, it would have been impossible for both our 51″ and 61″ testers to fit on the bike.

U Shaped Handlebars

The handlebars on the Jett are unique as compared to most kids bikes. In addition to being wider to provide more stability, the handlebars also have a deep rise. This “u-shaped” rise allows the reach of the bike to be altered by rotating the bar.

When rotating inwards, the reach on the bike is shortened. This allows younger riders, who barely fit on the bike, to more easily reach the handlebar grips. As the child grows, the bars can be rotated back up to then extend the reach for older/taller riders.

To make adjustments quick and easy, the handlebar is marked with four settings to help you gradually adjust the bar without rotating it too far. While minor, our testers certainly noticed the difference and often asked for the handlebars to be adjusted according to their liking.

Soft, Ergonomic Grips

Narrower and ergonomic with “wings” for added wrist support, the grips on the Jett are top-notch. In addition to comfortable, grippy soft material, the ergo “wings” help prevent wrist fatigue during longer rides.

In order to keep the wing of the ergo grip in the correct position, when adjusting the handlebar, the grips can also be rotated. By simply loosening a screw on the bottom of the grip, the grip can be rotated into the correct position and then locked backed into place.

Narrow q-factor and Saddle

The bottom bracket of the Jett was narrowed to allow for a small q-factor. The q-factor of a bike is essentially the distance between the pedals. To allow for maximum efficiency of each pedal stroke, small q-factors are ideal as they allow a child to exert force straight down on the pedal, versus having to splay their legs out to pedal at a wider, less efficient angle.

The kid-specific saddle of the Jett is narrow to prevent leg splay when pedaling. Plenty of padding, as well as a protective plastic rim along the base, comes together to create a comfortable and durable saddle.

Two pedal insertion points on crank arm

When pushing down on the pedals, getting the right length between the seat and the pedal is also essential. While this distance is usually just obtained by adjusting the seat height, the Jett also allows you to raise or lower the pedal along the crank arm.

The upper pedal position is recommended for shorter riders and average height riders (48″ to 54″) while the lower position for our taller riders. When changed, our testers actually didn’t notice any difference, but it certainly doesn’t hurt to have options and with how easy it is to adjust, it’s worth testing it out with your rider.

Dual Hand Brakes – No Coaster Brake on Any Size!

All models of the Jett feature powerful v-brakes with easy-reach levers. The Jett 16″, however, is especially unique in that it is the first 16″ bike from Specialized (as well as Trek and Giant) that doesn’t have a coaster brake!

Coaster brakes are especially problematic on smaller kids’ bikes. Young riders often accidentally pedal backward when learning how to pedal. If a bike has a coaster brake, upon pedaling backward, the coaster brake unexpectedly activates, which leads to a loss of momentum, and sometimes even a fall.

Specialized Jett Kids Bike – Bottom Line

An exceptional bike from top to bottom, the Specialized Jett is packed full of features that kids and parents both love. The smooth and fast ride of the Jett will have kids begging for more time to ride their bike, while parents will no longer dread growth spurts due to the Jett’s extended fit.

With its extended adjustability, the Jett does deliver on its promise of providing a longer fit. How beneficial those extra inches of growth are really depends on how fast your child grows.

In the end, while the Jett didn’t provide as much adjustability as we anticipated, we were incredibly impressed by its quality and performance. Extended fit aside, the Specialized Jett is one of the best kids bikes we’ve ever tested.

All in all, the Jett certainly doesn’t come cheap, but it does come prepared to bring years of smiles backed by Specialized’s lifetime warranty on their frames and fork.

FTC Disclosure:  Affiliate links are included in this review.  No monetary compensation was provided for this review, however, the reviewed product was supplied by the manufacturer or distributor to help facilitate this review. All opinions and images are that of Two Wheeling Tots LLC.  All content and images are copyrighted and should not be used or replicated in any way. View our   Terms of Use.

About The Author

Natalie Martins

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Trek Precaliber 24 21-Speed Boy's

• AUS $ NZD $ USD $ CAD $ GBP £ EUR €

Colour / Viper Red

Size / 24" Dialed frame size

At a glance

Where to buy.

Specifications

• Frame 24" Dialed frame size, aluminum
• Wheels Alloy hubs, 24" 32-hole alloy rims
• Tires Bontrager XR1, 24x1.85"
• Crank Dialed adjustable length 127mm - 152mm, 42/34/24
• Front Derailleur Shimano Tourney
• Rear Derailleur Shimano Tourney TY300
• Shifters Shimano Tourney, 7 speed twist
• Brakeset Alloy linear-pull brakes, Dialed alloy levers
• Handlebar Bontrager alloy, 25.4mm, 25mm rise
• Saddle Dialed 24" size, padded
• Seatpost Steel, 27.2mm
• Stem Bontrager alloy, 25.4mm, 15 degree
• Headset Adjustable ball bearing, threadless

Q: What size 2017 Trek Precaliber 24 21-Speed Boy's should I get?

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