Making kids’ bikes is about supporting and nurturing the spirit of riding from the first moment a kid’s feet hit the pedals. Kick-starting their passion for riding by delivering a great first ride means kids are more likely to keep riding for years to come.
ONE SIZE DOESN’T FIT ALL
A new bike is a critical investment for families. Especially now, when parents are looking for safe, fun ways for their kids to get out and get active. At Specialized, we know that greater comfort opens the door for more riding. With kids’ bikes, comfort comes from a bike that fits well, and a design that’s kid-focused. Because of their growth spurts and growth patterns, the perfect fitting kids’ bike is a short-lived “just right”. Not only do kids deserve class-leading bikes, but they also deserve a bike that fits better, for longer.
“A better fit means more comfort, leading to more rides, kick-starting a lifetime of riding. We’re here to inspire that.”
NEVER FEAR THE GROWTH SPURTS
We asked, and parents told us they want a bike that fits their kids for about 30 months or three summers. Our teams did their research and found that kids ages 5-12 grow in their arms and legs faster than their torso. So, we needed to make a bike that was proportional and adjustable for quickly growing arms and legs to achieve the perfect fit multiple times in the bike’s lifetime.
TEST WITH THE BEST
Consulting the cycling industry’s best bike fitters, we developed the Jett using the same study tactics that we use with world-class athletes. During “Bring Your Kids to Work Day” at our Boulder, CO office, we gathered data from our own kids. The team put kids on bikes and observed the mechanics of how they were riding. Were their knees aligned in their pedal stroke? Are their shoulders stacked properly? Which kids could reach the handlebars most easily? Are the components compatible for their size? The data collected was optimized in the design process to increase comfort, eliminate common pain points, prevent future injuries, and improve the rider’s potential to perform on the bike.
START THE KIDS OFF RIGHT
We poured everything we’ve learned into the Jett.
First, we looked at how to make the bike proportional. Components may seem like minor details, but the kids’ study proved that they make a world of difference for our riders. A kids-specific saddle and narrow q-factor crank create hip-knee-ankle alignment. This helps to avoid knee pain and improve pedaling power—so riders can pedal further, faster. Narrower grips and short-reach brake levers allow for better control and maneuverability, inspiring more confidence in riders. These components were developed so kids can ride in capable comfort.
DESIGNED FOR GROWTH
Second, we took the average growth curve of kids, and built 30 months of growth into the adjustability of the Jett. Delivering more riding and more fun. Adjustability comes in the form of 2-hole positions for cranks, a long seatpost, and adjustable handlebars for extended reach. And what’s more, the Jett is a quality ride that weighs in at just 9.39kg/20.5 lbs (24”), enabling riders to keep up with the grown-ups or lead the pack. We’ve built the Jett to adjust to any level of capability, riding style, and growth pattern to help access kids’ full riding potential.
By looking at the highest growth potential for girls and boys ages 7-12, we were able to identify how much adjustability was needed to create a bike that would last for three seasons. This curve represents the maximum annual growth rate for a child, which occurs when children move from a low-height percentile to a high-height percentile. Now we have a much better understanding of how long the Jett will fit a rider.
“The adjustability unlocks a whole new level of comfort and confidence, in both riding and buying.”
– Specialized Development Team
A LIFETIME OF RIDING
The Jett is the vehicle for riders to learn, grow, and eventually graduate to the next steps in their riding journey. It starts with that first push on two wheels and quickly evolves into skid stops and dive-bombing trails. Kids are always going and always growing, so they deserve a ride that fits—a bike that will inspire a lifetime of riding. To us, that’s a goal well worth the effort.
BUILT FOR THE ROAD AHEAD
Our kids’ bikes are built based on a unifying belief—empowering little riders with the best first bikes will inspire a lifetime of riding. We created our four-step system to develop products in tandem with a rider’s growth path.
RECOMMENDED SIZING
Because we are focused on fit and skill level, we invite parents to select bikes based on the height and skill level of their rider. The Jett models are recommended for the following heights:
- Jett 16” SS: 95cm – 121cm
- Jett 20” SS or Jett 20” MS: 102cm – 132cm
- Jett 24” MS: 109cm – 147cm
The age range that typically correlates with these heights is 5-12 years old.
Some interesting and WEIRD stats in their article ....
At 9 years and 9 months Maritz is already at 142cm. And about 15% of his class mates are taller than him !!
A rigid for the trails we ride ? Uhm jaaaa, no thanks. Maybe this is meant for trail parks with pump tracks. Okay, the weight saving is a big plus.
V-brakes ...
Dont see details on the gears .....
The very low slung top tube certainly is a BIG plus point.
Cant find any pricing .....