Specialized Riprock 20 review

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For families with young riders ready to take on more adventurous trails, finding a bike that builds confidence without being overly heavy or complicated is key. Choosing one of the best 20" kids' mountain bikes can feel like a daunting task. With so many options available, parents are often left wondering which bike will offer the perfect balance of performance, durability, and value.

Over the past four months, we’ve tested the Specialized Riprock 20 across a variety of terrains, from local Lake District trails to the bike parks of Switzerland and downhill tracks in Italy.

In this review, we’ll explore the features of the Riprock 20, how it performs in real-world riding, and whether it’s a good fit for parents searching for the best mountain bike for their budding off-road cyclist.

Disclosure: Cycle Sprog were sent the Specialized Riprock 20 to review. We were not paid to write this review, and all opinions are our own. We do use affiliate links, so may get a small commission if you choose to buy through the links on this page. This funds the website, and we thank you for your support.

Specialized Riprock 20 bike scores

Quality - 4/5 - A quality mid-range kids mountain bike.
Weight- 3/5 - Not the lightest, but our reviewer found this beneficial for riding off-road terrain.
Value for money - 4/5 - Great spec for a mid-range price point.
Customisability - 3/5 - Comes with a nice little front mudguard and bottle cage mounting points, but no other accessories available from Specialized.
Resale value - 4/5- Specialized is a well known, attractive bike brand.

Final verdict - A good mid range bike that will build your child's confidence as they begin to explore off road trails.

Find out more about the Cycle Sprog review process

About our reviewer

Evie, age 6, enjoys whizzing around local pump tracks, the blue forest trail at Whinlatter Forest, gentle open fell rides and family cycling holidays abroad, but nothing too steep or rocky!

Evie grew up only ever riding Islabikes before reviewing the YOMO 20 bike earlier in 2024. She is used to high-quality and lightweight kids' bikes, but when they got in touch with their plans to go on a summer holiday mountain biking trip to the Alps we knew it was time for Evie to try something designed specifically for off-road riding.

Specialized is a renowned American bicycle brand with a history dating back to 1974.

Known for innovation and quality, they began by producing high-performance tyres and soon expanded to designing bikes that cater to a wide range of cycling disciplines.

From road and mountain bikes to gravel, electric, and commuter models, Specialized is a leader in creating cutting-edge bikes for riders of all levels.

Their range of kids' bikes is no exception, offering everything from balance bikes for toddlers to robust mountain bikes for young adventurers.

Designed with safety, durability, and performance in mind, Specialized kids' bikes help inspire a lifelong love of cycling, equipping young riders with the tools to explore their world on two wheels.

The first comment when the Specialized Riprock 20 was delivered was how good the colour was: a lovely mint green - a great start for Evie!

The bike required very little construction straight out of the box which meant it was easy to get an excited 6-year-old straight on it. Unfortunately, we found the seat post to be very long, and too long to get the seat really low, which meant it was too big for Evie, despite her being right in the middle of the recommended height range. This was easily fixed by chopping a small amount off the bottom of the seat post- but getting a saw out on a brand-new £500 bike isn't something that feels right!

An immediate comparison is that compared to an Isla, Yomo 20 or Frog bike, this bike was heavier. However, because this bike is designed for more off-road, mountain bike terrain this was a positive thing as the bike stayed more planted and Evie immediately had a lot of confidence on it. And it is still light enough that she can manoeuvre it and lift it, and as an adult, it is easy to move around.

Comfort is also a priority with the Specialized Riprock 20. The 20x2.35" Ground Control Sport tyres provide added cushioning and stability on uneven surfaces, helping to absorb bumps on off-road terrain

While the tyres didn’t completely eliminate the impact of a long day on technical tracks, they offered noticeable improvements compared to the reviewer’s previous bikes, contributing to an overall smoother and more comfortable ride.

Adding suspension to children's mountain bikes can be a bit of a divisive topic, and this bike opts for large volume tyres with lots of squish, instead of front or rear suspension. This keeps the bike much lighter, which makes it much easier for smaller, lighter riders to manoeuvre.

Riding the Specialized Riprock 20

Evie loved how sharp the brakes were and how quickly the bike stops (her first experience with disc brakes). While it took a little time to adjust after coming from a V-brake bike, she soon grew accustomed to them, which left her feeling much safer on more technical trails and steeper downhills.

The Specialized Riprock 20's fatter tyres provided noticeable cushioning on uneven tracks, helping to reduce the impact of bumps. However, after a particularly intense day on technical trails, they weren’t quite enough to completely absorb the strain. That said, Evie reports that when riding on UK forest trails, such as Whinlatter in the Lake District, or open fell terrain, the bumps are noticeably less jarring compared to her experience on the Yomo or Islabike. Overall, she finds this bike significantly more comfortable for this type of riding.

We would have liked to see the bike come equipped with a quick-release seat clamp, as it would be nice to lower it quickly for descending and raise it to an efficient height for pedalling uphill- but this is a low cost upgrade.

The Specialized Riprock 20 has been thoroughly tested over four months, demonstrating its durability and versatility across a range of terrains.

It had its first major outings on a family cycling holiday, tackling the rugged downhill bike trails of Livigno, Italy, and the thrilling bike parks of Switzerland. The bike was brilliant for this adventure and helped Evie to quickly build confidence on these demanding trails.

At home in the Lake District, the bike has taken on forest trails and open fell rides, as well as less picturesque but equally demanding local routes.

Throughout these adventures, the Riprock 20 has proven to be a reliable and capable companion, requiring no mechanical adjustments and experiencing no punctures.

Its robust construction and quality paintwork have also held up well, showing minimal signs of wear despite regular use. Whether on epic descents or everyday rides, the Riprock 20 has performed admirably, boosting Evie’s confidence with its consistent performance.

Overall verdict

Overall, the Specialized Riprock 20 is an excellent choice for young riders venturing into off-road terrain.

Having ridden similar trails with the Isla Bike and Yomo, it’s clear that this bike gives Evie the most confidence, allowing her to ride better and more comfortably.

The thoughtful design strikes a balance between capability and weight, providing stability and control without the bulk of suspension.

While it excels on trails and technical terrain, the Riprock 20’s sturdy build might feel a bit heavy for regular tarmac riding, where lighter bikes are more suitable. For budding off-road adventurers, however, this bike is a fantastic first step into more challenging terrain.

Alternatives to the Specialized Riprock 20

20" bikes are the first size of bikes where you suddenly get A LOT of choices, from hybrid bikes to mountain bikes, suspension, gears, disc brakes. There is a lot to think about.

Our best 20" kids' bikes guide is the perfect place to go next. This will help you learn more to make an informed decision.

If your budget doesn't stretch as far as the Specialized Riprock 20, the BTwin Kids' 20” Mountain Bike Expl 900R is a great option if you’re introducing your youngster to the trails without breaking the bank.

If your family is serious about trail centre riding and you want one of the absolute best 20” kids' mountain bikes for your child, with suspension, look no further than the woom OFF AIR 4. It combines a lightweight build with high-end components, and weighing just 8.2 kg, it’s easy for young riders to manoeuvre.