Diamondback

Octane 20 Kids' Bike - 2016

Plywood jumps in the yard and hours practicing dramatic sprints and skidding stops in the driveway can't be done on a bike that isn't dependable — active young riders need a bike that's up for the job of accompanying them on any given day's adventures. Quality materials and components aren't commonly attributed to youth bikes, but Diamondback thinks they should be, and the company uses both in its Octane 20 Kids' Bike to create a durable, nimble bike that will earn the sport of cycling plenty of young devotees.

Diamondback's use of quality materials begins with the 6061 aluminum frame that the Octane 20 is built with. 6061 alloy is common across the industry because it provides plenty of durability while also keeping the frame lighter than less expensive counterparts. That means less weight for young riders to pedal up hills, and easier transportation for Mom and Dad when taking it along on family trips. While it's content to be ridden on pavement, the Octane 20 also expects to be taken off-road. In addition to knobby 20" tires, Diamondback includes a 30mm travel fork to keep kids comfortable when they set off to explore trails through the woods.

To make sure kids aren't left walking their bike home after a mechanical failure, Diamondback provides a dependable six-speed Shimano drivetrain with a grip-shift system to keep shifting quick and easy. As much as they'll want to go fast with the Octane 20, they'll also need to slow down on occasion, and Diamondback includes linear pull brakes that are both simple and effective at stopping them every time.