Rag JR

Have you thought about taking your kids on a trip on B-roads and wandering down some country lanes? How about competing in a local CX race? Is a mountain bike really the right tool for this? We think not. We think kids need a real gravel bike, just like grown-ups do. 
The Rag JR was one of the most challenging projects in a while. Scaling down a gravel bike proved harder than we expected, however investing time and energy into the development was worthwhile. Some of the features worth mentioning include an ergonomically designed cockpit, handlebars with the optimum drop and reach, correctly positioned hoods for small hands, scaled down 35mm gravel tires with a fast-rolling tread and short cranks with a narrow Q-Factor. The geometry of the lightweight frame and fork took time to dial in, and finally we arrived at numbers that will comfortably fit kids from 135cm to 150cm tall (the lower end of the range will require fitting a shorter stem).  
Although getting used to a drop bar bike can take time, the effort required to master the skills is worth it. This is especially true if you spend most of your time riding fast, open dirt roads in relatively flat terrain. The range of a child on a mini-gravel bike is significantly larger than on any mountain bike. Also, full length fenders open up options for comfortable riding in the wet. The Rag JR may also appeal to kids wanting to try cyclocross, allowing them to become comfortable with the riding position.. In fact, Schwalbe produces 26” cyclocross specific tires with a very aggressive tread, perfect for playing around in the mud. 
We love the Rag JR, this bike simply rocks and every kid that is serious about cycling should have one of these in their quiver.