Diamondback

Splinter 24 Complete Mountain Bike - 2016

We understand the frustration of lining up next to a slew of dudes with gear that simply outclasses yours. Now imagine that you're a young cyclist, and there's no remedy: everything is built to be a throwaway also-ran while older siblings, friends, and even you, dear parent, are disembarking from lift service on actual mountain bikes built for actual ripping. Diamondback understands the frustration of the under-equipped grom, and the Splinter 24 Complete Mountain Bike is the Washington-based firm's solution.

Everything about the Splinter recommends it as a chip off of the block. It may only have 24in wheels and 100mm of single-pivot suspension, but it's also dialed for riders whose size and weight don't necessarily demand eight inches and a dual-crown fork. The smaller tires actually equate to nimble trail manners that you may find yourself envying on your 26in DH or 27.5in enduro hoops. The Splinter is finished with a SRAM drivetrain that's admittedly short of World Cup standards, but it is a one-by, which will serve to induct your youngster into the world of single-ring simplicity. The World Cup kit comes later.