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rton20s

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Looks like Giant is dropping some kids bikes with the STP line for 2021. They seem to have some solid features, and some not so much.

Starting with the 20" models they have the STP 20 ($???) and the STP 20 FS ($475). Specs are are pretty similar across the board. The FS model gets you an 80mm Suntour XCT coil fork (vs rigid alloy), Tektro hydraulic discs (vs mechanical), Microshift 12-42T drivetrain (vs Altus) and 2.2" tires (vs 2.6") The photos of the FS model show the Altus, not Microshift drivetrain. Both bikes are also shown with Revo grip shifters. Geometry highlights include 69 HA, 73 STA and 127mm cranks.



Next up are the 24" models consisting of the STP 24 ($440) and the STP 24 FS ($530). Differences between the 24" models mirror those on the 20" models. However, the photos actually show the Microshift drivetrain (including shifter) on the STP 24 FS. HA and STA match the 20" model, but the cranks get a bump to 140mm.



The 26" models are a bit of a departure from the smaller STP models. Here we see offerings of STP 26 SS ($950) and STP 26 ($1020). Equipped with the 120mm Rockshox Recon RL, the two bikes are spec'd identically, except for the drivetrain. The SS model is a single speed 30/14 and the other model is equipped with a Deore 11-46 10 speed. Both bikes use the same frame (available in "regular" and "large") with an adjustable horizontal drop out. The SS gets a tensioner, while the the other has a derailleur hanger. On both size frames, HA = 67 and STA = 73.5. The 26" model also gets 150mm cranks.



Comparing the geometry of the 24" model to the database I have put together...

STA: 73 (73.5 avg)
HTA: 69 (68 avg)
TTL: 495 (506 avg)
CS: 410 (401 avg)
Reach: 335 (348 avg)
Stack: 524 (505 avg)
Wheelbase: 978 (987)
 
We have both the STP FS 20 and FS 24. The 20 weighs in at roughly 24.5/25 lbs and the FS 24 is 28 lbs. They definitely are not feather weights, but they ride very well and can take a beating. My son had to swipe his sisters 24 today and put 13 miles on it without any issues.
 
We have both the STP FS 20 and FS 24. The 20 weighs in at roughly 24.5/25 lbs and the FS 24 is 28 lbs. They definitely are not feather weights, but they ride very well and can take a beating. My son had to swipe his sisters 24 today and put 13 miles on it without any issues.
Thanks. How are your kids liking the bikes?

I am really looking forward to having the hydraulic brakes on it. Do you find the levelers adjustable enough to get the reach in for little kids?

I'm thinking about pre-ordering one for my daughter, though it will be the Liv paint job since the store had it for $90nzd less. I'm glad to hear that they aren't > 25lbs.

Also, are the original poster's comments correct regarding the FS? 80mm shock and Microshift rear with 12-42? Or is it an Altus rear?

Finally, are the 2.2" tires working well? Given the current trends, I'm surprised they didn't put 2.4" tired on it.
 
My kids really like the bikes. They ride them everywhere from the trails, to the bike/skate park, to just tooling around the neighborhood. The disk brakes have worked well and the levers are in a decent enough position even for my 6 y/o (she little and rides the 20). They do have a reach adjustments on them which is nice. They've been quite durable as well. The only issue we've had was when my 8 y/o massively crashed hers (hers is the 24) at the skate park and slightly bent the lever. But other than that, they've been durable.

The 2.2 tires actually are quite big compared to other 2.2 tires. I honestly thought they were more towards a 2.35/2.4 width when I first saw them. And yes, the 20 has a shimano hyperglyde cassette with an altus rear.

Hopefully this all helps. Let me know if you have any other questions.
 
@mlud2 that is extremely helpful. My daughter is 5 and right at the edge of being able to ride a 20" bike. Part of my decision to go with this bike was that the hydraulic brakes would have better reach adjustment and allow her to stop better without needing as much gripping power.

I'm really glad to hear that the 2.2" tires feel big and presumably help when going over loose surfaces. The biggest thing that I've notices is that they don't dig in as much and are quite a bit more forgiving.

I have a couple more months of waiting, the bikes are currently due at the end of March. My daughter will be riding the old 20" for now, using the brakes is definitely not easy/natural. Now I'm just wondering about the 12x32 (or if I should try to find a 12x34 and swap it out right away.) I reached out to Giant and they have noticed the error on their site.

I'm hopeful that the 20" tire and 30t chain ring will be reasonable for most hills. My son's Marin San Quentin 24 has 30T with 11-46T in the back and he can spin up practically anything. The other change I'm thinking about is swapping to a rigid fork. If I could find one that was reasonably priced, it would drop 2+ lbs off the bike weight, and if I am OK with changing the geometry a little (which I think I am), it could drop the top tube height. We'll see if it's worth the hassle. I just have too much time to think about it now.

Thanks again, and I hope that your older daughter recovered from the crash.
 
We have both the STP FS 20 and FS 24. The 20 weighs in at roughly 24.5/25 lbs and the FS 24 is 28 lbs. They definitely are not feather weights, but they ride very well and can take a beating. My son had to swipe his sisters 24 today and put 13 miles on it without any issues.
Thank you, this is super helpful. I have been looking at the REI Co-op REV DRT, the Specialized Riprock FS 24, and the Giant STP FS 24 for my son and it sounds like the STP is the way to go for the price point; only a few pounds lighter than the competition but that can make all the difference for a 60 pound kid.
 
My son has been really liking the bike. It is a little on the heavy side, so might change some things to bring the weight down a little. Anyone know the length of the cranks? I'm thinking 140mm? And what is the bar width? And lastly, what's the seatpost size? Was looking to change out wheels, but not a ton of options out there, unless just changing the rim.
 
REI Co-op REV DRT, the Specialized Riprock FS 24, and the Giant STP FS 24
@recneps427 I would steer clear of the Riprock 24, unless you are just beach cruising with it. My son has one and it is heavy and feels like a "kids bike" next to his Marin San Quentin 24.

The STP FS 24 looks very interesting though, and very competitively priced. I like that they have the 12x42 on the back. If you haven't stuck your head over to The Bike Dads, it's worth checking out their reviews:

I wasn't going to be able to get them down in NZ, but the Woom OFF Air 5 looks excellent, particularly with the 22.3# weight.

I can't wait for the Liv STP 20 to arrive, supposedly it will be here end of March. My daughter is going to be very excited.
 
Quick update, kids received bikes and happy with them;

Bikes have nice frames, chain retention system, clutch and 1 finger brake(super important for kids), on par stem and handlebar;

shitty grips, really shitty

24 version have clutch which is nice; 20 have grip shift which surprisingly works better for 5y old; hubs - standard qr ( which quite ok for riders weight)

rims and tyres - ok, i do not forsee issues converting tubeless ;

overall package for the price and stock - satisfying;

next steps will be tubeless and water bottles and as expected trails;
 
rims and tyres - ok, i do not forsee issues converting tubeless ;

next steps will be tubeless and water bottles and as expected trails;
Hi, Wondering if you were successful converting tubeless with this bike? I just picked up the Liv STP 24 FS, and my kid is super happy so far. If he really takes to it, I suppose tubeless and dropper would be good changes
 
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