Charger 24
What We Love
- • Real trail geometry that handles speed and rough terrain
- • 100 mm air fork adds meaningful control
- • Higher-quality, more durable components
- • Capable on technical singletrack
Worth Knowing
- • More expensive than most 24-inch bikes
- • About 3 lb. heavier than premium rigid kids bikes
- • Overbuilt for beginners or casual riders
The Early Rider Charger X24 is a serious trail bike in a 24-inch package. The geometry, 100 mm air fork, and Shimano Deore 1x10 drivetrain put it well above most kids’ bikes, which are typically built around simpler forks and lower-cost components. On trail, that translates to better control and more composure when things get rough.
This only makes sense for a narrow group of riders. If a kid is still learning basic skills, this is wasted money. They won’t push the suspension or benefit from the geometry. Where it does make sense is for kids already riding real singletrack at speed and starting to find the limits of simpler bikes.
The weight tradeoff needs context. Compared to premium rigid bikes like the Specialized Riprock 24 and Woom OFF 5, it’s about 3 pounds heavier. That difference comes primarily from the suspension fork, not cheap parts. In fact, many of the components are closer to what you’d find on adult bikes and are often lighter and more durable than the cost-constrained parts used on typical kids builds. The result is a bike that’s heavier on paper but significantly more capable on trail.
The price reflects that. You’re paying for real suspension performance and higher-quality components, not just a nicer starter bike.
