I'd be inclined to think that parents are a pretty big target market for the entire SQ line of bikes (not just the 24" model). It pretty much has to have a suspension fork, no matter how basic, as no 14y old is going to ride a rigid, balloon tired bike (as described above). That is for their middle aged weirdo uncle... :^) Also, maybe the entry fork and lesser brakes might be ok for a smaller, lighter teen rider? Even if they do beat the s*** out of the bike?
My observations based on being directly involved in a youth riding program. The general move "up market" for kids and and teens bikes is very noticeable since COVID. Kids that used to be on really cheap or old second hand bikes are now on Marin SQ or Rift Zone style bikes. And the number of young teens (13-15y) riding $5-6K (and up) bikes is astounding.
Sept. 26, 2022, 3:31 p.m. - LWK
I'd be inclined to think that parents are a pretty big target market for the entire SQ line of bikes (not just the 24" model). It pretty much has to have a suspension fork, no matter how basic, as no 14y old is going to ride a rigid, balloon tired bike (as described above). That is for their middle aged weirdo uncle... :^) Also, maybe the entry fork and lesser brakes might be ok for a smaller, lighter teen rider? Even if they do beat the s*** out of the bike? My observations based on being directly involved in a youth riding program. The general move "up market" for kids and and teens bikes is very noticeable since COVID. Kids that used to be on really cheap or old second hand bikes are now on Marin SQ or Rift Zone style bikes. And the number of young teens (13-15y) riding $5-6K (and up) bikes is astounding.