9yo daughter has grown too big for her 24″ wheel Cube Reaction and needs a new bike for XC MTB races (and general riding) this year in Ontario. She will be entering a handful of races again this year and I want something that can hold up to the rigours of racing. Budget is about $1500CAD.
Choosing between Giant STP 26 (CAD $809) and Norco Storm 1 (CAD $1129) XXS with 27.5 inch wheels. [https://99spokes.com/en-CA/compare?bikes=norco-storm-1-27.5-2023%3B\*z.xxs-27%25252e5-27%25252e5|w.700%2Cgiant-stp-26-2022%3B\*z.regular-26-26|w.700](https://99spokes.com/en-CA/compare?bikes=norco-storm-1-27.5-2023%3B*z.xxs-27%25252e5-27%25252e5|w.700%2Cgiant-stp-26-2022%3B*z.regular-26-26|w.700)
Is the Giant better to go with given the superior (air) fork? Norco Storm 1 comes with dropper seatpost and 1×11 gearing (vs 1×10 for the Giant).
by RobRoyCanuck
1 Comment
As your daughter is a child I most likely would think an air fork would be a massive improvement over a coil due to coil forks being made for much heavier rider weights. Adapting the air pressure to her weight likely would make for a much smoother and safer ride.
I’m a lightweight rider and the difference between coil and air, in regards to feeling safer and more grip were quite obvious.