A Trail-Ready Balance Bike for Little Mountain Bikers
The Kids Ride Shotgun Dirt Hero Gen 2 is designed for young riders who are ready to move beyond the driveway and start developing real off-road skills.
Wide Kenda pneumatic tyres provide grip and cushioning on uneven ground, while the child-sized Magura hydraulic rear brake introduces proper speed control before the move to a pedal bike. Its low, stable geometry is designed for gravel paths, pump tracks and suitable beginner mountain bike trails.
Choose the Right Wheel Size
- 12-inch: Recommended for ages 2–4, with a minimum suggested inside leg of 345 mm
- 14-inch: Recommended for ages 3–5, with a minimum suggested inside leg of 388 mm
The Gen 2 frame accepts both 12-inch and 14-inch wheels using its flip-chip system. Each bike is supplied with the wheel size selected when ordering. The alternative-size Gen 2 Dirt Hero wheel kit is sold separately.
Your child should be able to sit comfortably on the saddle with both feet securely on the ground. Age is only a starting point, so we recommend checking their inside-leg measurement before choosing a wheel size.
Made for Riding on Dirt
Kenda Booster 2.2-inch pneumatic tyres provide considerably more grip and cushioning than the solid tyres fitted to many conventional balance bikes. They help smooth out gravel, roots and small bumps while giving young riders more confidence on loose surfaces.
The low and stable mountain bike geometry allows enough room for the rider to steer, balance and move with the bike. It is intended to help children develop useful off-road skills before progressing to pedals.
Magura Hydraulic Rear Brake
The Magura MT A2 hydraulic rear disc brake requires less hand strength than many conventional cable-operated brakes. Its reach-adjustable lever can be positioned closer to the handlebar, making it easier for small hands to operate.
A protective guard helps shield the 140 mm rear rotor from accidental contact. The brake should still be checked regularly, and an adult should confirm that the lever position is comfortable and easy for the rider to reach.
Two Wheel Sizes, One Frame
Flip chips at the frame and fork allow the Dirt Hero to accommodate either 12-inch or 14-inch wheels. This gives families the option of changing wheel size as the rider grows rather than replacing the complete bike.
The correct Gen 2 wheel kit must be used for the conversion. The second wheelset is not included unless it is specifically listed as part of the selected package.
Child-Sized Cockpit
The integrated handlebar and stem create a clean, sturdy cockpit, while the slim 19 mm Kids Ride Shotgun grips are sized for smaller hands. A semi-cartridge headset keeps the steering smooth and straightforward.
The aluminium saddle post allows the saddle height to be adjusted as the rider grows.
Key Features
- Trail-ready off-road balance bike
- Suitable for children approximately 2–5 years old
- Convertible between 12-inch and 14-inch wheels
- Gen 2 frame and fork with flip-chip wheel adjustment
- 6061-T6 aluminium frame and fork
- Kenda Booster 2.2-inch pneumatic tyres
- Magura MT A2 hydraulic rear disc brake
- Reach-adjustable brake lever for smaller hands
- 140 mm Magura rear brake rotor
- Protective rear rotor guard
- Low and stable mountain bike geometry
- Integrated handlebar and stem
- Child-sized 19 mm grips
- Alternative Gen 2 wheel kit available separately
- Designed in New Zealand
Who Is It For?
- Children approximately 2–5 years old
- Young riders ready to explore beyond sealed paths
- Pump tracks, gravel paths and suitable beginner trails
- Children developing balance, steering and braking skills
- Mountain-biking families wanting a trail-capable balance bike
- Families wanting a bike that can move from 12-inch to 14-inch wheels
The Dirt Hero is still a balance bike and should be used on terrain appropriate for the child’s ability. Adult supervision and suitable protective equipment are essential whenever a young rider is learning off-road.
Our Thoughts
The Dirt Hero makes sense for children who are already interested in riding on dirt rather than simply rolling around the driveway. Its pneumatic tyres improve comfort and control, while the Magura brake introduces an important skill before the move to a pedal bike.
The convertible frame is also useful. Starting with the correct wheel size gives a young rider the confidence to handle the bike properly, while the separate wheel kit provides a practical upgrade as they grow.
Fit remains the most important consideration. Your child should be able to place both feet securely on the ground and reach the brake lever without stretching. We are happy to check this in store before you choose a size.
Why Buy from Chain Reaction?
- Help choosing the correct wheel size
- Professional assembly and complete safety check
- Brake professionally checked and bedded in
- Brake-lever reach adjusted for the rider
- Saddle height initially adjusted
- Wheel conversion advice
- Complete bike handover and safety walkthrough
- Independent Christchurch bike shop
Visit Chain Reaction at 4–218 Moorhouse Avenue, Christchurch. There are more than 200 free onsite car parks, along with plenty of room to check sizing before taking the bike home.
Technical Specifications
Sizing
- 12-inch recommended age: 2–4 years
- 12-inch minimum suggested inside leg: 345 mm
- 12-inch minimum saddle height: 325 mm
- 14-inch recommended age: 3–5 years
- 14-inch minimum suggested inside leg: 388 mm
- 14-inch minimum saddle height: 368 mm
Frame and Fork
- Frame: 6061-T6 aluminium with flip-chip rear dropouts
- Fork: 6061-T6 aluminium with flip-chip front dropouts
- Wheel compatibility: 12-inch and 14-inch Dirt Hero Gen 2 wheels
- Seatpost: 6061-T6 aluminium, 27.2 mm
Brake
- Rear brake: Magura MT A2 hydraulic disc
- Brake lever: Magura Sport blade with reach adjustment
- Rotor: Magura Storm HC, 140 mm
- Brake fluid: Mineral oil
- Brake protection: Rear rotor guard
Wheels and Tyres
- Wheel options: 12-inch or 14-inch
- Tyres: Kenda Booster pneumatic, 2.2 inches
- Spokes: Black steel, cross-laced
- Front hub: Non-thru-axle
- Rear hub: Non-thru-axle with disc-brake mount
- Alternative wheel kit: Sold separately
Cockpit
- Handlebar and stem: Integrated design
- Grips: Kids Ride Shotgun custom, 19 mm
- Headset: Semi-cartridge
Weight
- 12-inch configuration: 4.4 kg
- 14-inch configuration: 4.6 kg
Specifications Disclaimer
Each bike is supplied with the wheel size selected when ordering. The alternative-size wheel kit is not included unless it is specifically listed as part of the selected package.
Age recommendations are a guide only. Inside-leg measurement, coordination and previous riding experience should also be considered. Specifications and component details may change without notice.
