A Proper Junior Road Bike for Young Riders Ready to Go Further
The Protege Fastrace 24 is a lightweight drop-bar road bike for young riders progressing beyond a general-purpose kids’ bike. Its 6061 aluminium frame, carbon fibre fork, Shimano Tiagra 10-speed rear shifting and fast-rolling 24-inch wheels give developing riders a genuine road-bike feel in proportions better suited to smaller bodies.
With a claimed weight of approximately 8.73 kg, the Fastrace 24 is a strong option for longer family rides, junior triathlon and young riders keen to build confidence on the road. It suits riders approximately 135–155 cm tall, although reach, saddle height and access to the brake levers should always be checked before buying.
Lightweight Frame and Carbon Fork
The 6061 aluminium frame provides a responsive base for young riders, while the Toray T700/T800 carbon fibre fork helps keep weight down at the front of the bike. This makes the Fastrace easier to steer and control than a heavier kids’ bike, particularly when cornering, climbing or getting underway from a stop.
The carbon fork also helps take the edge off vibration from rough chipseal and shared paths, improving comfort through smaller hands and arms on longer rides.
Shimano Tiagra 10-Speed Rear Shifting
The Fastrace 24 uses a Shimano Tiagra 4700 10-speed rear derailleur with a Shimano 4700 11–28T, 10-speed cassette for crisp and dependable shifting. Combined with a single 46T front chainring, it provides road-focused gearing suited to flatter routes, rolling terrain, junior racing and triathlon.
The single-ring drivetrain means there is no front derailleur to manage, allowing the rider to concentrate on cadence, braking and bike handling. The 150 mm crank arms are also better proportioned for younger legs than full-length adult road cranks.
24-Inch Road Wheels
The 24-inch wheelset uses 40 mm-deep aluminium rims and 24 × 1.40 tyres for an efficient, road-focused ride. The narrow tyres roll quickly on sealed roads and shared paths, while Presta valves suit most quality workshop and track pumps.
Cable-Actuated Disc Brakes
Front and rear cable-actuated mechanical disc brakes provide predictable braking control in dry and wet conditions. Mechanical disc brakes are a practical choice for a junior road bike because they are straightforward to inspect, adjust and maintain.
Junior-Focused Fit
The compact drop handlebar, 60 mm stem and short crank arms help keep the Fastrace 24 proportionate for younger riders. The rider should be able to comfortably reach the brake levers from their normal riding position without stretching excessively towards the handlebars.
The suggested rider height is approximately 135–155 cm, but height is only a starting point. For more help, read our Kids’ Bike Size Guide or visit our Christchurch store so we can check the fit.
Key Features
- Lightweight 6061 aluminium junior road frame
- Toray T700/T800 carbon fibre fork
- Claimed weight of approximately 8.73 kg
- Shimano Tiagra 4700 10-speed rear derailleur
- Shimano 4700 11–28T, 10-speed cassette
- Simple single 46T front chainring
- Junior-proportioned 150 mm crank arms
- Front and rear cable-actuated mechanical disc brakes
- Fast-rolling 24-inch road wheelset
- 40 mm-deep aluminium rims
- Compact 60 mm stem
Who Is It For?
The Fastrace 24 is for young riders who are ready for a genuine drop-bar road bike. It is ideal for children moving beyond a standard 20-inch or 24-inch kids’ bike, as well as riders interested in junior triathlon, road riding or keeping up on longer family rides.
Our Thoughts
The Fastrace 24 gets the important details right for a young rider taking road cycling more seriously. It combines a low claimed weight, carbon fork, Shimano Tiagra rear shifting, short crank arms and simple 1× gearing in a bike designed around junior proportions.
The gearing is firmly road focused, so it is best suited to flatter roads and rolling terrain rather than steep hill riding. Most importantly, it gives younger riders a proper road-bike experience without placing them on an awkwardly proportioned adult bike.
Why Buy from Chain Reaction?
- Help choosing the correct bike size for your child
- Professionally assembled and safety checked by our workshop team
- Brakes, gears and cockpit checked before handover
- Advice on helmets and essential riding gear
- Independent Christchurch bike shop with ongoing workshop support
Specifications
- Frame: 6061 aluminium alloy
- Fork: Toray T700/T800 carbon fibre
- Rear derailleur: Shimano Tiagra 4700, 10-speed
- Cassette: Shimano 4700, 11–28T, 10-speed
- Chainring: 46T single chainring
- Crank length: 150 mm
- Chain: KMC, 100 links with quick link
- Bottom bracket: Hollow bottom bracket
- Brakes: Cable-actuated mechanical disc brakes
- Rims: Aluminium alloy, 40 mm deep, 24-hole
- Tyres: 24 × 1.40, 60 TPI
- Valves: Presta
- Stem: Aluminium, 60 mm, 31.8 mm clamp
- Seatpost: Aluminium, 25.4 × 300 mm
- Pedals: Not included
- Claimed weight: Approximately 8.73 kg
- Suggested rider height: Approximately 135–155 cm
Specifications are subject to change without notice due to manufacturer availability and component substitutions.