A Carbon Road Bike for Young Riders Ready to Race.
The Protege Lightning Rider 24 is a high-performance junior road bike for young riders who are ready to step beyond a standard kids’ bike. With a full Toray carbon fibre frame and fork, carbon 24-inch wheelset and Shimano 105 hydraulic disc braking, it brings genuine road-bike technology to a rider-focused junior platform.
At a claimed 7.74 kg, the Lightning Rider is built for young riders who want to ride further, faster and with more confidence. It suits road riding, junior triathlon and competitive events, with proportions intended for riders approximately 135–160 cm tall.
Full Carbon Frame, Fork and Wheels
The Lightning Rider uses a Toray T700/T800 carbon fibre frame and matching carbon fork to keep weight low while delivering a responsive, direct ride feel. For a young rider, reducing unnecessary weight makes a real difference when accelerating, climbing, cornering and handling the bike off the bike.
The carbon 24-inch wheelset adds to that lightweight, fast-rolling feel. Deep-section carbon rims, Chosen hubs and Sapim spokes create a premium wheel package designed for efficient road riding and consistent performance.
Shimano 105 Hydraulic Disc Brakes
Shimano 105 hydraulic disc brakes provide reliable, controlled braking with less hand effort than a cable-actuated system. The small-hand Shimano controls are particularly well suited to younger riders, helping them reach and operate the levers with more confidence on descents and in changing conditions.
Hydraulic braking also gives better modulation, allowing a rider to control speed more precisely rather than relying on abrupt braking.
Race-Focused Gearing
The Lightning Rider uses a double-chainring drivetrain and an 11–28T rear cassette, giving young riders closely spaced gear options for maintaining a smooth cadence on flatter roads and managing climbs. This is a more race-focused setup than a wide-range kids’ drivetrain, designed for riders building skills and speed on sealed roads.
The 160 mm cranks, compact 340 mm drop handlebar and 60 mm stem help create a road-bike position that is more appropriate for younger riders than an adult-sized cockpit.
Junior Fit Matters
Correct fit is particularly important on a performance road bike. The rider should be able to comfortably reach the brake levers, maintain a relaxed bend through the elbows and stand over the bike with suitable clearance. Height is a useful starting point, but saddle height, reach and confidence should all be checked before buying.
Key Features
- Full Toray T700/T800 carbon fibre frame
- Toray T700/T800 carbon fibre fork
- Carbon 24-inch wheelset
- Claimed weight of approximately 7.74 kg
- Shimano 105 hydraulic disc brakes
- Small-hand Shimano hydraulic brake and shift controls
- Double-chainring road drivetrain
- 11–28T rear cassette
- 160 mm crank arms
- Carbon aero seatpost
- Compact 340 mm drop handlebar
- Presta valves
Who Is It For?
The Lightning Rider 24 is for a young rider who is genuinely keen on road cycling and ready for a light, performance-focused bike. It suits junior road riding, triathlon and riders who are keeping up with faster family or club rides.
It is not a first drop-bar bike. The rider should already be confident with braking, shifting and riding on sealed roads, and be ready to benefit from the more focused fit and performance of a carbon race bike.
Our Thoughts
For the right young rider, the Lightning Rider is a seriously impressive package. A sub-8 kg claimed weight, full carbon chassis, carbon wheels and Shimano 105 hydraulic braking are not common at this size. The biggest advantage is not simply speed: it is a bike that feels light, precise and easy for a capable young rider to control.
Why Buy from Chain Reaction?
- Help choosing the correct size and setup for a young road rider
- Professionally assembled and safety checked by our workshop team
- Brakes, gears and cockpit checked before handover
- Advice on helmets, pedals and essential road-riding gear
- Independent Christchurch bike shop with ongoing workshop support
Specifications
- Frame: Toray T700/T800 carbon fibre
- Fork: Toray T700/T800 carbon fibre
- Brakes: Shimano 105 hydraulic disc brakes
- Drivetrain: Double-chainring road drivetrain
- Cassette: 11–28T
- Crank length: 160 mm
- Chain: KMC, 120 links with quick link
- Bottom bracket: Hollow 29 mm bottom bracket
- Rims: Carbon fibre, 24-inch, Presta valve
- Tyres: CST 24-inch, 60 TPI
- Handlebar: Aluminium drop bar, 340 mm wide, 31.8 mm clamp
- Stem: Aluminium, 60 mm, 31.8 mm clamp
- Seatpost: Carbon fibre aero seatpost
- Claimed weight: Approximately 7.74 kg
Specifications are subject to change without notice due to manufacturer availability and component substitutions.