Merida Matts J.24+

The Merida Matts J.24+ combines a lightweight aluminium frame with a rigid fork and wide 24in tyres. Microshift 8-speed gearing, child-specific hydraulic disc brakes and a comfortable riding position make it a practical choice for young riders developing their off-road skills.Key Features:Lightweight double-butted 6061 aluminium frame with TFS technoformed tubingRigid aluminium fork keeps weight down and reduces maintenanceMicroshift Acolyte 1x8 drivetrain with 32T chainring and 11-38T cassetteTektro HD-J3120 hydraulic disc brakes with child-specific short-reach levers24in aluminium wheels with wide 2.1in Maxxis Pace tyresChild-specific cockpit with 600mm handlebars and easy-to-use trigger shifterAvailable with 0% APR financeThe Merida Matts J.24+ is designed to help young riders build confidence and enjoy exploring on two wheels. Combining a lightweight aluminium frame, wide tyres and components specifically chosen for children, it's a versatile bike for riding around the neighbourhood, exploring parks and tackling gentle off-road trails.Suitable for children approximately 129-137cm tall, the Matts J.24+ takes inspiration from Merida's adult mountain bikes but adapts the frame and components to suit smaller riders. The result is a bike that prioritises manageable handling, comfortable control and straightforward operation.The frame is constructed from double-butted 6061 aluminium using Merida's TFS technoforming process. This allows the tubing to be shaped to suit the bike's design while helping keep unnecessary weight down, making it easier for younger riders to handle and manoeuvre.The frame also features a replaceable dropout, providing a practical solution if the derailleur hanger becomes damaged. A threaded BSA bottom bracket and quick-release wheel fittings help keep maintenance straightforward.Unlike many children's mountain bikes, the Matts J.24+ uses a rigid aluminium fork rather than suspension. Removing the suspension mechanism helps reduce weight and avoids the additional maintenance associated with a suspension fork.For younger riders, a lighter front end can make steering and handling easier, particularly when navigating corners or lifting the front wheel over small obstacles.The wide tyres provide additional cushioning over uneven surfaces, helping compensate for the absence of suspension when riding on gravel paths, woodland tracks and rougher ground.Microshift Acolyte provides a straightforward 1x8-speed drivetrain designed with younger riders in mind. The Acolyte RD-M5180S rear derailleur features a super-short cage, helping maintain ground clearance on a bike with smaller wheels.The matching Microshift Acolyte Quick Trigger Pro shifter features a short-reach design, making it easier for smaller hands to operate. An integrated gear indicator also allows young riders to see which gear they're using, helping them become more familiar with changing gears.A Prowheel A10PP aluminium chainset features a 32T chainring and 127mm cranks. The shorter crank length is better suited to smaller legs, helping children pedal comfortably without having to accommodate the longer crank arms found on adult bikes.At the rear, a Microshift CS-083 11-38T cassette provides eight gears, offering a useful range for flatter paths, gentle climbs and everyday exploring. A KMC Z8.3 chain completes the drivetrain.Tektro HD-J3120 hydraulic disc brakes provide stopping power at both wheels. Unlike conventional adult-sized brake levers, these feature a short-reach design specifically intended for smaller hands.This makes it easier for younger riders to reach and operate the brakes comfortably, helping them develop confidence when controlling their speed. Hydraulic operation can also reduce the hand force needed compared with many basic mechanical braking systems.The Matts J.24+ rolls on 24in Merida JR 24+ aluminium wheels, with 24 spokes at both the front and rear. These are paired with KT hubs using 9mm quick-release axle standards.Maxxis Pace tyres are fitted front and rear in a 24x2.10in size. Their relatively wide profile provides useful air volume for comfort and grip, while the tread is suited to a mixture of firmer off-road surfaces and everyday riding.The additional tyre volume can help absorb smaller bumps and vibrations, making the bike more comfortable when riding over uneven paths and trails.Merida has also paid attention to the contact points, fitting a child-specific cockpit to help smaller riders feel comfortable and in control.A 600mm Merida Expert JR aluminium handlebar features a 25mm rise and is paired with a Merida Comp CC stem. The narrower bar is better suited to smaller shoulders and arms than a typical adult mountain bike handlebar, helping children maintain a comfortable steering position.The Merida Expert JR saddle is designed for younger riders and sits on an aluminium Merida Comp CC seatpost. Together with the shorter cranks and compact controls, these components help create a riding position appropriate for children rather than simply scaling down an adult bike.The combination of a rigid fork, aluminium frame and straightforward drivetrain also makes the Matts J.24+ relatively simple to maintain. With no suspension components to service and a single front chainring, there are fewer adjustments to worry about as children develop their riding skills.Overall, the Merida Matts J.24+ is a practical choice for young riders ready to explore beyond smooth tarmac. Its lightweight aluminium construction, child-specific controls, hydraulic disc brakes and wide 24in tyres provide a comfortable and manageable setup for building confidence on two wheels.Specification note: The manufacturer description refers to oversized 24in tyres, but the detailed specification lists 24x2.10in Maxxis Pace tyres. I've used the specified 2.10in width throughout rather than describing them as oversized 2.4in tyres.