Diamondback

Podium 24 Youth Road Bike

Walk down the aisle of kids' bikes at your local shop and you'll likely notice that bikes have become way more high-tech since you were a kid, and that they're almost all heavy, knobby-tire bikes for off-road use and/or for bouncing off the neighborhood curbs. What's out there for your aspiring young Contador or Cavendish or Vos, who wants to slap on some spandex and rule the road? Try the Diamondback Podium 24 Youth Road Bike, a 24-inch-wheeled road machine that's nice enough to be not unlike the one you may be riding yourself.

The Podium 24's frame is built of 6061 aluminum, a treated version of the metal with an ideal blend of low weight and strength. Understanding the importance of confidence in helping young athletes push themselves, Diamondback dialed in a touch of flex to the bike's rear triangle for the sake of ride comfort, and thus, better control. The steerer tube is long enough so that small riders can sit relatively upright, helping them not just stay comfortable but also keep their eyes up at the road and at what's going on around them. The straight-blade alloy fork is light but stout for worry-free durability and predictable steering, and a comfortable Diamondback Equip saddle and ergonomically contoured handlebars are gender-neutral and promise to be kind to riders of all skill levels.

Diamondback also knows that half of what deters young riders from riding more is the breaking of unreliable parts that come on most youth bikes, which is why it stocks the Podium 24 with a fantastic drivetrain. The Shimano Claris system has 16 speeds that span a wide range of ratios, to help riders keep up — daresay, even pass — the grown-ups on the climbs. It's a drivetrain even found on entry-to-mid-range adult bikes, thanks to its ease of use and superb reliability. Claris brakes front and rear also demonstrate that Diamondback wasn't willing to cut corners, especially where safety is concerned.

The Diamondback Podium 24 Youth Road Bike comes in the color White and in only one size. It's intended to be a bike that young riders can grow with, between the approximate heights of 4'4" (132cm) and 4'9" (145cm). For riders getting a bit taller, check out the Podium 650c or Podium 700c models. Please know that the Podium 24 comes mostly assembled but will require some tuning and minor assembly out of the box. We strongly recommend you visit a trusted local bike shop to give it a once-over before riding.