The kids have a winner folks.
There is a reason these bikes are hard to get; they sell out quick because they’re rad.
Perhaps its a telling response in the wake of Haro’s 2024 company relaunch in which it introduced thoughtful, purpose-built rides for mountain, road, and gravel. The kids weren’t forgotten either.
A new giggle
My twins have spent the last few months on the Flightline 24 Plus Disc and while they have certainly become better riders on their own merit, and, perhaps, unnecessary sibling competition imposed on them by their overzealous father, this bike has afforded new joy on the trail. They’ve responded with unexpected “Woo-hoo’s” and “Yee-haws”. Passer’s-by have stopped to comment on the enthusiasm and excitement induced by the Flightline 24 Plus Disc.
Solid spec
The standout feature is the rigid fork and I appreciate Haro’s decision here. At this price point, many bikes are fitted with cheap suspension forks. But it is only dressing. They are functionally useless. Most don’t suspend, tuning is not an option, and the build quality, well, how to put it nicely. . .sucks. It sucks. At the risk of losing sales due to lack of visual cool, Haro bucked the trend and daringly fitted the bike with a rigid fork. It paid off. Front end stability is increased providing deeper connection to the trail underneath. The downstream effects are obvious: my daughters ride faster and with greater confidence. Haro’s design and marketing teams for the win. There is more.
Tires are a huge part of a bikes ride quality. The Flightline 24 Plus Disc has 2.6″ semi-fatties fitted from the get-go. Love it! Also, pat on the back to myself for the alliteration. Tires can be run at lower pressure as width increases allowing the tread to bend, twist, rotate, and deform on trail chatter with ease. This too plays an important role in the bikes overall stability and sure-footedness.
OEM build spec compromises must be made. Always. At any price point. There is nothing sexy about the Flightline 24 Plus Disc’s drivetrain. It is a reliable and boring Shimano Altus 8-spd option. What warrants praise is Haro’s decision to include a freehub instead of a freewheel. The Shimano HG freehub standard is tested, refined, reliable, and ubiquitous. Consider the Kona Honzo 24″. Spec’d with a freewheel, though functional, the technology is from a bygone era as it relates to mountain bikes and is currently the spec option for niche cultures within the broader cycling community. The Flightline 24 Plus Disc is thoroughly modern. Mostly.
Thoroughly modern. Mostly.
Boost? No. Thru-axles? Also, no. Two-piece crank? No. It’s still not clear why these features haven’t made their way to kids bikes. Perhaps it’s purely physics. Kids don’t stress bikes like bigger kids and adults do. That answer mostly passifies my curiosity.
Upgrades
I made a few. Both of my girls have color matching Race Face bolt-on grip collars and spiky composite pedals. At 10 years old, matching is critical for good mountain biking. It’s also critical at 46 years old. . .The biggest change was from the stock Shimano drivetrain to a microSHIFT Advent 9-spd system. The change provides greater range for climbing and introduces a rear derailleur clutch.
Final thoughts
There is no doubt my daughters’ confidence (and speed) has increased because of the quality of this bike. At $599, while not cheap, few outdoor rec investment options exist that provide excitement, promote healthy living, and produce ongoing trail thrills. Do yourself and your budding shredder a favor; get this bike.