24" Mongoose Rockadile Boys (2024)

Mongoose Rockadile 24

The Mongoose Rockadile 24 is a versatile 24-inch kids mountain bike. It's designed for pavement, rail trails, plus smooth dirt and gravel tracks.

This preview explains what the Rockadile is, who should consider it and key components.

What is the Mongoose Rockadile 24?

It's a kids recreational mountain bike designed for bike rides with the family and mates.

As the name suggests, it rolls on 24-inch diameter wheels.

Kids upgrading from a smaller 20-inch bike, will experience better efficiency and stability.

Efficiency because the larger wheels cover more distance quicker. And they're stable because larger wheels hold a straight line easier; they don't wobble as much.

Lastly, it's got gears and front suspension for riders who are a little more adventurous.

Who should consider the Rockadile 24?

We'd recommend riders at least 8 years old.

Compared to our smallest 24-inch bike, the Rockadile 24 is about 13mm longer.

Just to clarify on sizing:

Wheel size and frame are different. 

A 24-inch bike will have the same size wheels between brands. But, the frame size that brand makes is a different size.

In this case, Mongoose makes a slightly bigger 24-inch bike.

For riders who are shorter than average:

You're better off with the Cannondale Trail 24. It's a lower frame (by 27mm) and a shorter reach (by 13mm).

Most average to tall 8 year olds will be fine.

Provided the bike fits riders now, the advantage is extra longevity from the slightly larger frame.

Key components.

Starting at the front. 

Suspension helps smooth out bumps on rough bike paths and unsealed tracks.

It also adds a degree of calmness to the front steering. A feature that kids will appreciate straight away because it'll give them a confidence boost.

The Rockadile 24 uses linear pull or V-brakes.

These have good stopping power for recreational riding. Maintenance is low and parts are cheap and readily available.

The brake pads contact a silver (machined) aluminium rim.

A painted rim doesn't have the same grippiness as a machined rim.

So, these brakes will work better than average in dry and wet conditions.

Next, we cover the gears.

The Rockadile 24 has 3 front gears paired to 7 back gears.

All the major components are Shimano too. 

Most riders won't need to use the 3 front gears often or at all.

Gear 2 is the go-to gear for the front.

The gears are controlled using a grip-and-twist style shifter.

This allows most of the rider's hand to hold onto the handlebar, improving safety.

We'd suggest using the right-hand shifter; this controls the back gears.

Twisting the grip up moves it into a harder gear. Twisting down moves riders into an easier gear.

• Gear 1 is the easiest, the gear for climbing up hills.
• Gear 7 is the hardest; great for picking up speed on downhill sections.
• Gears 3 and 4 are neutral; perfect for on flatter paths.