24" Scott Contrail 400 (2027)

The Scott Contrail 400 is a lightweight 24" kids bike for everyday riding: school runs, bike paths and weekend rides with the family. It weighs around 8.9kg, has 7 gears and a rigid alloy fork, and Scott recommends it for kids 125 to 135cm tall.

Light enough to ride every day

At around 8.9kg (without pedals and kickstand), the Contrail 400 is the lighter of Scott's two 24" kids bikes. Weight matters more on a kids bike than an adult one, because the bike is a much bigger share of the rider's bodyweight.

A lighter bike is easier to pedal uphill, easier to get going from a stop, and easier for a child to lift over a kerb or wheel into the bike shed at school.

It keeps the weight down with a 6061 alloy frame and fork, no suspension, and V-brakes rather than disc brakes.

Brakes sized for small hands

The Tektro brake levers are made for kids and have adjustable reach, so they can be moved closer to the bar to suit smaller hands.

That matters more than brake type for a young rider:

A child who can comfortably reach and squeeze the lever brakes sooner and with more control.

V-brakes are light and simple, and the pads are cheap and quick to replace. They lose some stopping power in the wet, so it's worth teaching kids to brake a little earlier on rainy days.

Easy gears for hills

Seven gears are worked by a Shimano Revoshift twist shifter with a gear display, so kids can see which gear they're in.

The 30-tooth chainring and 12-32T cassette give an easy gear for climbing hills on the way to school without getting off to push.

Tyres for paths and gravel

The Kenda Booster tyres are 24 x 1.75". They're narrower and lower-profile than mountain bike tyres, so they roll easily on footpaths and bike paths, with enough tread for gravel paths and park trails.

Contrail 400 or Scale 400?

Both are 24" Scott kids bikes with rigid alloy forks and a 70kg maximum system weight. Choose by where your child will ride most:

• Contrail 400: for school, bike paths and family rides. Around 8.9kg, 7 gears, V-brakes, 1.75" tyres and a kickstand.
• Scott Scale 400: for kids who want to ride dirt trails. 8 gears, hydraulic disc brakes and a mountain bike build, at 9.8kg without pedals.

For smaller kids, the 20" Scott Contrail 200 is the size below. Compare the full range in our kids bikes collection.

Sizing

Scott recommends the Contrail 400 for kids 125 to 135cm tall. Height is a guide: inside leg and confidence matter too, so the best check is your child sitting on the bike.

Every new bike comes with a free first service within 6 months, which is useful as the brakes and gears settle in.

Frequently asked questions

What height is the Scott Contrail 400 for?

Scott recommends it for kids 125 to 135cm tall. Inside leg and confidence matter as well as height, so check the fit with your child on the bike.

How much does the Scott Contrail 400 weigh?

Around 8.9kg without pedals and kickstand.

What's the difference between the Scott Contrail 400 and Scale 400?

Both are 24" kids bikes with rigid forks. The Contrail 400 is lighter, with V-brakes, 7 gears, 1.75" tyres and a kickstand, for school and bike paths. The Scale 400 is a mountain bike with hydraulic disc brakes and 8 gears, weighing 9.8kg without pedals, for kids riding dirt trails.

Does the Contrail 400 have disc brakes?

No. It uses Tektro V-brakes with kids' levers that adjust for small hands. For hydraulic disc brakes on a 24" bike, see the Scott Scale 400.

Is the Contrail 400 good for riding to school?

Yes. It's light, the 1.75" tyres roll easily on footpaths and bike paths, and it comes with a kickstand.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. Scott sets a maximum system weight of 70kg, which includes the rider, the bike and anything they carry, such as a school bag.

What colours does the Contrail 400 come in?

Persian Green and Zesty Yellow.

Does it come with a kickstand and pedals?

Yes. It comes with a kickstand, kids' pedals with reflectors and a stem protector pad.