24" Scott Contrail 400

The Scott Contrail 400 is a lightweight 24in kids bike built for everyday riding: school runs, bike paths, and weekend rides with the family. It weighs 8.9kg, has 7 gears and rigid alloy forks, and fits kids from 125cm tall.

Light enough to ride every day

At 8.9kg, the Contrail 400 is the lighter of Scott's two 24in 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 and controls sized for kids

The Tektro V-brake levers 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 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.

The cockpit is kid-specific too. It has a 540mm riser bar, a short 50mm stem with 10 degrees of rise for a more upright riding position, and small-diameter grips that are perfect for small hands.

Gears for hills

Seven gears through a Shimano Tourney derailleur, with a 30T chainring and a 12-32T cassette. The larger cogs give an easy gear for climbing hills on the way to school without getting off to push. The 130mm cranks are sized for kids' leg length.

Tyres for paths and gravel

The Kenda Booster tyres are 24 x 1.75in.

They're narrower and lower-profile than mountain bike tyres, so they roll easily on footpaths and bike paths, with enough tread for smooth gravel trails and dirt paths.

Contrail 400 or Scale 400?

Both are 24in Scott kids bikes with rigid alloy forks, for riders from 125cm, with a 70kg maximum system weight. Choose by where your child will ride most:

• Contrail 400: for school, bike paths and family rides. 8.9kg, 7 gears, V-brakes, 1.75in tyres and a kickstand.
• Scott Scale 400: for kids who want to ride dirt trails. 8 gears, hydraulic disc brakes with 160mm rotors, and a mountain bike built at 9.8kg without pedals.

For kids under 125cm, the 20in Scott Scale 200 is the size below. Compare the full range in our kids bikes collection.

Sizing

Scott recommends the Contrail 400 for kids from 125cm tall.

Height is a guide. Inside leg and confidence matter too, so the best check is your child sitting on the bike. Bring them into any of our stores to try it for size, and every new bike comes with a free first service within 6 months, which is useful as brakes and gears settle in.

Scott Contrail 400 FAQs

What height is the Scott Contrail 400 for?

Scott recommends it for kids from 125cm tall. Bring your child in to check the fit, as inside leg and confidence matter as well as height.

How much does the Scott Contrail 400 weigh?

Approximately 8.9kg.

What is the difference between the Scott Contrail 400 and Scale 400?

Both are 24in kids bikes with rigid forks for riders from 125cm. The Contrail 400 is lighter at 8.9kg, with V-brakes, 7 gears, 1.75in tyres and a kickstand, built 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 reach-adjustable levers for small hands. For hydraulic disc brakes on a 24in bike, see the Scott Scale 400.

Is the Contrail 400 good for riding to school?

Yes. It's light, the 1.75in 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.