Specialized Riprock Coaster

93/100
BikeRide Score
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Facts

Gender
Brand
Wheel Size
Number of Gears
Gearing Type
Weight
15.6, 20.25 lb
Suspension
Frame Material

Summary of Reviews

We have read all expert and user reviews on the Specialized Riprock Coaster. In summary, this is what cyclists think.

13 reasons to buy

  • Experts praise the Riprock Coaster’s geometry, for its low center of gravity and comfortable pedaling position.
  • Speaking of the Riprock Coaster’s build, reviewers describe its “great quality and durability”.
  • One parent says their child rode the Riprock Coaster 16 for 2 years before progressing.
  • Testers say the Henge saddle is padded and comfortable for kids.
  • An expert says the 15.6lb Riprock Coaster 12 is significantly lighter than many low-end options.
  • The Riprock Coaster 12’s handlebar height is adjustable to suit growing toddlers.
  • 2.3” pneumatic tires offer comfortable cushioning and a versatile tread.
  • Reviewers say the bike’s included training wheels are very sturdy.
  • The Riprock Coaster’s training wheels attach and detach without tools.
  • The Riprock Coaster’s chainguard protects feet, clothes & hands from grease and pinching.
  • A tester compliments the ergonomically low height and ample width of the Riprock Coaster 12’s handlebar.
  • Reviewers love the range of vibrant color options available on all models.
  • Testers like that the Riprock Coaster 12 uses easily-accessible, angled valve stems.

8 reasons not to buy

  • An expert says the Riprock’s Coaster brake causes children to fall when back-pedaling to maintain balance.
  • A tester says the Riprock’s Coaster brake causes kids to come to a stop when attempting to maintain balance on climbs.
  • Reviewers found the absence of a hand brake on 12” and 16” models disappointing.
  • An expert says the 12" model is too small for most children of ‘pedal-bike age’.
  • One reviewer says this bike is “not ideal for long or technical rides.”
  • The Riprock Coaster is heavier than options from specialist kids’ bike brands.
  • A tester describes the Riprock Coaster as “pricey”.
  • One reviewer dislikes that the bike's seatpost is only adjustable with an allen key.

Bottom line

Reviewers are impressed by the Specialized Riprock Coaster’s geometry. With its low center of gravity, long wheelbase and crank-forward pedal position, this bike takes a kid’s ride fit seriously. Experts say this is a great example of a quality ‘training wheels + coaster brake’ setup, but these experts also advised against coaster brakes and training wheels for beginner riders. Some saw the weight as reasonable, others pointed to lighter options in the same (not low) price bracket. A number of parents gave it glowing reviews. Testers said the Riprock Coaster is best for shorter neighborhood rides and instead recommended the Hotwalk balance bike or the lighter, hand-brake equipped Specialized Jett.

Expert Reviews

81/100 based on 3 rated expert reviews
80
Two Wheeling Tots

Specialized Hotrock 16 (Riprock) Review

The Riprock’s training wheels are by far the sturdiest we have ever seen…however, we strongly recommend checking out a balance bike instead. With coaster brakes, the bike comes to an unexpected stop when the child back-pedals, which usually leads to a fall. The one major update we would like to see is the addition of hand brakes as a replacement…

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86
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This review has been given a score. Read more here
David Lashlie - That Bike Guy

16″ Specialized Riprock Review

Well-built, well-thought-out, comes with training wheels. My son’s had this bike for roughly two years and he’s been shredding on it and developed his riding skill like you wouldn’t believe.

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80
Two Wheeling Tots

Specialized Riprock (Hotrock) 12 Review

One of the smallest pedal bikes on the market, making it a great option for very young or petite balance bike graduates. If your child needs training wheels, you should also consider the Specialized Hotwalk balance bike, which would be a much better experience… The coaster brake does make starting to pedal from a standstill more difficult.

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Jack in the Toy Box - Adventures in Playtime

Specialized Bikes – Riprock!

This has to be the EASIEST bike to put together straight out of the box. The training wheels come right off, and it’s the perfect next step from a balance bike.

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BOHDAN AVRASHCHENKO

First Bike / Specialized Riprock Bike Check [Ukrainian]

Very light, easy entry, and a training buddy for children who are transitioning to a bicycle with pedals. Wide, confident tires with a diameter of 16” and a width of 2.3”. It has a chainguard now.

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User Ratings

97/100 based on 34 ratings
  • 5 star
    94%
  • 4 star
    6%
  • 3 star
    0%
  • 2 star
    0%
  • 1 star
    0%

Rankings

Compared to other bikes
#21 Best Kids
Top 30%
#11 Best Toddlers
Top 30%
#17 Best Specialized Bike
Bottom 50%
#136 Best of All Bikes
Top 20%

Bike Comparison

Specialized Riprock Coaster in comparison to averages
Specialized Riprock Coaster
93

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