The Orbea Kimu range is designed to progress alongside young riders, with each wheel size and specification introducing the features children need as their confidence and riding ability develop. Rather than simply shrinking an adult mountain bike, the range uses appropriately sized frames, cockpits, cranks and components across its different platforms.
Kimu 16 is the starting point, combining 16-inch wheels with a simple single-speed drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes with kid-specific levers. Its compact dimensions are designed around smaller riders beginning to develop balance, braking and bike control.
Kimu 20 introduces gearing for riders ready to explore more varied terrain. The range uses an 8-speed drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes and wider off-road tyres, with higher-specification models adding features such as a carbon fork.
Kimu 24 takes another significant step towards mountain biking. Different builds allow you to choose the level of capability your child needs, from lightweight rigid-fork bikes through to the trail-focused Kimu 24 H10 TR with a 100mm suspension fork and dropper post.
Kimu 27 uses 27.5-inch wheels and brings the specification even closer to an adult mountain bike. Depending on the model, features include suspension forks, wide-range gearing, hydraulic disc brakes and a dropper post, making it the most capable option for growing riders progressing onto more challenging trails.
Choosing the right Kimu should start with fit rather than age alone. Orbea recommends its 16-inch platform for riders approximately 94-115cm tall, 20-inch for 108-128cm, 24-inch for 121-138cm and 27.5-inch for 135-149cm.
Start with your child’s height, then consider their confidence and the type of riding they’ll be doing. Orbea’s 2027 sizing guidance recommends the Kimu 16 for riders around 94-115cm, Kimu 20 for 108-128cm, Kimu 24 for 121-138cm, and Kimu 27 for 135-149cm.
The Kimu range progresses through different wheel sizes and specifications as riders grow and develop their skills.
The Kimu 16 uses 16-inch wheels and a simple single-speed drivetrain. Kimu 20 moves to 20-inch wheels and introduces an 8-speed drivetrain. Kimu 24 uses 24-inch wheels and is available in several specifications, including a trail-focused model with suspension. Kimu 27 uses 27.5-inch wheels and brings features and components closer to those found on larger mountain bikes.
The Kimu 24 is available in different specifications to suit different levels of riding. The Kimu 24 H20 uses a rigid fork, 8-speed drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes, while the H10 upgrades to a carbon fork, 9-speed drivetrain and Shimano hydraulic brakes.
The Kimu 24 H10 TR is the more trail-focused option, adding a 100mm Manitou suspension fork, dropper seatpost and 2.35-inch Schwalbe Rocket Ron tyres for young riders progressing onto more challenging terrain.
It depends on the model. Many Kimu bikes use lightweight rigid forks, while selected trail-focused models introduce suspension as riders progress.
For example, the Kimu 24 H10 TR has a 100mm Manitou Machete Junit Sport suspension fork, while the Kimu 27 H10 uses a 110mm Marzocchi Bomber Z2. The Kimu 27 H20 also has a 110mm RockShox Judy Silver fork.
Yes. Hydraulic disc brakes feature throughout the 2027 Kimu range, including the Kimu 16. Specifications vary between models, with selected bikes using kid-specific brake levers designed around smaller hands.
Higher-specification Kimu models use Shimano hydraulic braking systems, including Shimano MT410 on the Kimu 20 H10 and Kimu 24 H10, and Shimano M6100 on the Kimu 27 H10.
Yes, although the level of off-road capability depends on the model. The smaller Kimu bikes provide a platform for younger riders to develop their bike-handling skills, while the larger and more advanced models introduce equipment suited to increasingly technical trail riding.
At the upper end of the range, features such as suspension forks, wide-range gearing, larger-volume tyres and dropper posts make selected Kimu 24 and Kimu 27 models particularly well equipped for young riders progressing with their mountain biking.
WHEELBASE has been selling bikes online for over 20 years, combining genuine cycling expertise with the convenience of buying online. Whether you need help choosing the right Kimu for your child, advice on sizing and specifications, or support after your purchase, there’s an experienced team behind every WHEELBASE order.
Every bike is assembled, inspected and prepared by our Cytech-qualified mechanics before it leaves WHEELBASE, so your child’s new Orbea Kimu has been professionally prepared by experienced technicians.
We also offer a Price Promise and work with a wide range of leading Cycle to Work schemes. And if you have questions about sizing, specifications or availability, our team is here to help.
