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MANITOU + ORBEA: SMALL RIDERS, BIG PERFORMANCE
Mar 17, 2026
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Small Riders, Big Adventures: Orbea’s Kimu 24TR with Manitou Suspension
Every great rider starts somewhere.
With the introduction of the new Orbea Kimu range, the Basque brand has created a platform designed to help young riders discover the joy of cycling from the very first pedal strokes.
Built around lightweight construction, kid-specific ergonomics, and durable components, Kimu aims to make riding intuitive, safe, and confidence-inspiring from the start. Within the range, the Kimu 24TR opens the door to real trail riding. And when the terrain becomes more demanding, Orbea chose Manitou suspension to ensure the ride remains smooth, controlled, and fun.
Built around lightweight construction, kid-specific ergonomics, and durable components, Kimu aims to make riding intuitive, safe, and confidence-inspiring from the start. Within the range, the Kimu 24TR opens the door to real trail riding. And when the terrain becomes more demanding, Orbea chose Manitou suspension to ensure the ride remains smooth, controlled, and fun.
Real Suspension for Real Riding
Young riders deserve the same level of performance and engineering found on adult bikes. That philosophy aligns perfectly with the Manitou approach.
The suspension fork spec’d on the Kimu 24TR uses the same core component architecture found across Manitou’s full range of adult forks. The difference lies in the tuning. Spring rates and damping are specifically optimized for lighter riders so that younger athletes can enjoy proper suspension performance without compromise. The result is a fork that delivers real trail capability while remaining sensitive and supportive for smaller riders.
For young riders exploring roots, rocks, and rough terrain for the first time, that added control makes a huge difference. It allows them to ride more confidently, develop better technique, and focus on having fun rather than fighting the bike.
The suspension fork spec’d on the Kimu 24TR uses the same core component architecture found across Manitou’s full range of adult forks. The difference lies in the tuning. Spring rates and damping are specifically optimized for lighter riders so that younger athletes can enjoy proper suspension performance without compromise. The result is a fork that delivers real trail capability while remaining sensitive and supportive for smaller riders.
For young riders exploring roots, rocks, and rough terrain for the first time, that added control makes a huge difference. It allows them to ride more confidently, develop better technique, and focus on having fun rather than fighting the bike.
Designed to Grow with Young Riders
The entire Kimu platform was designed around progression. Geometry, controls, and components are all scaled for smaller riders, ensuring the bike feels natural and easy to handle from day one.
As riders develop their skills and confidence, the Kimu evolves with them. Lightweight construction keeps the bike manageable, while trail-capable models like the 24TR introduce suspension and mountain bike components that prepare young riders for bigger adventures ahead.
By pairing this thoughtful design with Manitou suspension, Orbea ensures the experience of riding off-road remains smooth, predictable, and confidence-inspiring.
As riders develop their skills and confidence, the Kimu evolves with them. Lightweight construction keeps the bike manageable, while trail-capable models like the 24TR introduce suspension and mountain bike components that prepare young riders for bigger adventures ahead.
By pairing this thoughtful design with Manitou suspension, Orbea ensures the experience of riding off-road remains smooth, predictable, and confidence-inspiring.
Building the Next Generation of Riders
At Manitou we believe suspension should do one simple thing: help riders ride better.
For young riders just beginning their journey on the trails, that mission becomes even more important. The right suspension allows them to build skills, explore further, and fall in love with mountain biking from the very beginning.
With the Orbea Kimu 24TR, the next generation of riders gets exactly that. Manitou JUNIT suspension line…the absolute best youth mtb suspension solutions available. Because great riding experiences shouldn’t have an age limit.
For young riders just beginning their journey on the trails, that mission becomes even more important. The right suspension allows them to build skills, explore further, and fall in love with mountain biking from the very beginning.
With the Orbea Kimu 24TR, the next generation of riders gets exactly that. Manitou JUNIT suspension line…the absolute best youth mtb suspension solutions available. Because great riding experiences shouldn’t have an age limit.
