So, at what size do sus forks start to have a benefit that is greater than the negative effect of the extra weight?
he wants bouncy forks like my bike
That’s the issue with kid’s bike forks, many parents want them as both they and the kids think they look cool and why not, bikes should look/be fun. We’d sell more kid’s bikes if they had forks. But forks that actually work and last are expensive.
The kids that need a fork probably have parents willing to spend more and recognise why. There’s good 26″ air forks (at a price) and some workable 24″ forks around. Small 26″ youth MTBs are worth good sus forks, but it’s hard to justify anything but a really supple, light air fork – expensive.
I don’t think kids bikes need suspension at all, but that’s just from a ‘grew upon BMXs and rigid MTBs retrogrouch’ perspective. In reality, it depends on where/how they ride, a bit more control and fun is worth more than a ‘gotta learn to ride rigid first son..’ Victorian Dad approach..
Sounds like he needs a geared 20″ with a fat front tyre? ) I wanted to use 2.4″ front tyres on the 24″ bike but it was considered ‘too weirdy-beardy’ by some 🙂