A simplified 1x9 drivetrain with wide-range 11-34T cassette still provides an ample, useable gear range but is lighter, easier to maintain and more resilient (aka 'kid proof').

Heavy and generally poor performing suspension forks at this level make way for a lighter Cr-Mo rigid fork which is still plenty comfy but more importantly non-suspension corrected, resulting in a lower BB and handlebar height and therefore more manageable proportions and confidence-inspiring handling.