FUNN Components Junior Kit – REVIEW
Say goodbye to those old, slightly wobbly hand-me-downs! It’s time to give your kids’ bikes a glow-up with the latest FUNN Components Junior Kit. Tailored especially for their pint-sized hands, feet, and bodies, prepare for FUNN-tastic adventures on the trails.
When we were contacted about reviewing some new kids-specific components, we knew of the perfect candidate. The owner of this soon-to-be blinged bike suffers from second child syndrome, also sometimes referred to as hand-me-down-itis.
A common condition where the firstborn seems to get all the new shiny stuff until it’s no longer suitable, at which point it is graciously offered to the secondborn.
FUNN Junior Kit – Features
The Junior Kit comprises handlebars, pedals, stems, and grips. All have been designed for smaller hands and feet to suit junior riders without having to adjust or grow into the components. They have been designed to provide confidence for the smaller riders as well as inexperienced or beginner riders to get to grips with their bike and the trails without unnecessary risk of using larger components cut down to size. In a nutshell, the FUNN Junior Kit has been specifically created for children.
FUNN Taipan S Flat Pedal
Taipan S pedals are designed for riders with smaller feet, offering a comfortable and controlled fit thanks to their reduced platform size. Made with durable CrMo steel axles and a slim body, they prioritize strength without extra weight, while rounded pins minimize the risk of shin injuries, particularly for junior cyclists.
- Slimmer, lighter than our full-size Taipan, perfect for smaller feet, teens, and big kids.
- Constructed out of Glass fibre reinforced thermoplastic.
- 4 molded and 6 replaceable pins per side.
- Special rounded-tip pins are designed for shin safety
- Service kits and replacement pins are available directly from FunnMTB
- Axle system: CrMo axle with cartridge bearing and DU bushing
- Platform size: W95mm x L80mm x H14mm
- Q factor: 52mm
- Weight: 325g / pair
- Material: Glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic
- Availbale in 11 colours
FUNN Taipan S Flat Pedal. Perfect for bashing into rocks and all the fun things that happen when you’re learning to ride.
FUNN Nixie Stem
The Nixie Stem is available in a 31.8mm bar bore and two extension options of 40mm and 50mm for customized fit. Made from lightweight, 3D forged aluminum, it offers durability without adding weight, making it ideal for junior cyclists looking to enhance their setup with a blend of functionality and bling.
- Perfect for trail riding and XC
- Zero rise improves stability
- 3D forged AL6061 aluminum Construction offers optimized durability while remaining feather-light.
- Material: AL6061 3D Forged
- Finish: Sandblasted with mirror contrast finish
- Availbale in 6 colours
| Clamp diameter | 31.8mm | 31.8mm |
| Stack height | 40mm | 40mm |
| Length | 40mm | 50mm |
| Steerer clamp | 1-1/8” | 1-1/8” |
| Rise | 0° | 0° |
| Weight | 120g | 120g |
FUNN Nixie Stem- 40mm with 0’ rise to keep the bar height nice and low.
FUNN Speedrun Junior Handlebar
The Speedrun handlebar, designed for young riders, features a 19mm end section and pairs well with Hilt JR grips for a secure grip. Its customizable design allows for trimming to fit smaller hands, ensuring comfort, control, and confidence during adventures. It’s the perfect choice for kids exploring trails.
- Ideal choice for Youth, Kids, and Young Riders
- Featuring a 19mm end, paired with our Hilt JR grip for a secure hold.
- Includes 4 rubber spacers for compatibility with standard 22.2mm components.
- Can be trimmed to provide a tailored fit, offering optimal control
- 680mm width, 20mm rise, and a taper to 19mm to allow for thinner grips.
- Material: AL6061 Triple butted
- Finish: Full Sand Blast
- Diameter 31.8mm
- Width 680mm
- Rise 20mm / Upsweep 5.5° / Backsweep 8°
- Weight 231g
- Availbale in 6 colours
FUNN Speedrun Junior Handlebar. These match perfectly with the Hilt Jnr grips and their 19mm internal diameter. They even ship with a couple of plastic shims to allow brakes and shifters to fit the narrower bar.
FUNN Hilt JR Lock on Grips
The Hilt JR is a compact version of the Funn Hilt MTB grip, featuring a 19mm inner diameter and a 26mm outer diameter, ideal for younger riders or those with smaller hands. It uses a special compound for comfort and durability, has a single lock-on design for secure attachment, and includes a small outer bump-stop for impact protection and grip.
- Lock On Security: A single lock on clamp keeps the grips securely in place, and makes them easy to install.
- Specifically tailored to fit junior riders’ smaller hands, ensuring a comfortable and secure grip.
- Hard-wearing, Soft Compound: Unique compound creates the balance of soft ‘feel’ with plenty of durability.
- Outer diameter: 26mm
- Handlebar diameter: 19mm
- Length: 110mm
- Weight: 72g/pair
FUNN Hilt JR Lock on Grips- 19mm internal size to suit the Speedrun bar. 26mm external diameter with a nice soft rubber. Perfect for small hands.
The bike in question is a Norco Fluid 24. However, it’s fair to say it was lacking a bit of that ‘new bike shininess’. This is where Funns’ range of junior-specific components makes their grand entrance.
The idea was to involve said 2nd born in adding a little bling to make the bike her own. We jumped onto Funns’ website and looked at all the parts we’d be fitting and then started arguing about colours.
If she’d got her way, the bike might have resembled a rolling rainbow. Luckily, the idea of colour matching the green that already featured prominently on the bike appealed enough for her to ‘settle’ on green.
Photo credit: ©Sam Clarke
Fitting up the parts was another team effort, and to Dad’s surprise, she was keen to see how everything went on- even ‘having a go’ where possible. Proud Dad moment! Everything fitted up incredibly simply and the bike suddenly looked a whole lot ‘shinier’- mission accomplished.
A cockpit and pedal refresh with no hand-me-downs in sight, thanks to the FUNN Junior Components Kit.
On The Trails
As far as riding impressions go, well, specific nuances of one pedal over another were always going to be a challenge to coax out, but feedback was received.
- The pedals felt much grippier and her feet didn’t seem to slide off as much as usual- yep, new pins will do that. The old ones were a little worse for wear…. Thumbs up then!
- The bars, stem and grips. We were never going to get terribly granular on the individual items but the feedback received was: The bar feels a ‘little bit wider but not in a bad way’. Coming from a near flat bar that had been cut down quite narrow, we weren’t surprised to hear this. We wanted to get a few rides in at the full width before getting the hacksaw out. However, she seems to be coping fine with the wider bar and combined with the 20mm rise, was riding the rocks and steeper stuff with more confidence. Another thumbs up!
- The grips were apparently much less chunky and nice and soft. So that seems like a win!
Overall this has been a funn (excuse the pun, we’ve been holding out for so long….) experience that surprisingly gave the 2nd born and injection of enthusiasm for the bike and getting out to ride it. While nothing will beat the injection of enthusiasm that new bike day gets you, perhaps a bit of a mid-life refresh is a close second?
Needless to say, if you’re wanting to add some bling to your bike, Funn has got you covered! We’re already scheming about blinging out some of the bikes in the stable that feature a more subdued colourway.
Price/Where To Buy
The FUNN Junior Components Kit can be purchased online or enquire at your local bike shop.
- FUNN Taipan S Flat Pedal $69.95
- FUNN Nixie Stem $74.95
- FUNN Speedrun Junior Handlebar $74.95
- FUNN Hilt JR Lock on Grips $24.95
Conclusions
The Junior Kit is an exciting collection that includes handlebars, pedals, stems, and grips, all tailored perfectly for smaller hands and feet to empower young riders. With these thoughtfully designed components, junior riders can enjoy a seamless experience without the need to adjust or grow into their gear.
Each element is crafted to inspire confidence, making it easier for both new and inexperienced riders to fully embrace their bike and explore the trails with joy, free from the risks associated with using oversized components. In essence, the FUNN Junior Kit is a fantastic choice specifically designed for children, ensuring they have the best possible start on their cycling adventure.
The Junior Kit is perfect for young riders who want to pedal away without having to wait for their hands and feet to catch up with their adventurous spirits, because nobody wants to be the kid with the gigantic bike!
