Description
Professional results require professional equipment and we've completely re-designed our 2026 Timber 26 to be the perfect transitional bike coming off of a 24" bike. We constantly see kids coming off 24" bikes making the leap to XS or S sized 27.5" wheels (or even 29ers!) designed for 5' riders and taller which stifles the progress they made on 24” wheels, so the 2026 Timber 26 is the perfect "tweener" bike for kids too big for a 24" bike and still not quite there for a 27.5 or 29er.
Revised geometry and a SUPER low standover height allows kids in the 4'5" range to move up to 26" wheels, and have a bike with an updated 66-degree head tube angle, BOOST 12x148 rear spacing and addition of a Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH). A UDH equipped bike allows you to fix locally when crashes happen. In Bentonville, Moab, or Asheville and break a derailleur hanger? No problem and good news is most local bike shops now stock them!
The 26" wheel size is dominating the scene for kids in the awkward ”in-between” category. ALL level bike builds get our new lightweight 152mm Trailcraft Cycles aluminum spindle direct mount cranks with your choice of 26, 28, 30 or 32 tooth narrow-wide style chainring. Choose 26 or 28 tooth if you are riding steep hills and lung burning mountains. Lower elevation levels or flat areas are fine with a 30 or 32 tooth chainring selection.
We assemble each bike just for you in Fort Collins, Colorado so you really can dial in the perfect bike build for YOUR riding area. Every other bike brand is going to have just one mediocre build spec (hope it works!) with a few colors. We offer the Timber 26 in THREE build levels in this model and you can even go full custom if you want.
You can purchase a Timber 26 in three awesome builds:
Timber 26 ELITE
22.9 Pounds WITH pedals - $2,699
Timber Elite Build features Shimano's new XT M8100 12 speed group with a HUGE 10-51 cassette(12 speed). Rock Shox 120mm travel fork, SUPERLIGHT alloy wheelset with Microspline freehub body
Timber 26 PRO
23.5 Pounds - $1,999
Timber PRO Build features a budget friendly Shimano Deore 11 speed wide-range drivetrain with a 10-51 cassette. (11 speed), Rock Shox 120mm travel fork, SUPERLIGHT alloy wheelset with Microspline freehub body
Timber 26 Special Build
24 pounds - $1,649
Timber SPECIAL BUILD features a Microshift 10 speed group with an 11-46 cassette. (10 speed) and our TC30 fork (120mm travel) featuring carbon lowers
For more detailed information please click on Features, Specifications, and Geometry tabs above.
Want to go a bit more custom or full custom on this build? Contact us! We are a small family business focused on building the best kids mountain bikes possible. We truly geek out on this stuff, just see our Instagram page for some of what we are doing as well as our custom builds page. We bring our frames in from Taiwan (un-assembled/not built) and we build each bike per order in Fort Collins, Colorado with US labor. Since we don't import "complete bike in box from Asia" like pretty much everyone else does, we maintain a high quality control from installation of headset, bottom bracket, and even putting the derailleur hanger on frames here in the US. You can be proud to tell your kids they have a unique bike which was truly built to order from the frame up!
The 2026 Timber 26 has it all - a high performance "new school" 26-inch frame geometry, super light weight components, and 6 cool color options to choose from. Life is too short to settle on one color when options present themselves now! We invite you to custom build your kids dream 26" bike!
Will Van Overbeke –
Bike is working out perfect, figure I got about 6 months before he leaves me on the climbs! Bike weight is such an advantage, I never heard are we there yet or how much longer and he was able to grind up almost all the steep climbs. Geometry is definitely dialed.
Thanks,
Will
Bob & Kathy Stolper –
Our daughter can’t believe how much more fun riding is now with a light bike that fits her well. Climbs, desents, flat ground, it’s all much better to her. She made it to the top of a mountain near our home for the first time recently while riding her Timber 26. On her old bike she only made it about a quarter of the way before wanting to quit. Thanks for your effort putting together a great bike.
JD –
I pulled the trigger on a Timber 26 Special Build for my 10-year-old son for Christmas. It’s a beautiful bike, well-crafted and well-designed, and my son is at least twice as fast and having at least twice as much fun. The team at Trailcraft is great to work with and provides excellent customer support. The build instructions were clear and easy to follow, and the build-up was easy, even for a non-wrench like me. All in all, great product, great service, great experience. Thank you.
Glenn Woodson (verified owner) –
Have had the bike for 2 months now and Sterling has put over 250 miles on the trails around Ft Ord and Central California. We went with the special build and then switched out SPD clips. Other than that, nothing was upgraded. The bike itself is a gorgeous orange and makes it easy to find him when we are out and about. Constructed well, it is lightweight and uses standard sized components so we can upgrade components easily (e.g., larger front chainring as he grows or upgrading to more powerful hydraulic brakes). Love the Rocksox 30 Gold fork and its ability to adjust for lightweight kids. Since Sterling uses the bike for general riding and also to compete in MTB XC (12-16 mi at 90-110 min per race), this is a great choice that provides solid quality, lightweight components which are critical for this age group.
Sterling likes the ride itself and his climbing has noticably improved since upgrading. Follow-up with Brett is what I love about small, speciality builders. And knowing the bike will retain its value makes the higher entry price well worth it.
Lastly, we saw Trailcraft last year at Sea Otter Classic and I was heistent to pull the trigger on a more than entry level price. But after signifiant research (there are only a few specialty youth bike mfgs and he owns a high end cross bike from one), seeing how much enjoyment the bike provides Sterling, and knowing that two bike shop mechanics highly recommend Trailcraft, this was one of the best investments we have made.
Duncan (verified owner) –
I’m going to admit that I was very hesitant to buy such an expensive bike for a 10 year old. But after some gentle coaching from Brett we took the plunge……
Well….COMPLETE game changer! Never have I seen a piece of gear change someone’s ability to do any sport so much. Brett set it up tubeless, and it came in a touch under 22 lbs for a special build. First ride was on the front range, and I quickly realized that I now need to ride! The geometry is absolutely dialed. My son is now extra excited about riding, and wants to get out every weekend. Last weekend was a front range 12 miler. I can’t sing enough praises for the bike, the service and overall quality.
Thank you.
Karen –
I have waited 6 months (a bike season in Maine) to write this review to really test out the bike. I am really glad I bit the bullet and bought this bike for my son!! One of my best purchases ever. I did not realize how easy it was to customize a build until I emailed Trailcraft and got an immediate response from the owners. I bought the special build but upgraded to a lighter rear cassette and opted for the RST fork- it came to 22 pounds. We live in Maine with lots of rocks, roots, and climbs which the Trailcraft is well suited for. My son has truly enjoyed riding this bike! His climbing ability, in particular, has increased substantially and he is developing a true love for cross-country mountain biking. Thank you Trailcraft! Awesome bike and great customer service. You cannot go wrong with this bike- it is very much worth the money!
Trailcraft (verified owner) –
Hi Karen,
Thanks for your thoughtful review and taking the time to write these nice words! We are so happy to hear of your son’s success on his Timber on the challenging local trails!! Wishing you lots of great riding adventures next year and hope you have a great holiday season and beautiful Maine winter. Keep in touch! Ginger and Brett
Heath –
Thanks Trailcraft for making a great frame! I was able to hang some quality parts we had in our garage on this frame for our 11 year old son. The bike turned out light and my son is enjoying a quality fork, disk brakes, and a better steering bike than what he was previously riding. The whole package has given him more confidence and enjoyment riding. He also loved being able to pick the color of his new bike.
Albert (verified owner) –
This is such a great bike! I thought my son’s last bike was good; it was aluminum and from a major brand, but it was incredibly heavy. He enjoyed mountain biking, but he always had trouble climbing hills. I just thought that was how it was for kids. But I’m so happy I ran into Trailcraft at Sea Otter, and learned there was an alternative.
My son loves mountain biking even more now. On his very first ride, he was able to climb a hill that he never thought possible with his old bike. And the air he is getting from jumps these days is amazing. I got the special build and it has been perfect. After several months of use, there haven’t been any issues. These bikes are more expensive than what you’ll find in most shops, but if your child enjoys mountain biking, then I think they are definitely worth it.
tobincarrier –
This bike is perfect. My 10-year-old son got this for Christmas and loves it. We got AXS with carbon wheels, dropper, and tubeless tires and he loves it! It is so light that he is now beating me on climbs and descents. I would recommend this bike with my kit for anyone who likes riding. Thanks Trailcraft!
Trailcraft (verified owner) –
Hi Tobin! Thanks for your thoughful review. We really glad your son is enjoying his Timber AXS bike! Keep in touch and happy trails! Ginger and Brett
Paul Shames (verified owner) –
Our black Timber 26 arrived Xmas eve, no question best gift ever. Our 10 year old went from a 24″ Cleary to the Timber 26 and was so happy he could finally make it up all the steep hills in our neighborhood (he used to get off and walk the steep parts on the way home from school, with his bike brigade), as well as zoom at the pump park and beat his mom up the mountain bike trails. He is 4’8″ and just barely fits over the top tube when he is off the seat, so I am guessing he will get a few years out of the bike before he steals his mom’s. Brett and Ginger, thanks for making this happen, in such trying times.
Davin Vandebeek (verified owner) –
Conditions were finally dry enough for my daughter to take it out for a proper ride. She loved it, and even though it was the first ride of the season she was riding better than she was at the end of last year on her 24″ bike. The quality is top notch, and the geometry seems spot on with perfect length cranks. Great bike, totally worth the premium for the performance.
Michael Spencer (verified owner) –
Got the 2021 Timber 26 Pro build in hot pink for my 10.5 year old daughter. She loves it and it rides sooooooo much better than her old 24″ 8 speed. Now she can keep up on the uphills with the rest of her team mates who are mostly on 27.5″ wheels. Running tubes for now, might go tubeless later if time allows. Dropper post makes a world of difference too! Will definitely be coming back to TC for her next bike when she grows into a 27.5″ and is ready for a full-suspension ride.
Jeremy Anderson (verified owner) –
Great bike for our budding 10yo trail rider. Geometry is much improved over her previous ride- or really any kids bike we’ve had to date. The 26″ wheel size rolls over anything in her path and the slack geometry is super stable. And the weight… or lack thereof, is incredible- this bike is significantly lighter than her sister’s 20″ from [insert major bike manufacturer]! So far we’ve just been to the bike park and local foothills trails in ABQ, but are looking forward to some light-duty downhill in the summer. By then she’ll also be climbing like a mountain goat!
Build (Brett) was great- it was a treat to speak directly with the folks building in order to make the best decisions based on available components. Thank you!
Michael Kemp (verified owner) –
26 Timber Special Build. Great bike for my 9yo daughter. She is 4’5″ tall which was the perfect transition height to this bike. I was worried about her not being able to handle the bigger bike. But I received on Friday and she won a race on Sunday! So sizing was spot on.
She is amazed at how light it is, loves the turquoise color, and says the colored valve stems make the wheels look like they a glowing.
Worth every penny!
Nathan Underwood –
An excellent bike for my nine year old. She had a Commencal metaHT 24 and moved up to this 26. She got a bigger fram, larger wheels, wider wheels, and dropped three pounds. The XT groupset is killer too. Nice having the same components as I run on my bikes, which makes maintaining easy. Can’t wait to see her on the dirt as we’ve only hit the pavement so far.
Jason Henderson –
We love these bikes. This is the second TrailCraft my family owns my son is on the 26” and my daughter has a 24”. They really appreciate the light weight that doesn’t hold them back from tackling more technical features. I also like the drive train gear ratio. The super easy gearing allows us to get up the long grinding climbs to access more and better trails.
Rashna Kashyap –
I haven’t had a chance to use the bike yet because I recover thr wrong pedals. But the customer service in getting me the right pedal was really good. They mailed me a new one right away. They also helped me setting up my bike and making sure I have the right pump and shock pump.
Mikkel Deal –
My 9 year old son was outgrowing his Prevelo Alpha series, fantastic kids bike but not purpose built for MTB so no disrespect meant for them. I considered other company’s bikes but landed on the Timber. My son was over the moon about the green (A+ color selection) and I like being able to configure the bike how we wanted it.
The first ride experience exceeded every expectation I had. Any limitations my son had on the Prevelo evaporated instantly. Anyone who has shopped high end mountain bikes is used to the thinking that the bike doesn’t make the rider but on the Timber my son’s abilities jumped noticeably. Suddenly he was crushing every climb, even the technical ones, he was faster in the flats, and more confident on the descents.
Only a few hours after an especially long and draining ride where I worried I might have killed his motivation to go on the next ride, my son came and asked if he could just ride around the neighborhood. he loves it because it looks and rides awesome, I love it because I’ve never seen a bike make such a big difference for someone.
grant worthen –
Purchased a Timber 26 last fall, gave to my son for Xmas and he finally rode this Spring. The bike is amazing, it is extremely well built and very light and my son loves it. Not only is the bike great but TrailCraft’s customer service is awesome too. My son got a flat tire early on, I had an extremely hard time finding a replacement tire to match as it seems Kenda stopped making the tire. I called Brett the owner of Trailcraft to ask where to purchase a new tire and he said he would send me a new tire free of charge. Wow, talk about going over the top. These tires are around $70. I will continue to purchase bikes from Trailcraft as my kids get older. It’s not often you find companies that take care of their customers like these guys do. I highly reccomend.