Test Centurion R'Bock 20: The mountain bike specialists have a well thought-out 20-inch model in their portfolio that looks good in every respect. The price, weight and equipment are convincing, and the details are also right – with the exception of one small detail.
The Centurion brand has deep roots in cycling. Company founder Wolfgang Renner was a multiple German cross-country champion and entered the world of mountain biking with his brand early on; He later went on adventurous cycling trips, including to Tibet, which was reflected in his company's practical trekking bikes. The children's bikes in the company's range are sporty: The R'Bock series consists of five models, three of which have 24-inch wheels. There is also a 16-inch model and the R'Bock 20.
Liked the price, weight and features
The compact children's bike proves that Centurion knows a thing or two about mountain bikes - pretty much everything is right here. First of all, the R'Bock 20 is very attractively priced at 569 euros, which will of course make parents happy. For this price, it's pretty light - it weighs just over eight and a half kilos. And given this weight, the equipment is surprising: the aluminum frame set has hydraulic disc brakes and whopping 2,2-inch wide tires with a strong, but not excessively grippy profile.
Disc brakes and wide tires
The braking system is of course really impressive compared to mechanical rim brakes, decelerates strongly and requires very little maintenance; the tires with their large volume provide cushioning and off-road grip, but also roll well on the street. The bike is also solidly equipped in other respects: the seat post offers a finely adjustable yoke clamp, and the wheels are attached with quick-release axles. The handlebar grips have child-friendly impact protectors that prevent injuries.
At a glance: Centurion R'Bock 20
8,55 kg (w/o p.) / 649 euros / no indication of size (approx. 105-125 cm)
+ Comparatively light
+ Upright, child-friendly sitting position
+ High quality completion
+ Fender mounting possible
– Simple circuit
Our test driver Alois is four years old and 107 cm tall.
If Centurion saved anywhere, then it was on the gears: The Shimano Tourney with seven gears is simple, but works completely satisfactorily with its trigger shifter. The range of gears is also large thanks to the 11-34 cassette; the 28-tooth chainring leads to a short overall gear ratio suitable for children, with which hardly a mountain should be too steep. The chain guard discs are also pleasing. If the bike is ridden until the chain and sprockets are worn out, you can of course upgrade to a 1×9 or 1×10, which shouldn’t cost more than 100 euros.
Suitable for four year olds
What age groups is the R'Bock 20 aimed at? The manufacturer helps with a frame size calculator on the homepage. However, test driver Alois proves that even four-year-olds who are 105 cm tall get along well with the Centurion. The seat post offers around 12 cm of adjustment, so that even seven-year-olds should just about fit on the R'Bock 20.
It is practical that the bike can be equipped with mudguards and there is even a bottle holder. But it would sit on the top tube and could get in the way of a smaller child who is stepping forward off the saddle. It is better to leave the threaded holes unused.
