Academy upGrade 5 24" Youth Bike

Academy upGrade 5: the 24 inch daily ride with real gears and real stopping power

The upGrade 5 brings proper bike technology to the 24 inch size. At 9.6 kg, with an 8 speed Microshift drivetrain, a wide 11 to 34 tooth cassette for climbs and Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, it turns the daily ride to school into something your child looks forward to.

The upGrade line is Academy's answer for the daily ride. It keeps the brand's lightweight philosophy, developed with the German Institute for Orthopaedics, Osteopathy and Sports Medicine (DIOOS), and adds components usually reserved for adult bikes: a triple butted aluminium diamond frame, an aluminium fork, a short cage Microshift derailleur and hydraulic disc brakes front and rear. The adjustable stem lets you fine tune the riding position as your child grows.

Built for the daily ride

The Microshift Acolyte trigger shifter and short cage derailleur run over a Shimano 11 to 34 tooth cassette with an Academy 30 tooth aluminium crankset (127 mm), so every gear change is light and precise. Tektro hydraulic disc brakes with short reach levers need very little hand strength and stay powerful in the rain. Academy Ergo grips, ball bearing pedals with reflectors and a sealed Kenli bottom bracket complete a build designed to last.

Size and fit

The upGrade 5 suits riders 130 to 145 cm tall, usually aged about 8 to 10 years, with a frame height of 36 cm. Body height and inside leg length matter more than age. Our team in Meppel is happy to help you choose.

Specifications

• Wheel size: 24 inch
• Rider height: 130 to 145 cm
• Recommended age: 8 to 10 years
• Weight: 9.6 kg
• Maximum load: 80 kg
• Frame: Triple butted aluminium, diamond frame, frame height 36 cm
• Fork: Aluminium
• Drivetrain: 8 speed, Microshift Acolyte trigger shifter and short cage derailleur (RD-M5185S), Shimano CS-HG31-8 11 to 34 cassette
• Brakes: Tektro hydraulic disc brakes front and rear, short reach levers
• Tyres: Kenda K1047 24 x 1.75 inch with reflective sidewalls
• Handlebar: 580 mm double butted aluminium, 20 mm rise, adjustable stem
• Seatpost: 27.2 x 300 mm aluminium
• Crankset: Academy 30 tooth aluminium, 127 mm, Kenli sealed bottom bracket
• Colours: White, Berry, Spearmint, Midnight Blue
• Delivery: Delivered almost fully assembled, without accessories

Frequently asked questions

Which size should I choose for my child?
The upGrade 5 is designed for riders 130 to 145 cm tall, roughly 8 to 10 years old. Body height and inside leg length matter more than age. If you are unsure, visit L'Hirondelle Bike Shop in Meppel and your child can try the bike before you decide.

What is the difference between the upGrade and the Grade range?
The Grade bikes focus on the lowest possible weight, with V-brakes and the option of a belt drive. The upGrade bikes add hydraulic disc brakes, an 8 speed Microshift drivetrain and a sportier diamond frame, for children who ride every day and want the feel of a grown up bike.

Can I add a kickstand, mudguards or a rack?
Yes. Academy offers a dedicated upGrade kickstand and mudguard set for each wheel size, and a rear rack can be fitted as well. Ask us when you order and we will tell you exactly which parts fit.

Where is Academy from, and can the bike be repaired easily?
Academy is a German brand from Bielefeld, part of coolmobility. The upGrade bikes use standard, widely available parts such as Shimano cassettes, Tektro brakes and Microshift shifting, so any good workshop can service them, including ours in Meppel.

How is the bike delivered?
Academy bikes arrive almost fully assembled: you straighten the handlebar, fit the pedals and set the saddle height. You can also collect your bike ready to ride at L'Hirondelle Bike Shop in Meppel.