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Shop 2026 Merida Matts J.Champion Kids Bike - Silk Early Moss Grey White now at Run & Ride. For sales & expert advice call 01785 662769.
With Pre-Order, you can purchase the latest items added to our store in advance of them arriving with us.
Your Pre-Order is prioritised (at no additional charge); meaning that as soon as the product arrives with us, we can wrap it straight back up; ready for collection via Click & Collect or despatch to you — it often never even hits the stock room shelves!
With Pre-Launch, the date when we expect to receive the product ourselves is still a little too hazy to be confident in accepting Pre-Orders.
So, instead, you can submit your email address against the item you are interested in and we will email you as soon as stock arrives on the system.
Estimated Delivery & Collection Dates are given on Pre-Order and Pre-Launch products. They are for indication purposes only and can change at any time without notice.
The dates we provide are based on indications given by our suppliers. Whenever we get updated information from our suppliers we will endeavour to update the Estimated Delivery & Collection Dates provided on product pages.
No Quibble Returns
We operate a simple 28 days returns policy that applies to all products sold and delivered direct to you, the customer. This means that for any reason you decide that you no longer want the product you may return it in it's original packaging, un-used and un-soiled with the relevant tags attached back to us and once checked we will refund your money within 28 days or replace your product (subject to stock availability). This offer in non-transferable. We do not accept returns that are customer soiled unless faulty and part of a warrantly claim. Shipping charges are non-refundable.
Season:2026
Brand:Merida
Code:R485
The gateway to "real" mountain biking.
The 2026 Merida Matts J. Champion isn't just a kids' bike; it’s a high-performance trail machine scaled perfectly for the next generation of riders. Designed for pre-teens who have outgrown 24-inch wheels but aren't quite tall enough for a small adult bike, this "Junior Champion" bridges the gap with professional-grade components and a frame geometry built for real off-road adventure.
Lightweight TFS Aluminium Frame: Built with the same attention to detail as Merida's adult ranges, the 6061 aluminium frame is double-butted and technoformed to be light enough for kids to handle while remaining rugged enough for trail abuse.
26-Inch Wheels with 27.5-Inch Capability: While it comes with fast-rolling 26" wheels for agility, the frame is uniquely designed with the clearance to upgrade to 27.5-inch wheels later, extending the bike's lifespan as the rider grows.
X-Fusion RC32 Air Suspension Fork: Featuring 120mm of travel, this air-sprung fork is easily adjustable to suit lighter riders. It includes a lockout for efficiency on flat sections and enough travel to soak up technical roots and rocks.
Shimano Cues 1x9 Drivetrain: Simple, reliable, and precise. The 1x9 setup (30T chainring / 11-46T cassette) eliminates the complexity of a front derailleur, offering a massive gear range that makes steep climbs manageable for smaller legs.
Short-Reach Hydraulic Disc Brakes: Equipped with Tektro HD-J2820 hydraulic brakes, specifically designed with shorter-reach levers to ensure young riders can brake safely and confidently with minimal finger strength.
Junior-Specific Dropper Post: A standout feature for 2026, the inclusion of a dropper seatpost allows the rider to drop the saddle on the fly for better maneuverability and safety during technical descents.
Pro-Level Finishing Kit: Features 140mm short cranks to match kid-sized leg lengths, a junior-specific saddle, and 640mm wide handlebars for optimal leverage and control.
The Merida Matts J. Champion is designed for young mountain bikers (approximately 137cm to 150cm tall) who are ready to move past the pavement and onto "proper" trails. It’s for the kid who wants to keep up with their parents on weekend trail center loops or for the aspiring racer who needs a competitive, lightweight platform for youth XC events.
This bike is purpose-built for technical off-road trail riding. It excels at:
Singletrack & Trail Centers: Handling roots, rocks, and berms with ease.
Cross-Country (XC) Racing: Low weight and efficient gearing make it a weapon on climbs.
Progression Sessioning: The dropper post and air suspension encourage riders to tackle steeper drops and small jumps.
The 2026 Merida Matts J. Champion is a serious bit of kit for a serious young rider. By combining an air-suspension fork, hydraulic disc brakes, and a dropper post with 26-inch wheels, Merida has created a "mini-adult" bike that doesn't compromise on capability. It’s the ultimate confidence-builder that ensures a young rider's skills are never held back by their equipment. Everything a champion needs—nothing they don't.
Credit is provided subject to affordability, age and status. Minimum spend applies.
Credit is provided by V12 Retail Finance Ltd, a trading name of Secure Trust Bank Plc. which is registered in England and Wales: 541132. Registered Office: Yorke House, Arleston Way, Solihull, B90 4LH. Secure Trust Bank Plc is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority with registration number 204550. For more information please visit www.v12retailfinance.com.
If you are intending to use finance as your payment option, please note we will only deliver your order to your billing address, and not to an alternative delivery address.
This is for estimation purposes only. Actual finance application is completed during checkout.