Are you looking for a mountain bike for the kids but don’t know where to start? We get it. Bikes are a big purchase no matter the size of the rider, and you only want to make it once. Kids mountain bikes are smaller, sure, but the price tag can still be pretty hefty!
If you’re itching to get your kids out on the tracks and trails, then you’re in luck. There are a multitude of makes and models available. Bad news is… there are a bunch of makes and models available. Deciding on the best bike for your little tike is a tough choice. To make it even harder, every brand – surprise surprise – claims to be the best.
Rather than waste your time wading through an endless list of specifications, keep reading for our 6 shortlisted options from a range of price brackets that will give your kids the best experience on the mountain biking tracks.
Your kids are going to love riding alongside you on any of these.
What do I need to look for?
So, what should you look for in a kid’s mountain bike?
We’ve compiled our list of bikes with the following features in mind:
- Materials: For a bike to withstand repeated rough rides through mountain biking territory, quality materials are a must. At the end of the day, the materials determine how long it’s going to last (let’s not waste money if we don’t have to!).
- Bike Weight: Lightweight bikes are essential for mountain biking. As you’re riding through undulating trails, a little strength is required to keep the bike under control. Your kids will tire quickly if their bike is too heavy.
- Suspension: The most exciting thing about mountain biking is the hills and jumps along the way. Good suspension ensures comfortable landings, improving the bike’s agility and keeping your little one up on two wheels.
- Brakes: The quality of the bike’s brakes is vital for stopping power…kind of necessary, right? You can bet on these getting a good workout, especially as your kids learn to ride and adjust to the conditions.
Check the fit before you ride (or buy)
Before you come to a decision, make sure you’ve got the right fit. If you’re purchasing online and you can’t try before you buy, match the bike’s measurements to your child’s height. The table below should help you with this:
| Size | Height | Age |
|---|---|---|
| 16″ | 110cm to 115cm | Years 5 – 6 |
| 18″ | 115cm to 120cm | Years 6 – 8 |
| 20″ | 120cm to 125cm | Years 9 – 12 |
| 24″ | 135cm to 145cm | Years 11 – 14 |
Our top kids mountain bike recommendations
1. Woom OFF 4
This superlight, aluminum bike is the perfect introductory mountain bike. Built with durable, quality materials, the Woom OFF 4 is strong and stable, providing sturdy support in even the roughest conditions. It’s also specially designed for kids to dismount quickly, enabling them to make quick decisions on their own.
2. Commencal META
Consider the Commencal META the real-deal mountain bike…in a kid-friendly size. With specifications designed to make riding smooth and easy for little riders, this bike is lightweight, comfortable, and very safe. It features strong internal cable brakes, 10 speeds, and kid-friendly short cranks. Your kids will feel like they’re in the big leagues when they’re riding the Commencal META.
3. Clearly Bikes Scout 10 Speed
This whippy little 10-speed will have the kids tearing up the tracks first time out. With lightweight materials that promote agility and safety, the Scout 10 Speed is a great introductory mountain bike. The kid-friendly geometry, hydraulic braking, and sturdy fork allow for quick decision-making and stable riding even on the most aggressive trails.
4. Raleigh Tekoa 3
The tried and true Raleigh brand strikes again with this durable, lightweight aluminium kid’s mountain bike. Built for little riders, the features of the Raleigh Tekoa 3 optimise safety and maneuverability. With double-wall wheels that roll through rough terrain and shock-absorbing suspension, kids will love the feel of this bike as they tackle the trails behind you. For premium stopping power, this bike also boasts hydraulic disc brakes.
5. Prevelo Zulu Four
Every component of the Prevelo Zulu Four is carefully selected to suit kid-friendly, safe riding. This high-performance model has everything you want in a kid’s mountain bike, from the lightweight frame and narrow geometry to the hydraulic disc brakes.
6. Mongoose Rockadile
As if the name wasn’t cool enough, the Mongoose Rockadile has some of the best features for tearing up the tracks. On this lightweight aluminum bike, the kids will enjoy the smoothness of double-wall wheels, easy internal cable brakes, and the comfort of a sturdy, shock-absorbing fork…among the rest!
7. Shotgun Child Bike Seat
Are your kids too little to ride solo? You can still get them hooked early. The Shotgun Child Bike Seat is specially designed for kids between 2 – 5 years of age, allowing them to ride with you until they’re big enough to go it alone. The seat suits all suspension bikes, and the moulded rubber padding keeps your alloy or high-end carbon frame protected. There’s no better way to introduce your children to the thrills of mountain biking.
Hit the tracks with your little tikes
We’ll be honest, kids bikes are notoriously built with low-end materials, which is why it can be so tough finding one that’s going to last. If you’re in the market for a mountain bike for your children, you can’t go wrong with our shortlisted 6!
Before long, they’ll be whipping past you.
Guest post contributed by Robert Jacob
