My Best Mountain Bikes for Kids (Reviews & Buying Guide)

MY BEST MOUNTAIN BIKES FOR KIDS COMPARISON :

Product:	Features:	Pros/Cons:	Price:
Best for girls age 8 to 12 years SCHWINN HIGH TIMBER	Wheel size:  24-inch  Weight: 29lbs Bike Type: All Mountain Bikes Bike Suspension: Fork Suspension Gears:  21 speed	great value for the money height adjustable varying pedal positions Saddle can make you uncomfortable during long rides	See on Amazon.com
Best downhill bikes for girls age 7 to 10 DIAMONDBACK LUSTRE 20 COMPLETE	Wheel size:   20-inch Weight: 26lbs Bike Type: Trail Bike Bike Suspension: Fork Gears: 6-speed	smoother ride great traction variety of pedaling with enough speeds No Kickstand included	See on Amazon.com
Best bike for taller teens DIAMONDBACK BICYCLES SYNC’R	Wheel size:   24-inch Weight: 30lbs Bike Type: Trail Bike Bike Suspension: Fork Suspension Gears: 9-speed	Durable smooth gear shifting great control over rough trails Quite pricey the handlebar is wide for small hands	See on Amazon.com
Best for girls age 8 to 11 looking for first off road experience MONGOOSE GIRLS	Wheel size: 24-inch Weight: 30lbs Bike Type: All-mountain bike Bike Suspension: Fork Suspension Gears: 21-speed	strong frame great speed control light budget-friendly Dual suspension require more maintenance	See on Amazon.com
Best high-grade suspension bike RALEIGH BIKES EVA	Wheel size: 24-inch  Weight: 28lbs Bike Type: All Mountain Bikes Bike Suspension: Fork Suspension Gears: 7-speed	reasonably priced a comfortable saddle tires can handle dirt paths Slightly heavy for young riders	See on Amazon.com
Best full suspension for riders age 9 to 12 years MONGOOSE LEDGE 2.1	Wheel size:   24-inch Weight: 35lbs Bike Type: All mountain bikes Bike Suspension: Full Suspension Gears: 21-speed	Full suspension precise gear shifting reliable gear support Heavy inferior chain	See on Amazon.com
Best for great stopping power RALEIGH ROWDY COMPLETE	Wheel size:   24-inch Weight: 28.1lbs Bike Type: Cross Country Bike Suspension: Fork Suspension Gears: 7-speed	budget-friendly easy shifting brakes offer plenty of stopping power Very low frame height	See on Amazon.com
Best budget mountain bike for girls slight over 10 years  PACIFIC GIRL’S TIDE	Wheel size: 24-inch Weight: 27lbs Bike Type: Trail Bike Bike Suspension: Fork Suspension Gears:  18-speed	simple and easy gear handling great stopping power sturdy reliable Gears are said to be hard to shift	See on Amazon.com

MY BEST MOUNTAIN BIKES FOR KIDS

SCHWINN HIGH TIMBER KIDS MOUNTAIN BIKE

• • Wheel size:  24-inch 
  • Weight: 29lbs
  • Bike Type: All Mountain Bikes
  • Bike Suspension: Fork Suspension
  • Gears:  21 speed

• Pros:  great value for the money, height adjustable, varying pedal positions
• Cons: Saddle can make you uncomfortable during long rides

DIAMONDBACK LUSTRE 20 COMPLETE MOUNTAIN BIKE

• • Wheel size:   20-inch
  • Weight: 26lbs
  • Bike Type: Trail Bike
  • Bike Suspension: Fork
  • Gears: 6-speed

• Pros:  smoother ride, great traction, variety of pedaling with enough speeds
• Cons: No Kickstand included

DIAMONDBACK BICYCLES SYNC’R KIDS MOUNTAIN BIKE

• • Wheel size:   24-inch
  • Weight: 30lbs
  • Bike Type: Trail Bike
  • Bike Suspension: Fork Suspension
  • Gears: 9-speed

• Pros:  Durable, smooth gear shifting, great control over rough trails
• Cons: Quite pricey, the handlebar is wide for small hands

MONGOOSE GIRLS EXLIPSE KIDS MOUNTAIN BIKE

• • Wheel size: 24-inch
  • Weight: 30lbs
  • Bike Type: All-mountain bike
  • Bike Suspension: Fork Suspension
  • Gears: 21-speed

• Pros: strong frame, great speed control, light, budget-friendly
• Cons: Dual suspension require more maintenance

RALEIGH BIKES EVA KIDS MOUNTAIN BIKE

• Wheel size: 24-inch 
• Weight: 28lbs
• Bike Type: All Mountain Bikes
• Bike Suspension: Fork Suspension
• Gears: 7-speed
• Pros:  reasonably priced, a comfortable saddle, tires can handle dirt paths
• Cons: Slightly heavy for young riders

MONGOOSE LEDGE 2.1 KIDS MOUNTAIN BIKE

• • Wheel size:   24-inch
  • Weight: 35lbs
  • Bike Type: All mountain bikes
  • Bike Suspension: Full Suspension
  • Gears: 21-speed

• Pros:  Full suspension, precise gear shifting, reliable gear support
• Cons: Heavy, inferior chain

RALEIGH ROWDY COMPLETE MOUNTAIN BIKE

• • Wheel size:   24-inch
  • Weight: 28.1lbs
  • Bike Type: Cross Country
  • Bike Suspension: Fork Suspension
  • Gears: 7-speed

• Pros:  budget-friendly, easy shifting, brakes offer plenty of stopping power
• Cons: Very low frame height

PACIFIC GIRL’S TIDE KIDS MOUNTAIN BIKE

• • Wheel size: 24-inch
  • Weight: 27lbs
  • Bike Type: Trail Bike
  • Bike Suspension: Fork Suspension
  • Gears:  18-speed

• Pros: Simple and easy gear handling, great stopping power, sturdy, reliable
• Cons: Gears are said to be hard to shift

HOW TO CHOOSE A MOUNTAIN BIKE FOR KIDS:

To help you make a great choice today, here is all you need to consider when choosing a mountain bike for your kid.

Size

The types of mountain bike you pick for your kid must come with correct sizing. This is crucial for kids. If they ride on a bike that is too small or too big that can be incredibly dangerous.

The size of the bike is usually referred to as the size of the wheel. Most mountain bikes for kids often come in the range of 12-inch, 24-inch and 26-inch being the standard size for adults.

So how do you know the bike is the perfect fit for your kids? This is pretty much straightforward. If your kid can stand across the frame, reach the pedals from the saddle and also grab the handlebar without overstretching, then that is a perfect fit.

Suspension

As when you are shopping for an adult bike, you need to factor in the type of suspension system your kid’s bike comes with. It must be solid and great as that will allow them to enjoy a very smooth ride, especially on very rough terrains and surfaces.

In this case, it will make a lot of sense if you look out for fork suspension. It is one of the best when it comes to kids’ mountain bikes.

Ideally, it should be able to handle any rough or uneven surface. As if that is not even enough; if you want to take things a little bit higher, you might actually want to pair a great suspension with a thick pair of tires. This will enhance traction on loose surfaces, making sure your kids are safe all through.

When it comes to kids’ bikes and cross country, you may want to change things a little bit. For those long cross country rides, a rid fork is highly recommended for it is sufficient. Yes, a suspension fork can be great when it comes to steep descents, but with a rigid fork, your young boy or girl will learn to look for smoother paths. In short, this option will keep your kid from crashes, making sure they are safe all through.

Frame

The frames form one of the largest parts of kids’ mountain bikes. It actually adds a bit of weight to the overall mass, and that makes it one of the biggest considerations when you are buying one.

It is because of this you might want to go for the lightest material in the market. Especially is he is a heavy kid because it can be quite difficult for your kid to push or even handle when they are riding.

We have seen bike designers try to solve this problem by using an aluminum frame on the kid’s bike. This is a great move as this material is a perfect balance between durability and weight.

The aluminum frame is not only one of the lightest frames materials you can find today, but also the best when it comes to absorbing bumps. It is also great when it comes to resisting corrosion.

Steel is not commonly used in kids’ bikes, but you will find some manufacturers use it on some of their high-end models. A steel frame is incredibly strong but quite heavy. That makes it unsuitable for kids.

Tires

The type of tires your kid’s bike comes with also plays a big role and must be considered as well. Ideally, the tires can influence a few things; stability and comfort.

For kids’ mountain bikes, wider tires are highly recommended. With wider tire, we are talking about more surface areas resulting in exceptional stability of the bike.

As for the kind of condition the tire can handle, well, you will be happy to learn that most manufacturers equip kids’ bikes with tires that can handle a wide range of conditions. You will not be forced to make a new purchase.

Gearing

The number of gears an adult bike comes equipped with is vital and so are the kids’ bikes. For kids, having so many gears can be quite confusing. So to avoid any problem, keep the number moderate. Too many gears can give your kid a bit of rough time if they don’t know how to shift properly.

When it comes to kids bikes, the most common gear configuration you will find in the market are 1×7,1×9,3×7,3×8 and also 3×9. In other cases, just make sure the bike comes with a wide range of gears; ensure it is incredibly easy to operate. It shouldn’t take your kid a day to master how the whole thing works.

Brakes

Just like adults’ mountain bikes, the braking system forms an integral part of kids’ bikes. So when choosing one, you might need to go one that comes with great stopping power.

Most kids mountain bikes come equipped with either rim or disc brakes. The way the two do their job is completely different. For example; with rim brakes, you are required to pull to apply a kind of rubber brake pads right on the metal rim of the wheels.

On the other hand; disc brakes soften come equipped with rotors that are mounted on the wheel with a sort of special brake pads. You need to apply pressure by hand. Although this option is exceptionally effective, it is not suitable for kids bikes.

In the end, really, we could say kids are just fine with those traditional brakes we have always known. However, for technical rides and downhill maneuvers, you might actually be forced to consider disc brakes.

Weight

When it comes to kid mountain bikes, weight is actually more important than in adults’ bikes. Most adults’ bike is roughly 20 percent of their total weight, but when it comes to kids things are quite different. They are usually 50 percent of their weight. So when you are out there sieving through that huge collection of kids’ mountain bike, look for the lightest you can actually find. However, make sure it is within your budget.

Final Words

As with any other big purchase you make today, nailing a perfect bike for your kid is never easy. However, with our top picks, we have presented you with plenty of choices and styles. The best part, with our guide also, you would be able to narrow down the list to the best model for your girl or boy. What else can you possibly ask for?

Updated on January 20, 2021 by Ben