Biking is great for your health and much more fun than running. However, the bike market is filled with expensive prices but poor quality. When looking for a kid's mountain bike there are quite a few things to consider. Should it have gears? How about a full suspension mountain bike?
These are the main questions you're going to want to ask yourself as well as your child when deciding what bike you're going to buy. Not only is this an important decision from a safety standpoint, but one that affects your wallet too.
Choosing the best mountain kids bike can be a difficult task. With so many options available and the confusing array of features and extras, where do you begin? Here's a quick rundown of the features and specs we feel are most important when choosing the best kids' mountain bike.
How We Search For The Best Choice
The search for the best kids' bikes has been a long journey. We've looked at all the options and weighed all the pros and cons, and now we're ready to share our findings with you.
We've read thousands of reviews, and reviewed some of the most popular kids' mountain bikes on the market today so that you can make an informed decision before buying one for your child.
When it comes to choosing a kids' mountain bike, there are several things to consider:
Durability
A good bike should be able to withstand being ridden over tough terrain and through mud puddles without breaking down or falling apart. This means it must be made of high-quality materials that will not break easily or wear out quickly.
Safety
A good mountain bike should also be safe for kids. This means that it should have features that protect them from injury if they fall off its bike while riding downhill or on rough terrain (like large tires with thick treads). It's also important that it has safety features like brakes, handbrakes, and other mechanisms that allow them to stop quickly when needed
Brakes
Mechanical Disc Brakes levers are located on either side of the handlebars and work by squeezing two levers together with your fingers or thumbs (depending on which type of brakes you choose).
They provide more control over stopping than coaster brakes do. Coaster brakes are located in the hub of the rear wheel and engage automatically when you pedal backward, while hand brakes require some effort from
Our Top Picks
We looked at and compared hundreds of different mountain bikes for this article, these are our five top choices:
Why It’s A Five-Star Choice
This bike is an excellent choice for children who love to spend time outdoors. The Mongoose Kong mountain bike comes with a padded seat and 20-inch wheels. It has been constructed from lightweight steel, making it easy for kids to carry or store when not in use.
This bike has an off-road design that allows you to ride on rough terrain without damaging the frame or components of this mountain bike. You can also use this product as an indoor exercise tool since it does not require much space!
It will last your child many years if they take care of it properly by cleaning it after each use and regularly adjusting the gears.
This model comes with dual disc brakes on both wheels, making stopping easier when riding down hills at high speeds so that no one gets hurt while having fun outdoors with their friends!
Things That Are Good To Know
The Mongoose Kong Mountain Bike is the best mountain bike for kids with its versatile design, durability, and portability. This bike can be ridden by children as young as three years old.
It has a Shimano rear derailleur that makes hills easier to climb thanks to seven speeds that add speed and performance on the trail riding. Adjusting gears on this bike is simple, thanks to an easy-to-change grip shift shifter built into its handlebars.
With these features, your child will ride comfortably anywhere they go because they have four inches of clearance between their feet and the ground while maintaining a smooth ride.
Fun Story From A Product User
A delighted mother wrote:
"As a mother, I've been using this product for my child for the past three years, and I must say, it has exceeded my expectations. We've taken it on several trips to the beach with some sandy areas, and it has performed exceptionally well.
I appreciate that the tires don't get stuck in the sand, making it a great option for the beach. The frame is sturdy and durable, not too heavy for my child to handle on different types of terrain.
Additionally, the brakes are reliable and provide a safe riding experience for my little one. Overall, I am very satisfied with this product."
Why It’s A Five-Star Choice
This is one of the best mountain bikes you can get for your child. It comes with a 20” wheel, which means it’s suitable for younger and taller children. The bike has six gears and dual suspension. The handlebars are slightly higher than usual, so if your kids have trouble reaching them, this might be a perfect choice!
The Huffy Valcon 20" Mountain Bike looks great with its silver paint job and orange details! The tires are thick enough to go over any bumps in the road but not too thick to slow down your journey. There are even handbrakes on both sides of the handlebar so that you can have more control over your speed when going downhill or up hills.
Things That Are Good To Know
This is an ideal bike for the young rider who likes to explore and ride. The charcoal color and steel frame make any child feel like a pro, while the rugged 20-inch tires offer stability and cushioning on bumps.
This mountain bike is built with a full suspension that makes it fast and easy to pedal, so your child can easily ride over rough terrain. The 6-speed shifting system keeps them moving along smoothly up hills.
This little mountain biker will surely get plenty of use out of this durable hi-ten steel frame that provides maximum strength while maintaining comfort during long rides!
Fun Story From A Product User
A delighted customer said:
"The two main things I love about it are the price and how well-built it is. It's not a high-quality bike by any stretch of the imagination, but it isn't meant to be.
The wheels are heavy-duty, and they seem to be able to handle some abuse. The brakes are decent, but not amazing. They will stop you on hills, but if you need to stop quickly on flat ground, you might have trouble slowing down fast enough (especially if there's snow or ice)."
Best Choice For Young Girls
Mongoose Exlipse Full Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike for Kids
Why It’s A Five-Star Choice
This is a great bike for kids. It has a lightweight frame and dual suspension, making it perfect for beginners.
The 15-inch steel frame makes this bike easy to maneuver and control, so you won't have to worry about your child crashing into things or falling over. The 21-speed Shimano drivetrain will allow your child to easily ride up hills and makes riding fun!
Things That Are Good To Know
The Mongoose Exlipse Mountain Bike is lightweight with a steel frame that's strong and sturdy. This bike is perfect for kids who are just starting in the sport of mountain biking. The alloy wheels will keep you rolling smoothly over bumps and rocks while they last through many miles of riding fun.
It's also easy to clean after use. With 24" wheels, this bike is perfect for younger children just learning to ride bikes on trails or sidewalks. This helps them build confidence as they learn how the pedals work together with their feet while trying not to fall off the bike into traffic nearby!
Fun Story From A Product User
A happy buyer wrote:
"The bike is excellent! It's very smooth riding and handles well on the trails. The only problem I've had with it so far is that occasionally the chain will fall off, but that's probably due to my inexperience with chain maintenance.
The brakes work well, especially when going downhill on wet or muddy trails.
I love the adjustable seat post, which allows me to adjust it, so I'm not hunched over while riding uphill or downhill. This makes it very comfortable and reduces my neck and back muscles strain!"
Best Choice For Adventurous Kids
Hiland Kids Fat Tire Bike, Shimano 7-Speed, Dual-Disc Brake
Why It’s A Five-Star Choice
A great mountain bike for kids is the Hiland Kids Bike. This bike is perfect for both boys and girls from ages 5 to 10 years old. It has a Shimano 7-Speed and a dual-disc brake, making it easy to ride regardless of your experience level.
The frame of this mountain bike is 85% pre-assembled, so you can get it up and running with just some basic tools included in the box. The 20-inch wheel size means that this bike is easily manageable by younger riders but will continue to be useful as they grow older and more experienced on their bikes.
The front suspension fork helps absorb bumps in the road while keeping things stable at higher speeds or going over rough terrain like sand or gravel roads where there isn't much tarmac left underneath them anymore!
Things That Are Good To Know
This bike has a carbon steel frame and a 20-inch wheel size is the perfect mountain bike for kids who want to start off on the right foot. The dual suspension type means you can ride on any terrain and feel secure.
The wide tires make for easy climbing, which is great for beginners just learning how to ride a bike. The white color makes it easy to see from afar, so your little one won’t get lost among other people at parks or in the snow!
The double disc rear and front braking system provide maximum control and safety when riding on steep slopes.
This feature allows riders to stop quickly when necessary without worrying about losing balance or hitting something in front of them unexpectedly – this also gives parents peace of mind knowing their kids will be safe while having fun outdoors!
Fun Story From A Product User
A satisfied parent wrote:
"I purchased this bike for my daughter. I must say that I was very impressed with the quality of this bike. It is very sturdy and well-built. The tires are thick and have a wide range of motion, making it easy to ride through snow, sand, and mud.
I highly recommend this product to anyone looking for a good quality bicycle for their child or grandchild!"
Best Budget-Friendly Choice
Diamondback Bicycles Cobra 20 Youth 20" Wheel Mountain Bike
Why It’s A Five-Star Choice
The Diamondback Mountain Bike is a great choice for children aged 4-9. This bike has an ultra-light frame and is very easy to handle, making it safe and fun for your child to ride. With its sturdy construction, you can be sure that this mountain bike will last for many years before needing any repairs or upgrades.
The rust-resistant finish also ensures that it will not wear down over time or be affected by weather conditions such as rain or snow. The strong frame makes riding smooth, which helps prevent injuries in case of falls.
Plus, there's no need to worry about replacing parts because this mountain bike comes fully assembled and ready to ride out of the box!
Things That Are Good To Know
This bike is a great choice for kids aged four to nine. It has a 20-inch wheel size and six speeds so that it can handle most terrain.
The orange color makes it easy to see your child in the distance, and the front suspension keeps them comfortable while riding over bumpy terrain.
The linear-pull brakes have adjustable-reach levers, which make it easy for you to reach to the handlebars! When it comes time to stop, use linear-pull brakes that will always work no matter how wet things get!
Fun Story From A Product User
A satisfied grand-parent wrote:
"I bought this for my granddaughter, who is ten years old. She was very excited about it and loves it. I also bought a helmet and gloves for her. She always wears them and wants to ride her bike as much as possible.
This is great for children because it makes them feel like they are grown up and can have fun on their own.
They have lots of energy when they first get out there, but once they start getting tired, they can turn around and go back home without any problem.
I would recommend this bike to anyone with a child who wants to ride but hasn't learned how yet!"
Emma
Kids Mountain Bike FAQs
Kids will want a bike that's fun and easy to ride but one that can also handle trails with rocks and roots without feeling too much like a toy. Here are some frequently asked questions about buying kids' mountain bikes:
What are the key factors to consider when choosing a kids' mountain bike?
The following is a list of factors that should be taken into account when buying a kid's mountain bike:
Size
The size of the bike is very important as it will determine how comfortable your child feels when riding it. Make sure that the seat has enough room for your child so that he or she does not feel too cramped or uncomfortable while riding.
Weight
It's also important to consider how heavy the bike is so that you don't end up hurting your little one by lifting it up every time he/she wants to ride it!
It's better for kids if they have their own lightweight mountain bikes with which they can easily maneuver through different terrains and environments without much effort from parents or guardians.
Material
Suppose you want your kid to enjoy his/her experience on the road (or off-road). In that case, you'll need a high-quality material, such as a lightweight aluminum frame, which is strong and durable enough to withstand any terrain conditions.
What size of kids mountain bike should I buy for my child?
One of the most important considerations when buying a kid's mountain bike is its size. If your child is too small for the bike, they won't be able to reach the handlebars or pedals, and if they are too large, they'll be uncomfortable.
The best way to decide what size bike to buy is to consider height and weight. Typically, a child between 3 and 5 should be riding a 16 to 20 inches bike. A 6-year-old's ideal size would be 18 to 22 inches, while an 8 -year-old would need 20 to 24 inches.
It's also important to remember that bikes fit differently from brand to brand and model. So if you're shopping around for one at a big box store or online, don't rely solely on sizing charts. Take your kid with you into the store to test out different models with them before making your choice.
What are the key safety features of a kid's mountain bike?
The key safety features for a kid's mountain bike are:
- Dual hydraulic disc brakes provide better braking power than rim brakes, especially for young riders.
- A low stand-over height helps keep the rider from falling over the top tube when dismounting. The stand-over height is the distance between the ground and the bottom bracket (the pedal axle).
- Stronger wheels can withstand more abuse and prevent bent rims and spokes, which can cause flats or other problems.
- Tires with good traction don't slip on loose surfaces like sand or mud.
What is the recommended minimum age for a child to use a mountain bike?
The minimum age for mountain biking depends on the child's size and ability.
A child should be able to balance himself on a bicycle before he attempts to ride a mountain bike. They should also be able to easily ride on various surfaces, such as concrete or asphalt, before attempting any off-road terrain.
How much should I expect to pay for a good quality kids' mountain bike?
The cost of a kid’s mountain bike depends on the size of the child and the components that are used in the frame. A basic mountain bike frame will usually start at around $150 but can be as much as $300, depending on what type of parts are included with it.
The average cost of a kid's mountain bike is between $100 and $500. This will usually get you a decent-quality bike with good components. However, if you want to spend less money, plenty of options are available to you as well.
What Is The Best Kids Mountain Bike For You?
n conclusion, choosing the best mountain bike for your child is an important decision that requires careful consideration. From lightweight and durable frames to responsive brakes, there are many features to consider when selecting the right bike.
By considering your child's riding style and experience level, you can ensure they have the best possible time while exploring the great outdoors on their mountain bike. The five bikes we have reviewed are a great starting point and offer various options to suit your child's needs.
Whether your child is just starting out or is an experienced rider, you will find the perfect bike to meet their needs and help them take their mountain biking to the next level.
Daniel
