If you are an avid mountain biker, you know the importance of getting the right bike that fits your size and needs. Youth mountain bikes are made for kids ages 5-12. These bikes are designed with varying wheel sizes and frame sizes for smaller bikers.
It is important to purchase a youth mountain bike for kids in that age range to ensure a safe and comfortable ride. Do not be startled by price points you may come across. Quality mountain bikes are more expensive than your regular run-of-the-mill bike. The higher price is due to the price of the materials.
We have determined the following youth mountain bikes to be the cream of the crop:
- Rocky Mountain Reaper
- Norco Fluid FS 1 24
- Commencal Clash 24
- Transition Ripcord
- Ninebot Kids Bike by Segway
Keep reading for more information on the top five best youth mountain bikes.
Comparison Chart
Rocky Mountain Reaper
This mountain bike tops our list. It features an alloy frame and is a full-suspension bike. Full-suspension mountain bikes give more stability to the rider, so purchasing a full-suspension bike for your young biker is a good idea. It has customizable wheels, so it is a bike that will grow with your biker.
Standout product specifications:
- Shimano hydraulic brakes
- 180mm rotors on front and rear
- Suntour Raidon 32 LOR DS 120mm fork
Norco Fluid FS 1 24
The Norco Fluid FS 1 24 bike is a great youth mountain bike. Norco is an established brand, so you know you are getting a quality product. This bike is made with an aluminum frame. The grips and the saddle of the bike are comfortable for nearly all youth-aged children.
This is also a full-suspension bike. It is recommended for ages 9-12, so this is not a great option for a young child.
Standout product specifications:
- Manitou J-Unit Expert 145mm air fork
- 120mm Fox Performance FLOAT rear shock
- 100mm dropper seat post
Transition Ripcord
The travel capacity on this bike is 100mm. This helps increase precision for the rider. The balance of the geometry and suspension on this bike is unmatched. It is equipped with a 750mm steering handle. This steering handle gives the rider plenty of control while steering even at higher speeds.
Standout product specifications:
- 750mm steering handle for maximum control
- Durable Maxxis Minion tires
- Rockshox 30 Silver TK 26 100mm fork
Ninebot Kids Bike by Segway
Unlike the other bikes on our list, this is a bike that is geared towards riders in the very early stages of mountain biking. It is best suited for bikers aged 5-10. This single-speed bike is an excellent choice for a kid just starting. It is available for a fraction of the price of the other mountain bikes on our list.
Though it has less sophisticated features, it is perfect for the person who wants to allow the child to dip their toes into mountain biking without spending a lot of money on the bike.
Standout product specifications:
- Front-wheel suspension for control
- Coaster brakes on the back wheel, hand-brakes on the front wheel
- Adjustable saddle
Things to Keep In Mind
When purchasing a youth mountain bike, there are a few things to consider. Many considerations apply to the bike itself, but others are more about knowing your rider and what they need.
If they are just starting, start them off with a quality bike with less sophisticated features like the Ninebot Kids Bike by Segway. If they want to get involved with mountain biking more seriously, purchase a bike like the Rocky Mountain Reaper or the Commencal Clash 24.
Here are a few tips when looking for the best youth mountain bike:
- Choose the correct frame size. There are many tools for measurements available online or at your local bike retailer.
- Choose the correct tire size. Plenty of information on the best tire size for the bike is available online or at your local retailer.
- Choose between hardtail bikes or full-suspension bikes, depending on your needs.
- Be sure to look at suspension quality, not quantity. It is best to get quality over quantity in this case.
- Stay within your budget!
- Keep the future in mind. If you want the rider to keep this bike for a while, you should buy a bike that will grow with the biker.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is a 24-inch bike for?
These bikes are most compatible with kids aged 8-11 years old. However, always try out measurements before purchasing. Some kids could use a bigger or smaller bike despite their age.
How do you measure a mountain bike for a child?
Measure the wheel diameter in inches using the wheel’s outer diameter. The tire must be installed on the rim when measuring. The smallest kids’ bikes begin at 12 inches and go up to 24 inches. After a 24-inch wheel, the child may be ready for an adult-sized bike!
How much do mountain bikes cost for kids?
True mountain bikes are more expensive than regular bikes due to their complex components. These components, like suspension and good fork, are necessary for the mountain bike to be comfortable and efficient on alternative terrain rides. You can expect to pay between $500 and $5,000 for a good quality youth mountain bike.
Conclusion
Like any other large purchase, choosing a mountain bike is a decision you should put a lot of thought into. It is crucial to choose a bike that fits the physical measurements of your rider. All bikes on our list are great options for youth mountain bikers. Be sure to follow our tips on choosing the best bike for your needs!
