Best 20-inch Mountain Bikes for Kids in 2023

Whether you are looking for the best 20-inch mountain bikes, 20-inch bikes, kid mountain bikes, or youth mountain bikes, below are the top picks for each of them.
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Getting a good bike for your kid that will suit him/her perfectly is what should be aiming for. There is nothing more exciting to your kids than having fun in the things they are engaged in regularly. Mountain biking is one of the catchy sports most kids will like to engage in because most of them have fun riding.

Here, we will be going through some ideal good bikes for you overtime kids. After doing some reviews on these products, we have highlighted some of the things we noticed about them. The categories include 20-inch mountain bikes, budget-friendly 20-inch bikes, kids mountain bikes, and youth mountain bikes.

3 Best Lightweight 20-inch Mountain Bikes

When kids cross the 20-inch mark, they tend to get acquainted with things that will give them pleasure. Kids mountain bikes are a great option for them. There are several reasons for this. Kids around that age range are usually strong enough to cope with the extra weight added by the suspension. As a result, they have a newly established capability to operate gears, as well as the intense desire to use a more expensive bike.

Depending on their height and weight, kids hit the magical 20-inch mark at a variety of ages. Mountain bikes with a diameter of 20 inches are usually suitable for kids aged between 6 to 8. If your child is in that age group, use this list to help you choose the best bike for him or her.

Also, if you are not sure which bike is best for your child, this article will guide you in making a good decision.

Our top three picks for the lightweight 20-inch mountain bikes are listed below. Let’s take a look at them.

S/N Bike Why we love it Price (MSRP)
1. Trailcraft Blue Lightweight, Vee crown gem tries $1599-1899
2. Woom OFF Lightweight, integrated headset $799
3. Carbon XS Mad 6 Lightweight, adjustable frame $3050

1. Trailcraft Blue Sky 20″ Mountain Bike

Blue Sky 20
Blue Sky 20

The Trailcraft Blue Sky 20″ mountain bike is undoubtedly one of the best 20-inch mountain bikes available today.

It is important to know that the pleasure of optimizing your child’s growth and enjoyment of mountain biking cannot be quantified. Having this bicycle is an obvious good investment because it will develop your child’s riding skills. He/she will be able to climb higher, travel farther, and conquer difficult terrain than ever before, thanks to the lightweight and high-quality components of this product.

Product Specifications

  • Seat tube length – 270mm
  • Weight – 19.9 lbs
  • Color – Blue Sky
  • Grips – Trailcraft Lock-on
  • Tires – Vee crown gem
  • Price – $1599-$1899

Why We Recommend:

  • It is lightweight
  • Readily available with suspension and disc brakes.
  • Has tubeless-ready Stans wheelset
  • Has Top-shelf components
  • Has highly customizable build options
  • It comes with a quick-release seat post collar

Why You May Dislike:

  • The pedals need upgrading
  • Has no thru-axles
  • Has no routing for a dropper post
  • Costly for a 20-inch mountain bike

2. The Woom OFF 20″ Mountain Bike

Woom OFF 4
Woom OFF 4

The Woom OFF 20-inch is a high-quality, budget-friendly kids mountain bike for kids. It has well-designed child-specific geometry and comes with amazing parts -just like all Woom bikes.

This bicycle, along with its rigid carbon fork, is an excellent alternative for kids who prefer smooth dirt trails and want to save weight. It is one of the most capable light mountain bike choices for kids. They’re just ones that aren’t too pricey.

Product Specifications

  • Crank length – 110 mm
  • Weight – 17.2 Ibs
  • Set tub angle – 70°
  • Steering angle – 68°
  • Wheelbase – 33″
  • Headset: Fully integrated
  • Tires: Schwalbe Rocket Ron
  • Price: $799

Why We Recommend:

  • Super lightweight
  • Has high volume tires
  • Has hydraulic disc brakes
  • Has thru-axles both front and rear
  • Has carbon fork and suspension fork
  • Relatively a good bargain based on its price

Why You May Dislike:

  • The wheels aren’t tubeless ready
  • Has externally-routed cables
  • Has no quick-release Seatpost collar

Related: Best Woom Bikes Review And Ranked


3. Carbon XS Mad 6 20″ Mountain Bike

Carbon XS Mad 6
Carbon XS Mad 6

This 20-inch cross-country mountain bike is built for speed. It features full suspension, a full-carbon construction, and an adjustable frame that grows with your kid. It has amazing pedals, handles rocky and technical terrain. This bike is so cool that it’s been a popular option among kids for a long time.

Product Specifications

  • Weight – 17.5 Ibs
  • Frame Material: Carbon
  • Tyre diameter – 22.1 mm
  • Wheel diameter: 20 mm
  • Gear ratio: 0.88 – 2.73
  • Tires: Vee crown gem
  • Price: $3050

Why We Recommend:

  • Has unique adjustable frame
  • The weight is very light
  • The full suspension offers a comfortable ride
  • Has high-quality Shimano Zee drivetrain
  • Has fast-rolling carbon wheels
  • Has powerful hydraulic disc brakes
  • Has internal cable routing
  • Allows for tubeless setup upon request

Why You May Dislike:

  • Has no quick-release Seatpost collar
  • Has long crank arms which might not be ideal for younger kids
  • Has no thru-axles on the wheels

3 Best Budget-Friendly 20 Inch Bikes

While most kids aged 6 to 7 years old would benefit from a 20-inch bike, they will differ greatly in size, price, and features. When your child is ready for a 20-inch bike, anything from gears to brakes to frame size will become a lot more complicated. I assume you will like to know which bike is best for your child. Check out the top picks for 20-inch bikes and their reviews using the lists below. Let’s take a look at them in more detail;

S/N Bike Why we love it Price (MSRP)
1. Guardian ETHOS SureStop brakes, hybrid bike tires $309
2. Woom 4 Lightweight, ergonomic grips $499
3. Huffy Kids Hardtail Great braking system, speed $142

1.  Guardian ETHOS 20″ Bike

Guardian ETHOS
Guardian ETHOS

The lightweight steel frame of the 20″ Guardian Ethos makes it easy to manage and control. It will accommodate kids for a longer period because of the smaller frame. The Guardian Ethos is ready for any adventure thanks to its cool features. It comes with a high-quality kickstand, four reflector lights, a wrench, and a tool kit. The bike was created with the protection of kids in mind. The custom geometry lowers your child to the pavement, and the extended wheelbase aids in their stability as they learn to ride a bike. Because this bike is combined with kid-specific parts, riding this bike becomes extremely safe and enjoyable for kids.

Product Specifications

  • Seat range -18.5 – 23.5 inches
  • Height: 40 – 46 inches
  • Size – 20 inches
  • Weight – 22.9Ibs
  • Frame Material – Steel
  • Model Name – Ethos
  • Price -$309

Why We Recommend:

  • Has adjustable seat
  • Has balanced geometry
  • Easy to control and setup
  • Has hybrid bike tires
  • Has wide wheelbase
  • Has SureStop brakes
  • Safe for kids
  • No risks attached
  • Easy to assemble

Why You May Dislike:

  • Gears may be needed by some older and more experienced riders.
  • Weight isn’t as light as it should be.

 

 

 


2.  Woom 4 20″ Bike

Woom 4
Woom 4

The Woom 4 20″ bike is ideal for kids aged between 6 to 8 years. This product’s eight-speed gearing, coupled with its simple twist shifter, opens up a whole new world of exploration on two wheels. The superlight frame, combined with kid-specific geometry, provides a relaxed riding environment for your rider while also increasing his or her confidence. Your kid will be able to go places they have never been before and they’ll be able to travel long distances and climb steep hills.

Product Specifications

  • Size – 20 inches
  • Handlebar height – 30.3 inches
  • Steering angle – 68°
  • Standover height – 19.5 inches
  • Weight – 17.9 lbs
  • Price – $499

Why We Recommend:

  • Easy to ride
  • It is lightweight
  • Low minimum seat height allows children to ride at a younger age
  • A wide variety of gears is available, from long paved rides to simple trail riding.
  • Has easily adjustable brake levers
  • Easy-to-use grip shifters with ergonomic grips to reduce wrist pressure
  • A variety of colors are available

Why You May Dislike:

  • The built-in kickstand is too long
  • For very aggressive riders, the headset isn’t strong enough.

 


3. Huffy Kids Hardtail 20″ Bike

Huffy Kids Hardtail Mountain Bike
Huffy Kids Hardtail Mountain Bike

The huffy kid’s hardtail 20″ bike is a high-quality bike designed for kids aged between 5 to 9 years. The bike is designed for difficult trails. It is sturdy, durable, and built to provide hours of riding enjoyment. It can handle a variety of terrain and delivers a memorable performance while maintaining optimum comfort.

This mountain bike has a lot of gears and can easily find the right one to handle any direction. Its tires are also designed to endure harsh conditions and handle a variety of terrains. It responds appropriately to bumps, roots, potholes, and other road irregularities to provide a smooth trip. It also has ergonomic grips, which are beneficial to your kids.

Product Specifications

  • Brand – Huffy
  • Weight – 35.2Ibs
  • Size – 20 Inch
  • Color – Metallic Cyan
  • Brake Style – Linear Pull
  • Number of Speeds – 6
  • Suspension Type – Front
  • Price – $142.37

Why We Recommend:

  • Provides easy seat height adjustment
  • Ensures consistent gear operation
  • Enables upright riding to minimize back and shoulder strain
  • Kickstand included
  • The braking system delivers consistent stopping action
  • Handles dirt with ease

Why You May Dislike:

  • Quite heavy for a 20″ bike
  • Gears might not work properly after some time

 


3 Best Kids Mountain Bikes

There’s nothing like tearing singletrack with your kids or watching their faces light up as they reach the bottom of a technical descent.

After testing and evaluating many kids’ mountain bikes, we have been able to compile some good bikes that will be ideal for your kids. There are just a few brands that make great mountain bikes for kids, and they are at the top of this list. Let’s take a look at our top three picks, along with their reviews.

S/N Bike Why we love it Price (MSRP)
1. Prevelo Zulu Lightweight, Aluminum $929
2. Commencal Ramones Durable frame, powerful drivetrain $439
3. Spawn Rokkusuta Aluminum frame, powerful disc breaks $2195

1. Prevelo Zulu Three Heir 20″ Mountain Bike

Zulu Three
Zulu Three

The Prevelo Zulu Three Heir is an excellent bike for kids. Your child will no longer have to endure trips on a completely rigid bike with sub-par parts and geometry. In reality, it has more technology than most mountain bikes available today. It makes riding trails with your kids easier -thanks to its slack geometry, movement, and big handlebars. The bike also handles technical downhill trails which makes it very unique.

Product Specifications

  • Weight: 22.2 Ibs
  • Wheel size: 20″
  • Seat tube angle: 24°
  • Color: Matte Radical Red
  • Frame Material: Aluminum
  • Tires: Vee crown gem
  • Price – $929

Why We Recommend:

  • Lightweight
  • Has powerful hydraulic disc brakes
  • Has slack geometry and wide handlebars
  • Has front and rear thru-axles
  • Has powerful hydraulic disc brakes
  • Has high-quality drivetrain
  • Has tubeless-ready wheels
  • Easy to unbox and assemble
  • Handles technical downhill trails easily

Why You May Dislike:

  • A bit heavy for little kids
  • No quick-release seat post collar
  • Comes in only one color

 


2. Commencal Ramones 20 Inch Kids’ Mountain Bike

Commencal Ramones
Commencal Ramones

The Commencal Ramones 20-inch mountain bike is designed for mountain bike riders aged between 6 to 8 years. All of the components are designed to withstand the abuse that these bikes can receive over time from kids. With its quality materials, stylish looks, and reliability, it’s an excellent choice for a child’s first geared mountain bike. Parents should be assured that this bike can provide their kids with all of the advantages of a modern mountain bike at an affordable price.

Product Specifications

  • Standover height – 19 inches
  • Weight -22.26 lbs
  • Minimum seat height: 24 inches
  • Frame Material – Aluminium
  • Headset Type – External
  • Price$439

Why We Recommend:

  • It has a durable frame
  • It is lightweight
  • Suspension is highly capable
  • Relatively powerful drivetrain
  • The price is relatively reasonable
  • Works effectively on high-speed tracks and rugged terrain

Why You May Dislike:

  • Gear tends to make a clicking sound
  • Tough parts can be exhausting

 

 


3. Spawn Rokkusuta 24 inch Kids Mountain Bike

Spawn Rokkusuta
Spawn Rokkusuta

Spaw mountain bikes are among the best on the market today. Their smallest bikes are suitable for off-road use, but true mountain bikes begin at 20 inches. Spawn has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a cross-country bike or a serious downhill machine. The Spawn Yama Jama 24 inch kid mountain bike is designed for kids aged 8 to 12. Tubeless-ready tires, an X-Fusion fork, and Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, among other features, ensure high-quality construction. The bike appears to be fantastic, so it’s something you might consider having for your kids.

Product Specifications

  • Weight – 27.9 lbs
  • Wheel size – 24 inches
  • Grips – Kraton rubber
  • Colors – Neon green or black
  • Frame Material – Aluminum
  • Price – $2,195

Why We Recommend:

  • Has powerful hydraulic disc brakes
  • Well-built and durable
  • Excellent geometry and handling
  • Easy to unbox and assemble
  • Has a high-quality drivetrain
  • Has tubeless Brood tires for increased traction

Why You May Dislike:

  • Customer service that isn’t up to par
  • For a kid’s hardtail, it’s very heavy
  • You will need to adjust the crank length and gearing to make it suitable for your child

 


3 Best Youth Mountain Bikes

Any parent would have their preferences when it comes to their child’s bike. They would take into account their budget, their child’s experience, and bike features that fit their child’s needs and desires.

So, if you’re looking for a more affordable mountain bike, this section will help you narrow down your options for youth mountain bikes. If your kids are biking to school or making their first tracks, the thrill of riding a bike is an important and safe part of their growth. Let’s have a look at our 3 picks for youth mountain bikes:

S/N Bike Why we love it Price (MSRP)
1. Diamondback Cobra Steel frame, thick tires $199
2. Schwinn High Timber Steel frame, lightweight design $319
3. Mongoose Mech Aluminum frame, durable, rear v-brakes $211

1. Diamondback Bicycles Cobra 24″ Youth Mountain Bike

Diamondback Cobra 24 Mountain Bike
Diamondback Cobra 24 Mountain Bike

The Cobra 24″ Youth mountain bike is an ideal mountain bike for kids aged 8 to 12, bridging the gap between adult and youth mountain bikes. Small riders can overcome dirt trails -thanks to the 24-inch wheels that roll over obstacles without being too heavy to manage. It’s perfect for pleasing your little dirt maniac, with a rugged steel frame and tough wheels.

Product Specifications

  • Weight – 30Ibs
  • Brand Name – Diamondback Bicycles
  • Warranty Description – Limited Lifetime
  • Size – 24 inches
  • Color – Blue
  • Frame Material – Steel
  • Price – $199.73 – $199.93

Why We Recommend

  • Has Hi-tensile steel frame
  • Has adjustable levers
  • Has linear-pull brakes
  • Smooth on bumpy terrain
  • Tires are thick for smooth riding
  • Saddles are well-equipped, and they feel comfortable and stable
  • Ensures durability and strength
  • Powerful brake for ensuring safety

Why You May Dislike:

  • No water bottle holder
  • Has no kickstand
  • The weight seems to be heavy

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2. Schwinn High Timber 24″ Youth Mountain Bike

High Timber Step Thru 24
High Timber Step Thru 24

The Schwinn High Timber 24″ youth mountain bike features an oversized steel mountain frame and suspension fork for smooth and fast riding. It also features a 21-speed drivetrain and SRAM grip shift shifter for easy shifting. Alloy wheels and alloy linear-pull brakes make this the ideal bike for easy riding on a variety of terrains. It is ideal for kids between 8-12 years.

Product Specifications

  • Brand – Schwinn
  • Size – 24-Inch Wheels
  • Color – Pink
  • Frame Material – Steel
  • Brake Style – Mechanical Rim
  • Price – $319

Why We Recommend:

  • Durable and reliable
  • Has a lightweight design
  • Allows for easy height adjustment
  • Swift and easy to assemble
  • Excellent braking system
  • Ensures stability
  • Allows for quick gear changes on the trail
  • Provides steady gearing and requires less maintenance

Why You May Dislike:

  • Seat slightly uncomfortable
  • No water bottle holder

 


3. Mongoose Mech 26-Inch Youth Mountain Bike

Mongoose Mech Bike
Mongoose Mech Bike

The Mongoose Mech 26-inch mountain bike is appropriate for kids aged 15 and above. The frame, on the other hand, is a little short, which can pose a problem for tall riders. The bike’s overall consistency is excellent for offering a pleasant riding experience. With the hard brakes and suspension fork, you’ll always have strong power and smooth bumps.

Because of its high quality and outstanding results, it is an excellent buy. You would have a pleasant ride because it has a decent pace and smooth bumps. Furthermore, when changing gears on the mountain bike, there is no noise. Changing the gear and speed level on the bike is very smooth. In conclusion, this is an excellent mountain bike for adventure seekers.

Product Specifications

  • Brand – Mongoose
  • Size – 26-Inch Wheels
  • Weight – 40.7 Ibs
  • Color – Black
  • Frame Material – Aluminum
  • Brake Style – Linear Pull
  • Number of Speeds – 21
  • Price – $ 174.78

Why We Recommend:

  • Strong and durable
  • Has light alloy rims
  • Has front and rear v-brakes
  • Ensure quick stops out on the trail
  • Tires roll over anything
  • Allows for easy shifting
  • Comfortable to ride on flat terrain

Why You May Dislike:

  • Quite heavy for a mountain bike
  • The grips are relatively small
  • In wet conditions, brakes are ineffective.
  • For tall riders, the mountain bike frame is too short

 

 


How To Pick the Right Mountain Bike

Kids Mountain Bike
Kids Mountain Bike

This solely depends on what you think is better for your child. To make things easier, let’s have a look at some things you should look at while picking the right mountain bike for your child.

  1. Make sure the bike is the right size for your child.
  2. Determine the weight. It’s crucial because if it’s too heavy, it won’t be enjoyable to ride.
  3. Determine your budget to get what you would pay for. This is important so you don’t end up purchasing anything you don’t like.
  4. Determine whether or not your child requires suspension for the type of riding he or she intends to do.
  5. Examine the gearing to ensure that it is not too difficult but has a sufficient range of gears for climbing hills.
  6. Check the major components of the bike such as tires, frames, brakes, saddles, and several others to know whether they are all working appropriately.

Read Also: Mountain Bike Size Chart and How To Select The Best Mountain Bike Tires And Rims 

 

Mountain Bike Weight

If you are new to mountain biking, you may not realize that there are many distinct types to choose from. Downhill mountain biking, cross country mountain biking, freestyle mountain biking, and enduro mountain biking (also known as all-mountain biking) are the most popular names for these activities.

Mountain bikes usually weigh 20 to 45 pounds. But each of the four major mountain biking disciplines affects the mountain bike’s design, as well as how much it weighs. Since certain mountain bike features are interchangeable, you can modify any type of bike to make it heavier or lighter. Some of these modifications are simple to build, but others are much more difficult and costly to do on a mountain bike.

So, in addition to several other factors, you must choose the appropriate mountain bike for your riding style. Making a poor decision in this area could result in your mountain bike breaking down or slowing you down on the road. There are a variety of reasons why the weight of a mountain bike is important. Although the material of the frame is important, the size of the frame has an impact on the weight of the mountain bike. The bigger the frame, the larger the wheels that can be fitted to it. Taller mountain bikers can use bigger frames so that they don’t end up looming over their mountain bike when standing and aren’t scrunched up when getting on and pedaling.

Smaller mountain bikers, on the other hand, can choose a smaller frame size so that they can bring their feet down to hit the ground while standing over their bike. The size of the frame, as well as the material it is made of, are the two deciding factors that will account for the majority of a mountain bike’s weight. The wheel size you should choose is a separate subject, but it is a critical component of mountain bike selection. Simply put, larger wheels can take a little longer to react to sharp turns as well as some of the trail’s technical features.

The weight of a mountain bike can influence your speed to some extent. One of the key reasons why people want to reduce their bike’s weight is that when trying to go uphill, the more you pedal, the more weight you have to carry up the hill. The weight of your mountain bike, on the other hand, is usually just a fraction of what you weigh. As a result, true mountain bikers can reduce their weight as much as possible rather than wasting money on a new bike component that weighs less. In reality, if you’re a big guy, going with lighter parts for your mountain bike may be a bad idea.

The explanation for this is that, in most cases, lighter components are not designed to withstand higher pressures. When you weigh a lot, or even slightly more than you should, you put more weight on the bike, which puts more pressure on it. As a result, if you are heavy, your bike should also be heavy, or you risk losing a component of your bike. Overall, even though you are just going mountain biking, you should consider your weight when selecting a mountain bike.

Read also:

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it Possible for An 11-Year-Old to Ride a 20-inch bike?

The 24-inch sizes are the most typical bikes for kids aged between 8 to 11 years. If your child is short, a 20-inch bike will be ideal for him/her. To find the right fit, you must first calculate your child’s inseam and height. When doing so, make sure to calculate the bike’s height with the seat completely down

How Do I Know What Size of a Bike to Buy for My Child?

The wheel diameter of a kid’s bike is measured in inches which is between 12, 16, 20, and 24. You should be able to figure out what size of bike will be ideal for your child based on their age. Generally, a 2 to 3-year-old child will ride a 12″ bike, a 4 to 5-year-old child will ride a 16″ bike, a 6 to 8-year-old child will ride a 20″ bike, and an 8 to 12-year-old child will ride a 24″ bike unless they are taller than expected.

What Would I Do to Get My Child Interested in Mountain Biking?

Allow him/her to practice standing without a bike first, then progress to concrete paths and eventually dirt trails. When teaching your kids mountain biking, start with a dirt road or a parking lot so you can ride alongside them to see how well they can navigate and stop the bike.

Conclusion

The performance of your child’s bike is one of the most important factors in knowing how much fun they can have in mountain biking. It doesn’t have to be the most costly or adorable mountain bike for it to be enjoyable, but it must have a lightweight design, fit properly, and function well.

In terms of how well a bike can work for your child, weight, in particular, is a huge differentiator. It is a fact that your kids weigh significantly less than you, implying that the bike-to-body-weight ratio must align appropriately. If your child is riding a mountain bike that is too heavy for them, they may get exhausted quickly, irritated easily, and may abandon the sport altogether.

The appropriate geometry for the child, easy-to-operate brake levers and shifters, and other good components are all features to look for in kids’ mountain bikes. After all, you wouldn’t like to spend a lot of money on a bike that will depreciate in a year or two. Also, you wouldn’t want a bike that is constantly breaking and dropping its chain. So, there is the need to make the right choice when getting mountain bikes for your kids.

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