10 Best Kids Mountain Bikes You Can Buy Today

Looking for a mountain bike for your kid? Well, look no further because I have got your back!

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Mountain bikes are beloved by both kids and adults alike, which is why we have compiled this amazing list consisting of the top kid’s mountain bikes.

Are kids able to ride mountain bikes? Yes, Let me tell you that kids can learn how to ride a mountain bicycle at the age of just 5 years old! But wait there is more! They need to have a proper introduction to cycling before that and the bicycle should fit them!

I think age should never act as a barrier to personal ambitions and many cycling brands seem to agree. They have been investing time and resources in coming up with some really exciting mountain bike models for kids. Although they are pricey, with the right options, they can turn into a long-term investment! 

I mean you can pass them down the line or even resale them! For that, you have to have quality! And guess what? I took some time to research many models for kid mountain bikes available and I have listed the tp 10 right here! Shall we take a look:

Top 10 Kid’s Mountain Bikes Ranked

Best Feature Bikes Prices/$ Wheel Size
Best Overall Norco Fluid FS 1 24 2,699.00 24″
Best Components Rocky Mountain Reaper 1,791.94-2,391.94 24″-26″-27.5″
Best Freeride Commencal Clash 24 2,899 27.5″
Best Performance Transition Ripcord 1,700 24″
Best Design Canyon Grand Young Hero 711.24 27″
Best Colors Vitus Nucleus 24 440.92 24″
Best Features Islabikes Creig 24 1,259.79 24″
Best Durability Commencal Meta HT 1,808.24 27.5″
Best Adjustability Specialized Hotrock 450 20″
Best Skills Enhancer Trek Roscoe 479.99 27.5″

Note: All prices are subject to change.

1. Norco Fluid FS 1 24- Editor’s Choice

Price: MSRP $2,699.00

Fluid Fs 1 24
Fluid Fs 1 24

 

Features

Feature Description
Frame Material Aluminum
Rear Shock 120mm Fox Performance FLOAT
Front Fork Manitou J-Unit Expert 145mm air fork
Suspension Travel Adequate performance and 145mm travel
Suitable Age Range 9-12 years old
Grips and Saddle Compatibility Suitable for various physiques
Brakes Shimano MT500 hydraulic disc brakes
Dropper Seat Post Included for adjustable seat height
Tires Maxxis Minion
Terrain Suitability Suitable for various terrains
Quality Control Location Manufactured in British Columbia, ensuring quality

The bike is built for some serious trail riding. The bike worked amazing for my kid until he outgrew it! The dropper post is only extendable up to 150mm even on the L and XL sizes. But this is the only reason I had to upgrade. 

Read more about Norco Bikes!

Advantages 

  • Amazing construction
  • Sleek Design 
  • Dropper Seat Post Included 
  • Outstanding Minion Tires 
  • Enhanced durability

Disadvantages 

  • Less Effective Brakes 
  • The Bike Is Very Heavy 
  • Not Suited For Tall Kids
Editor's Choice: Speaking from experience, Norco has never failed to impress me, with each new bike I invest myself more in their brand. The Norco Fluid has amazing construction and performance. This is a bike that you should consider for your kids.

2. Rocky Mountain Reaper

Price: MSRP $1,791.94-$2,391.94

Rocky Mountain Reaper
Rocky Mountain Reaper

 Features

Feature Description
Wheel Size 24-inch
Suspension High-shock suspension for various terrains
Growth Capability Grows along with your child, eliminating the need for replacement
Geometry Intelligent and well-made geometry for comfort and adjustment
Full-Suspension Rear fork supports a full-suspension design
Usage Suitable for young riders, designed for middle usage
Manufacturer Canadian manufacturers
Confidence Boost Boosts skills and confidence of young riders

Did I mention that the bike is going to grow with your children? The proof is the customizable wheels. What I did is swap them out for the 26-inch variant so that there is no need for a replacement when your kid grows. The Shimano hydraulic brakes also provide the kind of stopping power needed.

Advantages 

  • Amazing Brakes
  • Customizable Wheels
  • Comfortable Geometry

Disadvantages 

  • Lacks Rear Shock Absorber 
Why I Like It: The Rocky Mountain Reaper promises to be one amazing bike and grow with your child. I was immediately sold on this idea because when kids use a specific item for a prolonged amount of time they get attached to it. This bike stays with your child for a long time and also offers amazing performance.

3. Commencal Clash 24

Price: MSRP $2,899

Commencal Clash 24
Commencal Clash 24

 Features

Feature Description
Purpose Designed for young riders with ambitions to explore untamed wilderness
Construction Dual-suspension with 145mm of travel
Fork Manitou Machete Fork (Front) and RockShox (Rear)
Handling Robust wheelset for precise control and accident prevention
Wheel Size 24-inch
Tires Vee Flowsnap
Rims Spank Spoon
Travel Distance 145mm, providing adequate distance for adventurous rides
Confidence Building Empowers young riders with a bike without limits

Descent and Ascent both are made easy due to the amazing hydraulic brakes and dropper seat posts. The kids will also enjoy easy handling and speed with the Commencal.

Get your child the perfect bike for their next adventure! Check out our top picks for the best 24-inch bikes for kids

Advantages 

  • Top-Notch Dropper Post 
  • Outstanding Suspension
  • Enhanced Durability

Disadvantages 

  • Not The Fastest On Uphills
Why I Like It: The Commencal has a lot of accommodating features to make the ride fun and memorable for the kids.

4. Transition Ripcord

Price: MSRP $1,700

Transition Ripcord
Transition Ripcord

 Features

Feature Description
Contribution Transition contributed to making bike geometry more fluid and seamless
Precision Focus Ripcord aims for precision with limited 100mm travel capacity
Speed Allows for achieving great speeds
Handlebar 710mm handlebar for precise and enjoyable steering control
Handling Ensures kids are always in control, even on technical terrains
Intended Use Designed for kids looking to land big mileages and ascend hard trails
Manufacturer Transition – Known for dedication to fluid and seamless bike geometry

The Transition Ripcord is one of those bikes that will not just help the kids grow their skills but also mold them to become professionals. 

Advantages 

  • Maxxis Minion Tires Are Durable 
  • Offers Precise Handling 
  • Shock Absorption Makes Rides Less Bumpy

Disadvantages

  • Limited Availability Makes It Difficult To Buy The Bike 
Why I Like It: Transition is a bike that doesn't compromise on quality. Kids love the bike's design. It also comes in different colors for you to choose from!

5. Canyon Grand Canyon AL 24

Price: MSRP $711.24

Canyon Grand Canyon AL 24
Canyon Grand Canyon AL 24

Features

Feature Description
Inspiration Made straight out of the inspiration of a marvel – The Grand Canyon
Name Named after the Grand Canyon as the “Young Hero”
Hardtail Design Hardtail bike with a 100 mm fork set for exploring hills
Construction Sleek aluminum frame fitted with 65mm Grind Air Suspension
Degradation No degradation required, ready to ride upon purchase
Availability Might be available at your local bike shop soon
Material Shiny aluminum frame
Brakes SRAM hydraulic brakes for reliable stopping power
Comfort and Performance Offers a perfect blend of comfort and performance

This bike is a great stepping-off point into the world of mountain biking because of it’s performance. It’s an upgraded version of the Grand Canyon AL24.

Ready to hit the trails? Check out our complete guide to the best mountain bikes for beginners and get started on your next adventure!

Advantages 

  • Durable SRAM Components
  • Hydraulic Brakes Deliver Powerful Stopping Power
  • Offers Easy Handling 

Disadvantages

  • Shipping Restrictions Might Affect Delivery
Why I Like It: The Canyon Young Hero is a beefy ride. With its features and design, it is sn eye candy for young mountain bike riders.

6. Vitus Nucleus 24”

Price: MSRP $440.92

Vitus Nucleus 24 Youth Hardtail Bike 2021
Vitus Nucleus 24 Youth Hardtail Bike 2021

Features

Feature Description
Purpose Made to push boundaries and recommended by professionals
Age Recommendation Great mountain bike for all ages
Performance Pushes the limits of performance and design
Component Quality Offers premium components despite the price range
Brakes Powerful Disc Brakes
Fork Air Sprung Fork
Wheel Size 24” Wheels

The fact that it even compensates for the price tag and gives high-end features speaks a lot. No matter how you want to use this bike, if it is mountain biking, XC, or trails, this will be the best choice ever.

Advantages 

  • Powerful Disc Brakes
  • Air Sprung Fork
  • 24” Wheels
  • Amazing Durability

Disadvantages 

  • Difficult Gear Indexing 
Why I Like It: Vitus Nucleus immediately catches the attention due to its sleek design. The high-end features for the normal price tag were the main buying point for many users.

7. Islabikes Creig 24

Price: MSRP $1,259.79

Creig 24 Inch
Creig 24 Inch

Features

Feature Description
Quality High-quality trail beast designed for a smooth and aggressive ride
Pricing Not a cheap bike, but reflects apex quality
Weight Lightweight but offers heavy mountain bike riding experience
Fork Rock Shox Gold 30 Air Fork
Frame Sleek aluminum frame
Gearset SRAM X4 Gearset

I tested out the Creig almost everywhere and the performance was satisfying.

Looking for the best 20-inch bike for your son? Look no further! Our guide has everything you need to know to make the right choice

Advantages 

  • Powerful Braking System

Disadvantages 

  • Many Users Find It Expensive 
  • Shipped Without Pedals
Why I Like It: Islabike had many positive reviews that were amazing but I wanted to try the bike myself and it did not disappoint. The SRAM components make sure that the bike performs well and is highly durable.

8. Commencal META HT 24

Price: MSRP $1,808.24

Commencal META HT 24
Commencal META HT 24

Features

Feature Description
Manufacturer Commencal
Experience 20 years of bike manufacturing expertise
Model Meta HT 24
Quality Exemplifies everything a perfect mountain bike should be
Pricing Not cheap, reflecting a premium for the best quality
Specialization Known for excellence in mountain bike production
Design Hardtail mountain bike
Suspension Fork Air suspension fork for excellent handling and performance
Frame Material Triple-butted alloy frame for durability and strength

This is a bike that is best suited for our hardcore young riders!

Advantages

  • Many Users Find It Comfortable
  • Enhanced Durability

Disadvantages 

  • Expensive
Why I Like It: I have always favored the Commencal brand over others, it offers greatness and performance like none other. The whole construction comes together as one to make something amazing and it should be enjoyed by the young riders.

9. Specialized Hotrock 20

Price: MSRP $450

Hotrock 20
Hotrock 20

Features

Feature Description
Popularity Very popular among kids for both trails and pavements
Versatility Designed to handle trails or normal pavements with equal efficiency
Construction Aluminum frame for durability and performance
Suspension Fork SR Suntour XCT-JR fork with 50mm of smooth travel
Components High-end Shimano components, especially the 7-speed gear set

Shifting and tackling any kind of climb is made easy thanks to these amazing feature sets. Expect this bike to grow with your child, so you won’t need a replacement any time soon! 

Check out our top picks for the best kids dirt jumpers

Advantages 

  • The Bike Is Lightweight 
  • Available In Amazing Colors

Disadvantages 

  • Tall Seatpost Mismatched With Geometry 
Why I Like It: The features and performance are satisfying. Even with the budget price tag, it hasn't compromised on quality.

10. Trek Roscoe 20

Price: MSRP $479.99

Roscoe 20
Roscoe 20

 Features

Feature Description
Purpose Designed to push kids to pursue their passion for biking
Budget Budget-constricted bike with traits from Trek’s high-end models
Geometry Specific geometry dedicated to kids for an amazing riding experience
Components Shimano 1*8 drivetrain for high-end performance
Brakes Tektro mechanical disc brakes for reliable stopping power

The inclusion of these components makes this bike high-end even if the price point is quite reasonable.

Advantages 

  • The Construction Is Solid Built

Disadvantages 

  • The Hub Bearings Are Tight
Why I Like It: Trek Roscoe 20 offers quality at reasonable products. The Shimano components were a surprise but they just add to the brilliance of this amazing bike.

Kid’s Bike Size Chart

When buying a bike for your kids the first thing you should know is Correct Bike Size, check out the following chart to get an idea of what size of bike and what stage of bike you should be considering.

Wheel Sizes Age Limit Height Inseam Length
12โ€™โ€™ 2-3 2โ€™10โ€-3โ€™4โ€ 14-17โ€ 35-42 cm
14โ€™โ€™ 3-4 3โ€™1โ€-3โ€™7โ€ 16-20โ€ 40-50 cm
16โ€™โ€™ 4-5 3โ€™7โ€-4โ€™0โ€ 18-22โ€ 45-55 cm
18โ€™โ€™ 5-6 3โ€™9โ€-4โ€™3โ€ 20-24โ€ 50-60 cm
20โ€™โ€™ 6-8 4โ€™0โ€-4โ€™5โ€ 22-25โ€ 55-63 cm
24โ€™โ€™ 8-11 4โ€™5โ€-4โ€™9โ€ 24-28โ€ 60-72 cm

This kid’s bike size chart has the relevant information you’ll need to make a bike purchase for your children.

For more info check out The Definitive Guide to Kids Bike Sizing 

How To Teach Kids Mountain Bike Riding-Tips And Tricks

To make sure your kids enjoy the experience, you have to first teach them how to ride a mountain bike. Here are a few tips and tricks coming from my own experience of teaching my boy mountain bike riding:

1. Introduce A Balance Bike 

I began teaching my young one mountain riding by introducing a balance bike first. It was easier for him to control and I figured that without the hassle of pedals, he would be more focused on controlling. Once he mastered the balance bike, I slowly transitioned to his first mountain bike, the Norco Fluid FS 1 24. 

2. Teaching The Basics 

Before physically riding on the terrain, prepare your young one’s mind. Teach them about gear shifting, braking, and different riding positions, and let them know all about technical terrains and how to ride them. 

Get your child the perfect bike for their next adventure! Check out our top picks for the best bikes for 4-year-olds

3. Choosing The Terrain 

This is most important while teaching your young one how to ride a mountain bike. Choose a terrain that matches their riding skills. My advice would be to start on a flat smooth terrain and then slowly move towards more technical terrain. This boosts the child’s confidence.

4. Let Them Practice 

Mountain biking is a skill and skill can only be mastered by practicing. Make a timetable, and involve your kid in it to make things fun for them. Set a fixed time for practice and you will notice the gradual increase in your child’s riding skills. 

Looking for the best 20-inch bike for your daughter? Look no further! Our guide has everything you need to know to make the right choice!

5. Encourage Them 

Words are the way to go. Encourage your kid to do better. Show your support and keep your cool when they make a mistake. Let them know that it is fine to fail until they are willing to try again. 

How I Choose Bikes – My Methodology  

As an avid mountain biker, I understand the struggle of finding a high-quality bike that fits within a budget. That’s why I’ve dedicated countless hours to researching and analyzing the best mountain bikes for kids on the market. I’ve scoured the web for honest reviews and feedback from verified customers, and I’ve even tested some of the top contenders myself, including the editor’s choice.

Using my knowledge of bike components and their strengths and weaknesses, I’ve narrowed down the top 10 options that offer the best value for your money. 

Without sacrificing quality or performance, these bikes offer features such as excellent handling, top-notch suspension, and durable design, all at a price point that won’t break the bank. So if you’re ready to hit the mountain tracks with your little ones, these are some of the bikes that you must consider.

FAQs

What Age Is A 24-Inch Bike For?

A 24-inch bike is typically for the ages 8-10. However, you should check a proper kids’ bike size chart to make sure that the bike fits your child properly.

Does A 7 Year Old Need A Mountain Bike?

Yes, if you plan on taking your kid on technical terrains, the kid definitely needs a mountain bike. it also depends on the interest of your child. If you feel that they are ready to explore the thrill, a mountain bike is a good choice. But if you feel they still have a lot to learn, you can stick to a normal road bike.

 

Is A 14 Bike Ok For A 3 Year Old?

Yes, since 14″ bikes are usually small, they can perfectly fit a 14″ bike but children above 3 year old are going to need a 16″ bike to be able to ride comfortably.

Recap

Mountain biking is an activity that is enjoyed by both, the kids as well as the grown-ups. You just got to have the right bike! However, with that being said, it can be very easy to get lost in the wide range of bikes available in the market. That’s why I came up with this guide. 

All of these bikes have been selected from different categories. Some of them are even hybrid and will appeal to a wide range of people. There is plenty to choose from and you might land on something great! Don’t forget to get protective gear for your child for the thrilling rides. 

Also Read


Should you have any questions or require further clarification on the topic, please feel free to connect with our expert author Jerry O by leaving a comment below. We value your engagement and are here to assist you.

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Jerry O

Jerry O

Jerry is a competitive professional cyclist with extensive experience in both road and mountain biking. He has competed at a national level, winning multiple races and earning a reputation as a top-star athlete in his local cycling community. In addition to his success on the race course, Jerry is also an experienced bike mechanic, with a deep understanding of the mechanics and technology of bikes.

Jerry's expertise in the cycling world is reflected in his writing for IceBike.org, where he shares his knowledge and experience with fellow cyclists of all levels. With a focus on providing accurate and reliable information, his articles cover a wide range of topics, from training, bike and gear reviews and maintenance tips.

As an active member of the different cycling community, Jerry is committed to promoting safe and responsible biking practices and helping others achieve their goals in the sport. With his wealth of experience and expertise, he is a valuable contributor to the IceBike.org team and an important voice in the cycling community.

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