There are many styles of mountain bikes for kids. Choosing the right one depends on the type of riding your child will be doing, such as wide fire trail riding, steep single trail riding or casual cruising. Technology for children’s mountain bikes are the same as adult bikes, with disc brakes, shocks and carbon fiber frames available. A mountain bike should fit properly for comfort and safety. Most bike shops offer professional fittings.
Sizing
A mountain bike should always fit the child. A frame that is too big will make it difficult to put their feet down, and the high center of gravity will make the bike unstable. A frame that is too small will cause a problem with pedal stroke, making pedaling difficult. Find a proper fit by having your child stand over the frame with both feet flat on the floor. There should be a 2-to-3-inch clearance between the groin and frame. To check the handlebar reach, have your child sit on the seat facing forward, feet on the pedals and elbows slightly bent. Your child’s nose should be approximately one inch from the center of the handle bar stem. There should be no pressure on the back and neck when sitting on the bike.
Types
There are two types of mountain bikes, cross-country and downhill. Cross-country bikes are typically for all-purpose riding on average terrain--wider, flatter trails with few obstacles. Cross-country bikes are better for beginners. Downhill bikes handle vertical technical trails better, are lighter and smaller with a lower center of gravity. This makes downhill mountain bikes stable at high speeds and a good choice for the more advanced rider. Prices for children’s mountain bikes range from below $100 to the thousands. Children often grow out of their mountain bikes quickly, which can be costly. To help keep cost down many bike shops offer used mountain bikes for children or will take trade-ins.
Safety
A helmet should be worn at all times. More challenging trails require gloves, shin, elbow and knee pads. Beginners should always start slow and select trails that are smooth, wide, have few obstructions and no extreme inclines.
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