The ultimate guide to buying a kids mountain bike

Getting your child on a bike that fits and works well are two of the best things you can do to make their ride fun and safe. As a skills trainer and owner of RideTechnics, when teaching skills to kids we see the big difference it makes when kids are on well-maintained, well-fitting bikes.

Rather than choosing a bike based on age, the key is to know your child's abilities, so you can choose a bike that suits him and allows him to ride well and progress on the trail.

Here are some bike setup tips to help maximize the fun your kids (and therefore parents) have on the trails.

1. Choosing the right size

There is nothing worse than a small, cramped and 'heavy' bike, which makes riding uncomfortable and dangerous. While it's tempting to buy a bike with a lot of room to grow, overstretching a long/tall heavy frame is also a hindrance, affecting handling and confidence.

Height and overhang clearance

A common misconception about balancing is thinking that riders need to touch the ground with flat feet while sitting in the seat. This method results in a very small bike and/or a very low seat. We teach children to lean the bike to the side they are going to take off from, rather than keeping the frame straight. This creates a clearance over the top tube. If riders swing their leg around the back of the seat (over the rear wheel), they should have no problem jumping off and off their bike if it's tilted to the side. This approach means that frame size, saddle height and bottom bracket height should not be too low.

Reach/height

When training kids, the most common problem we see with fitting a bike is that it's too tight to reach from the seat to the handlebars. Riders should be able to grip the handlebars well, elbows slightly bent, but without fully extending their arms. Their arms will be at a 90 degree angle to their torso. Too short is often more dangerous than too long. More length means room to move and a more stable ride.

Seat height

Most children's bikes are designed to be ridden in an upright position. They should be able to sit comfortably with their legs slowly bent under the pedal stroke. However, when pedaling, your child's legs should not bend excessively all the way through the pedal stroke. One quick reference is to put one pedal down when the rider is sitting, heel on that pedal. This leg should be extended, but not fully locked out (slowly kneel only).

General maintenance

Kids grow up fast and it's easy to lose track. Therefore, checking the height and length of their bike for regular fit is as important as maintaining the bike mechanically.

2. You intend to walk slowly

Children's bikes are usually heavy, which makes it challenging to climb hills and perform important skills. Unfortunately, however, lighter bikes often mean more cost. Besides buying high-end bikes, get rid of heavy accessories like kickstands, oversized seats and unnecessary accessories. Lighter tires are a good investment, as the rotational weight affects smaller/lighter riders.

3. Good tires for good road contact

Some mountain bikes in the kids' rating still come with smaller tires with less tread. This keeps them from getting stuck in the tracks. What matters here is the air volume. Within reason, the opening of the tire 'bag' (casing) is better, as it helps with traction and absorption of bumps, better than most budget suspensions. 2.4” wide tires are usually about right if they fit the frame/fork. Then run the pressure corresponding to the weight of your child. 12-18 psi is usually a good range. As for tread, if the tire blocks are at least 3mm deep in the center and at least 4mm on the sides of the tire, it's hard to go wrong with most tread patterns.

4. Building good habits with flat pedals

Flat pedals should always be the first step in any rider's journey, helping to build good habits and keep things safe by allowing the rider to dismount when needed. Pedals are critical contact points, which means grip is important. With pedal studs that are sharp enough to grip shoes (choose shoes with grippy heels), but not so sharp that they cut your bottom if they slip, kids should be able to ride well on hilly terrain. Keep them in the flats as long as possible. Clip-on pedals should only be needed when starting to run or doing more long rides, as long as they help with higher speed, pedaling efficiency and power output.

5. Good grip

As another point of contact, the grips need to be of the right width and rubber compound, so that children do not try to hold on. A smaller diameter with softer rubber is usually best, but your child will usually know if it feels right or not. And of course, they need the right color!

6. Brake selection and lever adjustment

While V-brakes can work well enough, modern brakes are better, especially if they are electric rather than cable brakes. The simple action and power they provide is hard to beat, especially in small hands. But even the best brakes won't work if the levers aren't properly placed in your child's hands. Make sure they can brake with their index/index fingers in line with the tip of the lever (middle finger too if they need to use two fingers). This may require you to slide the brakes on the handlebars to follow them.

Then tilt the brakes so that the lever is aligned with the outstretched fingers, both aligned with the angle of the arms while in the riding position. Finally, reach adjustment is important, so that children's little fingers can reach the tips of the levers without disturbing their arms/body. This is adjusted by turning a small screw/Allen bolt just inside the level, where it meets the pivot bolt.

7. Suspension is not always necessary

Previous suspension

Cheap suspensions are often stiff and ineffective, especially for light riders. Generally stiffer forks with lighter weight are better, so kids have a bike without a heavy front end. But suspension forks can be useful when speed builds up on rough trails and terrain. If you can afford quality air/oil forks that can be adjusted to the rider's weight, it will make a huge difference in how your child feels on the road and in the control they have. A profitable investment.

Full suspension

Like the forks, the rear suspension is only important if it's plush and made for light riders. A good air/oil shock will help kids ride well, but if a double suspension bike is cheap or in bad shape it may add unnecessary weight to ride around, for no benefit. Working with skills and using the legs to absorb bumps is usually a better option until riders are going fast enough to need more comfort.

8. Gears for easy travel

While balance bikes and single speed bikes are great for the first part of a child's riding journey, once they have enough skill to ride proper mountain bike trails and climb and descend, kids need a good range of gears to get around the trails. easily. Look for at least five cogs in the rear and one chainring in the front for ease/reliability. The key is to have a small action shifter so little hands can shift up or down easily. Grip shifters tend to be too difficult for children, so a trigger style shifter usually works best. Check them regularly to make sure they are not tight due to dirt or loose threads. If it is difficult for you to change, small hands will find it impossible.

9. Deciding on droppers

As for adults, dropper posts are a great way to help riders on steep trails and features, allowing them to move around. Children are no different if they can use a lever without being disturbed by it. The added weight and cost are major drawbacks, but if it helps your child ride more safely and with better control, it's another investment worth it.

10. Entertainment accessory

If accessories make the ride more fun, have your kids add streamers, bells or bar toys. If they are secure, they will be harmless and they weigh reasonably little.

11. Deciding how much to spend

Everyone's budget is different, so the key is to balance your budget with the benefits of the parts and the type of bike you choose. If you consider the above features of bike selection, if you are smart about which bike parts are upgraded, it is possible to find the right bike for your child without breaking the bank.

12. Used or new?

If you know how to spot a well-maintained bike and know its value and are willing to repair and maintain it after purchase, a used bike (or online purchase) can be a great option, saving you hundreds of dollars. But if you are in danger of losing potentially expensive mistakes on the bike or you don't know how to choose the right size, it is better to go to a bike shop. A good store will help you choose the right size, fit it properly and install a warranty.

I hope that following these tips will ensure that your child wants to keep going out on the trails with a smile on their face.