Children's bike: 10 tips for the perfect children's bike

Children's bike: the lighter, the better!

A good children's bike is always light. The calculation is simple: a seven-kilo, 24-inch bike weighs over a third of the body weight of a 20-kilo rider. That's like a 75-kilo man riding a 25-kilo mountain bike. What's more, if the child can carry their bike up the cellar stairs themselves, they will be as proud as Oscar and their parents will be relieved.

Frame that grows with you

A frame that can be converted from 24-inch to 26-inch wheels, for example, makes sense, especially for expensive children's MTB fullys. Not only is the usually significantly larger investment worthwhile, but also the possible cost savings. Children's bike tuning measuresthe usually quite high weight of the Children's mountain bikes with suspension reduce slightly.

The right time for a children's bike

Easter seems to be the ideal time for many parents to buy children's bikes. It's also somehow obvious: the sun is shining and the buds are sprouting. But Easter is peak bike season. Dealers are stressed and many children's models and colours are long out of stock. It's better to buy at the beginning of the year. That's when stocks are still full and it's also easy to estimate the right size for your next children's bike. With a bit of luck, you may even find a suitable bargain from the previous year.

The way to the right children's bike size

The best way to find the right size children's bike is, of course, to test ride it. But there is usually no shop round the corner with a huge selection. That's why children's bike manufacturers often provide various values for information purposes. Age, height or wheel size in inches, for example. Ultimately, however, only the inner leg length of the child determines the right size. This tells you whether the child can even get their feet on the ground if the saddle height is set correctly. Tip: For very young children and beginners, it is best to ride with both feet on the saddle at the same time and with a complete foot! For more experienced riders and older children, at least with the balls of the feet.

Costs for children's bikes: 75 euros per year

High-quality children's bikes have a good resale value. Even if the children's bike only fits for one year at the beginning, and perhaps two or three years from 20 inches upwards, a children's bike for 500 euros, for example, is inexpensive and may end up costing 75 euros per year.

The gears on the children's bike

Single gears are usually completely sufficient for children's bikes. From 24-inch children's bikes or 26-inch bikes upwards, however, there may be ten or eleven gears. Ideally, gears are shifted using twist grips. These are more intuitive for children to use. But be careful: not all models are equally suitable for children's hands. Like the grips themselves, they must not be too thick, otherwise little hands will not be able to grip the handlebars.

Brakes on children's bikes: coaster brake has (almost) only disadvantages!

A coaster hub on a children's bike weighs a lot and at the same time makes the learning process more difficult. The pedals cannot be positioned freely and optimum braking is only possible in one pedal position. A coaster brake is also difficult to modulate. What's more, children of a certain age or wheel size have to switch to handbrake levers anyway and then have to relearn. Lightweight V-brakes on children's bikes and children's mountain bikes are perfectly adequate for initial off-road use. Much more important than maximum braking power are adjustable brake levers so that they are easy for short fingers to reach.

Cranks too wide on a children's bike?

The Q-factor describes the distance between the two crank arms. The wider it is, the further apart the children's feet are on the pedals. Some children's bike manufacturers make it easy for themselves and simply adopt the
Q-factor of an adult crank in order to be able to install inexpensive standard bearings. However, children's feet are then too far apart when pedalling, which can lead to pain in the knees in the long term. Cranks with two or three chainrings are also wider and only increase the Q-factor unnecessarily. It is therefore better to opt for single-speed drivetrains for children's bikes.

The right crank length for children's bikes

The length of the cranks on a child's bike should be around 10 per cent of their height. Cranks that are significantly too long can lead to pain in the long term. A crank length that is too short can be partially compensated for by a higher pedalling frequency. The bottom bracket should not sit higher than the axles of the wheels, otherwise children will almost hit their elbows with their knees when pedalling. As a result, they will spend an unnecessary amount of time standing up. This is why the saddle on children's bikes should be raised regularly as they grow.

Suspension fork on a children's bike, yes or no?

A suspension fork on a bike that is mainly used on paved roads makes little sense and only increases the weight. In the worst case, the suspension fork on a children's bike will not respond properly because the rider's weight is simply too low. Up to 20-inch children's bikes, wide tyres with as little air as possible are the better choice. A good suspension fork for children's mountain bikes often costs more than the parents want to spend on the entire bike. A suspension fork is therefore only really an option if the children's bike will actually be used on real off-road terrain.

20 inch - the first real children's mountain bike

When your child is fit enough for shorter tours, it's time for more sophisticated technology: gears and rim brakes are added to children's bikes. Light disc brakes can also be an option. Cranks adapted to the child's height allow a lower bottom bracket for more freedom of movement and better off-road behaviour.

Commençal Clash 20

• 1799 Euro
• Disc brakes
• 130 millimetres front/rear suspension travel
• from 115 cm height
  

Is your child already whirling wildly over the trails on your doorstep? Then it's time for one of the smallest children's MTB fullys on the market: the Commençal Clash 20 fits from a height of 1.15 metres and is the perfect base for their first outings in the bike park. A whopping 130 millimetres at the front and rear allow the youngsters to literally float over the course. The Ride Alpha fork was specially developed for the children's bikes from Andorra. The frame is prepared for the use of a telescopic seat post and can accommodate tyres up to 2.6 inches wide.

Woom Bikes Woom Original 4

• 419 Euro
• 7.4 kilos
• Sram X4 8-speed drivetrain with twist grip
• Aluminium rigid fork
• 6-8 years

The brightly coloured Woom Original 4 children's bike is more of an all-rounder than a pure mountain bike and can be upgraded to an everyday bike in just a few steps with a mudguard and pannier rack. The Woom bike's eight gears can be changed intuitively using a twist grip, while the chainring guard prevents your little one from soaking their trousers on the way to school. The cockpit can be optimally customised using the adjustable handlebar/stem combination. Good to know: Woom-upCycling members can return used children's bikes and receive 40% off the purchase price for the next size.

Spawn Cycles Yama Jama

• 1399 Euro
• Carbon fork with 80 mm suspension travel
• Sram GX 1x10
• Tektro disc brakes
• Inside leg length min. 48 cm
  

The guys at Spawn Cycles from British Columbia know how to put a real children's trail mountain bike on the trails. At the front of the Spawn Cycles Yama Jama is a mini suspension fork with 80 millimetres of travel and carbon stanchions. Grippy 2.2-inch wide tyres provide sufficient traction on this off-road children's bike and hydraulic stoppers from Tektro ensure that the rookies come to a safe stop at the end of the descent. Incidentally, the Canadians also have a 20-inch children's MTB fully in their programme.

Pyrobikes Twenty Small

• 495 Euro
• 7.5 kilos
• Tektro V-brakes
• Shimano Altus 8-speed drivetrain
• Inside leg length min. 47 cm
  

Pyrobikes designs all of its children's bike frames according to the 29er principle so that the little ones can benefit from the good roll-over behaviour of the larger wheels as early as possible. Equipped with 8-speed gears, Schwalbe Mow Joe tyres and V-brakes, the Pyrobikes Twenty 20-inch bike is the perfect introduction to the first real off-road tours. The Pyro range extends from a 16-inch bike to a fully-fledged 27.5-inch children's mountain bike with suspension fork. In-house cranks, wheels and add-on parts are specially adapted to the needs of children.

Mona & Co Bazi 18/20

• 8.9 kilos
• 20-inch wheels
• Shimano Tour 7-speed drivetrain
• Rigid fork
• Steel frame
• Inside leg length min. 53 cm
  

With the Bazi, the Munich-based children's bike manufacturer Mona & Co has developed a children's mountain bike for real rascals. The lightweight steel frame can be fitted with 18 or 20-inch wheels and is designed for children aged between four and eight. Gears or single speed, disc brakes or V-brakes, it's all a question of taste and the area of use. The long wheelbase, in combination with a flat steering angle and low bottom bracket, is designed to provide stability and safety, while the steel frame absorbs impacts better off-road. Of course, the Bazi children's bike is also fun off-road for real rascals.

Scool FaXe Race 20" 7-S

• 379 Euro
• 11.5 kilos
• Shimano Nexus 7-speed
• Mechanical disc brake
• 2.8-inch plus tyres
  

The fat plus tyres on the Scool FaXe children's bike not only make a great impression on playmates, but also take the fear out of rough terrain and effectively absorb bumps. The seven gears can be changed in a flash using the twist grip, and mechanical disc brakes bring the Scool children's mountain bike safely to a halt if the ride gets too fast. Thanks to the low top tube and low standover height, even small children can pull the emergency brake in tricky situations and simply get off the bike.

Eightshot X-Coady 20

• 299 Euro
• 8.9 kilos
• Shimano Tour 7-speed drivetrain
• Rigid fork
• Inside leg length min. 53 cm

With the new Eightshot brand, children's bike giant Puky is now also taking on little mountain bikers. The range of children's mountain bikes from Eightshot extends from a 20-inch bike to a fully-fledged 27.5-inch bike. The X-Coady 20 comes in at just under nine kilos with a rigid fork and V-brakes. Off-road safety is more important to the children's bike manufacturer than minimising weight. Thanks to the low bottom bracket in combination with the size-appropriate crank length, the youngsters should be able to make an emergency descent at any time.

Orbea MX 20 Team

• 369 Euro
• 8.9 kilos
• Shimano Altus 8-speed drivetrain
• V-brakes
• 2.1-inch Kenda tyres
• from 115 cm height
  

The Basque company Orbea has made racing a top priority. With the Orbea MX 20 Team children's bike, even little racers can really get going. The 70-millimetre stem places the youngsters in a sporty position on the bike, while the rigid fork and V-brakes save weight. If required, the MX 20 can also be converted to disc brakes. There is also a children's bike model with a suspension fork in the range, but this only makes the sprint across the finish line unnecessarily difficult for the racing rookies.

Conway MS 200 Rigid

• 359 Euro
• 8.2 kilos
• Shimano 7-speed gearstick
• Rigid fork
• Inside leg length min. 53 cm
  

Conway offers a wide range of sporty children's bikes from 20 to 26 inches. The Conway MS 200 with rigid fork, V-brakes and lightly profiled Schwalbe tyres is the entry-level model. Just right for first experiences on easy trails. With its slim aluminium frame, the Conway children's bike weighs just 8.2 kilos. The 20-inch bike for children is also optionally available with a Suntour suspension fork.

24 inch - Full throttle through the terrain

Lightweight racer, comfortable trail bike or the first children's MTB fully for descending in the bike park? The preferences of the next generation of bikers are slowly crystallising. There is a suitable 24-inch children's bike for almost every wish. However, a MTB full-suspension bike for children only makes sense from a downhill share of around 60 per cent.

Early Rider Trail 24

• 799 pounds
• 11.1 kilos
• Sram GX 11-speed drivetrain
• 100 millimetres spring travel
• Inside leg length min. 63 cm

Dad looks enviously at his offspring as they race round the bends on the polished 24-inch Early Rider children's bike. The Spinner 300 fork was specially developed for lightweight riders and ensures control on the trail. Wide handlebars, grippy Maxxis tyres and powerful disc brakes: the Early Rider Trail 24 not only looks like a real children's mountain bike, it is also the perfect base for little trail raiders.

Islabikes Creig 24

• 929 Euro
• 10.56 kilos
• Sram GX 11-speed drivetrain
• 60 millimetres spring travel
• Inside leg length min. 58 cm
  

In 2006, the British company Islabikes was one of the first children's bike companies to customise a mountain bike for children. Not only were special handlebars, slim grips and lightweight children's bike cranks developed for this purpose, but also frame geometries that can be combined with large wheels as early as possible. The Islabikes Creig 24 is the latest evolutionary stage, offers safety and comfort off-road and is equipped with high-quality shifting and braking components.

Kaniabikes Twentyfour

• 565 Euro
• 8.6 kilos
• 8-speed gearstick
• Aluminium rigid fork
• Inside leg length min. 64 cm
  

In its standard configuration, the completely redesigned Kaniabikes Twentyfour children's bike weighs just 8.6 kilos. This lightweight bike makes even longer rides a pleasure. The Kania bike is designed for moderate off-road use, but can be upgraded with disc brakes and 2.0 inch wide tyres if required. Or, at the other extreme, it can be transformed into a lightweight children's everyday bike for the school run with a pannier rack, mudguard and side stand.

Kubikes 24S MTB

• 509 Euro
• 8.5 kilos
• Shimano 8-speed gearstick
• Rigid fork
• Inside leg length min. 56 cm
  

In their search for the perfect children's bike for their offspring, the Kuisle brothers from the Ostallgäu region did not want to settle for off-the-shelf products. This resulted in the super-light Kubikes children's bikes. The 24-inch model with a low standover height is available in sizes S and L and in various equipment versions for mountain bike or touring use. In the Superlight version, the little Kubikes speedster weighs an incredible seven kilos. The children's bike specialist Kubies also offers a choice of various bright colours and the option of a custom body.

Transition Ripcord 24"

• 1699 USD
• 13 kilos
• Sram GX 10-speed drivetrain
• 100 millimetres spring travel
• from approx. 115 cm height
  

Darling, I've shrunk your mountain bike! The Transition Ripcord not only looks like a miniature version of dad's trail bike, it rides like one too. Once the offspring is sitting on the orange children's bike speedster with 100 millimetre air suspension, grippy Maxxis tyres and Deore disc brakes, the parents have to stay on. Unfortunately, a good 13 kilos slow down the forward momentum uphill. However, the Ripcord children's bike can also be lovingly customised as a frame set.

MTB Cycletech Speedster Pro 24"

• 795 Euro
• 10.7 kilos
• Sram 9-speed drivetrain
• 60 millimetres spring travel

With the MTB Cycletech Moskito, a children's mountain bike from the Swiss individualists has been whizzing along the trails for 25 years. They have now put all their experience into the lightweight frame of the Speedster Pro. With straight handlebars and Rocket Ron tyres, the bike is, as the name suggests, designed for speed. Slim grips, lightweight plastic pedals and the RST air fork with 60 millimetres of suspension travel make the red speedster fit for the race track.

Frog Bikes MTB 62

• 710 Euro
• 11.3 kilos
• Shimano 9-speed gearstick
• Rigid fork
• Inside leg length min. 62 cm
  

With the Frog Bikes MTB 62, youngsters can hop through the terrain like a grass frog. In collaboration with sports scientists from the University of Brunel, Frog has developed particularly agile children's bikes for little shredders that are optimised for children's anatomy. With air suspension, hydraulic disc brakes and Kenda tyres, any terrain is transformed into an adventure playground. The only thing the British could do with a little tweaking is the weight.

Featherweight 24 disc MTB

• 2780 Euro
• 6.6 kilos
• Shimano XT 10-speed drivetrain
• Magura MT4 brake
• from approx. 110 cm height
  

For the Austrian custom specialist Federleicht, the name says it all. The 24-inch hardtail for children weighs just 6.6 kilos. But Federleicht pulls out all the tuning stops: Ritchey carbon fork, carbon saddle and wheels as well as special, in-house tuning cranks. The compact geometry with low bottom bracket follows the 29er concept. The chic aluminium frame of the children's bike is welded in Europe. The featherweight is the ideal base for young racers and bike-crazy tuning dads.

Cube Reaction C:62 Youth

• 1499 Euro
• 10.1 kilos
• Sram NX 12-speed drivetrain
• Manitou fork with 100 mm suspension travel
• Inside leg length min. 53 cm
  

Mountain biking can be highly contagious. Once your child has been infected with the racing virus, they will soon need the right bike. The frame of the Cube Reaction C:62 Youth children's mountain bike is made from the same carbon fibres that are used in the World Cup bikes. Pressfit bearings, Boost rear triangle, flexing seat stays and a comfortable seat post - the youngsters will have plenty to talk about when they push the 27.5-inch children's bike to the starting line with a proudly swollen chest.