We tested these children's MTBs:
You can find these topics in the children's bike test:
"I'll take the Fully!" "No, me!" "I want one too!" Seven children and three fullys don't make a sensible equation. We should have known that. So our test day in Nauders gets off to a pretty emotional start. There's just one suspension strut between elation and sadness. It doesn't help to promise that it will be replaced later. Our seven testers, aged between eight and twelve, are supposed to experience the differences between the various bike types and tell us about them. Do you really need a fully? Do you even need suspension? Which wheel size? 24, 26 or 27.5 inches?
Our minds have calmed down as the chairlift drops us off at the Zirmbahn mountain station at 2,500 metres. The stunning views, the fresh temperatures and the fun Zirmtrail, which winds its way down to the valley in elegantly shaped bends, make the question of who is riding which bike fade into the background. Our test riders are locals, they already know every rock here and are looking forward to biking.
Spring travel between zero and 160 millimetres
The seven test bikes cover almost the entire spectrum of what is interesting and relevant between the ages of eight and twelve. They could be used for cross-country racing, touring and even shredding trails in the park or mastering downhill races. The suspension travel is between zero and 160 millimetres, with prices ranging from 949 to 2799 euros.
But as different as the bikes are, the five boys and two girls tackle the flow trail together - and stay together for the entire descent. First realisation: even if the suspension is appealing and makes the ride more comfortable, it is not absolutely necessary on moderate trails. Even the completely unsprung Scor 0024 pilots Felix safely to the middle station. Sure, just pulling off over a rock, as Paul, the eldest in the group, demonstrates, succeeds with the Canyon-Fully easier and safer. But everyone in the group has fun on this trail.
Simple gearboxes make it easy for the kids
On the way from Bergkastel over to the Plamort plateau, we can test how well the kids get on with the gears on their children's MTB, as there are also some easy climbs to tackle. As only single gears are fitted, the kids get on well with them - a huge advantage compared to the previous multi-blades! Occasionally we have to adjust the grips a little so that the little fingers can get a good grip, but then it works with the gears. Our observation is that climbing performance is primarily a question of motivation rather than the gears.
Fullys definitely have advantages
The flow of the ride is disrupted above all if the saddle height cannot be adjusted without tools. Dropper posts are an advantage for children (and companions). At the very least, however, a quick-release should be fitted to the seat post. Lowered saddles are a clear advantage on the natural trails back down into the valley, which are wet and full of roots. The youngest of the bunch proves that skill is more effective here than a thick chassis: Florian, only 1.20 metres tall and eight years young, makes the Nize One 24 hardtail glide particularly smoothly over root boards.
And with a Fully? They're not a bit faster here. However, the rear suspension has an advantage on the Bergkastel trail, which is a little rougher in places. We know from experience that it's a completely different story in the bike park with more rugged trails and big jumps. Fullys show their potential more effectively on the braking bumps in the park than on natural trails.
Conclusion on the children's MTBs in the test:
The test shows that children's bikes have gained in stature. We have not observed any major outliers. The bikes are consistently easy for children to handle. The suspension elements work well - not a matter of course for riders weighing around 30 kg or more. Not only niche suppliers are doing a good job, but also large manufacturers such as Canyon and Scott take the little bikers seriously and put potent, even downright favourably priced bikes on the studs.
For many parents, however, the price is the biggest obstacle on the way to finding the right bike for their offspring. 2000 euros or more for a children's MTB? Quite a few people think that's crazy. But why is that? Children in particular need good equipment. With light and suitable bikes, children learn to ride in a playful way. If you want to promote moments of happiness, it's better to save on your own bike and treat your children no less than yourself. Then biking together will also work - with or without suspension.
Which circuits for kids?
1 Simple is king! All test bikes have single blades. This is the biggest improvement compared to the past and also a reason to invest in new bikes and not send kids out on the trails with old equipment. Children have never been able to operate front derailleurs.
2 How many gears? 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12? That depends: 11 or 12 sprockets are great, especially on tours with real climbs. However, having enough light gears on board is more important than a fine gradation. The gear ratio can theoretically be adjusted via the front cassette. Spare blades for the children's cranks are practical but not always easy to find.
3 Trigger switch or twist grip? Twist grips are more intuitive, but trigger switches with good pulls are also well suited if set correctly.
4 What quality? Children hardly wear out the drives, they don't have to be the most expensive sprockets.
Interview with Tim Lorkowski, Vpace
BIKE: You are building with the Fred a park bike for children. How did you realise that you even need something like this?
Tim Lorkowski: Initially, we didn't see the need either. We thought we had everything covered with the Moritz Fully. But that wasn't the case. There are some kids who only ride in the bike park and their fathers can no longer keep up. We didn't have a bike for them. Our Moritz is a trail/enduro bike that reaches its limits in continuous park use. The components are not made for it, nor is the geo. There are also junior racing series like the Rookies Cup. Our Fred was the winning bike in the U11 category last year.
To what extent is weight still an issue when using the Park?
Weight is also important to us here. But stability is the top priority in gravity sports. Nevertheless, our bikes are lighter than full-blown downhill bikes. For example, we adapt the tyres and do without double bridge forks.
Can the children feel the subtle differences to enduro bikes?
In any case. Children are quickly satisfied if they get a decent bike at all. But when they get to grips with it, as our team riders do, it provides very accurate feedback. The Fred is not a bike for beginners, but little experts really appreciate it.
