The way to the right children's bike size
You don't grow into a bike like a pair of jeans that are too big. Children need a bike that fits. The decisive measurements are the stride length or height. You can use these key points as a guide.
A large selection of children's mountain bikes from 12-20 inches is available from these online shops:
BIKE recommendation for children's bikes in 16 - 20 inches
The first real bike: From around six years of age and a stride length of around 50 centimetres, things really get going. Now your offspring will fit on a 20-inch bike. You can safely do without a heavy suspension fork. Light and wide tyres with little air are better. This also ensures top comfort off-road.
Twist shifters: Twist grips are best suited as gear levers. They are more intuitive for children to operate. But be careful: not all models are easy for children's hands to operate. Just like the grips, they must not be too thick, otherwise little hands will not be able to grip the handlebars.
Adjustable brake lever: Lightweight V-brakes are perfectly adequate for the first off-road use. Much more important than maximum braking power are adjustable brake levers so that they are easy to reach for short fingers. A V-brake also saves weight compared to a disc brake.
Canyon Offspring AL16 children's bike
499 euros / 8.2 kilos / 16- or 18-inch wheels / Sram Automatix gears / Sram Level disc brakes / 2.1-inch tyres
With the Offspring, Canyon enables little bike heroes from a height of 98 centimetres to get started. The 18-inch front wheel takes obstacles in its stride. At the rear, a 16-inch wheel enables a particularly upright and child-friendly position. Thanks to easily accessible disc brakes, the youngsters always have the wild ride under control and the braking forces remain pleasantly low. So that the child can concentrate fully on the trail, Canyon has dispensed with a gear lever and instead installed a Sram Automatix gear system. At a certain speed, this automatically shifts to a faster gear, allowing kids to accelerate even faster.
Children's bike Early Rider Hellion Trail - BIKE-TIP: Weight
699 euros / 7.13 kilos / 20-inch wheels / 9-speed gears / mechanical disc brakes from Tektro / from 6 years of age
Children's eyes light up at the brightly brushed aluminium frame of the Hellion Trail. Lift it up? Wow, so light. The new 20-inch bike from Early Rider weighs just over seven kilos. Ideal for off-road beginners. With nine gears and mechanical disc brakes, the equipment is sensibly chosen. Instead of a suspension fork, a lightweight aluminium rigid fork and wide tyres are used. The British know what is important. Parts that are not available on the market are simply developed in-house. Like the 120 millimetre short aluminium cranks and the matching pedals. The Hellion makes small trail speedsters from a stride length of 50 centimetres happy.
Ghost Kato R1.0 AL K children's bike
339 euros / 9.3 kilos / 20-inch wheels / 8 gears with twist grip / Tektro rim brakes / also available with suspension fork for 449 euros
For just over 300 euros and from a height of around 115 centimetres, youngsters can whizz through the terrain on the Kato. Incidentally, the solid aluminium frame is also available in a stylish fire red. Rim brakes and a rigid fork reduce the weight to under ten kilos. Thanks to the twist grip shifter, the eight gears can also be easily changed by children's hands. If you want a little more comfort, simply swap the narrow studded tyres. The Kato is also optionally available with disc brakes and a fork with 50 millimetres of suspension travel. Equipped in this way, however, the weight is a hefty 11.7 kilos. We would therefore definitely recommend the rigid version.
Children's bike Kubikes 20 Fat Superlight
From 995 euros / from 9.7 kilos / 20x4.0-inch tyres 10 or 11 gears / Tektro disc brakes / Components can be individually configured
Little adventurers can set off on a journey of exploration with this big hummer. The 4.0 inch wide tyres effortlessly roll over all obstacles. Roots, sand or scree? No problem for the 20 Fat. The fat tyres provide an extra portion of grip and safety. Your mates will be wide-eyed. The weight remains surprisingly low. With the specially developed, lightweight aluminium frame, it starts at just 9.7 kilos. The equipment and colour can be customised on the website. Golden nipples as a small highlight or a jumping cheetah on the frame as motivation for the next generation? With Kubikes, almost no child's wish remains unfulfilled.
Children's bike Norco Fluid 2.3+ - BIKE-TIP: Trail
599 euros / 20x2.6-inch plus tyres 8-speed gearbox / Tektro disc brakes / SR Suntour XCT FR Plus 20 60-mm suspension fork
The Canadians know what small shredders need. That's why they not only give the Fluid 60 millimetres of suspension travel, but also 2.6 inch wide plus tyres. These provide additional cushioning and a good amount of grip when the youngsters are winding through berms and balancing over the first Northshores. The geometry is based on modern trail bikes and is particularly manoeuvrable thanks to the short rear triangle. Wide handlebars, short stem - kids sit comfortably upright on the Norco rather than sportily stretched out. Hydraulic Tektro brakes with 160 mm discs slow down the little ripper, and an eight-speed gear system ensures that the youngsters don't run out of breath on the climbs.
Children's bike Orbea MX20 Team
369 euros / 9.1 kilos / 20-inch wheels / 8 gears with Rapidfire levers / rim brakes / Kenda Small Block Eight 2.1-inch tyres
The Basque company has put itself in the spotlight in recent years with some excellent mountain bikes, and a wide range is also available for the next generation. At 9.1 kilos, the MX20 Team is the lightest model in the MX20 range and fits children from 115 centimetres tall. The aluminium frame in cool racing blue can be converted to disc brakes if required. Eight gears and wide Kenda tyres make the MX20 ready for off-road use. A 70 millimetre stem places the youngster in a slightly sportier position on the bike. Alternatively, the MX20 models are also available with a suspension fork or disc brakes. Here too, however, the weights quickly exceed the 10-kilo mark.
BIKE recommendation for children's bikes in 24 - 26 inches
The right crank length: For children, as for adults, the crank length should be around a tenth of the height of the rider. For economic reasons, you can also use a crank that is a maximum of 15 millimetres longer. By the way: Only the right crank makes it possible to lower the bottom bracket on a children's frame.
1-speed drive: Single-speed drivetrains are usually sufficient for children's bikes. For 24- or 26-inch bikes, however, 10 or 11 gears are permissible. A double drivetrain can quickly overwhelm children due to the additional lever on the handlebars and cause them to lose concentration.
Every gram counts: Alongside geometry, weight is the decisive factor for children's bikes. The maths is simple. A seven-kilo 24cc bike weighs over a third of the body weight of a 20-kilo female rider. That's like a 75-kilo man riding a 25-kilo bike - without the motor.
Small ladies' models: For taller kids, a lady bike can also be an option - as long as the frame fits. Size XS or 13.5" or 15" often fits children from a height of 150 centimetres. Most manufacturers have now moved away from floral patterns and butterflies, so boys may also find a ladies' model appealing.
I don't know of any suspension forks that work well up to 24 inches. In my opinion, there is no need for suspension on bikes up to 24 inches. Basic techniques are learnt at the appropriate age - on a tour in rough terrain, the speed is just a little slower. Race tracks including U9 do not need suspension. Dr Alexander Friedl, Federleicht Bike E.U
Conway MS 200 Rigid children's bike
399 euros / 9.4 kilos / 24-inch wheels / Shimano Altus 8-speed gears / eyelets for pannier rack and mudguards
The frog-green Conway comes without a lot of frills, but with some well thought-out details. The low-slung top tube offers plenty of room to manoeuvre and therefore conveys a feeling of safety off-road. The solid aluminium frame can be upgraded with mudguards and pannier rack, transforming it into a true all-rounder for the school run or trail use. For just 400 euros, the MS 200 is the perfect basis for dad's tuning box. The weight of 9.4 kilos can be significantly reduced again. The Conway is also available with a suspension fork for the same price. However, it weighs considerably more at 10.8 kilos.
Children's bike Falkenjagd Tachion 24 MTB
4790 euros / frame weight 1.42 kilos / 24-inch Tune wheels / 1x11 Shimano gears / Tune stem and seatpost
Does your child sleep in a Ferrari bed and eat their muesli from a golden spoon? Then it needs this scratch-resistant children's dream made of titanium. The Tachion from Falkenjagd is the Rolex of children's bikes and is fitted with only the finest components. The lightweight Tune wheels rotate around blue anodised King-and-Kong hubs. The stem and seat post also come from the German lightweight forge in matching colours. For the gears, you can choose between Shimano XT and XTR, and the corresponding disc brakes are fitted. And if the noble steed ever actually leaves the showcase, it is driven by an exclusive lightweight spring crank.
By the way: The add-on parts are also available in pink anodised.
Children's bike featherweight 26er - BIKE-TIP: Race
3241 euros / 7.0 kilos / 26-inch wheels / 1x11-Sram X01 drivetrain / Magura MT8 disc brakes / featherweight wheels 1276 g
The Austrians specialise in lightweight children's bikes and rely entirely on European production. In addition to high-quality, lightweight complete bikes, Federleicht also offers customised options. The use of a 450 gram carbon fork, a carbon saddle and hand-spoked wheels creates a 7-kilo lightweight dream for children. Thanks to the compact geometry with a low front and very short chainstays, your offspring can switch to the large 26-inch wheels from a height of 120 centimetres and benefit from the smoother ride and good rollover characteristics. Countless colour and equipment variants leave nothing to be desired.
Children's bike Islabikes Creig 24 Pro - BIKE-TIP: Trail
1499 pounds (1699 euros) / 9.02 kilos / 1x11 Sram GX /Sram DB5 disc brakes / Stan's Notubes ZTR Crest wheels / 80 mm travel
With the Creig Pro, Islabikes puts a real trail rocket on the lightweight Stans tubeless wheels. With this bike, the junior is guaranteed not to have to squint at dad's speedster. The Rockshox fork with 80 millimetres of travel has been specially adapted to the light weight of the rider and should respond finely even with low air pressure. The eleven gears are changed intuitively using a twist grip shifter. A lightweight aluminium crank with a narrow Q-factor, stylish anodised bolts and a specially developed carbon seat post reduce the weight of the Creigs 24 to nine kilos. Thanks to hydraulic disc brakes and particularly thin grips, the youngsters always have full control over their rocket.
Children's bike Pyrobikes Twentyfour UL
From 749 euros / from 7.7 kilos / 24-inch wheels / 1x11 Shimano gears / Magura MT4 disc brakes / also available with suspension fork
"We do everything, but not heavy" is the motto of the Baden-Württemberg company, and they back this up impressively with the lightweight version of their 24-inch model. At just 7.7 kilos, the pointer remains on the scales without having to make any compromises. The in-house crank with interchangeable chainrings and low Q-factor weighs just 530 grams including the bottom bracket. The grips of the Magura brakes can be positioned particularly close to the handlebars. The Pyro frames are designed according to the 29er philosophy so that the next generation can switch to the next wheel size at an early stage.
Ramlon Ibex Race children's bike
2200 euros / 8.8 kilos / 26-inch wheels / 1x11 drivetrain / Magura MT4 disc brakes / Rockshox Rebal RL with 100 mm travel
The Ibex is the perfect base for young racers. From a height of 125 centimetres, kids can really step on the gas on the race track with the lightweight carbon bike. Large 26-inch wheels not only give youngsters respect in the starting block, but also safe handling and good rollover behaviour. Ramlon combines Shimano and Sram components for the gears to achieve particularly smooth shifting. The GX cranks are specially shortened to the optimum length by the manufacturer and fitted with a 28 mm blade. The anatomy of small athletes is also the focus of the other components. The equipment is rounded off by solid Magura brakes and a Reba-RL fork.
Children's bike Scott Scale RC Junior 24 Disc
699 euros / 10.1 kilos / 24-inch wheels / 1x10 Sram GX gears / hydraulic Tektro disc brakes
World champion and World Cup dominator Nino Schurter has already claimed numerous podium places on the Scale. So it is only logical that Scott should also provide the next generation of racers with a shrunken Scale. Mini racers take a sporty seat on the 24-inch bike. The 10-speed drivetrain provides sufficient gears both on the climbs and in the sprint to the finish - even if the 32-speed gear seems a little large. Scott has fitted easy-rolling Smart Sam tyres so that you can accelerate properly right from the start. Hydraulic Tektro disc brakes provide sufficient deceleration. The Scale is also available with a suspension fork or wide Plus tyres.
BIKE recommendation children's MTB fullys 20 - 26 inches
The right frame size: For most manufacturers, the standover height or height is the deciding factor for when a child can ride the bike. However, Dr Alexander Friedl believes that height is overrated: "No child jumps forwards from the pedals onto the top tube with both legs, but tips to the side. The sooner a child can switch to larger, better-rolling wheels, the better."
Too wide? The Q-factor describes how far apart the crank arms are. Some manufacturers make it easy for themselves and simply use the Q-factor of an adult crank. In this way, inexpensive standard bottom brackets can be installed. However, children's feet are then too far apart, which can be painful for the knees.
Bikes that grow with you:
A frame that grows with the child, which can be converted from 24-inch to 26-inch wheels, for example, makes particular sense for expensive fullys. This not only makes the usually much larger investment worthwhile, but also any tuning measures that relativise the high weight of children's fullys somewhat.
From my own experience, I would say that a suspension rear end is only necessary when the downhill portion is well over 60 per cent and only makes sense for downhill or bike park use. Before that, the widest possible tyres replace the suspension at the rear quite effectively. Sebastian Tegtmeier, founder of Supurb Bicycles
Commencal Supreme 20 kids' MTB fully
1699 euros / 11.1 kilos / 20-inch wheels / single-speed drivetrain / Tektro disc brakes / Ride Alpha suspension fork with 120 mm
Rock 'n' Roll! Is your child unstoppable and already doing somersaults in the bouncy castle at the age of five? Then it's time for one of the smallest children's fullys on the market. The Supreme 20 is available from a height of 1.15 metres and is perfectly equipped for the first stunts in the bike park thanks to its complete air suspension. The Ride Alpha fork with its 120 millimetres of travel was specially developed by Commençal for the children's bike series. The 66-degree head angle provides a lot of riding stability, and the 2.35-inch wide tyres keep the youngsters on course. Thanks to the single-speed drivetrain, the chain stays reliably on the chainring - but if you prefer to shift gears, you can easily upgrade.
Kids MTB Fully Mondraker Factory 24 - BIKE TIP: Grows with you
1999 euros / 11.4 kilos / 24- or 26-inch wheels / 1x10 Sram GX drivetrain / Shimano MT 500 disc brakes / Rockshox suspension
The Factory 24 is an investment in the future. It can be fitted not only with 24-inch but also with 26-inch wheels. In addition, the travel of the suspension fork can be extended from 80 to 100 millimetres. The geometry is based on its big brother, the Factor in 27.5 inches with fast-forward geometry. However, all geometry data has been adapted to riders between 135 and 155 centimetres tall and the suspension has been optimised for a weight of around 28 kilos. The perfect trail bike for the next generation. The equipment with 1x10 drivetrain and hydraulic Shimano disc brakes is also impressive.
Kids MTB bike Propain Yuma - BIKE TIP: Park
1799 euros / 12.3 kilos / 24-inch wheels / 1x11 Sram GX gears / Formula Cura disc brakes / 140 millimetres travel
Berms, drops and bumpy descents. This is where the Yuma feels particularly at home. With 140 millimetres of suspension travel and downhill-focused geometry, it is the perfect toy for long days in the bike park. The frame is designed for kids from 1.25 metres tall. The developers at Propain have put a lot of thought into the rear triangle. This should respond sensitively even with a low rider weight and provide plenty of suspension travel. The equipment is solid and, with large brake discs, has been selected to suit the area of use. The Yuma can be converted to 26 inches using the so-called "Grown Up" kit, making it fun even for much older children.
Rocky Mountain Reaper kids' MTB bike - BIKE TIP: Grows with you
From 2000 euros / 12.2 kilos / 24- or 26-inch wheels / Shimano disc brakes / Rockshox or Suntour fork
Another bike that grows with you: The Reaper from Rocky Mountain is available in two model variants, but they are based on an identical frame. It is designed so that it can be ridden with both 24-inch and 26-inch wheels. The frame offers 130 millimetres of travel at the rear and can be adjusted via the Ride 9 system on the shock. The front suspension is either a Suntour Epixon or a Rockshox Reba, each with 120 millimetres of travel. With a steering angle of 64.3 degrees in the slackest setting, the Reaper is very freeride orientated. Dad has to keep up, otherwise the offspring will have long since disappeared behind the next berm.
Trailcraft Maxwell 24 children's MTB fully
2999 dollars / 12 kilos / 24-inch T wheels / 1x11 Shimano XT drivetrain / Shimano XT disc brakes / RST Sniper fork 100 mm
Almost 2500 euros for a children's bike? That really is a house number. But in return, your offspring will get an exceptionally well thought-out trail bike. The RST Snyper fork with 100 millimetres of suspension travel has been specially developed for use on children's bikes. The cables run hidden through the frame and an internally controlled telescopic seat post can also be retrofitted. The stem weighs just 85 grams, the carbon handlebars 160, and even tuning brake discs from Ashima have been considered. The high-quality equipment is rounded off by a complete XT groupset and lightweight Stans Crest MK3 rims with 24 spokes. The Trailcraft cranks can be ordered with a 26 mm blade.
Vpace Moritz 26 kids' MTB fully - BIKE TIP: Weight
Approx. 2000 euros / 10.8 kilos / 26-inch wheels / Sram GX1 gears / Magura MT4 disc brakes / VPace wheels weighing 1520 grams
The young brand from Lake Constance is committed to the 29er concept. With a good 120 millimetres of suspension travel, the 26-inch bike should allow children from 135 centimetres tall and around 25 kilos to go on full-blown off-road excursions. At the same time, the weight should remain at a surprisingly light 10.8 kilos. The frame is equipped with thru axles on the front and rear wheels and has a 66 degree steering angle. The bike is due to be delivered from February 2018. VPace will offer various equipment variants with Fox or Suntour suspension and with or without a dropper post. The gears are Srams GX1, with a choice of eleven or twelve gears.
Stefan Frey
Editor
