Finding the right kind of mountain bike for your little ones can be a lengthy task. So here in this article, we have highlighted some budget-friendly and top picks for your little one’s next adventurous ride. Below are some of the best mountain bikes for kids.
Best Budget Mountain Bikes for Kids
Budget mountain bikes are typically designed for casual riders and beginners. They are usually not made to be as durable or have the same features as more expensive models, but they can still provide a lot of enjoyment.
The best budget mountain bikes are made from aluminum frames and have suspension forks. They also come with disc brakes, which are a good safety feature to have on any bike.
Weight is usually an issue, as many can weigh up to half the child’s weight (nearly 30% recommended). They work for entire neighborhoods for motivated riders who want to overcome the “giggles” of these budget bikes. Spend $100 or $200 more and you might get a much better quality bike that’s easier and more fun for your child to ride and requires a lot less maintenance.
Best Cheap Mountain Bike Under $200
Huffy Scout | MRP $148 | Sizes available 24” | Weight 36.4 lbs
Out of all the budget bikes we tested, the Scout is the best-looking one in my opinion. Its clean design and color combination conveys a true mountain bike feel. But it weighs 36.4 pounds, which is insanely high. Huffy says he boasts Shimano components, but that doesn’t make much sense. The two derailleurs are he-Shimano for beginners, but the shifters are he-Shimano. The shifter worked well on the bikes we tested it on, but it’s a little stiff and hard to turn, making it perfect for kids who just need to shift regularly. The Scout’s overall frame design is superior to the Roadmaster’s. So if your child can handle the extreme weight, it will give them a better riding experience than the Roadmaster.
Also, you may only want your child to play in the backyard or around town. Consider options such as the Huffy 12-speed Freestyle Boys’ Bike. It comes with a rigid steel frame and quick-release easy-to-remove training wheels that come off easily when not needed. Great reviews have proven it will provide hours of fun in just minutes!
Best Mountain Bikes under $250
Schwinn Ranger Boys and Girls | MRP $249 | Sizes available 24” | Weight 29 lbs
Available in boy and girl models, the Schwinn Ranger is usually a great-looking bike available at your local Target store. The Ranger is available in 24″ and 26″ wheel sizes, but not 20″. The Ranger isn’t significantly lighter than the “entry-level” purchase, but the overall build quality is excellent. Aluminum frame, easy-to-repair 3-piece crank, as opposed to the steel frame of cheaper bikes, and uses real decals as opposed to decals that peel off easily on cheaper bikes.
In reviewing current Ranger models, some owners have had problems with the pedals simply falling off. This is most likely caused by the pedals being attached to the wrong crank arm. Given that big department store bikes aren’t assembled by trained technicians, it’s most likely that the pedals weren’t installed correctly during assembly. So go with Ranger and a budget bike. We always recommend having your bike checked at your local bike shop before you ride it.
Best Cheap Mountain Bike Under $300
Btwin Rockrider ST100 | MRP $179-$210 | Sizes available 20” and 24” | Weight 30.2 lbs
The Rockrider is the best bike you can buy for under $200. Available exclusively at Decathlon (currently a popular international sporting goods store in the US), the Btwin Rockrider offers great form and quality at a low price. The Rockriders are heavy, but stand out from other budget brands because they don’t feel heavy in use and perform more like a midrange bike than a budget bike. Rockriders’ brakes are very responsive as are the grip shifters. The tires also have enough tread for off-road use. A 20-inch rock rider, on the other hand, is a single-speed. It has the same responsive brakes and bumpy tires as the 24-inch, but it’s less ideal for those who tackle hilly terrain.
Best Mountain Bike Under $500
Raleigh Rowdy | MRP $290/$330 | Sizes available 20” and 24” | Weight 21 lbs
Our kid’s bike testers loved the Raleigh Rowdy. This bike is the best bike for kids and is ready to take on whatever the neighborhood throws at them. With a lightweight aluminum frame, Shimano shifters, and responsive V-brakes, this Rowdy is the local. It is the perfect blend of quality, simplicity, and durability for riders. Unlike other recreational bikes on our list, the Rowdy doesn’t have a front suspension fork. Rowdy’s rigid fork helped keep the weight down and didn’t stop his testers from being aggressive. Our testers happily rode the Rowdy anywhere from simple dirt trails to handcrafted jumps in front of the house. Rowdy comes in 20″ and 24″ sizes, but please note that this model has been discontinued by Raleigh.
Polygon Ultralight | MRP $299/$349 | Sizes available 20” and 24” | Weight 20.7 and 23.1 lbs
The Polygon Ultralight is the best kids’ bike available in the mid-range. Constructed of a lightweight aluminum frame with a Shimano drivetrain, the Polygon’s build quality rivals many kids’ bikes in the bike shop. Light and nimble, this bike is perfect for neighborhood cruisers and kids tackling long paved bike paths. How does Polygon keep prices so low? Polygon Bikes is one of the few bike companies that owns its manufacturing facility (outside Indonesia) and sells directly to consumers (via BikesDirect.com). Without multiple middlemen, Polygon can offer quality bikes at competitive prices. Available in 20″ and 24″ sizes and multiple options, the Ultralight is the perfect recreational mountain bike for boys and girls—available with or without suspension forks.
Best Budget Full Suspension Mountain Bike
Trek Precaliber | MRP 20” geared model $329, 24” model $359, $389 (with suspension) | Weight 20” (24 lbs) 24” model (25 lbs), 26.5 lbs (with suspension)
Whether your little rider believes a mountain bike needs a suspension fork or likes bunny hopping and wheelies around the neighborhood, the Trek Precaliber with suspension is a great option! With its look and feel, simple components, and low cost, the Precaliber is our most popular recreational mountain bike. Precaliber is available in 20″ and 24″ models with or without suspension. The non-suspended Precaliber 20″ is a single-speed model and also has coaster brakes. For this reason, it is not recommended for riders who need some of the features of a mountain bike. The 20″ model with suspension is geared and the coaster has no brakes. The 24-inch Precaliber models are the same, but one model has a suspension fork and the other does not. The weight difference between the two is less than 2 pounds. So if you don’t want to ride only on pavement, we recommend the version with springs.
Kids’ Mountain Bikes Great Way for Children to Get into Biking
Kids can use them to spend time outdoors, get some exercise, and develop their coordination. There are many benefits of owning a kids’ mountain bike. One of the biggest reasons is that they are designed with smaller frames in mind. This makes it easier for young children to reach the ground and ride without any assistance from an adult.
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