The Best Mountain Bikes for Kids

The Best Mountain Bikes for Kids

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A well-fitted mountain bike that matches a child's skill level will be comfortable and fun to ride. Quality kids bikes can be expensive, so know your price point, and take into consideration how fast your child is growing and how many other kids in your family will be able to use the bike. A more advanced mountain bike may cost more, but it will also perform better and hold up longer if it's going to be passed on to the next cyclist in the family.

Scott Scale RC JR

For kids who keep up with the adults, Scott's Scale RC JR bike offers the performance of an adult mountain bike at the right size for a kid. This 24-inch hardtail bike comes with Shimano XT components that will hold up after miles on the trail. This mountain bike, which costs $1,049.99, as of March 2010, is for kids who spend hours on the trail, or for the cycling family who can pass this well-made bike from one child to the next.

Scott Sports
P.O. Box 2030
Sun Valley, ID 83353
208-622-1000
scottusa.com.

Marin Bayview Trail SE

The Bayview Trail SE is part of Marin's performance kids line. This 24-inch bike comes stock with disc brakes, allowing kids to become accustom to the braking system found on most adult mountain bikes. Marin's quality frame will take the beating trails and kids throw its way. Midrange components provide smooth riding. The bike retails for $530, as of March 2010.

Marin Bikes
265 Bel Marin Keys Blvd.
Novato, CA 94949
800-222-7557
marinbikes.com

Marin Hidden Canyon Girls

Marin's Hidden Canyon 20-inch bike gives girls a solid starter bike to ride trails. At $335, as of March 2010, the Hidden Canyon doesn't come with high-performing parts, but the front suspension, front and rear brakes, and full set of gears, gives kids the chance to practice handling a bike with the same features as an adult bike. This is a smart choice for beginning mountain bike riders or for kids who don't ride frequently.

Marin Bikes
265 Bel Marin Keys Blvd.
Novato, CA 94949
800-222-7557
marinbikes.com

Scott Spark JR

Scott's Spark JR 20-inch bike lets younger riders experience a full-suspension mountain bike. For $549.99, as of March 2010, midrange components give kids solid performance without emptying the bank for a bike that will be outgrown. The full suspension gives kids a smoother ride and lets them match the grown-ups' bikes.

Scott Sports
P.O. Box 2030
Sun Valley, ID 83353
208-622-1000
scottusa.com.

Marin Tiny Trail

The Tiny Trail 16-inch bike is for young kids who can't wait to ride with the adults. Front suspension softens the bumps on the trails and looks just like mom and dad's mountain bike. A rear hand brake lets little riders practice braking techniques they'll use on bigger bikes. A coaster brake adds extra stopping power and serves as a backup while kids learn the new braking system. A single speed lets kids focus on handling skills without worrying about shifting gears. The Tiny Trail retails for $225, as of March 2010.

Marin Bikes
265 Bel Marin Keys Blvd.
Novato, CA 94949
800-222-7557
marinbikes.com

Article Written By Kathrine Cole

Kathrine Cole is a professional outdoor educator. She teaches rock climbing, backpacking, cycling, and bike maintenance classes. She is a graduate of the National Outdoor Leadership School, a Wilderness First Responder, and a Leave No Trace Trainer.

Write for Trails.com
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