Kids MTB brands

[Bill]

I've had various Islabikes over the years but now looking at more MTB focus for my (large, sturdy*) 7-y-o. Budget isn't set but I don't want to go as high as Islabikes MTB efforts, despite the resale argument.

Basically I'm trying to find the "sensible" sweet spot for value vs capability, and don't mind sacrificing a bit on weight etc as he's very capable.

I'm particularly looking at the 24" Voodoo Bakka at Halfords:http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/kids-bikes/voodoo-bakka-mountain-bike-24

Eta: or the Genesis Core: http://www.bikes2udirect.com/B7606.html

Edited by Bill on Monday 14th August 08:51

[vwsurfbum]

My 7yr old is on a Ridgeback MX24, heavy wheels hold it back but its a good base. (everything apart from frame and forks upgraded)

I'm trying to find a reasonable full susser so she can enjoy the off road a bit more but it doesnt stop her enjoying this.

[Bill]

I should probably know what that is.

Tbh I don't really want to have to upgrade parts if I can avoid it (Plus we had a Ridgeback balance bike that was appalling... ). I think I need to do some more research. Looking further has uncovered a load more options and some deals on Scott Scale Jrs.

[So]

vwsurfbum said:

My 7yr old is on a Ridgeback MX24, heavy wheels hold it back but its a good base. (everything apart from frame and forks upgraded)

I'm trying to find a reasonable full susser so she can enjoy the off road a bit more but it doesnt stop her enjoying this.

+1. Cheapish, robust and they look cool (which is what matters most obviously)

[boyse7en]

My 10yo daughter is on a 24" Trek that we've used on the red route at Haldon Forest. Stood up to it well.

We looked at the Genesis Core and I thought it was a cracking bike, but it was a bit pricey and she didn't like the colour...

[Mammasaid]

+2 for Ridgeback, little one has a Harmony 20" and whilst it's not the lightest, it's weathered all that a little one throws at it....

[Mr Gearchange]

I bought my lad this

https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Specialized-Riprock-24w-2...

He loves it - and it's a very capable thing - 2.8" tyres give a lot of grip and traction.

[Bill]

Thanks, but he's not having fatter tyres than me.

[Craikeybaby]

My friend's lad is 7 and has a Charge Cooker, with 24" wheels, which seems good.

[alfa phil]

Frog hybrid may be worth a look, great light weight, kids bikes

[Bill]

I have done, but like Islabikes they're hybrids and the boys definitely want to go more MTB (when they're not getting distracted by BMXs and sodding scooters!)

[vwsurfbum]

A friend of mine has just listed this specialized

"Specialized Hotrock 24 in size 13".
Cracking bike for the budding MTB kid.
Forks have lockout.
Nearly new Lizardskins Peaty grips.
Ollie has loved this bike and has gained a lot of skills riding it but has now made the move up to 26" wheels.
£175 "

[vwsurfbum]

I should say he's down in Westclif Southend, Essex

[marcg]

Both my kids have cuda MTBs. Reasonable weight, cheap and very durable. Generally used by cycle hire places.

[Minnsy]

My nine year old has the Whyte XC 403. Loves it.

[Bill]

Minnsy said:

My nine year old has the Whyte XC 403. Loves it.

I bet. But no way as I'm not spending that much especially as I only have a 901. (Their size range is a bit odd too - my 9-y-o is at the top end of that size bike at 5'.)

Essex is too far, but thanks.

[JQ]

Does he "really" need a suspension bike? My youngest lad had a Ridgeback MX20 and quite frankly it was a bit st - weighed a tonne and the suspension wasn't particularly effective whilst my eldest had a Cuda Kinetic 24, which was pretty similar.

We started doing more adventurous stuff and to my mind these bikes weren't fit for purpose. Both have swapped to Frog bikes, and whilst they don't have suspension they're sooo much lighter than the previous bikes that my lads fly about. My 7yr old will happily do the Red Run at Llandegla, whilst my 9yr old will do the Black. Both always get a nod and a wink of encouragement from the adults on their full suspension bikes.

[Ben Jk]

It doesnt have suspension but I've just bought my 8 year old son a HOY Bonaly 20. Tyres can be upgraded to more offroad spec and it's 6speed.

Very light, fantastic quality piece of kit.

[Bill]

AIUI Hoys are more road orientated.

JQ said:

Does he "really" need a suspension bike? My youngest lad had a Ridgeback MX20 and quite frankly it was a bit st - weighed a tonne and the suspension wasn't particularly effective whilst my eldest had a Cuda Kinetic 24, which was pretty similar.

We started doing more adventurous stuff and to my mind these bikes weren't fit for purpose. Both have swapped to Frog bikes, and whilst they don't have suspension they're sooo much lighter than the previous bikes that my lads fly about. My 7yr old will happily do the Red Run at Llandegla, whilst my 9yr old will do the Black. Both always get a nod and a wink of encouragement from the adults on their full suspension bikes.

Fair points. And I'm not convinced about suspension either (I'm eyeing up the rigid Scott Scale Jr). I'm more after slacker geometry and a wider/lower spread of gears as well as something tougher.

My eldest has a used 26" Islabike I'm getting some better tyres for, so we'll see how he goes on that, but we've been building jumps in the garden and I'm worried he'll bend it.

[48Valves]

Have a look at these. http://squish.bike

We have just got one each for our 7 and 9 year olds.

They are incredibly light and seem really well built.