Mountain Bikes for Kids

[JeepDVLZ45]

Looking for some help from you folks.

I’ve been trying to find my oldest daughter a mid-range mountain bike and am getting incredibly frustrated with how flooded the market is with complete and utter garbage in the 24” size range.

it’s crazy, they have better, high quality options for my youngest daughter (20”) then nothing for 24” and great options when you get up to 26”+.

She is definitely way too tall for her old bike and too small for a 26+. She is about 4’7” and 26” inseam. I just want to find her a good quality bike we can take on some trails together for the next couple years until she’s tall enough to get one built for her. She loves bike riding and loves being in the woods. I figure it’s a good sport for her to get into and see what she thinks.

I’m trying to find her a 24” 7-ish speed bike, trigger shifters (not twist grips) with F/R disc brakes and normal-ish tire. It seems like the only Mtn bikes out there for a kid her size are all gimmicky crap.

So far I’ve found the Diamondback Hook 24, but that’s literally it.

anyone have any pointers where to look? I’ve been out of the bike scene for a while (and I was never really THAT in the world, just mild recreation with a few good stories), so I don’t really know who the players are anymore

sorry for the “rant” and thank you for your help

[nak81783]

I had both my boys in Specialized Riprock 24’s. Great bikes, but more than I wanted to spend at $750 + tax each. It was what it was during Covid.

Just sold one of them for $350 after less than a year. They grow so fast right now. Again, it is what it is. Paintball and MTB are definitely pay to play sports.

We skipped 26” for my older son. Went to a Giant Talon 1 in 27.5” on XS frame. Got last year’s model on sale. Just a touch too big, but he’ll grow into it quickly. He’s already really confident on it anyway.

[JeepDVLZ45]

I didn’t even think of Specalized! Thank you!


I know she’ll put grow it quick, but so want to get her something to enjoy to get her to stick with it.

I was thinking a 26.5 with a XXS for her, but I’m a little afraid the 20” to a 26.5 would be too big of a jump for her. I wish there was a reasonable bike place around me to bring her to.

Thanks again

[nak81783]

Given her height, she’s right at the low end of a Giant STP 26, but her inseam might be an issue. Plus, that’s an even more expensive bike. But, you’d get the most use out of it. As you state, it’s best to have her try them in person. Tomhannock is in your area. Are they no good? Seems they sell Giant and Specialized.

What about Grey Ghost Bicycles shop? A little further away. Also a Giant and Specialized retailer.

Giant’s female brand is Liv. Might be some other color options or slight geometry differences if you look into Liv bikes.

[JeepDVLZ45]

I’ve never heard anything about Tomhannock, good or bad.

Edit: of course, after googling them, they do have stellar reviews...looks like I have somewhere I can take her.

Thanks again

[nak81783]

Giant STP 24 FS is another to look at. Although, front suspension isn’t required at a kid’s weight, leaving the Riprock as a valid choice. Just run the front tire around 20psi on trails (compared to 25psi in rear) to give it a little extra cushion up front. Just remember to up the tire pressure considerably if riding on pavement. I usually go 5psi below max.

Definitely make sure it has hydraulic disc brakes, not mechanical. Kids’ little hands have a hard time with the reach and pull force required on mechanical.

[Cdn_Cuda]

Look for the big name mountain bikes like other have suggested, Giant, Trek, Specialized, Norco and I have a soft spot for Rocky Mountain. Watch the frame material, as a heavy bike is more difficult to handle. I admit I don’t like buying bikes. Bought my wife a nice Specialized from a bike store and took a lot of effort. Walked in to several stores and they wouldn’t even give me the time of day. One bike store the sales person called my wife “unfeminine” because she was tall….

I have bought a similar setup bike for my oldest used on Facebook. Just need to get her to learn ride without training wheels.

[JeepDVLZ45]

We just picked one up for my youngest too. Super easy to find. Nora was on training wheels until this year (too afraid to take the plunge and let us remove them). Got her the bike and in less than an hour she was ripping around the yard, down the drive away and out into the fields with no issues.

[redsquirrel]

I second specialized. May have been lucky but I’ve always been able to find a used one at one of the local bike stores for a comparable
amount (<$300) to what you’d find at a box store. They’re always tuned well and very reliable.

[JeepDVLZ45]

Complete closure

Thank you all for your recommendations. I ended up at Tomahannock Bicycles today and left with a Liv for my oldest. After testing a few different sizes and per the recommendation of the entire shop, we ended up with a 27.5” tire on a XXS frame 1x7 drive train. She took off on the bike like she’s always been on it.

[JeepDVLZ45]

And YES, we got her a real helmet…she’s just a little sentimental for the unicorn one 🤣)

[redsquirrel]

Awesome! Some great mountain biking in Northwest Arkansas where I’m at if you ever want to make a really really long drive with the whole gang. 😅

[nak81783]

Awesome! Glad it worked out. Is that a custom bike? Started with the frame and added componentry from there?

[JeepDVLZ45]

It’s actually not. I was surprised they had a build out like this on the floor (and this one in the back).

They were really good to work with.

[Seajay]

I've got that same helmet!
That's a nice looking bike.