8 Best Kids Full Suspension Mountain Bikes
The best kids’ MTB bikes with full suspension open up the world of mountain biking for your children, making trail riding more accessible, enjoyable, and safer.
With a kids’ full-suspension mountain bike, handling, comfort, and control are improved on trails when compared to a hardtail MTB or non-suspension mountain bike because the geometry and components are for a child’s body shape and ability.
Finally, like with an adult’s bike, try to find the lightest model within your budget, as this will be easier and more fun to use. Keep reading to learn more about buying the perfect kids’ full-suspension MTB.
XS-size frame vs. kids’ specific frames
An XS full suspension mountain bike is for short adults.
This difference is vital to understand because adults have considerably different proportions and build compared to a child of equal or similar height, such as hand size, shoulder width, and grip strength. In addition, a child-specific saddle and standover height are essential aspects of a kids’ bike.
Should you buy a size bigger so your child can grow into their bike?
No.
When purchasing a bike for your kid, you want to buy one that fits their current height and inseam length. Additionally, you want them to sit on the saddle and be able to touch a foot on the ground.
Buying a bike that your child will grow into is a mistake and can negatively affect your child’s experience. In addition, a poorly fit bike can cause injuries or be unsafe to ride.
- Related guide: How to Choose a Kids’s Bike [Buying Guide]
Wheel Size Recommendations
According to Prevelo (A kids’ bike-specific brand)
Wheel size | Age | Inseam
12″ | 1.5+ | n/a
14″ | 3-5 | 13-16.5″
16″ | 4-6 | 15.5-22″
20″ | 5-9 | 18-23″
24″ | 7-11 |23-28″
26″ | 10+ | 25″ +
Note that these measurements are averages, and you should measure your child’s inseam to ensure you have the right fit.
Mondraker Factor 24
MSRP: $2,899
- Fork – X-Fusion Velvet RL 26 100mm
- Frame – X-Fusion 02PRO R 100mm
- 12-speed SRAM SX Eagle
- Kenda Booster 24×2.4″
- Weight: 27.1lbs
The Mondaraker Factor 24 kids’ trail bike is a stylish and high-end option for those kids with lofty ambitions in mountain biking.
This full-suspension bicycle has large 24″ wheels that make it perfect for kids aged eight to eleven years old. Then, when they’ve grown out of the 24″ wheels, you can slap on a set of 26″ wheels until they reach roughly fourteen.
The Factor 24 uses Mondraker’s innovative Forward geometry. This geometry enhances safety and confidence while descending at high speeds and provides greater stability on rough sections with better overall grip and control.
100mm travel X-Fusion suspension in the front and rear delivers a plush ride on light to moderate trails and XC-style rides. Unfortunately, this model doesn’t come with a dropper post.
Other noteworthy features on this 24-inch full suspension mountain bike include the fast-stopping SRAM Level hydraulic disc brakes, 2.4″ Kenda Booster tires that balance speed and traction, and child-specific SDG Fly Jr. saddle.
Finally, a SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain with an 11-50t cassette opens up the trail for exciting trail rides.
Fits riders – 8 to 11 years
Marin Rift Zone Jr 26″
Best for trails
MSRP: $1,899
- Fork – X-Fusion Velvet RLC 120mm
- Shock – X-Fusion O2 Pro R 120mm
- Brakes – Shimano MT201 180/160mm rotors
- Groupset – 11-speed Shimano Deore
- Tires – Vee Tire Flow Snap 26 x 2.4″
- Wheels – Marin double-wall alloy
The Marin Rift Zone Jr 26″ is a kids’ full-suspension bike designed to make your child feel confident all over the mountain. With this bike, Marin aims to give the parents of young mountain bikers a high-end MTB without a hefty price tag.
To fill this goal, Marin uses its proprietary Multi-Trac rear suspension technology that optimizes suspension performance by increasing sensitivity to small and big impacts without bottoming out from big hits. As a result, this enhances traction, acceleration, cornering, and braking.
A light aluminum frame provides a stable and responsive base without sacrificing durability. On this frame, you have 120mm of front and rear suspension from X-Fusion. Finally, powerful Shimano hydraulic disc brakes and Vee Tire Co. 2.4″ tires ensure grip and durability.
Mongoose Exlipse 24″
MSRP: Check price on Amazon
- Steel frame
- Linear pull V-brakes
- 24″ wheels
- 3×7-Speed Shimano
The Mongoose Exlipse 24″ is a girl’s mountain bike, perfect for cruising around the neighborhood in style or tackling light trail rides thanks to its dual suspension design.
This stylish mountain bike has 24″ wheels and lightly treaded tires that provide plenty of grip for casual riding. The v-brakes leave a little to be desired in terms of power but they’re easy to reach and low-maintenance.
21-speed gearing adds some mechanical complexity and work during assembly but means your child will have plenty of options to choose from on hills.
The Exlipse is the perfect Mongoose mountain bike for young riders who are showing interest in hitting the trails but aren’t quite sure if it’s right for them.
Fits riders – 56″ – 66″
Rocky Mountain Reaper
Kids’ full suspension MTB
Kids’ Trail, XC
MSRP: $2,819
- 11-speed Shimano Deore 11-51T
- Fork – RockShox Recon Gold RL 150mm
- Shock – RockShox Deluxe Select+
- Brakes – Shimano MT400 hydraulic
- Tires – 27.5×2.5″ & 2.4″, TLR Rims & Tires
- Dropper seat post – 125mm travel
Rocky Mountain’s Reaper is one of the best youth mountain bikes with full suspension that we’ve seen.
The high-end trail-riding components begin with a RockShox Recon Gold RL 150mm fork and a RockShox Deluxe Select+ rear shock, perfect for tearing up singletrack and technical descents.
The Form Alloy frame on this bike has innovative RIDE-9 adjustable geometry and internal cable routing, making for a sleek look and high-performance feel.
Other notable components on the Reaper include the Shimano Deore 1×11-speed drivetrain with a wide-ranging 11-51T cassette that optimizes climbing ability.
Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, WTB ST Light i23 TCS 2.0 rims, and 2.4″ Maxxis Minion DHF/DHR II tires ensure excellent traction and durability on all surfaces so your kid can ride with confidence.
Finally, a Rocky Mountain Toonie Dropper Post allows quick lifting and lowering of the saddle so they can change their center of gravity for better handling.
Royce Union RTX 20″
MSRP: Check price on Amazon
- Aluminum frame
- 6-speed Shimano
- 20″ wheels
- Weight – 35.9lbs
The Royce Union RTX full suspension mountain bike is an entry-level option built for light trail riding and cruising on local bike paths.
This kids’ MTB is built around an aluminum frame. It has a comfy padded saddle and dual suspension to make for comfortable riding over bumpy trails.
The groupset is low-maintenance, consisting of linear pull v-brakes and a simple 6-speed Shimano drivetrain that makes shifting stress-free for young bikers.
Fits riders – 5 to 9 years
Joystar Contender 20″
MSRP: Check price on Amazon
- Steel frame
- Single-speed
- 20×2.125″ tires
- Weight: 26.5lbs
The Joystar Contender full suspension kids’ bike is a cheap option for seven to twelve-year-olds who want to try their hand at mountain biking.
A single-speed drivetrain and v-brakes keep things simple to use and easy to maintain. The dual suspension, a padded saddle, and wide 2.125″ tires make this bike comfortable and stable on bumpy terrain.
All of the components are designed for smaller bodies, such as the brake levers, which makes this bike safer and easier to use. Overall, this is a solid choice for parents on a budget who want to give their kids the opportunity to try off-road riding.
Fits riders: 46″ to 61″ / 7 to 12 years
Mongoose Maxim 24″
MSRP: Check price on Amazon
- Aluminum frame
- 21-speed Shimano drivetrain
- SRAM twist shifters
- Weight – 37.4lbs
The Mongoose Maxim 24″ youth full suspension mountain bike will be turning heads on the trails thanks to a stylish design.
The Maxim is a child-specific bike with everything needed so your kid will be prepared to tackle light trails. To ensure control and comfort, this 24-inch full suspension mountain bike has dual suspension and upright geometry.
A Shimano 21-speed drivetrain and SRAM shifters provide reliable performance with plenty of gears to tackle steep hills. In addition, v-brakes ensure plenty of stopping power in dry conditions.
Consider the Mongoose Maxim if you want a cheap entry-level mountain bike for your young girl.
Fits riders: 4’8” to 5’6”
Norco Fluid 4.2 FS 24″
MSRP: $2,099
- 10-speed Shimano Deore 11-42T
- Fork – Manitou J-Unit 145mm
- Shock – X-Fusion 02 Pro R 120mm
- Brakes – Tektro HD-M276 hydraulic
- Tires – Vee Rubber Crown Gem, 24 x 2.25″
- Dropper seat post – 100mm JD TranzX Light Action
Norco’s Fluid 4.2 FS 24″ is a kids’ full-suspension mountain bike for handling rough, technical descents, rapid singletrack, and spinning up steep mountainous climbs.
A Manitou 145mm fork, X-Fusion 120mm rear shock, and TranzX dropper give you confidence when tackling extreme terrain, while Tektro hydraulic discs allow you to stop on a dime.
Shimano’s Deore 10-speed groupset is smooth and durable and provides plenty of gearing for a range of gradients. The Vee Tire Crown Gem tires are a little disappointing.
Fits riders 4’2″ – 4’8″
Conclusion
Kids’ MTB bikes allow your young ones to take on mountains with confidence and control. This heightened ability translates directly to fun and enjoyment long term.
Because manufacturers make these bikes to fit a child’s proportions, highlight their strengths, and supplement their weaknesses, they are much more effective than choosing a small-sized adults bike.
When choosing a full-suspension mountain bicycle for your kid, ensure it is a good fit when you make the purchase, that it’s light enough, and designed for how your child would like to use it. By doing this, you set them up to succeed wherever the mountain takes them.
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