Best Bikes for Kids 3-4 Years Old
Bikes for Kids 3-4 Years Old: There are lots of kids bikes available online. However, many of these bikes are super heavy with cheap full-sized components which make them hard to ride safely. MTBwithkids recommends choosing a bike designed specifically for 3 and 4 year old riders. Our list of best bikes for 3-4 year olds includes balance bikes, pedal bikes and bikes that are designed to transform from balance to pedal bikes. These bikes all have 14-inch wheels and span experience and skill levels from true beginners to little rippers.
Balance bikes
If your 3-4 year old is just starting to ride, we’d highly recommend choosing a 14-inch wheel balance bike for their first bicycle. Balance bikes are an excellent first step to help your kiddo develop the coordination to balance and steer without having to think about pedaling. When choosing a balance bike, it’s important to be sure that the minimum seat height is low enough. Your kiddo should be able to sit on the seat with both feet touching the ground. You’ll want to measure your child’s inseam length to determine minimum seat height and then look for a balance bike with the largest diameter wheels that will accommodate your child.
Pedal bikes
If at 3 or 4 years old, your little rider has already mastered the balance bike, there are a few manufacturers designing 14-inch wheel kids bikes that are well made, lightweight and fun to ride.
Note: kids on the taller side may fit on a 16-inch wheel bike, so you might want to check out our list of Best 16-inch bikes before making a purchase.
Here is an overview of our top five 14-inch wheel bikes for 3 or 4 year old kids.
Check out the comparison table at the end of the article to see all the data in one place.
Strider 14x Sport Balance Bike
The Strider 14x Sport is an amazing bike that designed to grow with your child. Firstly, the 14x comes with a fully adjustable seat and handlebars to grow with your growing kid. The 14x starts off as a balance bike, which helps riders gain confidence and balancing ability. Importantly, once your kiddo is ready to pedal, just attach the Easy-Ride Pedal Kit. Converting the 14x from balance bike to pedal bike is quick and easy. The Strider 14x Sport will fit riders 37-49 inches tall (Inseam (16-23 in). This is one of the classic bikes for kids 3-4 years old.
Buy this 14″ wheel kids bike from:
| Saddle Height | 16-23 inches |
| Drivetrain | Balance Bike |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Brakes | None |
| Claimed Weight | 12.5 pounds |
Shotgun Dirt Hero 14 inch balance bike
The Shotgun Dirt Hero 14 in. balance bike with brake kit is a scaled-down enduro machine, meticulously crafted to help kids learn skills and gain confidence on trails. Featuring front and rear 14 in. wheels with a thru-axle design and equipped with 2.25 in. Vee Tire Co. MTB tires, this bike ensures stability and traction on various terrains.
Adding a touch of personalization, the bike comes with three colorful skins, allowing kids to customize their ride to match their style. Moreover, the weather-sealed headset ensures durability and longevity, with added protection against the elements.
Specifically designed for smaller hands, the Magura HC1 brake lever and Magura MT4 rear disc brake offer reliable stopping power and precise control. Additionally, the bike contains a child-safe disc brake cover, prioritizing safety during play and exploration. With its thoughtful design and quality components, the Shotgun Dirt Hero balance bike provides young riders with an exciting and confidence-building off-road experience.
Buy this 14-inch wheel kids’ bike from:
| Saddle Height | 16-19 |
| Drivetrain | balance bike |
| Frame Material | Aluminum/Alloy |
| Brakes | Magura MT4 rear disc brake |
| Claimed Weight | 10.5 lbs |
Prevelo Alpha One – 14″ wheel bike
The 14″ Alpha One is the smallest pedal bike in the Prevelo lineup and fits most 3 to 4.5 year olds. The Alpha One is packed with features to get little riders off to the right start. Firstly, Prevelo included confidence inspiring low and narrow geometry. Secondly, this lightweight bike is made of 6061 aluminum frame with custom formed tubing with an aluminum alloy fork with chromoly steerer. Finally, stopping is easy with Tektro front and rear v-brakes with small reach brake levers and a rear coaster brake (removable with optional freewheel kit). You will appreciate this kids bike!
Buy this 14-inch wheel kids’ bike from:
| Saddle Height | 15.6-17.5 |
| Drivetrain | Single speed |
| Frame Material | Aluminum/Alloy |
| Brakes | Tektro aluminum V-brakes & coaster brake |
| Claimed Weight | 14.4 pounds |
Woom 2 – 14″ wheel bike
The Woom 2 was developed specifically for kids that are new to or have only recently begun pedaling. Importantly, this bike is designed with short cranks and a low bottom bracket to enable your child to put their feet on the ground without losing balance. The Woom 2 is a great transition from balance bike to pedal bike and enables fast learning. Woom 2 was designed to fit kids 37″-43” inches tall. A separate freewheel kit is available for purchase.
Buy this 14-inch wheel kids’ bike from:
| Saddle Height | 16-19 inches |
| Drivetrain | Single speed |
| Frame Material | Aluminum/Alloy |
| Brakes | Coaster and v-hand brakes |
| Claimed Weight | 12 lbs 3 oz. |
Prevelo Zulu One – 14″ wheel bike
This bike has to be seen to be believed. It is truly one of the bikes for kids 3-4 years old. See our Prevelo Zulu One Review for photos of this bike in action. The Prevelo Zulu One packs high performance mountain bike features into a tiny 14-inch wheel size package. Each component is carefully chosen to provide the best performance for young riders ready to mountain bike with mom and dad.
Specifically, the Prevelo Zulu One comes with front and rear disc brakes! Your kid will be safely able to modulate speed and stop quickly when needed. In addition, this amazing little machine features a lightweight 6061 aluminum frame and BOXT™ rear stays and forged rear dropouts. Additionally, this 14” bike ships with a bonus short seat post. This adds options for height adjustment. All things considered, you can’t go wrong with the Pevelo Zulu One.
Buy this 14-inch wheel kids’ bike from:
| Saddle Height | 16-25 inches |
| Drivetrain | Single Speed |
| Frame Material | Aluminum/Alloy |
| Brakes | Tektro hydraulic disc |
| Claimed Weight | 15.9 lbs |
Comparison chart: Best 14-inch wheel bikes for 3 and 4 year olds
| Strider14x SportBalance Bike | PreveloAlpha One | Woom 2 | PreveloZulu One | Shotgun Dirt Hero 14 | |
| Saddle Height | 16-23 inches | 15.6-17.5 | 16-19 inches | 16-25 inches | 16-19 |
| Drivetrain | balance bike | single speed | single speed | single speed | balance bike |
| Frame | steel | aluminum alloy | aluminum alloy | aluminum alloy | aluminum alloy |
| Brakes | none | V brakes and coaster | V brakes and coaster | hydraulic disc | mechanical disc |
| Claimed Weight | 12.5 pounds | 14.4 pounds | 12.2 pounds | 15.9 pounds | 10.5 pounds |
The Best Bikes For Kids 4-5 Years Old
Bikes For Kids 4-5 Years Old: Have you been searching for the best bike for your 4 or 5 year old? You’ve come to the right place! Our list of the top 5 bikes for 4-5 year olds includes bikes suitable for beginning riders to young rippers.
You’ll find loads of “kid’s bikes” online, most of which are heavy and hard to ride (or even dangerous) due to ill fitting components (especially brake levers). Our list of best bikes for 4-5 year olds only includes bikes that were specifically designed for small riders. For each of our featured models, special attention was paid to the weight of each bike. We also considered the design of the components to improve the chances that your child can maneuver safely and confidently. These two aspects can have a hue effect on enjoyment of riding.
Above all, remember that fit is of utmost importance for safety and fun. Even if your kiddo is comfortable pedaling, they should feel comfortable straddling the bike with both feet on the ground. Check the listed stand-over height against your rider’s inseam measurement (length of the leg, measured on the inside from crotch to ankle) to be sure you’ve got the right size. Note that kids on the taller side might fit better on a 20 inch wheel bike.
Here is an overview of our top five 16-inch wheel bikes for 4 or 5 year old kids
Check out the comparison table at the end of the article to see all the size, cost and other data in one place.
Prevelo Zulu Two
Is your young mountain biker ready to tear up the trails? If so, check out the amazing Prevelo Zulu Two. This 16” wheel bike was designed with high quality components to provide the best performance and fit for mountain biking kids. Surprisingly, the Prevelo Zulu Two features a lightweight 60mm travel airfork with adjustable rebound, lockout and compression to help smooth out the bumps.In addition, the front and rear disc brakes will help your little ripper control speed comfortably and stop safely. In conclusion, Zulu Two is definitely one of the best mountain bikes for kids 4-5 years old.
Buy this kids’ mountain bike from:
| Stand-over Height | 16.5 inches |
| Drivetrain | Single speed |
| Frame Material | Aluminum/Alloy |
| Brakes | Tektro hydraulic disc |
| Claimed Weight | 17.95 lbs |
Woom 3
The Woom 3 is a lightweight, high-performance package for your growing rider. Specifically, this bike was designed to have a low center of gravity to help your kiddo to further improve their riding skills. Additionally, the Woom 3 has a front and rear V-brake for easy sopping and speed control. Woom designed the 3 for kids 41-47 inches tall. Importantly, everything on this bike is designed with kids in mind. This includes the long wheel base for stable riding, the optimized geometry for an upright riding position, and the narrow pedals and the length and width of the Woom cranks are purposefully designed to match the ergonomics of a child.
Buy this kids’ bike from:
| Stand-over Height | 16 inches |
| Drivetrain | Single speed |
| Frame Material | Aluminum/Alloy |
| Brakes | V hand |
| Claimed Weight | 12.7 pounds |
Specialized Riprock Coaster 16 inch – Kids’ bike
The Specialized Riprock Coaster 16-inch kids bike is designed specifically with fun in mind. Built with a lightweight A1 premium aluminum frame, your little one won’t feel overwhelmed by a heavy bike, ensuring a comfortable ride. Moreover, the durability of this frame and its components are crafted to withstand the tough love from kids over years of use.
To enhance stability and boost your child’s confidence, the Riprock Coaster features 2.3-inch wheels, allowing them to safely explore various terrains. Additionally, stopping is made easy with a steel coaster brake, providing reliable braking for peace of mind as a parent. With the Specialized Riprock Coaster, family rides on the weekend are bound to be a blast with the youngest member of your family leading the way.
Buy this kids’ bike from:
| Stand-over Height | 16.5 inches |
| Drivetrain | Single speed |
| Frame Material | Aluminum/Alloy |
| Brakes | V-brakes |
| Claimed Weight | 15.2 lbs |
Prevelo Alpha 2 – 16″ kids bike
The 16″ Alpha Two is the perfect bike for kids whether they are just learning to ride or are mastering the trails. It has many great features. First, it comes with a bonus short seat post for additional height adjustment. Second, Prevelo has confidence-inspiring low and narrow geometry. Prevelo geometry keeps the rider low, balanced, and in control. Third, Lightweight 6061 aluminum frame with custom formed tubing. Fourth, front and rear v-brakes with small reach brake levers.
Buy this kids’ bike from:
| Saddle Height | 17.7 inches |
| Drivetrain | Single Speed |
| Frame Material | Aluminum/Alloy |
| Brakes | V-brakes |
| Claimed Weight | 14.5 lbs |
Trek Precaliber 16 kids mountain bike
Teaching and learning to ride is easy with the Precaliber 16 Coaster Brake kids mountain bike. Designed for children ages 4-5 and ranging from 39-46˝ tall, this bike features an integrated handle in the saddle for parental guidance and tool-free training wheels for easy installation and removal. Additionally, built to last, it’s perfect for hand-me-downs to younger siblings, maintaining its freshness.
Investing in Trek kids’ bikes is worthwhile. Designed and assembled by biking experts, they ensure quality and durability. Furthermore, as your child becomes more independent, you can replace the saddle’s integrated handle with a light mount for their adventures. Like all Precaliber bikes, the frame is lower, facilitating easy standing over and hopping on and off. This thoughtful design feature adds to the bike’s accessibility, ensuring a smooth riding experience for young cyclists.
Buy this kids’ bike from:
| Stand-over Height | 16.5 inches |
| Drivetrain | Single speed |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Brakes | coaster brake |
| Claimed Weight | 17.5 pounds |
Comparison chart: Best 16-inch wheel bikes for 4 and 5 year olds
| Trek Precaliber | PreveloZulu Two | Woom 3 | Specialized Riprock Coaster | PreveloAlpha 2 | |
| Stand-over Height | 16.5 inches | 16.5 inches | 16 inches | 16.5 inches | 17.7 |
| Drivetrain | single speed | single speed | single speed | single speed | single speed |
| Frame | aluminum | aluminum alloy | aluminum alloy | aluminum alloy | aluminum alloy |
| Brakes | coaster brakes | hydraulic disc | V brakes | coaster brakes | V brakes |
| Claimed Weight | 17.5 pounds | 17.95 pounds | 12.7 pounds | NA | 14.5 pounds |
Best Mountain Bikes for Kids 5-8 Years Old
Mountain Bikes for Kids 5-8 Years-old – Hoping to get your kid a bike they can take out on the trails this year? The 20-inch bikes on our list might be a great fit for your 5, 6, 7 or 8 year old rider.
Bike fit is an essential aspect of choosing the right bike. Look for a frame with a stand-over height that will allow your kid to stand astride the bike with both feet flat on the ground, for optimal comfort and safety. To determine the stand-over height, find your rider’s inseam measurement by measuring the length of the leg on the inside from crotch to ankle.
20-inch wheels give young riders plenty of control and nimble turning, but without being too small to roll over rocks and roots on the trail. Luckily, there are many good 20” wheel kids bikes to choose from. Check out Ten Things to Know Before You Buy a Kid’s Mountain Bike
Here is an overview of our top seven 20-inch wheel bikes for 5, 6, 7 or 8 year old kids. Check out the comparison table at the end of the article to see all the size, cost and other data in one place.
Prevelo Zulu Three kid’s mountain bike
If you’re looking for high-performance mountain bike features on a 20-inch wheel size package, the Zulu Three is a great option. Each component is the real deal and has been carefully chosen to provide the best performance and fit for young riders ready to tear up the trails. Firstly, low and narrow Prevelo geometry keeps the rider low, balanced, and in control. Secondly, Tektro front and rear hydraulic disc brakes make speed control and stopping easy. Thirdly, the specially designed Shimano ZEE 10-speed drivetrain and derailleur. Importantly, this amazing component features a clutch that can be turned on with the flip of a switch to eliminate derailleur bounce over hard terrain and reduce chain drops. This bike is one of the best mountain bikes for kids 5-8 years old!
Buy this kids’ mountain bike from:
| Stand-over Height | 21.5 inches |
| Drivetrain | 1 x 10 |
| Frame Material | 99M Series heat treated aluminum alloy custom formed |
| Brakes | Hydraulic |
| Claimed Weight | 22.2 pounds |
| Fork | Spinner 300 20 AIR - 80mm travel |
| Shifter | SRAM GX Trigger |
Trek Roscoe 20 kids bike
The Trek Roscoe 20 is a mid-fat kids’ mountain bike designed to boost confidence on the trail. Equipped with 2.8˝ mid-fat tires, a 1x drivetrain, and a wide-range cassette, it’s the ideal choice for young riders (45-52˝ tall) looking to refine their skills while enjoying adventures with family or friends. Unlike scaled-down adult bikes, the Roscoe is purpose-built for kids, featuring simplified features such as a 1×8 drivetrain for easier handling. Its kid-specific frame geometry, including a sloping top tube, ensures effortless mounting and dismounting. Moreover, the integrated rear brake caliper protects against damage during laydowns. In summary, the Roscoe 20 offers young adventurers a thrilling trail experience tailored to their needs and capabilities.
Buy this kids’ mountain bike from:
| Stand-over Height | 20.4 inches |
| Drivetrain | 1 x 8 |
| Frame Material | Alpha Silver Aluminum |
| Brakes | Tektro MD-M280 mechanical disc |
| Claimed Weight | 23.5 lbs |
| Fork | none |
| Shifter | Shimano Altus M315 |
ClearyOwl 20-inch 3-Speed Kids’ Bike
Cleary designed the Owl with exploration in mind, ensuring that each ride takes your child higher and farther. At the heart of the Owl is its innovative drivetrain, centered around the internally geared Sturmey Archer 3-speed hub, seamlessly controlled by the buttery smooth Sturmey Archer trigger shifter. Encased within the hub’s aluminum shell, the shifting mechanism guarantees thousands of miles of maintenance-free operation, allowing your child to focus on the joy of riding.
With its 127mm alloy 3-piece cranks, the Owl delivers exceptional speed and acceleration, while the super-strong Tektro junior v-brakes ensure quick and reliable stops. The Owl is ideal for riders with an inseam measurement ranging from 19 to 23 inches.
Buy this kids’ mountain bike from:
| Stand-over Height | 19 inches |
| Drivetrain | 1 x 3 |
| Frame Material | Lightweight 1020 alloy steel |
| Brakes | Tektro junior v-brakes & brake levers |
| Claimed Weight | NA |
| Fork | Rigid |
| Shifter | Sturmey Archer DLS30 trigger shifter |
Co-op Cycles REV 20 6-Speed Plus Kids’ Bike
Keeping it light, simple, and stable, the Co-op Cycles REV 20 6-speed bike has plus-size tires and disc brakes to give kids the traction, stopping power, and confidence to learn the joys of singletrack. The 6061 aluminum frame is light, strong, and easy to manage. The 6-speed drivetrain is controlled with a single, intuitively easy-to-use Shimano Revo twist shifter; a flick of the wrist changes gears for easy pedaling. Mechanical disc brakes provide quick response and sure-stopping power. Extra-wide, 2.6 in. all-terrain tires soften the little bumps and stick to the trail for a smooth, stable ride.
Buy this kids’ mountain bike from:
| Stand-over Height | 18 inches |
| Drivetrain | 1 x 6 |
| Frame Material | 6061Aluminum Alloy |
| Brakes | Mechanical Disc Brakes |
| Claimed Weight | 23 lbs. 15.8 oz. |
| Fork | Rigid |
| Shifter | Shimano Tourney Revo Twist |
Trailcraft Blue Sky 20 kids mountain bike
The Blue Sky 20 is a 20″ bike from Trailcraft has super light components. This bike includes a TC30 carbon fiber suspension fork, Superlight wheels, and alloy spindle direct mount cranks. The Blue Sky 20 is one of the only in the category which takes a water bottle. This is a fun, playful bike for all types of mountain bike riding. Race it, take it to parks, or just have an awesome bike to trail ride with your family. Next-level big-kid performance is achieved with high-quality top-shelf level components and category-leading bike weights. The Blue Sky is one of the lightest 20-inch mountain bikes for kids.
Buy this kids’ mountain bike from:
| Stand-over Height | 20 inches |
| Drivetrain | 1 x 11 |
| Frame Material | 7005 Aluminum/Alloy |
| Brakes | Shimano Deore Hydraulic |
| Claimed Weight | 20.2 pounds tubeless |
| Fork | TC30 air sprung suspension 80mm fork |
| Shifter | Shimano Deore 4100 |
Woom OFF 4 kids’ mountain bike
The Woom OFF 4 gives children aged six years and older a super light and durable mountain bike for their first go on the pump track and easy cruising through forests and fields. The kink in the top tube makes it easy to get on and off quickly in any situation, thereby giving kids greater safety out and about on the trails. The perfect introduction to mountain biking. The Woom OFF 4 has 9 speeds easily accessed with a SRAM trigger shifter. This bike only weighs 17 pounds! The Woom OFF 4 is a great fit for kids 6 – 8 years old who are 46″ – 51″ inches tall.
Buy this kids’ mountain bike from:
| Stand-over Height | 19.5 inches |
| Drivetrain | 1 x 9 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum/Alloy |
| Brakes | Hydraulic disc brakes from Promax |
| Claimed Weight | 17.2 lbs |
| Fork | rigid |
| Shifter | SRAM X5 Trigger |
Specialized Riprock 20in kids’ mountain bike
The Specialized Riprock 20in kids’ bike is designed for advancing skills with its upgraded geometry and components uncommon in typical kids’ bikes. Notably, featuring a premium butted alloy frame, internal cable routing, dropper post-compatibility, and a quality 1x drivetrain, it offers features usually found in teen and adult bikes. Its structure and components, including an aggressive 68-degree head tube angle, ensure confidence on downhill rides, while the 830mm wheelbase and short 350mm chainstays provide stability and control on varied terrain. Furthermore, equipped with a microSHIFT Advent 9-speed drivetrain, C-STAR Hydraulic Disc Brakes, and Specialized Ground Control Sport, 2.35in-wide tires, this bike offers enhanced capability and traction for advancing riders.
Buy this kids’ bike from:
| Saddle Height | 20.4 inches |
| Drivetrain | 1 x 9 |
| Frame Material | A1 Premium Butted Alloy |
| Brakes | C-STAR hydraulic disc brake |
| Claimed Weight | 21 pounds 13 oz |
| Fork | rigid |
| Shock | none |
| Shifter | microSHIFT Advent SL-M6190, 9-speed |
Cannondale Trail Plus 20 kids’ mountain bike
The Cannondale Trail Plus 20 kids’ bike is designed to provide young riders with a safe and enjoyable trail riding experience. Featuring a lightweight and durable SmartForm C3 alloy frame and fork, this bike offers both agility and reliability on the trails. Equipped with a light-action 7-speed twist shifter, children can easily navigate various terrains with confidence. The bike’s powerful disc brakes ensure responsive and controlled stopping power, enhancing safety. Additionally, its super grippy 20 x 2.6-inch wheels and tires offer excellent traction and comfort, reducing the likelihood of spills while promoting a smooth ride. With these features, young riders can develop their trail riding skills with ease and enjoy their outdoor adventures to the fullest.
Buy this kids’ mountain bike from:
| Stand-over Height | 20.5 inches |
| Drivetrain | 1 x 7 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum/Alloy |
| Brakes | Tektro mechanical disc |
| Claimed Weight | 24 lbs |
| Fork | rigid |
| Shifter | microSHIFT low-torque twist shift, 7-speed |
Prevelo Alpha 3
Prevelo bikes feature confidence-inspiring low and narrow geometry for balanced control. Crafted from lightweight 6061 aluminum, the frame and alloy fork ensure responsive handling. Equipped with front and rear v-brakes, they offer reliable stopping power.
Furthermore, with custom-made cranks and a Microshift 8-speed drivetrain, Prevelo bikes provide precise gearing and smooth shifting. Designed for small hands, Microshift Trigger Shifters offer easy operation. Moreover, with 95% assembly, parents can quickly set up the bike for young riders to hit the trails confidently.
Buy this kids’ mountain bike from:
| Stand-over Height | 15.7 inches |
| Drivetrain | 1 x 8 |
| Frame Material | Lightweight Butted 6061 Aluminum |
| Brakes | Forged Aluminum V-Brakes with Junior Sized Brake Levers |
| Claimed Weight | 17.8 |
| Fork | rigid |
| Shifter | 8 speed Microshift Acolyte Quick Trigger |
Spawn Yama Jama 20
The Yama Jama 20″ raises the bar for kids’ trail bikes. The 6061-T6 alloy frame includes an internal routing option for dropper posts. The Brood Bike Co. Eldorado fork provides 80mm of plush, nearly stiction-free travel. The drivetrain utilizes a SRAM GX derailleur and shifter combo and an 11-36T 10 speed SRAM cassette. Stopping is handled by powerful Tektro Auriga hydraulic disc brakes. The Yama Jama uses Brood Bike Co. tubeless-ready rims with a wide profile and tops it off with the amazing Brood Maxtion foldable, tubeless-ready tire.
Buy this kids’ mountain bike from:
| Stand-over Height | 21 inches |
| Drivetrain | 1 x 10 |
| Frame Material | 6061 aluminum alloy |
| Brakes | Tektro M285, hydraulic disc |
| Claimed Weight | ? |
| Fork | Brood ElDorado 80mm |
| Shifter | SRAM GX |
Comparison chart: Best 20-inch wheel mountain bikes for 5, 6, 7 or 8 year olds
| StandoverHeight | Drivetrain | Frame | Brakes | ClaimedWeight | Fork | Shifter | Shock | |
| Prevelo Zulu Three | 21.5 inches | 1 x 10 | 99M Series heat treated aluminum alloy custom formed | Hydraulic disc brakes | 22.2 lbs | Spinner 300 20 AIR - 80mm travel- 80mm travel | SRAM GX Trigger | none |
| Treck Rosco 20 | 20.4 inches | 1 x 8 | Alpha Silver Aluminum | Tektro MD-M280 mechanical disc | 23.5 lbs | rigid | Shimano Altus M315, 8 speed | none |
| Co-op Cycles REV 20 6-Speed Plus | 18 inches | 1 x 6 | 6061 Aluminum Alloy | Mechanical disc brakes | 23 lbs. 15.8 oz | rigid | Shimano Tourney Revo Twist | none |
| Trailcraft Blue Sky 20 | 20 inches | 1 x 11 | 7005 Aluminum Alloy | Shimano Deore Hydraulic | 20.2 lbs | TC30 air sprung suspension 80mm fork | Shimano Deore 4100 | none |
| Woom 4 | 19.5 inches | 1 x 8 | Aluminum Alloy | V Hand | 17.9 lbs | rigid | SRAM X4 Twist | none |
| Specialized Riprock 20 | 22 inches | 1 x 9 | A1 Premium Butted Alloy | C-STAR hydraulic disc brake | 21.7 lbs | rigid | microSHIFT Advent SL-M6190, 9-speed | none |
| Cannondale Trail Plus 20 | 20.5 inches | 1 x 7 | 6061 Aluminum Alloy | Tektro mechanical disc | 24 lbs | rigid | microSHIFT low-torque twist shift, 7-speed | none |
| Prevelo Alpha 3 | 15.7 inches | 1 x 8 | 6061 Aluminum Alloy | V-Brakes with Junior Sized Brake Levers | 17.8 lbs | rigid | 8 speed Microshift Acolyte Quick Trigger | none |
| Spawn Yama Jama | 21 inches | 1 x 10 | 6061 Aluminum Alloy | Tektro M285, hydraulic disc | ? | BROOD ELDORADO, 80mm | SRAM Dx | none |
Prevelo Zulu One Review
Zulu One Review: The first item we took note of when we started our Prevelo Zulu One review was the Tektro HD M276 hydraulic disc brake set. The second feature we noticed was the internally routed rear brake cable. It spans a whopping 7.25 inches from port-to-port along the top tube of this 14 inch wheel kids’ bike. The third thing we liked on this bike right away was the bash guard protecting the 25t front gear ring and chain. With such a low profile, the addition of a the ring guard is a pretty smart move.
You can purchase one of these for your 3-5 year old on the Prevelo website.
Assembling The Prevelo Zulu One
We love it when bike manufacturers include all the necessary tools to get your kids rolling. And, that’s the case with the Prevelo Zulu One. They include a pedal wrench and the appropriate hex keys to assemble the bike. Prevelo also makes sure that all the assembly that can be done with this bike- is done when you take it out of the box. This is a big deal if you have ever had to set up disc brakes. Not to worry with the Zulu One because the bolt-on wheels are already attached to the fork and BOXT rear drop outs.
At a minimum you only have to attach the pedals, and affix the handlebars to the stem. If your child is on the small end of the fit range for this bike, you can swap out the installed seat post for the included shorter option. If you get in early with this bike, it means it could fit your child for well over 18 months.
Our 12 year old got this aluminum/alloy framed bike ready to go. Then it passed dad’s QA testing. Mom exclaimed “Wow. I wish my bike was that color.” It’s true. The semi-luminescent gun-metal gray paint job with red accents make this bike a looker. The photos can’t quite capture the slight reflective paint job, but it’s attractive.
Perfectly Dialed in!
Oh yeah, did we also mention the reach for the brake levers is adjustable? Take a look at the illustration from Tektro to see where a 2mm hex key will allow you to adjust the distance your kiddo needs to wrap their paws around the brake levers.
The claimed weight for the Zulu One on the Prevelo site is 15.9 lbs. We confirmed this using the tried-and-true bathroom scale method. A 520mm wide Heir handlebar with 35mm rise and 25.4mm – 19mm taper will allow you to adjust the bars for your child’s reach. Kid-sized grips are also a feature of the Zulu One.
The Prevelo Zulu One, At-A-Glance Numbers
SADDLE HEIGHT
16in – 25in
DRIVETRAIN
Single Speed
WHEEL SIZE
14 inches
WEIGHT
15.9 pounds
AGE RANGE
Approx. 3-5
The 14 inch aluminum wheels are paired with 2.1 inch wide Innova tires. The tread on the tires is impressive for a bike this small because they’re definitely not street tires. A 85mm long crankset was spec’d to accommodate your your 3-5 year old’s inseam.
The minimum seat height is 16 inches and the maximum seat height for the Prevelo Zulu One is 25 inches. Again, this is due to the 2 seat posts included with the bike. We strongly encourage you to check out the rest of the measurements on the Prevelo website . They are located under the Zulu One page’s SPECS tab to confirm this bike is the best kids bike for your child.
Riding The Prevelo Zulu One
After a few minutes of getting used to the Zulu One, our rider was standing up and pedaling like a pro. We even rotated the brakes on the handlebars so he could stand up at speed on the pedals in a race position.
Fit is paramount when selecting a mountain bike for your child. A proper fitting bike allows your kid to ride safely and utilize all the features a bike has to offer. The end result is more fun for everyone. And, that was certainly the case with this little guy and the Prevelo Zulu One. He definitely approved of the disc brakes and learned how to feather them evenly. He was crushing corners like a boss in no time.
Our test rider loved the Prevelo Zulu One right away because he is an experienced BMX rider. The combination of the bike’s features and our rider’s skill set were a perfect fit.
Like with full-sized adult bikes, the geometry of a kid’s bike is important. The ergonomics of the Zulu One’s frameset and crank length allowed our little shredder to comfortably ride in the saddle and dance on the pedals through the berms.
The 2.1 inch wide Innova tires loved the pump track. They gripped the dusty wood features at the bike park without slips or slide-outs.
Our Ultima Parola On The Prevelo Zulu One
Of course this single-speed kids’ bike can be ridden on the sidewalks and paved trails. However, the bike’s quality construction and build deserve more. Simply put, this bike wants to get messy. The disc brakes and grippy tires yearn to gobble up dirt as your family gets off-road for the first time. This bike will provide new experiences for your mountain biking family. We’re happy to state the Prevelo Zulu One is going to be a wonderful first mountain bike for a lot of children in the years to come.
More family time and more skills!
As an added bonus with this bike (if you don’t already know how), you may wish to learn how to change brake pads and bleed brakes with your kids. Owning this bike means additional maintenance and it introduces the opportunity to do yet another bike related activity with your kids. This is just another example of how owning and riding bikes together can help you bond with your little ones and spend some quality time together.
Prevelo Alpha Zero Review
Can you imagine the beginning a long, enjoyable story that will take several decades to consume? If the equivalent to this saga is the start of your little one’s enjoyment of cycling, then the preface can take place upon the Prevelo Alpha Zero.
The Alpha Zero is Prevelo’s 12-inch wheel balance bike/run bike engineered for kids who, on the entry side, are about 18 months old and up. It has a standover height of just 7 inches and a minimum saddle height of 11.5 inches. The maximum saddle height for the bike is 14.6 inches. MSRP for the Alpha Zero is $199.00 USD.
A Quick Overview Of The Prevelo Alpha Zero
SADDLE HEIGHT
Min ~11.5 inches
DRIVETRAIN
None – It’s Push-Powered
WHEEL SIZE
12in
WEIGHT
~8.5 lbs
The Prevelo Alpha One Is Minimal. And That Makes It Huge.
When we normally do a bike review, we pour over the specs in order to inform readers of all the details. In this case, the facts are minimal because the bike is minimal. The drivetrain consists of your kid’s feet, legs, and gumption. In the beginning, slowing down the bike and braking will be done with the aforementioned items. After the beginning, your little one will learn how to use the rear Tektro v-brake on the bike controlled by a hand lever on the right side of the bars. The cable for the brake streams neatly from the lever and it’s internally routed through the down tube. It’s nice looking.
Colors And Add-Ons
The bike’s looks are classic and will appeal to both girls and boys. Color options for the frame include Speed Silver, Power Purple, and Braap Blue. When shopping on the Prevelo website, you can also add optional: colored grips, a bike bell, rider name lettering, or USB rechargeable lights.
Learn About The Prevelo Trade Up Club
Prevelo also offers a Trade-Up Club Membership. As of this writing, the cost is $69.00 USD. The program allows you to save money when sizing-up while your kids continue to ride a Prevelo. Get all the detail and terms by visiting the Prevelo website.
Start With This Balance Bike Instead Of A Pedal Bike With Training Wheels
The Prevelo Alpha Zero is made to introduce your kids to the concept of balancing on a bike without the distractions of pedals or the safety net of training wheels.
The same will or gumption that drives your children to propel themselves along by walking or running the bike as they’re firmly planted on the saddle is going to allow them to progress.
Once comfortable with the physical demands of achieving basic angular momentum, your child will discover that if the thrust is increased, she/he will be able to keep both feet off the ground longer and glide greater distances without their feet touching the ground. In our experiences, this has been the most important skill that enables a young rider to safely transition to a pedal bike with confidence.
Having the right tool for the job is important. Again, that’s where the Prevelo Alpha Zero comes in. It’s made to fit small, young children. It’s made to help them succeed.
Geometry For The Prevelo Alpha Zero
| A Wheel Size | 12" |
| B Wheelbase | 22.9 in / 581 mm |
| C Effective Top Tube Length | 11.6 in / 295 mm |
| D Head Angle | 67° |
| E Seat Tube Angle | 69° |
| F Chain Stay Length | 8.9 in / 225 mm |
Click the photo to enlarge it
Prevelo Alpha Zero – Specifications
| FRAME | 12" |
| FORK | 22.9 in / 581 mm |
| SEAT CLAMP | 11.6 in / 295 mm |
| REAR BRAKE | 67° |
| REAR BRAKE LEVER | 69° |
| HEAD SET | 8.9 in / 225 mm |
| RIM | Aluminum with grinded sidewalls |
| FRONT HUB | Lightweight alloy 1-piece forged CNC with low profile rounded hex bolts and sealed hub |
| REAR HUB | Lightweight alloy 1-piece forged CNC with low profile rounded hex bolts and sealed hub |
| TIRE & TUBE | Kenda 12 x 1.75 |
| SADDLE | Prevelo balance bike specific saddle |
| HANDLEBAR | Prevelo Aluminum - 375mm wide x 50mm rise - 22.2mm to 19mm taper |
| HANDLEBAR STEM | Aluminum 30mm extension |
| GRIP | Kraton rubber |
Riding The Prevelo Alpha Zero
It isn’t complicated. It’s just fun. Our rider rode this bike for better part of the summer and his confidence grew as the season went on. The Prevelo works on grass, concrete, pavement, gravel, and dirt. The absence of a top tub on the bike makes it super easy to get on and dismount. The quick-release seat post collar allows one to adjust the saddle height as needed without the needing a hex key.
Getting familiar with the Prevelo Alpha Zero in safe, controlled surroundings.
Little kid – big world. You gotta have guts to hit pump track. Think about it. If these rollers were scaled up for adults, these would be serious obstacles. The right fitting bike makes all the difference.
With a proper sized bike for this age category, your rider should be able to straddle the bike with both feet planted firmly on the ground.
Riding Off Aboard The Prevelo Alpha Zero
If you have a young one who is ready, or soon to start cycling, the Prevelo Alpha Zero is a must-have balance bike. It’s sized right. It’s priced right. It is made so children can begin to learn the fundamentals of riding a bike. The kid sized saddle, handlebars, and grips are specifically designed to make your kid comfortable when they take the plunge into the world of bikes.
Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag Review
When our kids were too small to carry their own luggage, we’d pack their clothes in with ours in the rolling suitcases we got for our wedding. As the kids grew and needed more of their own space, we gave them roller bags. Although it was nice for each of us to have our own bags, roller bags were not ideal for the way we travel.
We almost always travel in the minivan. On road trips, we would get to our hotel, check in, put the bikes in the room and then make additional trips to the car to get 4 heavy roller bags. An extra trip to the car doesn’t seem like a big deal, but after a long travel day, neither grumpy kids nor exhausted parents wanted to take extra steps.
Last year, we started the research to find the prefect travel bags for our family. We quickly decided on duffel bags instead of suitcases because of their flexibility, light weight and potential for freeing up your hands with the addition of backpack straps. After reading hundreds of reviews, we purchased Patagonia 60L Black Hole Duffel bags. Over the past couple of years we have used our Black Hole Duffels for all of our long and short trips.
The Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag Has These Great Features
- Tough polyester ripstop with highly weather-resistant TPU-film laminate
- Durable water-repellent finish
- Large opening to main compartment, zippered side pocket, mesh pockets in lid
- Padded, removable shoulder straps for a backpack carrying option
- Reinforced haul handles for easy carrying
- Padded base protects contents
- Burly, reinforced daisy chains for lashing
- Internal compression straps
- Stuffs into its own pocket for easy storage
Some Of The Numbers
Weight: 2 lb. 7 oz.
Size: 25” x 13” x 10”
Interior size: 60L
Price: Click button below
Appearance Of The Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag
One of the best features of these bags is that they come in a variety of colors. We purchased four different colored bags so each of us knows which bag is ours. This is helpful when rummaging for one particular bag in a packed mini-van and also lets each of us take care of our own supplies. Despite over 2-years of being used by our rough and tumble boys, they still look like new except for some very minor scuffing.
Exactly How Much Stuff Will Fit In This Thing?
- 5 undies
- 5 pairs of socks
- 3 shorts
- 1 pants
- 3 jerseys
- 2 tee shirts
- Swim suit
- Towel
- Regular shoes
- Fip flops
- PJs
- Warm jacket
- Rain jacket
- Bike shoes
- Bike gloves
- Goggles
- Full face helmet
- Half shell helmet
- Deck of cards
- 2 books
Water Resistance
A bonus! Since we live in the desert, our bags are more likely to get splashed with Gatorade or splattered with mud than doused in a rainstorm. Despite that, it’s nice to know that the bags will keep moisture out and can be easily wiped off in case of unexpected spills or storms.
Durability
These bags are tough! They have been packed to the brim, dropped and tossed onto the ground, and dragged on the asphalt. Amazingly, our Black Hole Duffels have no rips, tears or even noticeable worn spots in the rip stop laminate fabric despite the rough handling.
Backpack (and other) Straps For The Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag
Patagonia Black Hole duffel bags come with removable backpack straps which make them much more convenient to haul around than a suitcase. This feature frees up our hands to wheel bikes and carry luggage simultaneously. The shoulder straps are padded and comfortable. The carrying handles on the top of the bag are long enough to easily sling the bag on your shoulder if needed, but not nearly as comfortable as the backpack straps. There are also sturdy carry straps on both ends and daisy chain attachments to connect gear/helmets to the outside of the duffel.
Don’t let the people online who say the straps are hard to attach scare you! These straps are easy to attach (see video of our 11 year old attaching both straps in less than 20 seconds).
To attach the straps:
- Slide the narrow side of the rectangular plastic fixture attached to the strap through the plastic D-ring on the bag
- Once the rectangular piece is all the way through, turn the piece sideways so that the piece attached to the strap is the same direction as the D-ring on the bag
- Connect the straps to the bottom of the bag with the easy click-in buckles
Interior
The capacity of the 60L duffel bag is perfect for bringing all of our mountain biking clothes and accessories for a weekend or longer trips. First, it’s big enough to hold each family member’s belongings and small enough to be packed into the hotel by a 9 year-old. Second, there are two zippered compartments on the top of the duffle and a single side pocket that is accessible from both the inside and outside. These duffels hold everything we needed with room to spare.
But wait, there’s more! As if the above benefits weren’t enough, the entire bag (including straps) folds down into its own inside pocket. Great for storage!
Our family 100% recommends the Patagonia Black Hole 60L Duffel bag. It’s the perfect bag for our family mountain biking excursions.
The only thing I would change about this duffle is a larger top opening. The main top opening isn’t the same size as the bag dimensions. This means that you have to pull more things out to find items that might not be in the center top of the bag. However, this is only a problem when the bag is packed completely full, which is usually not the case.
Prevelo Alpha One Review
MTB with Kids reviews Prevelo Alpha One: Your child’s first pedal bike will need to be designed so it’s “easy” to ride. It will need to have the right saddle height, reach, and bar width. The cranks, wheels and pedals all need to be the proper dimensions. If you have a child who is about 3-5 years old and ready to pedal – look no further than the Prevelo Alpha One. This single-speed 14inch wheel bike retails for $369.00 USD on the Prevelo website.
Your little one has mastered the balance bike and perhaps has a friend or sibling who can ride a pedal-powered bike. For many, the Prevelo Alpha One is going to be your kid’s second bike. It has the geometry and build that are two of the keys to learning how to ride a real pedal bike. Your child’s ability and will are going to help turn those keys and unlock a fun, new world of riding bikes together.
Overview Of The Prevelo Alpha One
SADDLE HEIGHT
15.6 – 17.5 inches
DRIVETRAIN
Single Speed
WHEEL SIZE
14in
WEIGHT
~13.45 lbs
Set Up For the Prevelo Alpha One
Of course the Alpha One has kid-sized everything. From the cranks to the brakes, the bike is set up for smaller feet and hands, shorter arms and legs. As opposed to the Alpha Zero, Prevelo’s balance bike, the Alpha One has a front brake as well. This is a great additional opportunity and natural advancement for building one’s skills and bike control. We also like the bashguard on the front chainring as well as the quick-release seat post collar.
Be Sure To Get The Freewheel Option When Ordering The Prevelo Alpha One
The Alpha One comes with a coaster brake installed as the default build, but a freewheel option is available and perhaps preferable to most customers. Our kids had coaster brake bikes when they first learned to ride. That was over 10 years ago and we simply didn’t know any better. But in our opinion, going from a coaster brake bike to freewheel bike could be a cumbersome switch or unfavorable learning curve for children who have balance bike experience.
Add-Ons And Color Options
All the add-ons and options for the Alpha One include: a kickstand, the aforementioned freewheel kit, custom color grips, a bicycle bell, rider name lettering, USB rechargeable lights, the Prevelo Trade-Up Club Membership, a riser bar, and a 13t or 15t rear cog. The bike ships with a 14t rear cog.
Internal cable routing, clean welds and optional colors make the bike visually appealing to both parents and kids. Available colors for the Alpha One include: Speed Silver, Power Purple, and Braap Blue.
Learn About The Prevelo Trade Up Club
Prevelo also offers a Trade-Up Club Membership. As of this writing, the cost is $69.00 USD. The program allows you to save money when sizing-up while your kids continue to ride a Prevelo. Get all the detail and terms by visiting the Prevelo website.
Geometry/Numbers For The Prevelo Alpha One
Click the photo to enlarge it
| A Wheel Size | 14" |
| B Wheelbase | 26.3 in / 667 mm |
| C Effective Top Tube Length | 13.7 in / 349 mm |
| D Head Angle | 69° |
| E Seat Tube Angle | 70° |
| F Chain Stay Length | 10.7 in / 271 mm |
| Weight (including pedals) | 14.4 lbs / 6.5 kg (13.45 lbs / 6.1 kg with freewheel kit installed) |
| Minimum Saddle Height | 15.6 in / 397 mm |
| Maximum Saddle Height | 17.5 in / 445 mm |
| Bottom Bracket Height | 6.7 in / 170 mm |
| Gain Ratio | 3.7 |
| Standover (ground to top of top tube) | 14in / 355.6mm |
Prevelo Alpha One – Specifications
| FRAME | 6061 heat treated aluminum alloy custom formed tubing |
| FORK | Aluminum alloy blades with chromoly steerer tube - 35mm rake |
| SEAT CLAMP | Aluminum alloy with toolless adjustment |
| FRONT BRAKE | Tektro aluminum V-brake |
| REAR BRAKE | Tektro aluminum V-brake & coaster brake |
| FRONT BRAKE LEVER | Tektro aluminum short reach |
| REAR BRAKE LEVER | Tektro aluminum short reach |
| CRANK SET | Prevelo anodized alloy 3-piece square taper with 85MM crank length. |
| SPROCKET | 25T with double chain ring guard |
| BB SET | Sealed cartridge |
| HEAD SET | 1 1/8" threadless |
| RIM | Aluminum with grinded sidewalls |
| FRONT HUB | Lightweight alloy 1-piece forged CNC with low profile rounded hex bolts |
| REAR HUB | Steel with integrated coaster brake - 14T cog |
| TIRE & TUBE | Kenda Small Block Eight Pro 14 ×1.5 |
| SADDLE | Prevelo small kid saddle |
| HANDLEBAR | Prevelo Aluminum - 470mm wide x 50mm rise - 22.2mm to 19mm taper |
| HANDLEBAR STEM | Aluminum 30mm extension |
| GRIP | Kraton rubber |
| PEDALS | Composite with 9/16 chromoly axle |
Riding The Prevelo Alpha One
We found the perfect candidate to ride our Prevelo Alpha One. Derek’s a lad just shy of 5 years old who had never pedaled a bike on his own who had a year of balance bike riding under his belt. This was truly the perfect applicant for the job.
After inspecting the bike for a moment, we adjusted the saddle height using the quick-release seat collar and Derek mounted-up. We were sure to play it safe and have the saddle low enough so the rider could easily plant both feet on the ground. He pushed around with his feet on his own for a bit so he could get used to the bar width, kid-sized grips, and the hand brakes.
Our first task was to see if Derek could coast down a gentle slope with raising his feet off the ground and then resting them on the pedals when he felt safe and confident. Getting his feet off the ground was easy enough. His balance bike experience enabled him to do this on the third try. Getting Derek to rest his feet on the pedals only took another 5 minutes or so.
Next was pedaling. This concept can tough for a kid to grasp initially. When you take a moment to think about it – it’s foreign at the very least. The physical motion that takes place when pedaling a bike involves alternating the force exerted from left-leg to right-leg in a constrained circular motion. This is one of those things that you really have to simplify when instructing.
Watching this take place in-person with a new rider who’s ready to try this and figure it out is really rewarding. Derek and his mom were both shocked when he got a couple of full rotations on the pedals. From there, it’s just a matter of maintaining forward momentum while safely controlling the bike.
With each attempt, Derek was able to go farther and farther without having to put a foot down. We were on a paved bike path and our demo rider soon learned how to use both hand brakes evenly while making turns and even climbing slight hills.
Our next location with the bike was a small skills park. We were excited to see that Derek was ready to take the Alpha One to dirt and build upon his skills.
He rode the bike with confidence. As opposed to being on a wide-open paved trail – some of the terrain was bordered with weeds and sagebrush. The Kenda tires did a fine job on the dry, loose dirt and our rider was able to handle weaving the bike through the channels of trails.
It was great to see how Derek was able to brake evenly with both front and rear brake on the Alpha One. This being his first experience with handbrakes, he simply took it as fact and used them as instructed.
Prevelo Alpha One Summary
We were beyond stoked to see a kid ride a pedal bike on his own for the first time with the Prevelo Alpha One. Derek’s mom was always close by and she shouted with joy when he took off on his own.
Due to your child’s size and abilities, your kid’s first pedal bike may not be the Prevelo Alpha One. The company also offers bikes with 16inch wheels and 20inch wheels. Although they’re different sizes, they still serve the same purpose: enabling kids to have fun on bikes. The Alpha One is definitely the right tool for the job if you have a young child who’s ready to give it a shot. If you want to ensure success, start with a balance bike such as the Prevelo Alpha Zero. This will properly prepare you daughters and sons to build the foundation necessary to advance to pedaling.
Best Stocking Stuffers for Mountain Bikers
You don’t have to go big when cruising through our gift lists. Here are some of the best stocking stuffers for mountain bikers. Go small and stock up on trail snacks or items that will help maintain the bikes and keep them looking good. Everyone in the family has a few frame protection decals on their bikes to help prevent cable rub when the bikes are transported on the van.
VIEW more of the BEST GIFTS FOR MOUNTAIN BIKERS
Wolf Tooth B-RAD Medium Strap and Accessory Mount
The B-RAD Medium Strap and Accessory Mount allows mountain bike riders to carry accessories on the bike frame instead of in jersey pockets or backpacks. This useful strap allows riders to securely strap 2-3.25″ diameter items like CO2 cartridges, tubes, jackets, bags, and more. The Wolf Tooth B-RAD strap is made of lightweight, durable, rust-proof materials. It includes the mounting plate, strap, and associated ED-coated hardware.
Compare live pricing at…
Arcade The Ranger Adventure Belt
These belts are excellent stocking stuffers for everyone in your family! If you have never bought an Arcade belt, try it out! It’s a game-changer. These stretchy belts are adjustable and come in kids and adult sizes. Every active person should own one. Highly adjustable and colorful, you’ll find an Arcade belt for everyone on your list.
Compare live pricing at…
All Mountain Style Frame Protection
Protect your bike! The All Mountain Style frame guards provide protection from impacts and abrasion for mountain bike frames to keep re-sale value high. Constructed from an adhesive, semi-rigid PVC they adapt to the shape of your bike’s frame and allows repositioning while installing. These frame guards are available in colorful and unique designs and patters for customizing and protecting your bike.
Compare live pricing at…
UnTapped Organic Maple Waffles
Riding snacks should be delicious and portable. Un Tapped Organic Maple Waffles are flavored with real maple syrup and maple sugar. These little waffles are delicious, packed with quick calories, and pocket-sized for snacking on the trail!
Compare live pricing at…
Dirt Series Podium Water Bottle
Everyone needs a new water bottle! Designed especially for the mountain bike crowd, the Dirt Series Podium 21oz Bottle from CamelBak aims to quench thirst without any weird tastes from inside your bottle or on the valve. A self-sealing Jet Valve prevents spills and splatters and a gentle squeeze of the bottle delivers a high-flow of your beverage.
Compare live pricing at…
Pedro’s Bicycle Tire Levers (pair)
Pedro’s award winning tire levers feature molded box construction and a proprietary plastic composite blend that makes them the strongest levers available. The unique chisel tip shape easily inserts beneath the tire bead and the slightly thicker shape keeps the lever securely in place. Additionally, the bold shape of the lever and helpful dual spoke hooks makes removal of even the tightest tires a simple task. These levers are some of the best stocking stuffers for mountain bikers.
Compare live pricing at…
RockShox High Volume Shock Pump
Whether you’re riding on the trails or racing competitively, the pressure in your suspension will have a significant impact on your performance. If your shocks don’t have enough pressure, then you could bottom out your suspension. Inversely, if you have too much pressure, then your ride might be too rough. The RockShox High Volume Suspension Pump allows you to pump up your front and rear shock with incredible accuracy. This high volume pump can reach up to 300 PSI.
Compare live pricing at…
Crankbrothers Multi-17 Tool
Perfect for the stocking and a hip pack! The Crankbrothers Multi-117 Tool is all you need! With the Multi-17 you’ll be ready for basic mechanical problems, or real technical puzzlers. Comes with 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8mm hex wrenches, 4 spoke wrenches, a chain tool, Torx T-25, 2 screwdrivers, and an 8/10 open wrench. The Torx wrench is cool for disc brake rotors.
Compare live pricing at…
Nano Tech Bike Cleaner by Muc-Off
Clean bikes are happy bikes! Nano Tech Bike Cleaner by Muc-Off can turn your filthy rigs into a squeaky-clean machines. It’s fully biodegradable, so you won’t have to worry about washing off your bike in the backyard or driveway, only to have nasty chemicals making their way into the surrounding watershed.
Compare live pricing at…
Pedro’s Pro Brush Kit
Give them the tools to keep their bikes clean and shiny! Keeping your bike clean is an essential part of bicycle maintenance ensuring better performance, increased safety, easier repairs, increased life of all parts of the bike, and more fun on your next ride! Pedro’s Pro Brush Kit offers a set of four unique brushes designed specifically to easily and quickly clean all parts of the bike.
Compare live pricing at…
Timber Mountain Bike Bell
This perfect little mountain bike bell is one of the best stocking stuffers for mountain bikers. The Timber Mountain Bike Bell is not your average biking bell. Designed for when you need “more cowbell”, this bell mimics the more passive noise that a cowbell produces as a more polite way to alert others of your presence. This bell even comes with an integrated on/off switch so you can ride in silence when the bell isn’t needed.
Compare live pricing at…
Lezyne Twin Kit – CO2
The Lezyne Twin Kit will get any mountain bike rider back on the trail fast! This useful kit two 16 gram CO2 cartridges, a pair of easy-on-your-rims nylon tire levers and the indispensable Twin Speed Drive CO2 inflator. The Twin Speed Drive is compatible with both Schrader and Presta valves, so you don’t have to worry about carrying an adapter with you.
Compare live pricing at…
Pedro’s X Dry Chain Lube
This chain lube is best suited to keep your chain clean and lubricated in dry to mixed conditions. Pedro’s X Dry Drip won’t collect dirt and muck that eventually bogs down your drivetrain. This formulation uses safe, natural base carrier, so you don’t have to worry about nasty chemicals ruining the environment.
Compare live pricing at…
Cycling Socks!
If socks in stockings isn’t a holiday tradition yet, it should be! When it comes to on-bike comfort, little things make all the difference. Bontrager cycling socks are constructed with key arch compression for a fit that heightens every ride. Thermal wool and Profila Dry moisture-wicking options for the best cycling socks in every season.
Compare live pricing at…
Carve Evo Knee Pads by iXS
Keep those knees looking pretty! The Carve Evo Knee Pad by iXS is a super-lightweight, highly flexible knee pad. The Carve Evo takes the sting out of nasty spills without inhibiting your ability to pedal swiftly. These pads are certified to European standards for motorcycle padding (EN 1621). The XMatter padding is removable, so you can more easily wash these knee pads after long days on the trail.
Compare live pricing at…
The Best Mountain Bike Helmets For NICA Riders
Best Mountain Bike Helmets For NICA Riders – The National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) develops interscholastic mountain biking programs for student-athletes across the United States. As of 2020, NICA had 13,433 coaches who are working with over 25,000 student-athletes from nearly 1100 high schools in the United States.
Although there is an element of competition and racing, the purpose of NICA is to support student-athletes in the development of strong body, mind, and character through their efforts on the bike.
American kids in grades 7-12 have the opportunity to join a NICA mountain biking team. Participating on a NICA team leads to making new mountain biking friends and having even more fun on bikes. NICA is a great experience for young riders. Here are 10 bikes that may work for your young rider as they become a NICA racer.
Here is an overview of our top 10 helmets for NICA racers.
If your rider enjoys multiple mountain biking disciplines, you might want to check out Best Helmets for Mountain Biking Kids, Best Helmets for Enduro Kids, and Best Full Face Helmets for Kids.
Troy Lee Designs A1 MIPS Helmet
The A1 MIPS Helmet provides bomber protection in a lightweight package. Importantly, Troy Lee designed this helmet with extended protection at the back of the head and around the temples. TLD also steps up the safety with the inclusion of the Multi-Directional Impact Protection (MIPS) system. In addition, the A1 MIPS boasts a total of 16 large vents to encourage constant air movement to keep your rider cool. Finally, the A1 MIPS helmet also incorporates a three-position adjustable retention system for a custom, easily dialed fit.
Buy this mountain bike helmet for NICA riders from:
Giro Montaro/Montara MIPS Helmet
One of our favorite bike helmets for NICA kids. Firstly, Giro’s Montaro (and Montara) MIPS has a deep shape with extended coverage along the lower part of the head. Secondly the reliable In-Mold construction and MIPS system to keep your rider protected in case of a spill. Thirdly, the Montaro/Montara Helmet will keep you rider’s head cool and comfortable with 16 vents and plush padding to keep air moving and sweat away from the eyes. Finally, Giro’s Roc Loc Air fit system will ensure your NICA racer gets just the right fit quickly.
Buy this mountain bike helmet for NICA racers from:
Fox Racing Speedframe MIPS Helmet
The Speedframe MIPS is sleek, stylish, and protective. MIPS technology reduces rotational forces in the event of a crash. The Speedframe comes in a wide variety of colors to make every rider happy. This helmet has an easily adjustable multi-position, goggle-compatible visor for changing light conditions. Additionally, its super comfortable because of the 360-degree fit system that dials in an exact fit.
Buy this mountain bike helmet for NICA riders from:
POC Tectal Helmet
The POC Tectal is designed with extensive coverage along the temples and rear of the helmet increases protection to vulnerable areas. Overall, this helmet is super safe. POC designed the Tectal for safety. This helmet has the following safety certifications: EN 1078, CPSC 12.03, and AS/NZ 2063:2008. Unquestionably, the Tectal helmet is also comfortable – it includes range of vents to ensure air stays moving throughout the helmet. You can adjust the fit by a simple turn of the dial at the back of the helmet.
Buy this mountain bike helmet for NICA racers from:
Oakley DRT5 MIPS Mountain Bike Helmet
The Oakley DRT5 MIPS Bike Helmet is a full-featured half-shell helmet your NICA racer will love. This MTB helmet is low-profile and form-fitting. The 360° BOA system gently yet firmly holds the helmet in place. The MIPS tech will decrease forces in case of a crash. The Oakley DRT5 MIPS Bike Helmet has a nifty sunglass attachment to stash your shades securely when not in use.
Buy this mountain bike helmet for NICA riders from:
Leatt DBX 3.0 All-Mountain helmet
The Leatt DBX 3.0 All-Mountain helmet combines 360 ° Turbine Technology and Armourgel® cushioning material. These technologies deliver premium protection in case of a tumble. The Armourgel® energy absorbing material is flexible in its natural state but hardens on impact. The 18 vents provide maximum ventilation to keep your NICA rider’s head dry and cool. The Fidlock® magnetic closure system offers precise custom fitting with the turn of a dial.
Buy this mountain bike helmet for NICA racers from:
Bell 4Forty MIPS Helmet
The Bell 4Forty is a great option for your NICA racer. This stylish helmet has 15 generous vents to keep your rider cool on long climbs. It also comes equipped with a built-in sweat guide, to keep drips out of your racer’s eyes. This helmet is also designed for safety. The full hardshell exterior protects while MIPS technology reduces rotational forces to protect your rider’s brain. Additionally, the 4Forty boasts extended rear coverage for protecting the back of the head. Finally, the adjustable fit with a rubberized, over-molded dial makes it easy to lock into the perfect fit.
Buy this mountain bike helmet for NICA riders from:
Smith Session MIPS Bike Helmet
The Session is an excellent bike helmets for NICA racers. Firstly, itis designed using patented Koroyd-style construction to be super light yet strong. Secondly, fifteen large airports and internal channeling create airflow for ventilation. Thirdly, the Session MIPS Bike Helmet comes with a focus on adjustability with the VaporFit™ Adjustable Fit System. Finally, the Smith Session MIPS helmet includes an adjustable 3-point visor and sunglass and goggle integration.
Buy this mountain bike helmet for NICA riders from:
Sweet Protection Bushwhacker II MIPS Helmet
The Bushwhacker II MIPS Helmet is a lightweight, well-ventilated helmet with MIPS technology to dissipate angled or rotational crash forces w protecting your kid’s head. Your rider will stay cool with Sweet Protection’s Superficial Temporal Artery Cooling Channels andnumerous exhaust ports at the backside of the helmet. The Occigrip mechanism provides quick adjustment with the twist of a rear-mounted dial.
Buy this mountain bike helmet for NICA riders from:
The Best Enduro Helmets For Kids
These enduro helmets for kids were selected because they are specifically designed for the multi-race format. The enduro mountain bike race format is gaining popularity from coast-to-coast and this means a growing need for the right type of gear.
Several well-known manufacturers are designing enduro specific helmets which allow riders to either remove the chin bar, or use a light, well-ventilated one-piece helmet without compromising rigorous standards for safety. Our family has used these helmets for years because of the safety and comfort they provide. Please be sure to get a helmet that fits your kid(s) properly. Too loose of a fit is downright dangerous. Too tight is uncomfortable.
If your little ripper rides many types of trails, you might want to check out Best Helmets for Mountain Biking Kids, Best Helmets for NICA Riders, and Best Full Face Helmets for Kids.
Here is an overview of our top 6 helmets for mountain biking kids that focus on Enduro riding or racing. Check out the comparison table at the end of the article to see all the size, cost and other data in one place.
Bell Super DH MIPS Helmet
The Bell Super DH MIPS helmet is a great choice for enduro racers because it combines top notch safety with a protective chin-bar which attaches and removes easily with no tools. Most important, Bell designed the Super DH MIPS to be super safe in the event of a crash with MIPS Spherical built into the helmet between two different layers of dual density EPS foam. In addition, the GoggleGuide adjustable visor system allows your rider utilize goggles. The Super DH MIPS helmet has 19 vents with an additional 4 chin-bar vents and 2 brow ports to keep your rider cool and collected.
Buy this Enduro helmet for kids from:
Leatt – DBX 3.0 Enduro Helmet
Leatt is already well-known for their neck braces, but they offer several other items in the protective gear marketplace. To begin with, the Leatt DBX 3.0 Enduro Helmet features the patented 360º Turbine Technology to significantly reduce rotational acceleration impact forces. Importantly, this helmet is AS/NZS 2063:2008, EN1078, CPSC 1203 certified and tested. Certainly, the Leatt DBX 3.0 Enduro helmet is stylish and lightweight. The chin-bar on this model is removable, too
Buy this Enduro helmet for kids from:
iXS Trigger Full Face Helmet
The iXS Trigger Full Face helmet is one of the lightest enduro full-face helmets. The Trigger helmet provides all-round protection with patented in-mold technology due to the direct fusion of the helmet shell to the internal EPS material. Additionally, your young rider will rider benefit from increased structural strength, reduced weight & volume, and increased ventilation. The numerous ventilation openings have been strategically angled and positioned to offer superior air circulation and supply a continuous cooling system. The iXS Trigger allows you to adjust the fit for both for verticle tilt and circumference, guaranteeing a comfortable fit for any head. Lastly, the Fidlock magnetic buckle makes for quick, efficient closure and release without compromising safety.
Buy this Enduro helmet for kids from:
Troy Lee Designs Stage MIPS Helmet
Troy Lee Designs enters the enduro mtb specific helmet category with their Stage MIPS helmet. MIPS stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System. In a nutshell, this means during impact, a MIPS helmet is designed and constructed to limit the rotational forces during specific collisions. Although the chin bar is not removable on the TLD Stage helmet, do not expect any sacrifices for comfort. The helmet has 25 total vents. We especially like the oversized vents in the chin bar.
Buy this Enduro helmet for kids from:
Fox Racing Proframe Helmet
Fox Racing’s MIPS-equipped Proframe Helmet provides DH-level protection with a super-light design to make enduro racing more enjoyable. Accordingly, Fox has included 24 Big Bore vents to increase airflow and help your rider to feel cool on the climbs. The Proframe’s shell includes dual density EPS and a MIPS inner basket for top of the line protection.
Buy this Enduro helmet for kids from:
100% Aircraft DH MIPS Helmet
The 100% Aircraft MIPS Helmet has a carbon and KEVLAR shell that delivers light-weight protection. Basically, the MIPS inner basket is designed to absorb brain-damaging rotational energy created in certain crashes. The Aircarft MIPS helmet will keep your rider cool with 25 vents and break-away cheek pads for a consistent flow of air into and out of the shell. This helmet includes a soft, washable liner as well as an adjustable visor.
Buy this Enduro helmet for kids from:
Giro Switchblade MIPS Helmet
Giro’s Switchblade MIPS Helmet has a removable chin-bar that snaps on and off quickly. The Switchblade includes excellent ventilation from Giro’s Wind Tunnel design. Giro’s tried-and-true Roc Loc Air fit system makes fit alterations a breeze. The MIPS technology will absorb the brain-damaging rotational energy created in certain crashes without compromising the helmet’s lightness.
Buy this Enduro helmet for kids from:
| Helmet | Shell Material / Impact Foam | Head Circumference Range | Certifications | Claimed Weight |
| Bell Super DH MIPS Helmet | Polycarbonate/EPS and EPP foam | 20.5-25.6 inches | ASTM F1952-00, ASTM F2032-06, CE EN1078, CPSC Bicycle | 850g |
| Leatt DBX 3.0 Enduro Full-Face | Polycarbonate/3D in-molded | 20.9-25.52 inches | CPSC, EN 1078 | 750 g |
| Troy Lee Designs Stage MIPS | Polylite / dual-density EPS co-molded with EPP | 21.4-24-4 inches | CPSC 1203, CE EN1078, ASTM F1952, ASTM F2032, AS/NZS 2063-2008 | 680 g |
| Fox Racing Proframe | Polycarbonate/EPS | 20.5-25.25 inches | ASTM | 735g |
| 100% Aircraft DH MIPS | carbon, KEVLAR® composite | 20.9-24.4 inches | ASTM, CPSC, CE, AS/NZ | ? |
| Giro Switchblade MIPS Helmet | Polycarbonate/EPS | 20-25.5 inches | CPSC, EN-1078, ASTM-1952-DH | ? |
| iXS Trigger Full Face Helmet | Double-Inmould and 360° Inmould shell | Sizes: SM = 54-58cm, ML = 58-62cm head circumference | EN1078, CPSC, KC, ASTM | 595g |
