Archive for category: Reviews

Full-face mountain biking helmets for kids: A proper fitting helmet keeps your children safe while they’re riding the trails. A full face mountain biking helmet can offer improved protection. These full face mountain biking helmets for kids are far more advanced than the ones that emerged ten years ago. They are lighter. Hard outer shells with molded interiors made of advanced foam polymers are designed to cushion blows to the head. Yet, the proper fitting helmet is comfortable to wear. On top of that, the helmets featured here come in an array of colors and sizes, all of which should placate even the most meticulous kid, even as the safety features – such as MIPS make mom and dad happy.

Kali Protectives Zoka Full-Face Helmet – Kids’

100% Status Jr. Downhill/BMX Youth Helmet

The 100% Status Jr. Downhill/BMX Youth Helmet is designed for safety. Its exterior consists of lightweight fiberglass, making it comfortable to wear. The interior, most of which is made of EPS foam, also has a removable liner that can be tossed into a washing machine for easy clean up after riding on a hot day. The cheek pads and chinstrap liner are also removable and washable, ensuring that no matter how messy things get, the helmet will look as good as new.

Speaking of the way the helmet looks, it’s available in three color combinations: Kelton Blue, DDay White, and Black Meteor. There are three different sized outer helmets to choose from, youth small, youth medium, and youth large, and the interior section comes in two different sizes for a snug fit. The visor is completely adjustable, and it screws into place so that it won’t come loose while your child is riding. On top of this, the helmet is compatible with a number of different emergency release systems. One of our favorite full-face mountain biking helmets for kids.

Fox Racing Youth Rampage Full Face Helmet

There’s a reason by the Fox Racing Rampage Youth Helmet has such an important (and winning) pedigree – it combines safety features with lightweight construction in several snappy colors, such as atomic punch, indigo and olive green. Available in sizes youth small an youth large, the Rampage Youth leaves no safety “stone” unturned. There’s liquid in between the inner EPS foam lining and the outer shell, protecting the brain from impacts. The magnetic visor is designed to detach during a crash, thus keeping landings from being even more damaging.

The helmet comes with mesh screens protect the face from insects and kicked up debris while riding, and there are intake and outtake ports located at various points to allow for plenty of comfortable airflow. Speaking of comfort, the inner liner is completely washable, and it wicks away moisture.

  

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7 Protection M1 Youth Full Face MTB Helmet

SixSixOne Reset Youth MIPS Full Face Helmet

If you’re looking for maximum protection for your young mountain biker, consider a full-face helmet. Full-face helmets are perfect for downhill mountain biking, BMX racing and some enduro riding. The SixSixOne Reset Youth MIPS Helmet brings MIPS technology to a full-face helmet with a budget-friendly price-point. The MIPS E2 Brain Protection System provides a low friction layer designed to reduce rotational motion transferred to the brain from angled impacts to the head. First, the helmet features a lightweight ABS shell. Second, it features large angular vents for enhanced air intake and heat exhaust. Third,  the large sculpted eyeport provides great vision and goggle compatibility.

What Is MIPS? What Does MIPS Do?

MIPS, which is short for Multi-Directional Impact Protection System is found inside of helmets designed for mountain biking and other pursuits. You can tell which helmets come with a MIPS system because they have a yellow dot on them, usually on the back, that often contains the system’s initials.

Why is MIPS important? The system kicks in during a crash, protecting the brain from rotational forces, particularly during angled impacts. These rotational forces are dangerous because they can tear brain tissue, leading to swelling, bleeding, and increased pressure. According to studies, most crashes lead to an angled impact, yet many traditional (non-MIPS) helmets aren’t tested for them. As a result, preventable brain injuries can occur, which is why it’s best to wear a MIPS helmet.

The system consists of a BPS, or Brain Protection System, usually hidden behind additional padding. The system allows the head to move inside of the helmet during a crash. When your head is stationary and unable to move, all of the rotational force produced by the crash is transferred to the brain. With MIPS, these forces are dampened, thus preventing brain injuries.

Check out our other favorite mountain bike gear and accessories on our Reviews page.

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Best Bikes for NICA Racers – Your little mountain biker isn’t going to be so little much longer. If those years of waiting for her or him to keep up with you have not already gone by, don’t blink. It will happen fast.

As your kids get older they will continue to enjoy outdoor adventures and learning new skills on their mountain bikes with your family. However, since friends will become increasingly important in your pre-teen/teen’s life, you’ll want to be sure that your mountain biking activities include friends.

Hardtail Mountain Bikes for NICA Riders | Full-Suspension Mountain Bikes for NICA Riders

You may have already heard about the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA). Founded in 2009, NICA develops interscholastic mountain biking programs for student-athletes across the United States. American kids in grades 7-12 may 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.

Since 2009, participation in NICA has grown 30 to 40 percent each year. There is an element of competition and racing. However, the purpose of NICA is to support student-athletes in the development of strong body, mind, and character through their efforts on the bike. 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.

Best Bikes for NICA Racers – AYour little mountain biker isn’t going to be so little much longer. If those years of waiting for her or him to keep up with you have not already gone by, don’t blink. It will happen fast.

As your kids get older they will continue to enjoy outdoor adventures and learning new skills on their mountain bikes with your family. However, since friends will become increasingly important in your pre-teen/teen’s life, you’ll want to be sure that your mountain biking activities include friends.

Hardtail Mountain Bikes for NICA Riders | Full-Suspension Mountain Bikes for NICA Riders

You may have already heard about the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA). Founded in 2009, NICA develops interscholastic mountain biking programs for student-athletes across the United States. American kids in grades 7-12 may 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.

Since 2009, participation in NICA has grown 30 to 40 percent each year. There is an element of competition and racing. However, the purpose of NICA is to support student-athletes in the development of strong body, mind, and character through their efforts on the bike. 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.

Hardtail/Front-Suspension Mountain Bikes for NICA Riders

Santa Cruz Bicycles Chameleon 29 D Hardtail Mountain Bike

The Chameleon is an amazingly adaptable bike for high school mountain bikers. Your NICA rider can hit the trails, dirt jumps, or commute to school on this versatile hardtail. There are lots of things to love about this bike! First, the Chameleon 29 D has a slack 65-degree head tube and a low-slung top tube to help your high school-aged racer carry speed with confidence. Second, the short chainstays to maintain agility. Third, the 1×12-speed SRAM Eagle drivetrain offers a massive 11-50t cassette providing plenty of gearing for the steepest hills. Fourth, SRAM’s  Level brakes provide speed moderation and stopping power. Finally, the Chameleon boasts a RockShox Recon RL fork, tubeless-ready rim,s and top tier 29×2.5” Maxxis Minion DHF and Maxxis Agressor tires. Don’t forget, buying a Santa Cruz means you get their industry-leading lifetime warranty!

Salsa Rangefinder Deore 12-Speed 27.5+ Mountain Bike

Your NICA rider will have a lot of fun on this bike! The Rangefinder Deore 12 27.5+ has many features list that make it a good 27.5 hardtail bike for a decent price. First, the stable trail geometry will put your teen in a comfortable, confident position to take on new terrain and experiences. Second, the 120 mm suspension fork will help with the bumps. Third, the included dropper post will keep your NICA racer in the perfect position for climbing and descending. Fourth, the 2.8”-wide tires deliver awesome grip. Finally, Shimano’s Deore 12-speed build kit gives plenty of range for taking on steep climbs and speedy flats.

Niner Air 9 2-Star Mountain Bike

If your NICA rider is hoping for a super-light aluminum hardtail mountain bike, they will love the Niner Air 2-Star. The Niner Air 9 2-Star Bike is a light aluminum hardtail.  The frame features integrated frame protection and tire clearance for up to 29 x 2.4″ or 27.5 x 3.0″ tires. The 2-Star version of the Niner Air 9 RDO comes with a SRAM SX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain. The hill-crushing 11-50T gear range will make climbing and negotiating rocky mountain terrain much easier. SRAM Level hydraulic disc brakes provide excellent stopping power so your NICA teen can descend with confidence.

Co-op Cycles DRT 2.2 Hardtail Mountain Bike

REI’s Co-op Cycles DRT 2.2 is a bike that will take your NICA rider wherever they want to pedal. This hardtail includes many great features for any high-school-aged racer. First, th front suspension features 120mm of travel on XS–S and 140mm on M–XL. Second, the 1×12 SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain enables swift, streamlined shifting. Thir, the  Shimano hydraulic disc brakes deliver reliable stopping power. Fourth, the wheels are tubeless-ready for fewer flats and more fun. Finally, the DRT 2.2 includes an X-Fusion Manic dropper seat post so your NICA rider is ready to handle whatever the trail throws at them.

Orbea Alma M25 Hardtail Carbon Mountain Bike

If your NICA racer is focused on getting on the podium, the Orbea Alma M25 might be the bike they’re dreaming of. The Alma M25 is ultra-light and stiff so your teen can climb as fast as possible and sprint when needed.  To start, the Alma M25 has an OMR carbon frame with 100mm of travel on the front. The frame also features internal cable routing, a chainstay protector, and Boost spacing. Importantly, the M25 version of the Orbea Alma comes with a Shimano XT 12-speed drivetrain. The cassette has a  10-51T gear range that will tackle any terrain. The Orbea Alma M25 boasts Shimano M6100 hydraulic disc brakes that provide excellent stopping power. Finally, DT Swiss X-1900 Spline 25c tubeless-ready wheels are paired with Maxxis Ikon tires for fewer flats and more fun!

Full-Suspension Mountain Bikes for NICA Kids

Orbea Oiz H30 2022 Full Suspension Mountain Bike

The Orbea OIZ H30 2022 is an ultra-light full suspension mountain bike that can handle the most technical trails with ease. Firstly, the Orbea Oiz H30 has a hydroformed aluminum frame that is designed for increased strength and stiffness. Secondly, the H30 Oiz comes with a Shimano Deore/XT 1×12-speed drivetrain. Thirdly, the hill-crushing 10-51T gear range facilitates climbing and riding in rough terrain. Fourthly, the Shimano M6100 hydraulic disc brakes provide excellent stopping power for confidence and control. Importantly, the Fox suspension on the front and rear creates a smooth and efficient ride.

Ghost SLAMR 2.9 29″ Full Suspension Mountain Bike

Treat your NICA racer well with this fun full-suspension machine. The ghost SLAMR 2.9 has many great components and features. First, the stiff and strong hydroformed aluminum frame features progressive geometry for control on descents and a steep seat tube angle for an efficient riding position on climbs. Second, the 29 in. wheels provide a smooth ride and maximum speed over rough terrain. Third, the RockShox® Judy Silver fork provides 130mm of tunable travel with a lockout option for climbing. Fourth, RockShox Deluxe Select+ rear shock smooths out the trail with 130mm of rear-wheel travel and 3 firmness settings. Of course, the SRAM SX Eagle 1 x 12 drivetrain optimizes shifting performance. Finally, the JD dropper seat post provides on-the-fly adjustment for gnarly descents!

Santa Cruz Blur Carbon S Mountain Bike

The Santa Cruz Blur Carbon S Mountain Bike is a hyper-focused cross-country machine that promises to help your NICA rider leave it all out there on the racecourse. The progressive geometry and 19-inch tires will keep your young rider rolling over trail obstacles. The specs on this full-suspension mountain bike Blur don’t miss a beat. First, top-of-the-line RockShox components support season after season of hits. Next, the bike is decked out with the SID fork and rear SidLuxe shock to support the descents and climbs. Additionally, the drivetrain is fully kitted in SRAM Eagle GX components. Where the rubber hits the trail, Maxxis Aspen tires in the 2.4in width allow for superior grip and less rolling resistance. The Santa Cruz Blur Carbon is a mountain bike any NICA racer would covet.

Juliana Wilder Carbon R Mountain Bike

Ther Juliana Wilder Carbon R is a short travel 29er optimized for cross country racing. Juliana bikes are tuned for lighter-weight riders. The Wilder Carbon R has so many things that make it a great choice for your NICA racer. First, the carbon frame is built to be stiff yet not uncomfortable. As a bonus, the frame has room for two water bottles in the main triangle. Second, this full suspension mountain bike provides 115mm of rear travel driven by efficient Superlight suspension. Third, the NX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain will provide plenty of range to get your NICA rider up and over the climbs. Importantly, the SDG Tellis dropper post gets the seat out of the way on descents to improve speed and comfort.

Co-op Cycles DRT 3.1 Mountain Bike

The DRT 3.1 is an entry-level full suspension mountain bike made by REI. This MTB has a 1 x 12 drive train. Suspension is provided by  RockShox Recon Gold RL front suspension and RockShox Monarch R Solo Air in the rear. Both have external rebound adjust to keep the ride smooth and wheels glued to the trail. Size XS and S bikes have 26 x 2.8 in. wheels and 120 mm of travel front and rear; size M–XL bikes have 27.5 x 2.8 in. wheels, 140 mm of front travel, and 130 mm of rear travel. The DRT 3.1 comes outfitted with a remote-control X-Fusion Manic dropper seatpost to let your NICA rider adjust to terrain on the fly. Tires and rims are ready for tubeless setup.

For more lists of the best kids bikes, check out our Kids Mountain Bikes page

Transition Bikes was born in 2001 and the company has grown to become one the industry’s favorite brands among mountain bikers because of its ability to cater to riders within its region of origin and beyond. That’s a beautiful thing when your testing grounds are one the world’s best places to mountain bike. If your family is ready for rocks, roots and ruckus, you’ll have to put the Transition Scout on the list for your kids’ next bike. Get the build options, live pricing, and availability from the Transition Bikes website.

Transition:  Website | Instagram | Facebook

Who Is The Transition Scout For?

The bike is designed to get your family up, across, and down aggressive trails. Its 27.5inch wheels, low geometry and availability in a x-small frame size means the Scout will fit riders as short as 4ft 10in tall. Keep in mind that Transition is headquartered in Bellingham, Washington. The owners of the company live there and the Scout was created to thrive on the area’s terrain and trails. The full-suspension bike was built for steep, loamy descents, roots, tight turns, and jumps.

Updated Geometry For The V3 Scout

Billed as longer, lower, slacker – the SBG (Speed Balanced Geometry) for the Scout is its foundation for fun. Not everyone can dash through the trees or send freeride lines like Hannah Bergermann. That’s why this generation of the Scout has angles and measurements suited for agility and stability at varying speeds.

As with other bikes in the current Transition line-up, the Scout features acute angles along the length of the frame’s tubes. This is achieved through the expanded polystyrene molds during the bike’s fabrication and carbon lay-up process. We can’t recall this design approach before. Aesthetics can be bound to one’s own preferences, but in our opinion, it’s kind of bold and different. And, it works.

Set up from the factory to run 140mm of travel in the back, the Scout is also compatible to run at 150mm. For most on a bike in this category, 150mm of travel in the front is plenty. On their website, Transition says you can swap out the fork for +/- 10mm but anything beyond that will affect the bike’s handling.

Riding The Transition Scout – By Teagan Heap

My Scout it custom built. I have some super rad sponsors who make the best gear out there, so I started with a small frame.

DVO takes care of my suspension and they custom built the internals to my weight and riding style. It’s optimal to have suspension that works when you are a small human. A Deity stem with Speedway carbon bars, saddle, grips and pedals are on my Scout along with Maxxis tires. The TRP brakes provide a ton of control and power, which lets me run them really close to the bar. I also use their 12 speed drive train with a 32t Wolf Tooth sprocket.

Getting power from the pedals is done through 155mm Canfield cranks – pretty rad that they make such short cranks! I run Onyx hubs. They rooooollll for days. The engagement always being right there and not having any drag, especially when you barely weigh anything is something else. Headset and spacers are taken care of by Wolf Tooth, which is a super sick way to tie in all your colors. Plus, my dad likes the headset. Something about the dust seal keeping him from having to clean it all the time.

Even though the Scout hails from the PNW, it works all over the place. For this write-up, I put it though its paces in Sedona. We ended up picking some sweet exposed trails to ride with some slippy technical features. I’ve ridden there before on some of my old bikes, and the Scout was so much better. I’m beyond stoked on how sick it handles everything I throw at it.

When choosing my trail bike for this pedal season I had a couple of choices from Transition and decided the Scout was the best option. The reason I chose to go with the Scout was due to it being slightly shorter travel, making it super efficient on climbs, while it still keeps a super slack head angle. For me, the bike needs to feel pretty close to my downhill bike. You never know when you’re going to have to get sendy! A 29er is just too much wheel for my riding style and the longer travel trail bikes start to get too deep into the downhill bike category.

The Scout pedaled up very well making the techy climbs not as difficult and the steep bits easy – probably because of how slack the bike is! I have ridden this bike all over Bootleg as well. It’s super poppy when you have to bunnyhop and miss rocks, or just bump jump a trail section for fun.

My Scout has a 175mm dropper post. I could probably have a 200mm because the seat tube on the Scout is designed to be long. This is so you can actually get your pedal height AND get the seat out of your way completely on descents! The Transition Scout is definitely my all-time favorite pedal bike. It lets me keep that DH fun but in a way that lets me pedal it everywhere, too.

We owe a big thanks to mountain biker Teagan Heap for helping us with this review. Follow Teagan on Instagram @teaganheap to keep up with her adventures throughout the season. Teagan would like to thank her sponsors: Transition Bikes, DVO Suspension, Maxxis Tires, Canfield Bikes, Onyx Racing Products, Deity Components, TRP Cycling Components, Wolf Tooth Components

It’s crucial to stay hydrated while riding. The main problem with water bottles is that they’re hard to access. You often end up having to stop mid-trail in order to remove them from the holder on the frame of your bike before you can take a drink. This makes it less likely that you’ll drink enough water during your excursion. The Camelbak Podium Flow Belt 21 oz takes care of that problem. The MSRP is $44.95 USD.

Camelbak is known for their hydration solutions. They make both backpacks and belts, like this one, that are utilized by mountain bikers, hikers, runners, and other outdoor enthusiasts. Made of proprietary waterproof materials, Camelbak bags often have a built-in bladder that holds water, or they have an ingenious pocket and an easy to access water bottle, like this model.

Camelbak Podium Flow Belt Specifications

The Camelback Podium Flow is a lightweight belt that attaches around the waist. It’s easily adjustable, thanks to the nylon strap and buckle system. Along with the built-in zippered pockets, there’s an elastic sleeve that securely holds a water bottle (included with the belt), that slips in and out easily. You no longer have to awkwardly reach for a frame-mounted, water bottle holder.

Both of the included pockets were designed with utility in mind. The top zippered compartment contains handy spaces that hold the various tools that you may need in order to adjust your bike on the side of the mountain or other trail, while the front, smaller pocket holds keys, energy gels, and more.

Even when fully loaded with a full water bottle and plenty of tools, it will stay in a comfortable position around your waist. Plus, the mesh back panel is breathable, limiting sweat from building up when you wear it.

Available in several different colors, including all black, a camo combination named camelflage and brown seal, and a lighter mineral blue and silver, you’ll be able to choose the shade that best matches your bike, riding gear, or protective clothing. No matter the color, the Camelback Podium Flow has built-in reflective patches that make it easier for vehicle and other bikers to spot you in the dark. Camelbak really thought of everything when they designed this hip pack, waist pouch… whatever you want to call it.

Keep It Rolling With The Camelbak Podium Flow Belt

Both our lads like this accessory a lot. We had to pick up one for our youngest when our oldest was flaunting it on rides and at races. The bottle stays put in its pouch because there is a quality elastic holding it in place. These have been put through the wringer over the course of a season. The zippers are durable and have not broken down. Overall, this is just a well-designed product that works great for both the lads. They carry snacks, tools and extra tubes in them – sometimes a packable rain jacket.

From the makers of the Kids Ride Shotgun bike seat comes the most captivating page-turner of the year: Shred Til Bed – The MTB Animal Alphabet.

Kids Ride Shotgun:  Website | Instagram | Facebook

A-B-C… Don’t worry. We won’t ruin the ending. This hard-cover book has 52 pages of wonderful illustrations featuring members of the animal kingdom mountain biking across terrain that would send Curious George back to the hospital.

Written by Kids Ride Shotgun Co-Founder, Dan Necklen – along with art by Mike Hearsey, the book cleverly pairs mountain biking vernacular with animals that begin with the same letter.

  

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The illustrations are a a lot of fun and you can keep your kids engaged with the sport rain or shine while introducing and/or reinforcing a tad of extracurricular learning.