Written by Brett SHARETWEET

Marin Hawk Hill Jr. Review

label
Marin Hawk Hill Jr Review
Marin Hawk Hill Jr Review

The Marin Hawk Hill Jr mountain bike is a smaller version of the Hawk Hill. The Jr version features geometry made smaller and more proportionate for kids. The stand over height is about 24.5 inches. Tp emphasize, if you’ve been looking for a mountain bike for your young rider, one that shows just how serious he or she can be on trails – then the Marin Hawk Hill Jr is a great option.

Don’t Take Our Word For It – Take This Kid’s

12 year old YouTuber OneMTB gives you an in-depth look at the Marin Hawk Hill Jr.
BUY THE HAWK HILL JR FROM JENSON USA
The Best MTB Helmets for Kids

The Marin Hawk Hill Jr Is Designed For a Smooth Ride

This Hawk Hill Jr is designed for the trails, thanks to its suspension system. Firstly, in the front, there’s the X-Fusion 120mm-travel fork. Secondly, the back features an X-Fusion O2 Pro R shock. Thirdly, there’s  Marin’s MultiTrac suspension platform that’s designed to cushion bumps while riding. Finally, the tires are 24 x 2.25″ Vee wire. All in all, the Hawk Hill Jr. give you a fun, flowy ride.

Built For Young Mountain Bikers

The bike features a Series 3 6061 aluminum frame. The handlebars are made in Marin Mini-Riser style, with a 15mm rise. Those same handlebars consist of 6061 double-butted aluminum, which is both strong and light. The Hawk Hill Jr comes with a Deore 1×10 drivetrain, a Marin forged alloy 1×10 hollow spindle crankset and nylon pedals. The bike comes with 24-inch wheels, but it you can also run mom’s or dad’s old 26-inch rims in this sled.

A Sleek Looking Kids Mountain Bike

The front and rear brakes are both Shimano BR-M315 Hydraulic Disc brakes, with the front rotor measuring at 180mm and the back 160mm. The Hawk Hill Jr comes in two color combinations – charcoal and purple and charcoal and cyan, and it has an overall sleek look. If you add a dropper post, it can be internally routed.
Best kids mountain bikes

Kids’ Mountain Bikes
Start at this page to find the best mountain bikes for kids for two year olds through teenagers

Whistler's Lord Of The Squirrels

Go On A Family Bike Ride
What’s on your bucket list for family mountain bike rides? How about Whistler’s Lord Of The Squirrels?

Real cost bike calculator

Have A Good Laugh – Or Cry
Find out how much that mountain bike really cost you with our mountain bike real cost calculator

Best mountain bike helmets for kids

Bike Helmets For Kids
Choose the best mtb helmets for kids, full-face helmets for kids, or enduro helmets for kids.

Written by Brett SHARETWEET

Pivot Mach 6 Carbon Review

label
Pivot Mach 6 Carbon Bike Review

PIVOT MACH 6 CARBON REVIEW

A Progression Of Perspective

The evolution of the trail bike over the last few years has taken some dramatic leaps via engineering, the ease of prototyping and materials. Several manufactures have adopted a pragmatic philosophy geared towards producing the ideal mountain bike. The Mach 6 Carbon is Pivot’s latest species in the family of full-suspension quiver killers.

Pivot Mach 6 carbon and rider

The Bike

  • Large Pivot Mach 6 Carbon with Pro XT/XTR build
  • 27.5 inch wheels
  • 6.1 inches full-suspension front and rear
  • Our demo weighed in at an even 30lbs without pedals and with a plastic water bottle cage attached to the down tube
  • Enduro, All-Mountain, Medium Travel Trail Bike

The Kid

  • 15 year old Utah boy
  • 5ft 10.5 in tall
  • 140 lbs with gear
  • 3.5 cumulative high school GPA
  • Enjoys enduro races, rides bike parks as well as NICA and the dirt jumps
  • Will work for cold hard cash, sushi, Hawaiian shirts and/or bucket hats.
FIND A PIVOT DEALER
BUY ONLINE AT BACKCOUNTRY

VISIT PIVOT CYCLES: Website | Instagram | Facebook

Sizing And Specifications For The Pivot Mach 6 Carbon

Pivot Mach 6 Geometry Chart

Click on the Pivot Mach 6 geometry chart to enlarge it.

Mach 6 Carbon Frame SizeRider Height RangeStand Over Height
Extra Small4’11" – 5’4”27.9"
Small5’3" – 5’6”28.0"
Medium5’6” – 5’11”28.8"
Large5’10” – 6’3”29.0"
Extra Large6’2” +29.0"

At A Glance Geometry

The modern geometry on this bike checks all the boxes for performance and efficiency. The wheelbase on our large measures 45.43 inches. A chain stay length of 16.95 inches is common across all sizes from XS – XL and the large frame sports a 66.25º head tube angle. Each size also has a 13.6 inch bottom bracket height.

The Frame

The foundation of this bike is its full carbon frame with state-of-the art materials and proprietary molding technology. The Pivot Mach 6 double-wishbone rear triangle design with Boost spacing is borne from mechanics originating from downhill bikes. Why does this matter? The result is a stiff frame which is energy-efficient, responsive and capable of hosting wider tires. These assets carry over to the real world when when pedaling uphill as well as making split-second decisions on technical descents. A front derailleur can be added to the bike. The internal cable routing is attractive and the frame is compatible with internally routed dropper posts. Best of all, a DW-Link® suspension design complements the frame’s temperament like peanut butter and jelly; like Eddie Masters and L-O-Ls.

  • Pivot Mach 6 Carbon frame - isolated
  • Pivot Mach 6 frame - rear linkage

An Expert Has His Say

To get a bit more detailed, we spoke with Pivot Ambassador and Go-Ride rep Kris “Krispy” Baughman. He told us, “Due to the design of the DW links and the way they fit together, it not only creates a smooth ride, it makes the bike very easy to maintain.

“The DW-Link suspension on the Pivot Mach 6 Carbon is super plush and pedals extremely well. The suspension handles rocky and sharp terrain due to the system’s traction and flat-prevention characteristics.”

Wheel Set And Tires

The Pivot Mach 6 Carbon comes with a DT Swiss wheel set. The 30 spoke aluminum M1700s are a solid option for this sled because of their durability and weight. The hoops are laced to DT 350 centerlock hubs and straight-pull spokes. Numbers for the front hub are 15×100/110mm and rear hub measures in at 12×142/148mm. Maxxis tires on our demo were of the Minion DHR II (rear) and Minion DHF (front) flavor.

DT Swiss M1700 wheel set
DT Swiss hub
Maxxis tire detail

Pivot Mach 6 Carbon Cockpit – Drivetrain, Bars, Brakes, Saddle, Dropper

Our demo was the Pro XT/XTR build and it featured the nifty 1×12 11-speed transmission with 11-46 range cassette. A 30t front chain ring mounted to a 175mm Race Face Aeffect crankset transferred power from the pedals to the ground.

Shifting the bike was managed via Shimano XT M8000 11-Speed levers and silky smooth Shimano XTR GS 11-Speed rear mech. A pair of smartly designed and comfortable pair of Phoenix Team Padloc grips adorned the 815mm wide carbon bars.

Shimano XT M-8000 brakes help slow and stop the bike along with the system’s center lock rotors. The 125mm Fox Transfer dropper post made the Phoenix WTB Pro Vigo saddle fall and rise.

  • Pivot Mach 6 carbon head set
  • Rear cassette on the Pivot Mach 6 carbon
  • Fox Transfer dropper lever on the Pivot Mach 6 carbon
  • Shimano XT brake lever and shifter, Pivot Mach 6 carbon
  • Shimano XT brake lever and shifter, Pivot Mach 6 carbon

Pivot Mach 6 Carbon Suspension Run-Down

The Fox suspension on the bike features a Fox Factory 36 27.5″, 44mm offset, FIT4 – 160mm fork and Fox Factory Float DPX2 shock. Front and rear travel for the bike are both spec’d at 6.1 inches (155mm). Pivot has even added a dandy of a feature called the ‘Pivot Sag Indicator’ to the rear shock. The goal of this little endeavor is to assist you with tuning the rear shock to your weight.

Pivot Mach 6 Fox 36 fork

Fox 36 Fork

The Fox 36 Fork on the Pivot Mach 6 Carbon offers 6.1 inches of Kashima coated travel. Tune it correctly for a plush, responsive ride.

Pivot Mach 6 Fox shock

Fox Factory Float DPX2 Shock

We kept a shock pump handy to get this thing dialed. It worked as good as it looks and it provided great traction while climbing.

Pivot Mach 6 linkage detail

DW-Link® Suspension Design

We learned that DW designs its linkage specifically for Pivot’s catalog of bikes. The result provides for an efficient, versatile riding experience.

Pivot Mach 6 rear shock sag setting adjuster

Pivot Sag Indicator

This is a really clever way of fine-tuning the sag on the rear shock. Bernard Kerr takes you through how to do it in this D-I-Y video.

Riding The Pivot Mach 6 Carbon – An Advanced Mountain Bike For Advanced Riders

You can certainly take this bike on your local single-track XC loops and have a great time, but it’s designed for so much more. Wyatt, our test rider for this bike, is a 15 year-old mountain biker who enjoys getting on technical terrain as much as racking up the miles. He said, “The Pivot Mach 6 Carbon didn’t limit what I wanted to do. It was comfortable to pedal and I really noticed how the suspension and frame worked together on the rocks.”

All-Mountain Riding On The Pivot Mach 6

Our first outing on the bike was to St. George, Utah where we rode the 6 mile long Barrel Roll trail. This trail undulates with a max elevation gain of about 300 feet and features expert rated technical climbs and descents. It was the perfect initial testing ground because the Mach 6 began to showcase its versatility right from the trail head. Turtle Wall and Paradise Rim were also on the itinerary.
Climbing Barrel Roll trail, Pivot Mach 6 carbon
Pivot Mach 6 carbon review - Barrel Roll trail
The carbon frame, DW-Link suspension, and dropper post all work together to make cranking uphill a pleasant chore. Wyatt was able to move the bike through all 3 axes of rotation in order to attack a series of ascending rock steps, narrow corridor, or hairpin turn on the trail. Descending the trail on this bike was simply free money; because again, the bike’s geometry and suspension worked in concert.
Kid mountain biker
The Pivot Mach 6 provides a balanced ride
Pivot Mach 6 carbon bike review - mtb kid

The Pivot Mach 6 On It’s Home Turf

We dialed things up a notch and rode some more advanced terrain in Sedona. Even if you’re a capable rider, the bike will continue to inspire calm and cool confidence. The Pivot Mach 6 Carbon partnered with the Hiline Trail like a margarita and your favorite molé. Getting to the downhill section of Hiline requires a bit of work via technical ascending and the bike did not hold our rider back at all. Wyatt was able to onsight Hiline’s descents and leave me in the dust. I’d love to share some photos of this ride with you, but really – the kid got in a state of flow and simply could not stop.
Climbing the Hiline trail - Pivot Mach 6 carbon

Downhill Trails With The Pivot Mach 6 Carbon

After chalking up some aggressive trail riding, it was time to hit full-on downhill terrain with the Mach 6. During the winter months, our favorite local trails are covered in feet of snow so we had to continue our travels in order to see if we could break this bike. Nevada’s Bootleg Canyon Mountain Bike Park is a great zone to see how durable your bike really is. In our experiences at Bootleg, we have had to replace wheels, derailleurs, and tires because of the area’s hard, sharp rocks. And this is just on the intermediate trails.
The Pivot Mach 6 looks great standing still, too
Pivot Mach 6 mountain bike review
Consider the Pivot Mach 6 carbon for your rippin' mtb teen
Following a warm-up run, we shuttled to the top of Snakeback and let loose. The Mach 6 carbon once more flaunted its functionality. The overall configuration of the bike was again happy to strike off-camber, sharp rocks at speed. The Mach 6 scrambled over abrupt technical terrain as surefooted as the canyon’s bighorn sheep. The Maxxis tires performed admirably on loose gravel in the turns on the bike park’s dual slalom course.

Getting This Bike In The Air

Wyatt said, “Getting the bike in the air is a lot of fun. Again, the suspension allows you to make small mistakes without big consequences.” Is it really cliché if it’s true? The bike IS flickable. The bike IS playful.
Jumping with the Pivot Mach 6
Rampage site jump on the Pivot Mach 6
Step-up jump on the Pivot Mach 6
Gap jump on the Pivot Mach 6 carbon

Summing Up The Pivot Mach 6 Carbon

After carefully selecting the design and engineering characteristics that have made other bikes in the Pivot catalog successful, the company has evolved the Mach 6 carbon into lively and witty bike.

There’s just no other way to say it. Whether you’re churning out the watts to get to the top of the next hill or bombing down technical terrain – the Mach 6 carbon yearns to help you build and release the kinetic energy that makes this sport so rewarding and fun.

The Pivot techies are just as concerned about the ride up the mountain as the ride down and it’s all on display with this bike. Furthermore, we’re convinced that Pivot Cycles is nothing less than a team of number crunchers who like to get loose. And because they have families of their own, they even went the extra mile to create a size range of bikes that most other manufacturers do not match. This allows your entire family to enjoy higher, longer and faster rides together on premium mountain bikes.

Best kids mountain bikes

Kids’ Mountain Bikes
Start at this page to find the best mountain bikes for kids for two year olds through teenagers

Whistler's Lord Of The Squirrels

Go On A Family Bike Ride
What’s on your bucket list for family mountain bike rides? How about Whistler’s Lord Of The Squirrels?

Real cost bike calculator

Have A Good Laugh – Or Cry
Find out how much that mountain bike really cost you with our mountain bike real cost calculator

Best mountain bike helmets for kids

Bike Helmets For Kids
Choose the best mtb helmets for kids, full-face helmets for kids, or enduro helmets for kids.

Written by Traci SHARETWEET

Easter Gift Ideas for Mountain Biking Kids

label
Easter gifts for mtb kids
Easter gifts for mtb kids

Easter Gifts for Mountain Biking Kids- Easter is right around the corner! If you do an Easter basket or an egg hunt for your kids, why not include some MTB goodies?

Our kids look forward to our Easter egg hunt tradition. Since these kids insist on continuing to grow, we need to buy them some new MTB clothing for spring/summer anyway. Therefore, we often include these items in the Easter egg hunt to make it more fun.Not surprisingly, our kids are way more stoked to find new MTB gloves in an egg than they would have been had we just handed them to them before our next ride.

Here are some ideas for your upcoming spring event!

osprey kids mtb hydration pack

Osprey Moki Kids’ Hydration Pack

Instead of a basket, your kiddo can collect Easter goodies in a useful hydration pack! The Osprey Moki is a great choice for your little one. With just enough space for a 1.5L hydration bladder, a few extra snacks, and an extra layer of clothing, the Moki works great for short bike rides or hikes with the family. Finally, your little ride can carry their own MTB supplies!

Buy this kids’ hydration pack from:

Treefort Bikes
Easter gift for mtb kids 2019 shuffle youth led mips

Specialized Shuffle Youth LED MIPS Helmet

Every mountain biker loves a new lid! The Specialized Shuffle Youth LED MIPS Helmet is a child sized helmet that includes a magnetic buckle for easy fastening. Additionally, the integrated LED tail light will increase your child’s visibility for evening or morning riding. Most important, this helmet features MIPS, or Multi-Directional Impact Protection System, which helps to reduce the energy from certain impacts to better protect your child’s head.

Buy this kids’ mountain bike helmet from:

Jenson USA
Easter gift 2019 kids mountain bike shoes

Five Ten Freerider VCS mountain bike shoes

The Five Ten Freerider VCS mountain bike shoes are made with Stealth Marathon rubber. Basically, this will help your little ripper’s feet to stick to platform pedals. Also, the colorful suede and synthetic mesh uppers breathe well. They come in bright colors, too! All in all, your kiddo will love these shoes! Check out our Five Ten Review.

Buy these kids’ mountain bike shoes from:

REI
Easter 2019 gift kids dakine mountain bike jersey

Dakine Prodigy S/S Jersey

Set out on that spring ride in style!  The Dakine Prodigy S/S Jersey is a made with the same quick-drying, odor-fighting, stretchy material as the adult ones. This is a raglan-sleeved concert tee for the trails and a uniform for getting rad.

Buy this kids’ mountain bike jersey from:

EVO
Easter gift 2019 kids mountain bike gloves

Troy Lee Designs Air Gloves – Youth

Gloves are perfect Easter gifts for mountain biking kids. The Troy Lee Designs Air Glove is a well ventilated and lightweight glove designed to provide superior protection and comfort. Specifically, they are meticulously tested with acute attention to detail and a fearless sense of style. Perhaps most important, they come in a vast color selection!  Your young rider will be hitting the trails in style.

Buy these kids’ mountain bike gloves from:

Jenson USA
Easter 2019 gift kids mountain bike knee pads

G-Form Pro-X2 Knee Pads – Youth

From after school trail rides to cruises around the neighborhood, the G-Form Pro-X2 Knee Pad keeps your kids protected on the bike without any unnecessary weight or bulk. These lightweight and flexible pads are body-mapped for a comfortable fit. However, they are specially designed to harden upon impact. to this end, they will absorb the energy of unexpected spills and tumbles.

Buy these kids’ mountain bike knee pads from:

Backcountry
timber bell Easter gift for mountain biking kids

TIMBER Quick-Release Mountain Bike Bell

Keep an ear on your little rider with a TIMBER Quick-Release Mountain Bike Bell. This bell provides awareness when you need it, silence when you don’t. The simple on/off lever controls the internal clapper. In addition, the timber bell can be easily mounted anywhere on your handlebars for instant shifting between ring and silent mode. Compared to other bells, the ring of this bell is downright pleasant.

Buy this kids’ mountain bike bell from:

REI
Easter gift 2019 kids mountain bike shorts

DaKine Kids Pace Shorts

Stretchy and adjustable, the DaKine Kids Pace Shorts won’t just inspire your kids to get out and ride.  They’ll have ’em looking like the prodigies that they are destined to be. Firstly, these shorts are designed to fit with and adjustable waist. Second, they are durable, Finally, they look legit! Besides, kids love wearing mountain bike specific clothing.

Buy these kids’ mountain bike shorts from:

EVO
Easter 2019 vivofit jr kids activity tracker gift

Garmin VivoFit Jr activity tracker

Garmin created the VivoFit Jr. for young kids seeking an activity tracker. The VivoFit Jr. doubles as a stylish watch with fun-loving graphics. Featuring a built-in accelerometer, the VivoFit Jr. tracks steps taken throughout the day, as well as sleep throughout the night. It’s fully waterproof, so you won’t have to worry about ruining it from submersion in the bath or neighborhood pool. Another cool feature is the replaceable battery, which lasts up to a year of use and doesn’t require constant re-charging. You kids will love this gift!

Buy this kids’ activity tracker from:

Competitive Cyclist
Written by Brett SHARETWEET

Giro Disciple Helmet Review

label
Featured view of the Giro Disciple mountain bike helmet

Let’s face it. Comfort is a factor when choosing the best mountain biking helmet for your kids. Of course, safety features come first, but without comfort, your kid won’t fully enjoy the ride. The Giro Disciple MIPS helmet manages to balance both of these things – comfort and safety with ease. Plus, it has some interesting modern features.

Featured view of the Giro Disciple mountain bike helmet

Size Chart For The Giro Disciple Bike Helmet

Size (in)Size (cm)
Small20.5 - 21.7552 - 55.5
Medium21.75 - 2355.5 - 59
Large23 - 24.2559 - 62.5
Extra-Large24.5 - 25.562.5 - 65

These sizes are for the circumference of the noggin. Get out the tape measure and see what size you need. Our 15 year-old wears a medium. The EVO site tells us the small size weighs in at 1150 grams and the large weighs 1300 grams.

Where To Buy

BACKCOUNTRY
EVO
JENSON USA
Detail of vents in the chin bar on the Giro Disciple
Goggles and the Giro Disciple mountain bike helmet

Safety Features For The Giro Disciple Mountain Bike Helmet 

Above all else, safety features matter and the Giro Disciple with MIPS protection has plenty of them. The exterior of the helmet is made of fiberglass with custom-injected gasket trimmings. The jawline contains some additional padding, in the form of vinyl nitrile, adding to the helmet’s overall impact cushioning power. On top of this, the MIPS system redirects the energy produced by an impact, protecting your child’s head should they fall mid-ride. On top of this, the visor bolts on (no tools needed) and there are also emergency removable cheek pads, just to provide some extra cushioning.

Giro Disciple full face helmet - manufacturer photo - side view
Giro Disciple full face helmet - manufacturer photo - rear view
Giro Disciple full face helmet - manufacturer photo - three quarter view

Comfort And Color Choices 

Thanks to the interior padding and the vented brow ports, the Giro Disciple is as comfortable to wear as it is safe. The vents allows in air, cooling down the head mid-ride, while the padding not only gives them some additional cushioning, but it prevents their head from pushing right up against the fiberglass helmet. We all know that this matters, as kids are more likely to complain less when wearing a comfortable helmet.

See current prices and color choice on: Backcountry | EVO | Jenson USA

Giro Disciple helmet for safety on the jumps
Giro Disciple full face helmet paired with a neck brace
The Giro Disciple helmet is a full-face helmet for mountain biking

What Our Kid Thinks 

We have the luxury of living close to the Backcountry warehouse in Salt Lake City and that allows us to have access to a lot of merchandise. We stopped by for a fitting for our 15 year old prior to a trip last year and he tried on several helmets before choosing this one. When asked why he chose the Giro Disciple, he said “I really like all the vents in this helmet because that helps make if comfortable. For enduro races, I can also remove the cheek pads so I have additional ventilation. I kind of have a Hawaii Five-O style going on right now, so I really like the graphics. The only thing I would change is how the chin strap fastens. I’d replace the old school d-ring with a buckle.”

Action camera attached to the Giro Disciple mountain bike helmet
Rear detail view of the Giro Disciple full face mtb helmet

Built In Action Camera Mount and Headphone Pockets 

Recording point of view rides with this helmet is easy as it comes with a built-in camera mount. With this integrated breakaway P.O.V. mount, you can hook up an action camera to the helmet and experience your womp rats’ trips down the trails later on, from the comfort and safety of your couch.

Inserting headphones in the Giro Disciple mountain bike helmet
Headphones inserted in the Giro Disciple full face mountain bike helmet for kids
Headphones concealed in the Giro Disciple mtb helmet

The helmet even has built-in speaker pockets that are compatible with Tuneups Audio Speakers and O-Snap Audio Cable management, making it simple for them to set up their smartphones and listen to their own riding playlists no matter which trail they’re on.

Use headphones responsibly and make good choices when riding. If you believe using headphones while riding will affect your safety or the safety of others – unplug or silence your device.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Giro Disciple with MIPS protection is a full-face mountain bike helmet that checks many things off of the list. It’s impact resistant, has plenty of padding to make it comfortable, and the camera mount and speaker pockets are good contemporary technological features.

Written by Brett SHARETWEET

Rocky Mountain Reaper Review

label
Rocky Mountain Reaper Review

Let’s get off to a fast start. The full-suspension Rocky Mountain Reaper will fit kids with a standover height ranging from 22 inches all the way through 32 inches. How in the world is this done? It’s feasible because the Reaper comes in three frame sizes specifically designed for junior mountain bikers. You can jump to this comparison chart and view standover heights, wheel options, and price.

Rocky Mountain Reaper Review
Rocky Mountain Bicycles

Website: www.bikes.com
Instagram: @rockymountainbicycles
Facebook: @rockymountainbicycles

The bike we’ll be reviewing is the middle sibling – the Rocky Mountain Reaper 26. Our test rider is 12 years old, 60 inches tall, with a 28 inch inseam. In addition to putting flat pedals on the bike, we added an external dropper post so he could max out his leg extension and put all of his stick man muscle on the cranks when we made him to ride uphill and go on longer rides.

Despite the 3 frame sizes available for the Rocky Mountain Reaper, be sure not to size up and have your kid grow into a bike. If you’re still between bike sizes, we suggest going with the smaller size so the bike can be controlled and stopped safely. When you have a proper fitting Reaper, it allows your child to use all of the components as intended and focus on the fun.

Specifications For The Rocky Mountain Reaper 26

Rocky Mountain Ride-9 adjustment system
Here is what dimensions/angles are adjustable with the RIDE-9 adjustment system.

Geometry Overview

As the name implies, the Reaper 26 comes with 26 inch wheels – but it’s also compatible with 24 inch wheels. That’s pretty darn clever. The spacing on the rear axle is 135mm so you can see if your kid’s old hubs are good to go.

The Reaper also boasts the RIDE-9TM adjustment system. This allows subtle tweaks to the bike’s suspension and geometry with a couple of allen wrenches. Click here to view how the system works.

Rocky Mountain has designated the settings as: Slack, Neutral, and Steep. Click on the chart thumbnail to enlarge the graphic and see all the numbers. To be exact, the standover height of the Rocky Mountain Reaper 26 ranges from 28.62in to 28.74 inches. The head tube angle in the middle “Neutral” position is 64.6º and can vary (+) or (-) 0.7º when adjusted. The wheelbase of the bike in the neutral position is 21.53in.

Suspension Set Up

A RockShox Sektor RL 130mm fork smooths out the front end of the bike and a RockShox Monarch R shock helps keep bike’s rear end stable. Setting up the suspension was a cinch. Our rider weighs a mere 75 lbs with gear and we set the fork at just 60psi for technical riding. I don’t even think he ever locked out the fork when climbing.

There are 6 settings for controlling compression on the top of the fork. We set the rear shock at 155psi and although you can’t lock it out, there are 11 settings for rebound damping. Rebound damping is the speed at which a shock re-extends after it’s compressed.

Rocky Mountain Reaper, fork compression control knob
RockShox fork detail
Rocky Mountain Reaper, RockShox Monarch R shock

The combination of settings for RIDE-9 adjustment system, fork, and rear shock will allow suspension geeks to dial in the Reaper just right. This is a great benefit if your kid is hucking big jumps in the bike parks, tearing up advanced technical trails, or just doing a bit of all-mountain riding.

During our time on the bike, we just set it for our kid’s weight and did not touch anything over the span of weeks and several rides over all types of terrain. Additionally, the frame’s linkage for the rear suspension is not over-designed and it functioned beautifully.

Cockpit And Saddle

Because the Reaper 26 does not have a front-derailleur, the cockpit of the bike is clean and neat. The bars are 28.7in wide and our rider was comfortable with the reach. He was able to control the bike very well. The bike’s cables are externally routed. Although some may think this is not optimal, we like this. It allows for easier DIY maintenance. The cables for the rear brake and derailleur run along the top of the down tube.

Rocky Mountain Reaper saddle
Reaper front view
Reaper logo on the seat tube

The saddle is sized down appropriately and there is a quick-release seat collar for the 30.9mm seat post. We cannot fathom why any kids’ bike does not have a quick-release seat collar, but there are still a few out there.

Brakes, Drivetrain, Wheels and Tires

Shimano MT 400 hydraulic disc brakes make the Reaper 26 slow down and stop. The drivetrain is made up of a Deore rear derailleur/shifter, Shimano HG-500 11-42T cassette, and a 165mm long Race Face crankset with 30T front chainring.

Shimano MT 400 hydraulic brakes on the Rocky Mountain Reaper
Rocky Mountain Reaper drivetrain
Thru axel detail, Rocky Mountain Reaper
Maxxis Minion DHF tires on the Rocky Mountain Reaper

WTB SX19 rims are laced to Shimano hubs; a MT400 Boost 15mm in the front and a TX505 hub on the rear end. The spoke count is 32 if you want to rummage through your parts box and see if you can do upgrades. As per our research the SX19 rims are not tubeless compatible. However, we have had success with DIY tubeless set ups on similar rims.

The rear wheel has a quick release skewer. The front wheel has a thru-axel so to remove the front wheel, you will need a hex key. In addition, a set of Maxxis Minion DHF tires on our Reaper helped the wheels go round.

Rocky Mountain Reaper Comparison Chart

Reaper 24Reaper 26Reaper 27.5
MSRP$1,949.00 USD$2,349.00 USD$2,849.00 USD
Wheel Sizes (in)
* factory set up		24*, 2626*, 2427.5*, 27.5+
Standover Height (in)
RIDE-9 settings, l-r
Slack, Neutral, Steep		27.24, 27.32, 27.3628.62, 28.70, 28.7431.18, 31.29, 31.37

Riding The Rocky Mountain Reaper

Grafton Mesa, Rocky Mountain Reaper

Our rider was very excited to put the Reaper through its paces because the bike is designed for the rough stuff.

Jumping the Rocky Mountain Reaper
Manual on the Rocky Mountain Reaper

On chunky rides we made sure the fork was set to full send and the bike behaved like a boss. The wheelbase and geometry of the Reaper allowed it to tackle steep rock gardens and technical rock rolls without making our rider lose focus. On a very steep roll from a flat entry, I thought he could bash the chainring – but the bike cleared it without issue.

Rocky Mountain Reaper review - in the desert

Our rider said, “The Reaper’s suspension and brakes let me ride the bike on tech without getting too tired.” Quality components make a difference.

Rocky Mountain Reaper - pedaling close

Using the tried-and-true bathroom scale method. Our bike set up with pedals and a dropper weighed in at 29.3 lbs. On a few technical ascents, we sessioned them until our rider was able to make the climbs. The 42 tooth rear cog on the cassette makes a difference when climbing.

Steep rock roll with the Rocky Mountain Reaper

Our test rider was very impressed with how the bike fit him. He was able to shift his weight to back of the bike when the terrain became steep and bumpy. In corners, the bike’s frame size allowed our kid lean into the curves and let the tires do the work.

Bootleg Canyon, Rocky Mountain Reaper

The Reaper 26 is best suited for technical trail rides, bike parks, shuttle runs and downhill/enduro races. The factory build on the Reaper provides for a wonderful riding experience.

Climbing with the Rocky Mountain Reaper
Taking a corner on the Rocky Mountain Reaper

At the Snake Hollow Bike Park in St. George, Utah – our guy was able to smoke the jump lines and a few advanced features with ease. Where the bike’s weight could be a factor on longer pedals, it was a benefit in the jump park.

Getting in the air on the Reaper 26
Step up with the Rocky Mountain Reaper 26
Snake Hollow Bike Park - ramp jump
Small drop - Rocky Mountain Reaper
Desert rock roll on the Rocky Mountain Reaper

Rocky Mountain Reaper Wrap Up

The Rocky Mountain Reaper 26 is a purpose built mountain bike for kids who like to get rowdy. The Reaper boasts a proprietary RIDE9 frame system and RockShox suspension package. Obviously, advanced jumps and drops are the modus operandi. The Reaper is more than capable for getting everyone out together on technical rides. Thus, this full-suspension mountain bike may be just what your little ripper needs!

Do your research, look at the numbers, plan your rides. Are you more likely to be out on cruiser laps through the neighborhood and 20+ mile XC rides? Or, is a season pass for the bike park and enduro racing in your young one’s future? If your schedule is geared towards the latter, the Rocky Mountain Reaper is going to make your kid very happy.

Written by Traci SHARETWEET

Th Best Chair for Mountain Bikers: Helinox

label
Best Chair for mountain bikers: Helinox

Best chair for mountain bikers = Helinox: Mountain biking with your family gives you lots of opportunities to sit outside.  For example: pre and post-ride meals or drinks at the car, camping, and  watching  friends and family members participate in mountain biking events. For years, we used inexpensive camping chairs purchased from a big box store. However, we were constantly dealing with broken frames or torn fabric that made the chairs unusable. We felt terrible throwing away such large pieces of equipment.

Best Chair for mountain bikers: Helinox

Last Christmas, we decided to purchase some quality camping chairs as our family gift. Our two main criteria were durability and comfort.

After lots on online research we purchased Helinox Chair Two camp chairs for our family in the hopes that these chairs that would be durable and continue to be usable for years even as our kids grow.

We purchased 4 different colors (yellow, black, blue, orange) so everyone gets to take care of his/her own chair.

Some Of The Numbers

Weight: 2.6 lbs.
Size (set up): 21.5 in wide x 25.5 in deep x 33 in tall
Size (packed): cylinder; 18 in x 5 in
Seat height: 13.5 in
Weight capacity: 320 lbs
Manufacturer Warrantee: 5 years
Price: Click button below

BUY AT BACKCOUNTRY
Helinox Chair Two review - set up
Detail of Helinox camping chair
Storage bag attached to back of Helinox camping chair

Best Chair for Mountain Bikers: Helinox Chairs Are Comfortable And Durable

Compared to the popular Helinox Chair One, Chair Two is slightly wider, deeper and adds a taller back that gives comfortable back support. The tall back rest also means the carry bag can be filled with padding (clothing or a towel) and attached to the chair back as a neck pillow.

Durability

We’ve been impressed with the quality and durability of these chairs. They have survived almost an entire year of camping including a summer of solid use and abuse by a group of wild 11-15-year old boys. The thick nylon mesh fabric is built to last. The fabric on the corners is the thickest and stiffest where you connect the chair to the frame.

Comfort

Everyone in our family agrees that the Helinox Chair Two is very comfortable. The back is supportive and allows you to sit comfortably while eating, sitting around a campfire or gazing at the stars. The storage bag can be used as a pillow if you put a t-shirt in it and use the Velcro to attach it to the head rest. These chairs are low to the ground, but they are not hard for us to get out of. We actually like being closer to the fire on cool camping evenings.

The Helinox Chair Two camping chairs are comfortable
Lake day with the Helinox Two camping chairs

The Helinox Chair Two Camping Chairs Are Easy To Set Up And Take With You

Our Helinox Two chairs are compact and light taking up about half the space of our old heavy foldable camping chairs. This  helps when we road trip in the minivan. Additionally, the size makes it possible to put them into a backpack for short hikes. The carry bag has two large loops and webbing ladder to attach to the outside of a pack if needed.

These chairs assemble easily. The single shock-corded design makes setup quick. Our kids can have their chairs built in less than a minute. They are also easy to roll back up and our kids fit their chairs back in the bags with no problems.

Helinox Chair Two chairs posing on the rocks
The Helinox Two Chair is compact and easy to travel with

The only factor that may influence your decision to buy the Helinox Two camping chair is the price. Don’t let this hold you back. Our old camping chairs were purchased from a big box store for about $20 each, so that makes these Helinox chairs more than 5x the cost. However, we have learned that the the durability of these chairs will pay off in the long run. We strongly recommend the Helinox Chair Two chairs for mountain biking families and kids. These chairs do an excellent job of balancing lasting comfort and ease of transportation.

If you’re looking for the best chair for mountain bikers and active families, we highly recommend the Helinox camping chair.

The Helinox Chair Two camping chairs are comfy

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

We’d love to see what MTB shenanigans your mountain biking kids and family are up to! Share your mountain bike adventures with MTBwithKids on Instagram or Facebook

Written by Brett SHARETWEET

Woom Bike Helmet Review

label
Woom kids' bike helmet review - featured image
Woom kids' bike helmet review - featured image

Every single bike riding kid needs to have her/his head protected in case of a fall. This is where the Woom Kids Bike Helmet comes in. This helmet contains all of the safety features that your child needs, whether they are riding on some basic trails or on the sidewalks. It retails for $69.00 USD.

Buy the Woom Kids Bike Helmet

Safety Matters With This Kids’ Bike Helmet 

Woom believes that kids need additional protection because they fall in different ways and their brains are still developing. This  helmet was developed by Matthias Gurtner. Gurtner says “A helmet that’s truly safe for a child is not simply a smaller version of an adult helmet.” This means that the safety features on the Woom are quite different.

The Woom helmet extends protection to the back of the head, as well as the temples. Additionally, the interior of the helmet has padding that can be adjusted as necessary. Importantly, the visor bumper provides some extra padding in the forehead region, and the exterior of the helmet is made of polycarbonate plastic. The Woom logo on the helmet is reflective. And, similar to the line up of Woom bikes, the size of the Woom kids’ helmet is specifically designed for the physiology and head measurements of each age group.

Fastening the magnetic Fidlock magnetic clasp on the Woom bike helmet is a cinch - not a pinch
Detail view of the magnetic chin strap clasp on the Woom Kids Helmet
Extra bumper pads are included with the Woom Kids Bike Helmet

Additional Features Of The Woom Kids Bike Helmet

The Woom Kids Helmet is designed to cushion the head in case of a mountain bike accident, and it’s also incredibly comfortable. There are 24 different vents and four internal air channels built into the top to provide plenty of airflow. In addition, fly nets covering each vent. These allow air to flow through, but help keep pesky insects out. The side cords won’t twist up (in fact, they are untwistable!) and the helmet fastens securely to the head with a cleverly designed magnetic pinch-free buckle that fits under the chin.

You can see the fly netting in the vents of the Woom kid-sized bike helmet
Woom helmet review. Three-quarter view.

Colors and Sizes

The Woom Kids Helmet comes in five bright candy colors, including purple, blue, yellow, green, and red. Your child can choose his or her favorite! There are three sizes to choose from as well. Firstly, the small helmets are for heads that measure 18.9 to 20.9 inches in circumference. Secondly, the mediums will fit 20.5 to 22-inch heads.Finally, the largest is for kids with a head circumference of 21.7 to 23.6 inches. Each helmet comes with a size adjustment dial. However, for the best protection, you should measure your child’s head to see where it falls on the chart.

Final Thoughts On This Kid Lid

Your kids need a helmet that’s designed specifically for them. The Woom Kids Helmet proves this case, thanks to the additional coverage zones, bright colors, and extra features. Our test rider loves her helmet because she knows it helps keep her safe. She also thought the fit was comfortable and it looked cool. When you’re looking for your kid’s next helmet, know that this award winning design is not just a sized-down adult helmet – it has been crafted to fit children to provide the fit and protection parents want.

Written by Brett SHARETWEET

Five Big Deals On Mountain Bikes For Big Kids

label
Kids mountain bikes on sale

Deals On Mountain Bikes: Earlier this week, we ran through 10 great mountain bike options for NICA racers. We heard from some of you that the bikes we highlighted might be a bit outside your current disposable income window. We decided to start researching some less expensive mountain bikes that would be good for pre-teen/teen NICA riders. In the process, we ran across some killer deals on some 2018 bikes. If you want to buy new, the fall is almost always your best bet because shops are generally looking to get rid of remaining inventory to make room for newer models. While not super-light, these five mountain bikes have good quality components and are available now – but not for long!

Ghost Asket 4.9 AL 29 Bike (2018) for high school mountain bikers

Ghost Asket 4.9 AL 29 Mountain Bike (2018) | ONLY Small Size Left!

Ghost Asket is a modern trail hardtail at an affordable price. The Asket geometry concept includes a low top tube, slack steering angle, short rear and low bottom bracket to makes the ASKET a playful and comfortable all-around trail bike. The hydroformed aluminum alloy frame is strong, stiff and lightweight (28 lbs 7 oz). The SRAM 1×11 drivetrain offers a wide gear range and the hydraulic disc brakes and progressive rotors provide reliable stopping power. Maxxis Minion tires and 29” DT Swiss rims and hubs keep you rolling over whatever the trail has to offer.

Buy the Ghost Asket 4.9 at REI
Niner Air 9 1 Star 27.5+ (2018)

Niner Air 9 1 Star 27.5+ (2018)

Niner’s Air 9 stiff and light frame is made of hydroformed aluminum for optimal shock absorbsion and power transfer. The 2018 Air 9 features SRAM NX components giving it precise and reliable feel. The 1 x 11 drive train features an 11-42T cassette that to keep your rider pedaling through any grade. The Race Face cockpit is wide and low, offering optimal control. Niner’s 27.5 Alloy wheels have a low rotating weight and terrific integrity. Complete with a 120-millimeter Rockshox Judy fork up front, this bike is built to smooth out the trail. This 1-Star NX build completes the bike with 2.8-inch Maxxis Rekon+ tires that roll over loose rocks, bumpy roots, and other trail obstacles. The Niner Air 9 1 Star 27.5+ is available in sizes XS- L with a minimum stand-over height of 26.7 inches.

Buy the Niner Air 9 at Backcountry
Diamondback Overdrive Carbon Pro 29 for NICA riders

Diamondback Overdrive Carbon Pro 29

The Diamondback Overdrive 29C 1 Carbon is a great lightweight race ready bike that’s surprisingly affordable. Overdrive 29C 1 Carbon components include RockShox’s Recon Gold RL fork with 100 mm of travel. The Shimano hydraulic disc brakes will help your racer effectively control speed and the simple and precise SRAM NX single-ring drivetrain will keep them moving. The big 29inch wheels will maintain their speed incredibly well and roll easily over rock gardens and roots. Bonus: they’re also tubeless compatible. Diamondback Overdrive 29C 1 Carbon is available in S-XL and should fit riders ranging from 5’4” to 6’4″ with a minimum stand-over height of 30.5”.

Buy the Diamondback Overdrive at Jenson USA
Co-op Cycles DRT 2.1 mountain bike for kids

Co-Op Cycles DRT 2.1 Bike | ONLY Medium Size Left!

The Co-op Cycles flagship DRT 2.1 hard tail mountain bike will have your rider tackling rugged trails with confidence. The 27.5” tubeless ready wheels and wide 2.8” tires provide extra traction for easier climbing and cornering. The Air-sprung X Fusion 27.5+ suspension fork provides 120mm of travel and a remote lockout. The DRT 2.1 includes a 1 x 11 Shimano SLX drivetrain. The aluminum frame includes internal cable routing for a dropper post upgrade. Shimano hydraulic disc brakes deliver reliable stopping power on the trail. The DRT 2.1 is available in sizes XS-L with a minimum stand-over height of 26.7inches. (Medium size stand-over height = 28.8 – should fit riders 5’6”-5’9”)

Buy the Co-Op Cycles DRT 2.1 from REI
Ghost Kato 7 27.5/29 kids mountain bike

Ghost Kato 7 27.5/29 Bike (2018)

The Ghost Kato 7 is a fast, agile aluminum hardtail with balanced geometry to climb efficiently and descend confidently. The RockShox FS 30 Silver TK shock provides 100mm travel to keep the ride feeling smooth. The Shimano SLX drivetrain is a 2×11 for 22 gears that are capable of tackling any trail; lets you shift quickly and precisely. The Alex MD 21 rims spin smoothly around Shimano hubs and with Continental X-King 27.5 or 29 in. x 2.2 in. tires for great traction. Small and Medium frame sizes have 27.5 in. wheels; Large and Extra-Large frames have 29 in. wheels. The Ghost Kato 7 is available in sizes S-XL with a minimum stand-over height of 26.4 inches.

Buy the Ghost Kato 7 27.5/29 from REI
Written by Brett SHARETWEET

Trailcraft Maxwell 26 Review

label
Trailcraft Maxwell 26 at Trailside Bike Park

Meet the Trailcraft Maxwell 26. You don’t have to worry about making any modifications to this kids’ mountain bike designed for 26 inch wheels unless you purchase one of the frame only sets. Our son Tyge had the chance to try out one of the Special Build models in orange with a 32-tooth chainring. The price of Maxwell 26 varies due to build options.

Trailcraft Maxwell 26 at Trailside Bike Park
Buy the Trailcraft Maxwell 26

Trailcraft:  Website | Instagram | Facebook

Five Ways to Purchase A Maxwell 26

One of the most interesting things about the Trailcraft Maxwell 26 is the fact that you have five different options. You can purchase one of the ready to ride models, like the Pro XT M8000, the Pro Deore M6000, or the Special Build Maxwell 26. You could also buy just the Frame (which comes with the frame, the headset, the derailleur hanger, and the seat collar) or the Rolling Frameset Package. This makes it incredibly easy to customize (or not) for your kid’s exact needs.

Performance Boosters

This kids’ mountain bike has 28h Stans Crest MK3 wheels paired with Joytech Boost Hubs. For tires, you can choose from 2.25 inch Schwalbe Nobby Nics or a pair of 2.1 inch Schwalbe Rocket Ron tires. The aluminum spindle has 152mm direct-mount cranks and the Horst link suspension system is designed to take on an uneven patch of trail with ease.

Rockshox Judy air fork on Trailcraft Maxwell 26 kids' bike
Schwalbe Rocket Ron mountain bike tire on the Trailcraft Maxwell 26
Trailcraft Maxwell 26 kids' mountain bike
Trailcraft Maxwell 26 brand detail

Depending on which model you choose, the bike either comes with a Rock Shox Reba RL fork or a Rock Shox Judy fork. The former is on the Pro XT and the Deore models, while the others feature the latter. Since both options are designed for high performance, the choice really is yours.

A Rockshox Monarch RT with 120mm of travel is the rear shock for all Maxwell 26 builds. All models include a Trailcraft Precision Sealed Cartridge headse and Trailcraft lock-on grips.

At-A-Glance Numbers For The Trailcraft Maxwell 26 With Special Build

cost icon

COST

Varies

standover height icon

STANDOVER HEIGHT

26.5 inches

drivetrain icon

DRIVETRAIN

1 x 10

wheel size icon

WHEEL SIZE

26 inches

weight icon

WEIGHT

About 26 pounds

age icon

AGE RANGE

Approx. 10 – 13

Brakes And Drivetrain

Our demo bike featured Shimano M396 hydraulic disc brakes. The more we have been able to demo and test kids’ bikes, the more our riders appreciate this brake technology. Well designed hydraulic brakes enable kids to control their speed efficiently without tiring out their hands and arms. This means longer rides and and more fun for the entire family.

The Maxwell 26 Special Build is powered by kids, but that power is sent to the wheels via a 1×10 Shimano drivetrain composed of a Zee 10 speed shifter with Deore derailleur. Our model even had a rear cassette with a 46-tooth ring.

Trailcraft Maxell 26 Special Build brake detail
Front chainring and crankset on Trailcraft Maxwell 26
Detail of rear drivetrain - Trailcraft Maxwell 26

Sizing Specs And Geometry

The Trailcraft Maxwell 26 is designed to fit young riders who are approximately 10 – 13 years old with a minimum inseam of 27 inches; and who are 4ft 10in tall to 5ft 2in tall. The chainstay length is 420mm (millimeters), while the wheelbase is 1.082m. The angle of the seat tube (74 degrees) and the head tube (68 degrees) are designed for comfort while on the trails. On top of this, the bottom bracket height is 320mm, and the standover height is 675mm. All of this adds up to a very well-designed mountain bike.

Not only is the Trailcraft Maxwell 26 a high performance, lightweight mountain bike designed specifically for kids, but it also comes in four different colors – neon green, deep orange, turquoise, and orange. Trailcraft branded Lizard Skins protective chain slap wraps are fashioned around the chainstay and seat stay tubes on the drive side. Cable ports for an internally routed dropper are included. The quick-release seat collar made it easy for Tyge to adjust the saddle height when the terrain told him to. It’s these details that make the ride even more enjoyable.

The Trailcraft Maxwell 26 is a full-suspension kids' bike

Riding The Trailcraft Maxwell 26

We say it over and over –  a proper fitting child’s mountain bike enables your young-un to benefit from all of the research and development that goes into a high performance bike like the Trailcraft Maxwell 26. Because our rider fit the bike so well, he was able to use it as it was intended.

Trailcraft Maxwell 26 getting put through its paces

Getting on the bike for the first time, our kid was immediately comfortable. The bars on our Maxwell 26 were about 10mm wider than his normal bike. This allowed him to have a more “open” stance as it forced his elbows out a bit more.

The 46t rear ring on the Maxwell 26 made climbing easier for our kid.

As previously mentioned, our demo bike featured a rear cassette with 46t ring. When we hit our first tough climb during a test ride, Tyge down shifted and started chugging away. After a ascending a couple dozen yards, he said “Wow. This is a lot easier than my other bike!” This bike’s drivetrain allowed our kid to obtain new heights when getting to the top of some hills. We did run into some hike-a-bike (for all of us) during our demo period, but again – the weight of this bike makes it easier to push it up a hill, too.

Trailcraft Maxwell 26 climbing the Big Thunder Mountain Trail
The Trailcraft Maxwell 26 handling the rough stuff
Good lightweight kid bikes are good for pushing too

When the trails we rode got technical on climbs and descents, the front and rear 120mm suspension performed beautifully. The lock out on the fork was used when climbing smooth surfaces and switched to the open position for choppy terrain. The Rocket Ron tires kept kept our rider on-trail and in control – even through a few loose sections on Thunder Mountain Trail.

The Maxwell 26 in the skate park
This artificial berm was no match for the Trailcraft Maxwell 26
The Trailcraft Maxwell 26 was very maneuverable in the terrain park

Maneuvering the bike through a terrain park and skate park were done with enjoyment and ease. The combination of the crankset length, bottom bracket height, and 26-inch wheels made getting through features and over obstacles a fun time on the bike.

The Trailcraft Maxwell 26 is one of the best kids' mountain bikes out there

Is The Trailcraft Maxwell 26 The Best Kids’ Mountain Bike?

Taking into account the build quality and weight of this bike, you’re not going to find anything better in the do-it-all category than the Trailcraft Maxwell 26. Pair it with a skilled rider and she or he will have no problem on XC rides, enduro races, dirt jumps and the in the bike parks. Compare it to other bikes. You will find that they are going to be heavier or not full-suspension. And remember, with the multiple build options Trailcraft offers, you can start with a fabulous frame and build this bike however you like.

Looking for something a littler smaller? If this bike sounds amazing, but is a bit big for your rider, check out our Trailcraft Maxwell 24 Review.

Written by Brett SHARETWEET

The Best Mountain Bike Racks For Families

label
The best bike racks for mountain biking families

Are you ready for a real bike rack for your family’s mountain bikes? Tired of your mountain bikes getting scratched or damaged during transportation? In our opinion, these are the best bike racks for mountain biking families because each option holds 4-6 bikes; they all require a 2-inch trailer hitch. This results in safe, secure, damage-free transportation.

Yakima Hangover 4 or 6

Our current favorite mountain bike rack for families. It’s a well-priced, functional piece of equipment for mountain bikers who need to get more bikes on cars. The Yakima Hangover follows a similar approach as other vertical racks. A mast extends vertically from your vehicle’s hitch and 2 perpendicular bars span the width of your car. These 2 perpendicular bars (horizontal with the ground), are the base for attaching the crown of your bike and its rear wheel. Rotate a “H” 90º and you’ll get the picture.

Here’s how to load bikes onto this rack. Firstly, lift your mountain bike up to nestle the suspension fork between the brace and post on the top bar. Secondly, pull the strong rubber chain strap over the fork and connect it to the knob on the rack. Thirdly, tilt the bike towards the lower horizontal bar and fasten it against the wheel cup with locking plastic strap.

Unfortunately, this rack will not work with kids bikes with 20 inch wheels or smaller. Additionally, Yakima’s Hangover racks are made for mountain bikes with two stanchion suspension forks only.

To add convenience, the Hangover features a foot-operated tilt mechanism. You can adjust the angle of the rack for hauling bikes and accessing the rear of the vehicle.

The Yakima Hangover 6 is ideal for our family for a few reasons.  First, as a NICA coach, I often transport more than 4 riders. Second, our family of 4 often rides with friends. In the past, we had to take 2 cars in order to get 6 riders with bikes to the trails. Now, with the Hangover 6, we can easily get 6 full-sized bikes and 6 riders to the trail in our mini-van.

Buy the Yakima Hangover at Backcountry
Buy the Yakima Hangover at Jenson USA
Buy the Yakima Hangover at Amazon
Buy the Yakima Hangover at Competitive Cyclist

Kuat NV 2.0 Mountain Bike Rack With 2 Bike Add-On

The Kuat NV 2.0 is a bicycle rack that’s designed to be both stylish and durable. The original rack holds a total of two bicycles, but with the add-on option, it can handle up to four. This rack has an adjustable front tire cradle system, meaning that your front wheel won’t be dangling in the air or spinning around while your vehicle is in motion. This keeps your mountain bike extremely secure. The rear wheels are held in place with a strap.

On top of this, it has a foot assisted pivot system. All that you need to do is tap the pedal on the bike rack, and it will automatically pivot downward, making it simple to remove the bicycles. The rack itself mounts onto your vehicle’s trailer hitch with the included hitch lock and hand tight cam system. The cable locks, which lock your mountain bikes onto the rack are fully integrated into the device. Basically, your bikes aren’t going anywhere, until you loosen the locks by hand and remove them.

If matching your bike rack to your vehicle is a priority, then you’re in luck. The Kuat NV 2.0 comes in two different colors: gray metallic with orange accents, and black metallic with gray ones. The frame is made from metal, and the entire rack (the original without the add-on system) weighs a mere 52 pounds. Overall, the Kuat is designed to hold bicycles that have a tire diameter of between 20 and 29 inches, although a separate adapter is needed for the ones that are between 20 and 24 inches.

Buy the Kuat Base at Backcountry
Buy the Kuat 2 Bike add-on at Backcountry

Yakima HoldUp Mountain Bike Rack with 2 Bike Add-On

The Yakima HoldUp calls itself the “serious bike lover’s rack.” This seems to be the case, as this mountain bike rack boasts that it only takes seconds to load and secure your bicycle to it, no matter the size of your wheels. It’s designed to help you cart around bicycles of all types with wheels that are between 20 and 29 inches, no adapter needed. It can also hold models with disc brakes, full suspension, and through axels. Really, there’s not much that it can’t handle.

The main model of the Yakima HoldUp securely holds two bicycles in place while you’re on the road, thanks to its SKS lock system. There’s an additional adapter called the HoldUp + 2 that attaches to the initial rack, allowing you to double its capacity. No matter which model you have (the initial HoldUp or one with the add-on connected to it) you can adjust the amount of space in between the bikes to keep them from bouncing into one another as you drive from one location to another.

The Yakima HoldUp comes in black with red accents and attaches to your vehicle’s trailer hitch. When you’re ready to load and unload, the rack tilts downwards to make this a breeze. You won’t have to lift the bikes over your head, potentially injuring yourself or scratching the bike, while trying to move it. Once you’re done using it, the entire device folds up and stays out of the way.

Buy the Yakima Base at Jenson USA
Buy the Yakima 2 Bike add-on at Jenson USA

Thule T2 Pro XT Mountain Bike Rack with 2 Bike Add-On

The Thule T2 Pro XT bills itself as a “pro” level rack, and it certainly lives up its hype. It’s a platform hitch rack that has a frame-free ratcheting arm. If you’re worried about your rack putting pressure on your bike’s frame, then this is the one for you. It holds the bikes by the tires, and even adjusts so that you have plenty of clearance between the two bikes that the initial rack holds. You can always choose to upgrade the system with an add-on that allows for two additional bicycles.

This mountain bike rack weighs a mere 52 pounds when empty, and comes in a solid matte black. This ensures that it will match any vehicle. You don’t have to worry about your vehicle’s color clashing! The Thule was designed to accommodate many different types of bikes. It can handle mountain bikes, as well as downhill and fat bikes, as long as the wheels are between 20 and 29 inches in diameter, and no more than five inches wide.

The patented HitchSwitch lever makes it easy to get the bikes on and off of the rack. All that you need to do is press that lever, and it will tilt downwards for easier access. Plus, you don’t need to use any tools in order to install the Thule T2 Pro XT on the back of your vehicle. The AutoAttach system is just as simple to use as the entire rack itself.

If security while in motion is a concern, then you certainly don’t have to worry about it with this mountain bike rack. It comes with an integrated cable lock and lock knob, both of which keep every in position no matter how bumpy the road is.

Buy the Thule Base at REI
Buy the Thule 2 Bike add-on at REI
Alta Racks GPR mountain bike rack for families

Alta Racks, Alta Six GPR (General Purpose Rack) for Mountain Bikes

The Alta Six GPR is a vertical bike rack. It can hold up to 6 bikes very well. The front wheels of your bikes are nested and secured in baskets. The rear wheels are secured against a horizontal metal bar. We had the opportunity to test one of these and could see why this style of bike rack is becoming more popular. Read our Alta Six GPR bike rack review and see if this is the winning solution for your mountain bike family.

Buy the Alta Racks GPR at Backcountry