Downhill Bikes For Kids

First-generation mountain bikers are having families of their own and that has helped grow the demand for purpose-built mountain bikes. As a result, downhill bikes for kids are starting to become more popular. Several race events offer a junior downhill category on their tracks. A kid-sized downhill bike is a mandatory tool for the job when those 12 and under are ready to hit the gnar.

Take note – some of the downhill bikes in this article will also suffice as enduro bikes for kids.

Jump to: Downhill Bikes with 20 Inch Wheels | Downhill Bikes with 24 Inch Wheels | Downhill Bikes with 27.5 or 29 Inch Wheels

Downhill Bikes With 20 Inch Wheels

All of these downhill bikes for kids feature front and rear suspension with disc brakes. The forks for this group are limited to single-crown designs because kids in this category just don’t weight enough to warrant a dual-crown fork.

Commencal Clash 20 

The CLASH 20, equipped with 20-inch wheels and 125mm travel, is a great option for your young downhill rider. This full-suspension kids’ mountain bike features the Manitou Machete Junit Pro fork for comfort, complemented by a Super Deluxe Select shock with customizable adjustments. Moreover, the cockpit, designed by Protaper, caters specifically to smaller riders. Braking is efficiently managed by Hayes Dominion A2s. Additionally, the Sram GX 10-speed drivetrain ensures reliability throughout. With Spank Spike Spoon 28 wheels and Schwalbe Big Betty Super Ground tires, it guarantees both durability and grip.

MeekBoyz Mini Beast

This is the ultimate downhill bike for kids with 20-inch wheels. A T700 carbon frame and Fox Kashima coated suspension would make a rider of any age eat their vegetables and get good grades in exchange for this bike. MeekBoyz also makes downhill bikes with 24-inch wheels and 26-inch wheels.

Downhill Bikes With 24 Inch Wheels

There are some nice looking options in this group because it’s where manufacturers can start to trim off the weight without sacrificing performance. If you have kids who actually need a 24 inch wheel downhill bike are young ninjas.

Marin Rift Zone Jr.

Marin designed the Rift Zone Jr, to provide young shredders with a fun full-suspension bike. Built around Marin’s Multi-Trac suspension system, the Rift Zone Jr. is Marin’s most playful and fun youth full suspension bike to date. The bike’s light aluminum frame creates a snappy feel that is equally at home on rolling hills as it is on steep downhill singletrack. Firstly, the 120mm X-Fusion Velvet and X-Fusion O2 Pro rear shock provide a supple and smooth ride. Secondly, the Deore 1×11 drivetrain provides all the gears you need to make it up the steepest climbs.  Thirdly, Shimano hydraulic disc brakes provide incredible stopping power when descending those steep chutes. Finally, the bike is rounded out with Marin Tubeless Ready 24″ or 26-inch wheels for fewer flats and incredible traction.

Commencal Clash 24

The CLASH 24 full suspension mountain bike has 24-inch wheels and 145mm travel, promising a playful biking experience. Notably, it features the Manitou Machete Junit Pro fork and Super Deluxe Select shock, ensuring both comfort and precision on the trails. The cockpit, designed by PROTAPER with a Junit combo, caters specifically to smaller riders. Additionally, Shimao’s two-piston Deore M6100 brakes deliver ample stopping power. Coupled with a Sram NX 11-speed drivetrain, shortened cranks, a KS Rage-I telescopic seat post, Spank Spike Spoon 28 wheels for solidity, and Schwalbe Big Betty Super Trail tires for enhanced grip, the CLASH 24  excels in both reliability and performance.

Transition Ripcord

The Ripcord has gone through a couple of designs since its arrival and it’s a great option for your gravity-minded wild child. A SRAM drivetrain and Maxxis tires are featured components. A RockShox suspension package tames the bumps and landings.

Rocky Mountain Reaper

Depending on which size frame you choose, the Reaper can take 24-inch, 26-inch, and 27.5 inch wheels. This ensures your kid’s downhill bike can fit for as long as possible. See our review for the Rocky Mountain Reaper 26. We had a great time with this bike because it could handle technical terrain and it was a pleasant pedaler.

Trailcraft Maxwell 24

MTB With Kids has reviewed the Maxwell 24 as well. It’s by far the lightest bike in the category so when the lifts stop running, your family can still be riding. Several build options are available from this Ft. Collins, CO family run company.

Downhill Bikes With 27.5 and 29 Inch Wheels

These are adult-size bikes available in either extra-small or small frame sizes. No limits here. All the kids downhill bikes in this list feature dual-crown forks for maximum suspension. Have fun on your shuttle laps and shredding park. All of these bikes are available in adult sizes. We list standover heights for the smallest size available.

Ibis Ripmo

The Ibis Ripmo AF NGX build is an entry-level option packed with exceptional value, ideal for taller downhill mountain biking kids. Its aluminum frame, now featuring a universal hanger for easy replacements, ensures durability even on rugged trails. With the SRAM NX/GX drivetrain providing a reliable 12-speed system for tackling technical climbs and SRAM G2 R 4-piston brakes delivering ample stopping power in a lightweight design, downhill performance is assured. Equipped with the lightweight and durable Blackbird Send I/II 29er wheelset by Ibis, optimal performance is guaranteed on descents. Marzocchi Bomber suspension, including the Bomber Z1 Coil fork with 160mm of travel and the Bomber Air rear shock, offers quality performance at a competitive price, ensuring reliable traction on both climbs and descents, making it a solid choice for downhill mountain biking adventures.

Trek Session

Session 8 is a downhill mountain bike with a burly alloy frame and high-pivot suspension design that keeps you nimble, planted, and blazing fast on even the most punishing runs. This bike includes a burly alloy frame, 200mm rear travel with a Marzocchi Bomber shock, 200mm RockShox Boxxer with plush DebonAir+ spring and Rush RC damper, powerful Code Bronze 4-piston brakes, and a SRAM GX DH 7-speed drivetrain. A burly alloy frame, 200mm rear travel with a Marzocchi Bomber shock, 200mm RockShox Boxxer with plush DebonAir+ spring and Rush RC damper, powerful Code Bronze 4-piston brakes, and a SRAM GX DH 7-speed drivetrain.

Norco Sight C3 Mountain Bike

The Norco Sight C3 build blends budget-friendly components with high performance. It features a reliable Shimano Deore 12-speed drivetrain and an e*thirteen Vario chain guide to prevent chain drops. With 4-piston brakes and 29-inch wheels, it handles obstacles with ease. Equipped with a 160mm RockShox Lyrik Select fork and custom-tuned Super Deluxe Ultimate DH rear shock, the Sight C3 ensures confidence on challenging terrain. Whether exploring new trails or hitting the enduro scene, the Norco Sight C3 Shimano Mountain Bike excels in climbing and delivers thrilling descents. Check out our Norco Sight review here.

GT Sensor Comp Mountain Bike

The GT Sensor Comp Bike offers enhanced trail control with its lightweight and compliant design. Its aluminum frame features 130mm of rear travel and 140mm of front travel, along with Universal Derailleur Hanger compatibility, Boost hub spacing, internal cable routing, and integrated frame protection. Equipped with a SRAM SX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain and Tektro M745 hydraulic disc brakes, it ensures smooth climbing and controlled descents. Paired with WTB ST i30 TCS rims and Maxxis tubeless tires, it delivers improved traction and fewer flats. The GT Dropkick Dropper Post allows quick saddle adjustments with a lever press.