quality single track bike for kid

I am scoping a new bike for the about-to-be-7-year-old this spring. He has been riding singletrack since he was 4. He certainly doesn't rip like Dan's kid, but he is pretty good on the trails. he is currently riding a 20" islabike with a clapped out suspension fork that doesn't really work. He also has a little brother, so whatever we get will last for two kids.

I am not 100% convinced he needs a full suspension, but the geometry on the Norco full suspension bikes looks so much better than most of the hardtails out there, so I have my eye on one of these: https://www.norco.com/bikes/2021/you.../fluid-fs2-20/

What else should I be looking at? A real suspension fork (not a POS) and disc brakes are mandatory.

I'm not as up on 20" stuff as I used to be, but I'm pretty sure you can't do better than the Norcos for an all-around trail bike. Propain has US distribution now and their 20" model is wicked light at ~22 lbs, but they haven't updated the geo in years: https://www.propain-bikes.com/us/pro...kids/frechdax/

In general, whether or not they "need" it, I know a lot of people who have bought FS 20" bikes for their kids and not one has regretted it. Since this will last two kids, I'd consider stepping up to the 1 build. For $600 you get a dropper, better fork, better shock, better wheels, better brakes, 2-piece cranks instead of square-taper, and SDG kids bars/saddle/pedals. Those JUNIT wheels alone cost $600 at retail, are 100% tubeless-ready, and probably drop more than a pound off the generic wheels on the 2.

eta: A dropper on a 20" bike may seem absurd, but it is sooo worth it to never have to adjust their seat for them, ever.

I still have the 20" DJ for sale: https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/2936874/

So, is my old 26” Marin Attack Trail worth getting a light rebuild for the kid? Or should I just buy him a new bike?

Attachment 377303

Looks like he's very ready to move up a size.

eta: Finding a new bike might be next to impossible right now, though.

Bumping this up as I think it's the best kid bike thread going....

Just bought my 8y/o daughter a Liv STP 24+, pretty good and should be decent platform for some upgrades, she's not sending anything yet, just some generally flowy singletrack w/ some reasonable roots/rocks. Looking for thoughts on good hydro brake for kids? Has mechanical stoppers on there now and was thinking of the Tektro HD-J285s (not M285s which are bit different) that my son has on his Vitus, but they appear to be impossible to find. These have a shorter lever throw/reach than anything else I've seen.

Any recommendations for reasonably priced hydro discs with a short lever/reach for little kid? Otherwise will keep eye out for the Tektro J285s.

Short levers are nice if you can find them but any mid-level hydro brake (Level, Deore, etc.) will be a huge improvement. Besides the Tektros I don't know of any other short lever options unless you go Hayes Dominion SFL, which are spendy unfortunately.

I found a set of the Tektro HD-M285s for my son's 16" bike at "Two Hoosiers Cycling" out of Ogden. They were in OEM packaging. I'm guessing they pulled them off some build and sold them separately. It might be worth calling them up to see if they've got what you want (Tel (385) 238-4973).

This company is doing some cool stuff…

https://www.trailcraftcycles.com/

Thanks guys, will explore the other options, may dial in the reach on my good brakes to see if she can reach. Maybe she’s getting some m980 series XTR race brakes!


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Originally Posted by VTskibum

Thanks guys, will explore the other options, may dial in the reach on my good brakes to see if she can reach. Maybe she’s getting some m980 series XTR race brakes!


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We have our kids on 20” lil shreader & 26/24” mullet Transition ripcord & coach youth biking out of Pine Hill / Killington area..... getting at least SLX level would be the way to go for giving confidence to the type of riding stuff we’ve got. Kids who show up w mech brakes never gain the confidence & often fatigue out thier smaller hands.

Finally got my 5 year old on a 20” geared bike and we’re starting to do actual mtb rides. The plastic flat pedals his Spec. Hot Rock came with just aren’t cutting it, especially for when he stands up and slips on the pedals. Any solid kids’ pedals that that won’t gouge his shins with sharp pins?

I know Chromag makes kids’ flats but they’re too pricey and are sold out.


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My daughter (8) is on the Odyssey in her color of choice that have been decent along with kids 5-10s. Think they may be end of life, planning on replacing them with the SDG slater 90 kids flat pedals, which have pins, but they seem broader/wider/duller than most adult pins.
https://rascalrides.com/best-kids-bike-pedals/

I feel weird recommending some rando import shit off Amazon, but, these are super thin, kid-proportional, and stupid cheap. I think I paid more like $15 for them. Little Danny Jr sheds on em.

They also show another style that's a bit more normal shaped, no experience w those tho.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B08C9...b_b_asin_title

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Originally Posted by dannynoonan

I feel weird recommending some rando import shit off Amazon, but, these are super thin, kid-proportional, and stupid cheap. I think I paid more like $15 for them. Little Danny Jr sheds on em.

They also show another style that's a bit more normal shaped, no experience w those tho.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B08C9...b_b_asin_title

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I was going to recommend the SDGs, but that's a nice find.

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Originally Posted by dannynoonan

I feel weird recommending some rando import shit off Amazon, but, these are super thin, kid-proportional, and stupid cheap. I think I paid more like $15 for them. Little Danny Jr sheds on em.

They also show another style that's a bit more normal shaped, no experience w those tho.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B08C9...b_b_asin_title

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SDGs do look pretty slick but hard to pass up these for $15. Ordered, thanks for the links.


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Any reason you couldn't use a file to round out the edges on metal pins for kids when they're little, and replace them with fresh pins when they get older / better?

Picked up a pair of pink SDGs for my 8 y/o daughter (via local shop) and put a shop backorder for Red SDGs for my son, supposed to be here in Sept. In meantime picked up those Alston which look pretty good w/ the wider pins, worth a try for $17.

Edit - Alston's came which are really nice! Pins are pretty broad rounded, think it'll work out well. Will be a good comparison between those and the SDG

Also follow-up from earlier brake question. Ended up pulling trigger on some NIB e-bay Shimano MT200s for $100 for F/R pair. I have experience&tools for bleeding Shimano brakes and they have a pretty good reach adjustment. Would be hard for me to drop $300+ on a brakeset for a 48lb 8y/o riding a rigid bike on green/blue rated singletrack w/o any extended descents.

We had the littlest on a lil shredder. Damn choked at the price but what a change in her riding. And sold it for about what I bought it for.


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Originally Posted by detrusor

We had the littlest on a lil shredder. Damn choked at the price but what a change in her riding. And sold it for about what I bought it for.


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We have one now for our youngest- it will be up for sale at end of season.changed our kids riding.

I don't think I've ever seen someone buy their kid a nice bike and regret it. The price hurts, but it's not actually a purchase, it's a long-term rental with a large refundable deposit.

Instead of some 69$ POS from a big box store my buddy got his 3 yr old kid a Spawn which is 650 $, he sez it was totally worth the $$$ cuz the kid digs it and is riding further

I seen kid way up the road with his Coach

Came across this today. Not something I'm interested in personally but could be a good buy for the right person: https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/3152975/

Saw this today and thought I’d throw it out as it looks pretty good deal, especially anyone in NY/NJ

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...7586780986198/

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...f6d8e85ad1.jpg


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What are you guys doing for pads on kids? I'd like to pick up a reasonably priced set of elbow and knee pads for the boy. He's finally decided he wants to hit the trails. He's 7, but a little on the small side.

I'd say if he's just starting to ride trails, I'd be picking really mellow trails that wouldn't require anything more than a helmet. I don't think pads come into the equation for most kids until later and it becomes more consequential. My $0.02 and depends on the kid/situation of course.

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Originally Posted by Touring_Sedan

What are you guys doing for pads on kids? I'd like to pick up a reasonably priced set of elbow and knee pads for the boy. He's finally decided he wants to hit the trails. He's 7, but a little on the small side.

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GForm makes some pretty tiny stuff, or at least they used to. I've also seen people who made GForm pads smaller by stitching up the back. When they grow pop the stitches you put in and you just sized up for free. I also have one of these in M in excellent condition I'll give you for free: https://www.motosport.com/troy-lee-d...00FB-X001-Y002

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Originally Posted by VTskibum

I'd say if he's just starting to ride trails, I'd be picking really mellow trails that wouldn't require anything more than a helmet. I don't think pads come into the equation for most kids until later and it becomes more consequential. My $0.02 and depends on the kid/situation of course.

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Disagree, strongly. Even on mellow trails small kids take falls, it just happens. They're a lot more likely to get up and keep riding if they don't get bloody.

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Originally Posted by Dantheman

Disagree, strongly. Even on mellow trails small kids take falls, it just happens. They're a lot more likely to get up and keep riding if they don't get bloody.

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EXACTLY. And if they give him that extra little bit of confidence to ride over the rock, instead of around it, bonus.

Thanks for the offer on the suit. I'm probably going to hold off on that until I see how he does for the rest of the season. I'm just hoping for a few laps in Little Valley. I'll check out the G-Form, it was my first thought. TLD seems to make a decent set for the little ones too.

TLD does some good kids pads too. A full-face helmet is also not unreasonable once he ventures out of Little Valley. We spent a lot of time at Trailside at that age. I rigged up a tow system to haul him up and we'd spin laps for hours. These days there's better options than my DIY tow setup: https://towwhee.com/

I hear you guys on not bloody, but if that is a consequence not sure that trail is appropriate yet is what I’m saying.

Rocks shouldn’t even be an option on a first time 7 y/o ride. Think so mellow you’d be bored riding a road bike on it. Again just my $0.02 and ride w little kids often, not just mine and no pads.

I have heard for little kids, adult elbow pads can work decently for kid knee pads as well, may give you some try on options as I’d imagine kid pads may be hard to find in person.


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My experience was that on any loose surface, even a completely flat well-graded dirt road, sometimes they'd randomly fold up the front tire and eat dirt for no apparent reason. I don't see any downside to padding them up even if they may not "need" it.

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Originally Posted by VTskibum

I hear you guys on not bloody, but if that is a consequence not sure that trail is appropriate yet is what I’m saying.

Rocks shouldn’t even be an option on a first time 7 y/o ride. Think so mellow you’d be bored riding a road bike on it. Again just my $0.02 and ride w little kids often, not just mine and no pads.

I have heard for little kids, adult elbow pads can work decently for kid knee pads as well, may give you some try on options as I’d imagine kid pads may be hard to find in person.


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What trail isn't appropriate? A trail with a rock on it?!!! FFS. Do you think I'm taking him down the Rampage course?

I got a set of Race Face Sendy pads for my kid last Christmas (4 at the time). They fit ok over his sweatpants, but he prefers not to wear them due to bulk. I've also got a set of TLD Stage adult M/L elbow pads for myself that look like they'd be awesome knee/shin pads for him that I'm going to try on him next time we're doing some progression riding.

What I think is more important (but haven't found a good solution for yet) is gloves. When they have little low speed crashes, they tend to go down onto their hands. Gloves and long sleeves will prevent scrapes most of the time. I have a pair of TLD youth small gloves for him, but the fingers are a bit long and it's tough to convince him to wear them. It's tough finding the right size and in a color he likes (red).

I just ordered a Towhee since his main excuse not to ride lately has been the hills.

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Originally Posted by HankScorpio

Finally got my 5 year old on a 20” geared bike and we’re starting to do actual mtb rides. The plastic flat pedals his Spec. Hot Rock came with just aren’t cutting it, especially for when he stands up and slips on the pedals. Any solid kids’ pedals that that won’t gouge his shins with sharp pins?

I know Chromag makes kids’ flats but they’re too pricey and are sold out.


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What do you think of that Hot Rock? There is a used one nearby that is cheap and looks barely used, and my boy needs a bigger bike. I don't even own a mountain bike at the moment, but ride local trails on a gravel bike.

^^^ my kid is on an older 24" hot rock fully rigid. He does great on it. Heavier for sure, but he is stronger now. The newer hot rocks are even heavier with the suspension fork, but they have decent geo.

Pads. My kid wears these on the downhills and will even sometimes climb in them. Otherwise they are in my pack. Velcro on makes for easy off/on while riding. For $15 well worth it when we need them.

https://www.amazon.com/KIDS-TITAN-GU...69136148&psc=1

Figure I'd throw this post here as well....

Kid bike buying question. 10.5 yr old, riding in Santa Cruz (Wilder and UCSC). 25" inseam, 54 inches tall.

Not hitting the steeps (yet) but hitting downhills. Wally World for this who know. I plan to take him on Mailboxes soon, taking the easier exit. I'd say he is XC and Trail style riding. His favorite days are about 700' climbing and then a 1500' descent.

My kid has been riding MTB regularly for about 2 years now. He is on a fully rigid specialized hot rock from ages ago, but has amazingly modern slack trail geometry. It has been a great bike for him, especially once I put nice tires (Maxxis Recon and Schwalb Rocket Ron) on. It has a 10 on the frame, so assuming this is a ten inch frame.

He is both growing out of the bike, and it is old and parts are starting to fail. It at least needs a new chain, if not new drive train.

The fact that it is small is less of an issue than its aging self. I keep it well maintained, but it is an old bike that was used by at least three people before him, and when I got it, I cleaned it up a bunch. So not sure, but think most of the wear and tear happened a while back, and then my son has used it a bunch over the past two years. He put maybe 1000 miles on it himself.

We are thinking of buying him a new bike and looking at 26" wheels and 13.5 - 14" frames. I think this site would fit him for 2 years, as he is on the low end of the sizing scale. Figure we could keep it in good shape and sell it used when he is sizing up next.

Going from a caliper friction brake and 3x8 drivetrain to a hydraulic disc brake and 1x8 drive train.

I've been looking at the Vitus Nucleus 26. It looks decent enough, and is in the right price range (we budgeted about $750). Any of you have feedback on this bike? It ticks all the boxes except for internal routing.

But also wondering if it is smarter to go bigger (27.5 tires and 15" frame) and have him grow into a bike. My concern here is it will weight at least 4-8 pounds more, which is more work for climbing. And he will go from riding a bike he totally handles and controls to one that is cumbersome; and I worry this will slow his progress and tamper his confidence.

So, what says the experts? What should we do. Make this 24" bike last through next spring and go for a 27.5" and slight larger frame OR get him into a 26" bike now.

Any suggestions on a particular bike?

And does anyone have a super sweet 26" carbon bike they want to sell used for my price range?

Also read somewhere that the 2x8 drivetrains are better for kids due to the range. But he is using this bike 95% for dirt riding. He will use his old bike for school commutes.

Don’t have any hands on experience w the Vitus 26, but I’ve been pleased with the 24+ bike I bought for my somewhat timid 10y/o. I think you can go a bit bigger, but wouldn’t push the boundary too far. My 8y/o is on a frame that just barely fits her (Giant/Liv STP 24+), but bigger wheels have definitely helped her confidence and riding ability off-road. I’m thinking of skipping 26 wheels. If I were going 27.5 for my 10y/o I’d definitely look at buying locally and having him ride it around the parking lot at least. If that’s not feasible don’t think you’d go wrong with the Vitus either.


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I had him on a Marin 5 in the shop and can take that for a street ride test. XXS comes with 26" wheel, but is just a 13.5" frame (Vitus is 14" so give him more room to grow). Marlin is a 2X8, coil spring fork vs Vitus 1X9, air fork. Vitus has i25 rims and Nobby Nic; Marlin i20 and XR2 (crappy xc tire, imo) Marlin is a little more upright (XC) and Vitus a little more Trail. Both have same Tektro short lever hydraulic brake.

Local Trek dealer has a good free basic tune (brake, shifting, basic help like adding air to a shock - mostly thing you can do at home) with purchase of a new bike. Basic advantage is I can have my kid bike 5 minutes to the bike shop to have his brake or whatever looked at if not working properly. I just don't love the shape of the Marlin. And I think it is a few pounds heavier.

Is there anything I could measure on his current bike and compare to these two that might help in a decision. I'm new at comparing geometry numbers. I figure Trail, Reach, Seat Post Angle are important. Wheelbase as well. But I'm just guessing.

I do look at smaller 27.5 bikes, but they all weight quite a bit more (3-7 pours). Even going from XXS 26" to XS 27.5" Marlins adds a bunch of weight. His current bike is about 28#, and would like to stay there or go lighter. To do that in a 27.5" I think I need about $2000, instead of $750.

The other hard part is my wife wants this to be a gift from Santa cause he still believes and that won't last long. I, OTOH, want to get him onto a bike that rips and do it now, in the fall, when the riding is good and his current bike has the chain hoping off, or some mishap happening every two rides. It is not terrible, but I know the feeling of going from an old tired bike to a new updated piece of machinery.

I'd avoid coil forks for kids. Usually they're cheap garbage that's mostly for looks and too stiff for their weight - might as well save the weight and use a rigid fork.

The Vitus looks like a decent spec although I've heard it's hard to get the Spinner fork serviced. Maybe just ride it into the ground and then either pass the bike on or replace it with a Recon Silver or similar.

Also a 30x36 low gear seems a little high for riding around Santa Cruz. I might think about swapping for a 26 or even 24 chainring. He'll lose a bit on the top end but if he's mostly riding single track that's not a big deal.