Children's bike vs. mountain bike - these are the differences

As a rule, MTBs for children and young people are much more robust than classic city bikes. Mountain bikes generally have better suspension and are therefore the ideal partner for poor road conditions, unpaved forest paths, high curbs or a trip to the nearby mountain bike trail. City bikes are primarily intended for use in road traffic. The roughly profiled tires of the MTB for teenagers and children provide good grip, especially on difficult terrain. The mostly sporty seating position of the children's MTB also differs from a bike that is primarily designed for road traffic.

Mountain biking for children and young people – that’s what matters
So that your child has as much fun as possible with their new children's mountain bike and can keep up with you on their next trip, there are a few things you should pay attention to when buying a MTB for children and teenagers.

The right size of the children's MTB
One of the first and most important points you should consider when choosing a mountain bike is the right size of the MTB for the child or teenager. Although the size should always be tailored to the child's individual requirements - a test drive never hurts - a size chart can be used as an initial guide.

A 20-inch mountain bike is usually suitable for 7 to 8-year-old mountain bike fans. Most 9 to 12 year olds can handle a 24 inch mountain bike just fine. A 26-inch mountain bike should be suitable for ages 13 to 14. For ages 15 and up, a 27.5-inch mountain bike is probably a good choice. However, the note again: A test drive is certainly the best way to find out the right size.

Weight, brakes etc.

Another factor you should consider when buying a MTB for children and teenagers is the weight of the mountain bike. So that the little ones can get along well on the mountain bike trail or in the forest, the future children's mountain bike should ideally be as light as possible. Especially with smaller children, there is a high risk that the weight of the children's MTB will come very close to the child's body weight. This makes it unnecessarily difficult for young people to handle their mountain bikes. The safety of our little MTB riders is important to us: Since a children's mountain bike is designed primarily for unpaved terrain, it should have excellent brakes and smooth gear shifting.

Rigid fork vs. suspension fork
When it comes to the question of suspension, you have the choice between a mountain bike with a suspension fork or one with a rigid fork. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages. A rigid fork transfers the muscle power used to the route better than a suspension fork, which means that you can go a little further with the effort you put in than with a suspension fork. This circumstance becomes an issue especially on steeper paths. A mountain bike with a suspension fork, on the other hand, compensates for irregularities thanks to its springy effect and thus ensures that the MTB is more comfortable to ride for young people and children. In addition, the mountain bike equipped with a suspension fork increases your child's riding safety.
However, for the greater riding comfort of a mountain bike with a suspension fork, you also have to accept a higher weight and a higher price.