In order for your child to have the best possible mountain biking adventures, it’s very important that he/she is on an appropriate sized bike that is mechanically sound.
There is plenty of information on the web about how to choose the right bike, but we recommend that you visit your local bike shop for all of your biking needs! We do not recommend buying mountain bikes from big box stores! The quality of these bikes is generally very poor and they do not hold up to the riggers of every day mountain biking!
Bike Sizing Chart
| Wheel Size | Age | Height |
| 16″ | 4-5 | 3’7″ – 4’0″ |
| 20″ | 5-8 | 4’0″ – 4’5″ |
| 24″ | 8-11 | 4’5″ – 4’9″ |
| 26″ – 29″ | 11+ | 4’9″ + |
3 Types of Suspension
- Hardtail: Shocks at the front
- Full Suspension: Shocks at the front and back
- Rigid: No shocks at all
Hard Tail Mountain Bikes
Hard tail mountain bikes have shocks only in the front fork. Front suspension reduces upper limb fatigue, helps keep your hands on the handlebars, and makes steering easier on rougher trails.
If you’re looking for a reasonably priced first bike, or you have a limited budget, or after a one bike that can do most anything, then a hard tail is a solid good choice.
Full Suspension Mountain Bikes
Full suspension bikes tend to not be very good below a certain price point, and will be heavier.
A good full suspension bike will cost more than a good hardtail, but will reduce fatigue and make riding more comfortable. It also offers a higher level of control on rough ground at speed.
If you want a bike that is dedicated to riding dirt trails at speed but is easy as it can be on joints and muscles, then this may be the one for you.
Rigid Mountain Bikes
Rigid bikes are mountain bikes that don’t contain any suspension at all. They were almost seen as antiquated until quite recently, but these old school Cross Country bikes are making something of a comeback. The newer ones are incredibly light, and easy to pedal.
Please Support Your Local Bike Shop!
Vermont Mountain Bike Camps 