In the past few years, a select few budget-friendly brands have produced much needed change in the kids bike market. The Decathlon and Polygon bikes you see below are significantly better than any bike you will find at Walmart. They are lighter-weight, have better quality components, and are designed to make riding easier for kids. This ratio is more important when a child is younger and just learning to ride, but is still applicable for your 8 and 9-year-olds! The more aggressive and longer your child rides, the more important weight becomes as well. If trail riding or any type of riding with varied elevation is in your child’s future, aim for a bike that is less than 30% of their weight.
All of the bikes on this list are for boys or girls, with the same frames and components. They do offer different color options, which are in an array of typical girl colors and gender neutral colors. Guardian’s unique patented braking system allows kids to activate both the rear and huffy bicycle front brake with ONE brake lever. Upon activating the single brake lever, the rear brake is activated, which is turn activates the front wheel’s brake. In regards to weight, be cautious about purchasing a 24 inch bike with a shock as they can add a lot of unnecessary weight to a bike.
With 2.25″ wide tires and an optional front suspension fork, the Precaliber is the perfect ride for the adventurous neighborhood rider who is eager to tackle both paved and dirt trails. With top-notch Tektro hydraulic disc brakes that are usually reserved for true mountain bikes, the Meerkat offers plenty of stopping power for added confidence and safety. To smooth the ride, the Meerkat is the only bike on this list to feature a steel frame that helps to absorb vibrations and chatter from the trail. The heavier frame, however, makes it less suitable for really timid riders. Built on a durable frame equipped with mechanical disc brakes and 2.6″ wide cushioning tires, the REI Co-Op Cycles REV 24 Plus is a great entry-level trail bike that also excels around the neighborhood.
An excellent beginning mountain bike with a family-friendly price tag, the Rockrider is an excellent value for the young, ambitious rider. Whether your grom is flying off curbs, small dirt jumps, or tackling basic single track, the ST900’s Suntour XCT fork offers plenty of cushioning. With just one brake lever that sequentially engages the rear brake followed by the front brake, timid kids feel more secure, and aggressive kids have the added stopping power they need. 24 inch bikes are typically the best fit for kids ages 8, 9 and 10, but be sure to check out our kids bike sizing guide if you are unsure about the best size bike for your child.
This bike’s enlarged headtube and angular-shaped rims complement this stylish bike with added performance. The padded ATB saddle is designed for comfort and style, plus the quick-release binder clip makes it easy to adjust as needed. The slight-rise handlebar encourages a more comfortable riding stance for increased confidence as you tackle trails. The frames of all kids 24 inch bikes are designed for a specific type of riding.
And as they grow with the bike at 10 and 11-years-old, those gears will eventually become second nature. As with all kids’ bikes, within a given wheel size category, the minimum and maximum seat heights of 24 inch bikes can vary. The average minimum seat height of a 24 inch bike is around 25″ while the maximum average is about 31″.
In general, grip shifters are preferred by more timid or beginning riders as they are often easier and more intuitive to use. As your child gets older, there are fewer bikes to choose from, and they get considerably more expensive. Raleigh offers well-designed, solid-quality kids’ bikes at a very decent price. With lower handlebars, the Rowdy is a more leaned-forward bike best suited for confident, adventurous, and aggressive riders.
In most cases, the weight a shock adds to the bike quickly negates the benefits of having a shock. To ensure as much longevity as possible, be sure to compare your child’s inseam to the bike’s minimum seat height before your purchase. The huffy beach cruiser Pello Reyes on the left has a minimum seat height of a little over 25″ while the woom 5 on the right has a 26.4″ minimum seat height. Make sure that you choose a bike that not only fits well now, but allows for plenty of room for growth.