Hello

rawmando250

rawmando250

Cannon Fodder
Hello fellow mountain bikers! I'm seeking advice on finding the perfect bike for my 10-year-old daughter, who's eager to hit the trails with me! She's an absolute beginner, but her enthusiasm is infectious, and I want to encourage her passion for the sport. We're looking for a bike that's durable, easy to handle, and suitable for casual rides on smooth singletrack and occasional trips to the local bike park. She's about 4'8" tall, so a 24" or 26" wheel size seems appropriate. I'm open to considering both hardtail and full-suspension options, but want something that's lightweight and fun for her to ride. Our budget is around $500-$800, and I'm willing to consider both new and used bikes. Some features that are important to me include reliable components, good braking power, and a comfortable riding position. Can anyone recommend some great options for kids' mountain bikes in this price range? Have any of you had experience with bikes like the Trek Fuel EX Jr, Specialized Hotwalk, or the Cannondale Trail 24? Thanks in advance for your expert advice and guidance - I can't wait to see my daughter shredding the trails on her new ride!


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See if you can fit her on a 26inch bike.
I got the older model one of these for a neice last Christmas for a decent price in an XS Frame, she just looked to bunched up on the 24.

Marlin 5 Gen 2 - Trek Bikes (AU)

Discover your next great ride with Marlin 5. See the bike and visit your local Trek retailer. Shop now!
www.trekbikes.com www.trekbikes.com

Its not super light but it was a good starter bike, and if she sticks with it then will upgrade this year to something a bit more expensive and suited to the local trails.
 
what he said ^^^
A 24 will last approximately 10 minutes at that age . Just been through it with 3 kids - My youngest is 11 and now on small S/H giant reign 26 inch.
Lots of S/H choice out there as well if you want the real lightweight XC components. My kids didn't really care about weight as much as i did...or brakes ...or gears.
 
Echoing @dancaseyimages and @boyracer, try your daughter on an extra small 26" bike.
My son is a smidge shorter than your daughter and he is now on a 26" Giant Talon XS (thanks @Asininedrivel!).
1000013179.jpg

And because I'm a midget, I can ride it too!
 
This is a beaut option:

VIC - Awesome bike for your spawn

Item: Merida Juliet 7.40d 15” Location: Wodonga VIC Item Condition: Basically brand new frame. Forks, wheels used but loved. Reason for selling: kid is now a beanpole Price and price conditions: $600, postage is up to you. Extra Info: standard bike was bought new then upgraded with...
www.rotorburn.com
 
dancaseyimages said:
See if you can fit her on a 26inch bike.
I got the older model one of these for a neice last Christmas for a decent price in an XS Frame, she just looked to bunched up on the 24.

Marlin 5 Gen 2 - Trek Bikes (AU)

Discover your next great ride with Marlin 5. See the bike and visit your local Trek retailer. Shop now!
www.trekbikes.com www.trekbikes.com

Its not super light but it was a good starter bike, and if she sticks with it then will upgrade this year to something a bit more expensive and suited to the local trails.
Click to expand...
@rawmando250 can confirm these are good bikes. A Marlin 4 was my middle boy's first bike shop bike and has since graduated to a Marlin 7.

As for sizing, my boys were very confident and maybe a smidge bigger, but I put both of them on 27.5" XS frames to make my life easier, and have them not out grow them in 12 months
 
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