Entry level Mountain bikes make it possible for young riders to explore new trails or ride off-road places that regular bikes can’t go. Every outdoor enthusiast will enjoy being able to go off-road with their bikes. However, riding the best entry level mountain bike for beginners adds a new twist of fun and sport.
You do not necessarily have to go through much stress all in the name of getting the best entry level mountain bike for your boy; this comprehensive article got you covered.
The Best Entry Level Mountain Bike for Beginners
In a nutshell, the best mountain bike we recommend for beginners is that which is lightweight and durable. This feature is what sets the best mountain bikes from other brands. Plus, it is easy to handle and maintain for a beginner or kid.
Also, one of the characteristics of the best entry level mountain bike for beginners is the ability to tackle road bumps without the fear of tripping off the bike seat.
Lest I forget, a bike stand is another feature that makes the mountain bikes listed on the post a must to have for any bike starter. This is because sometimes beginners always want to stop by and stare at things on their way hence a bike stand helps you stand for a while.
How To Get a Beginner Riding
Know Your Route
Begin the ride with what you know best and don’t get fixated on finishing a specific route. If they can stop, play, or do bits again, that’s no problem. You can’t make it too easy for the first ride — your only goal on the first outing is to guarantee a fulfilled and happy finisher.
How hard?
Keep it easy. Getting to meet bumps on the way can be so tiring and demoralizing, so it’s advised that you stick to simple, smooth trails — they’ll soon go looking for challenges once ready.
Dry trails are best on warm days. It can be fun riding on muddy terrain, but wallowing through cold and wet is an acquired taste. Take the time to drop their saddles for obstacles; raise afterward to make pedaling easier.
Bike choice
As we all know that the size of the wheels matters a lot in bike selection even more so for the tiny tear away.
It might be a small step for you, but their wheels are lower, and their bikes relatively heavier than yours. For two years + look at 12in wheels. 3+ go to 14in. 4+ should be 16in. 5+ to 20in. 7+ to 24in. 8+ to 26in.
Interestingly, the bikes selected in this post are the best entry level mountain bikes suitable for beginners.
Take the Weight
Keep yourself warm and dry, replace the inner tubes of the bikes, fix the bike, and bumps. Other than a (500ml) water bottle in a bottle cage, leave them burden-free. Beginners on bikes can make “the Tiger who came to tea seem like a light eater”, so take proper food: sandwiches, sweets, biscuits, etc. Use energy products sparingly.
How To Choose The Best Entry Level Mountain Bike For Beginners
Trying to find the best entry level bike for mountain biking that best suites a beginner can sometimes be stressful. However, some things must be put into consideration before making your choice of purchase.
Gear
Gear configurations for beginners mountain bike mostly occur in either a triple chainset or a single gear wheel in front. Also, a larger cassette is featured in the back and results in drive trains such as 1×7, 1×9, or 3×7, 3×8, and 3×9.
With only one wheel in front, shifting is simplified to only one shifter for one hand. Selecting the right gear becomes considerably easier for children that way, while still giving sufficient options for any terrain.
Size & Fit
The wheel is a large determinant of how the mountain bike proportions will be like.
Models for children ranges between 12″ and 24″, while 26″ is the standard range for an adult. The bike is a good fit, but that’s if the rider can easily stand across the frame, comfortably reach the pedals from the saddle and grab the handlebar without having to overreach.
Frame
The frame is the most substantial part of any entry-level mountain bike, and it adds considerably to the overall mass. Besides, the frame makes up a significant percentage of their body weight for children.
If a beginner’s mountain bike is heavy, it makes riding relatively tedious which is why most manufacturers had to strike a balance between durability and weight by selecting aluminum alloy, which is durable and light in weight.
Tires
The tires on a starter’s mountain bike goes a long way to influence comfort and stability. A wider tire enables a firm contact with the ground, as well as more cushion.
The profile of the starter mountain bike must correspond to any terrain that the child might likely encounter, be it gravel, dust and dirt paths, wet mud or rocky trails.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Know Which Entry Level Mountain Bike Size To Get?
Matching starters with a mountain bike is elementary, and that’s if you go by the wheel diameter. As they increase in age, they will need a larger size, e.g., 12, 16, 20 or 24-inch sizes. You will get to see the matching below, and it’s as follows;
- 2-3 years: 12″ wheels
- 3-4 years: 14″ wheels
- 4-5 years: 16″ wheels
- 6-7 years: 20″ wheels
- 8-10 years: 24″ wheels
- 12+ years: 26″ wheels
When Will A Child Outgrow Their Bike?
Children tend to outgrow a mountain bike after two or three years of use. This depends on their size, metabolism, and growth spurts. Another thing is that you cannot plan for nature.
Does an Entry Level Mountain Bike Need Gears?
Gears make it easier to use pedal uphill and make it more comfortable to ride long distances. It’s a good practice to learn to shift earlier.
Beginners commonly have little problems learning how to handle shifting, and most shifters on beginners mountain bikes are designed, so the rider doesn’t have to take their hands off the bars.
Why Do I Face Trouble Clipping Out My Pedal?
In case you decide to ride clipless, you must understand that you can adjust your pedals. Adjustment varies, as it depends on the type of pedal and cleats you use.
Should I Put Training Wheels On A Beginners Mountain Bike?
Everyone has an opinion about training wheels. Training wheels are not inherently wrong. If training wheels are appropriately mounted on a bike, it allows a starter to place more focus on pedaling instead of using the pedal and balance at the same time.
Recommended Post: Best Affordable Mountain Bike Wheels
Conclusion
Mountain biking can be exciting, especially when you have gotten the right bike for yourself. You must also get to know the trail that is perfect for your level of experience, to avoid casualties.
Remember, the best entry level mountain bike for beginners is lightweight and rugged for long time use.
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