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Best 26″ mountain bikes for kids

Whether your child is just starting out on the trails or already a seasoned off-road rider, investing in one of the best 26" mountain bikes for kids is key to keeping them happy off-road for years to come.

At Cycle Sprog, we believe that the right bike can make all the difference when it comes to fostering a love for cycling. Cheaper models often fall short, especially on more demanding terrain, so it’s well worth investing in a high-quality option that will last and perform well over time.

If your child is ready to move up to one of the best 26” kids’ bikes — and if you’re unsure, take a look at our guide on how to choose the right size bike for your child's age — you’ll notice a wide range in both quality and price. At this stage, it’s important to consider where you’re willing to compromise and what features are essential. Will a hardtail (front suspension only) be sufficient, or should you look at one of the best kids’ full-suspension mountain bikes?

Best 26" mountain bikes for kids: A boy descending a winding trail on a 26" mountain bike, surrounded by trees

This guide will help you navigate the options, with recommendations based on price brackets so you can find the best choice within your budget.

If you’re short on time, our quick picks will get you started. Otherwise, scroll down to see all our top recommendations, or use the links to jump to your preferred price range. If you’re still unsure what to look for, we’ve included a helpful FAQ section at the end to answer common questions.

If you're new to all this, don't miss our section dedicated to mountain biking with kids, and once you’ve found the perfect bike, don’t forget to pick up one of the best bike helmets for teenagers to keep them safe on the trails.

Cycle Sprog is a reader-supported website. When you buy through links on this page we may earn an affiliate commission.

Quick picks: for parents in a hurry

If you’re pushed for time, these are our top picks for the best 26” mountain bikes for kids, for each price bracket:

Best 26” mountain bikes under £500

Mountain bikes are generally more expensive than standard hybrids because of their technical features, like wider, grippier tyres, suspension systems, and more complex gearing.

Beware of very cheap, heavy full-suspension bikes — they often lack durability and won’t stand up to regular use. The suspension on these bikes is usually poorly adjusted for kids; we’ve even tested one of these budget bikes from Halfords, and the suspension barely moved under an adult rider!

If your budget is under £500, sticking to hardtail bikes will give you far better value and performance.

B’Twin Rockrider ST 500 26

Best for beginners

Best 26" mountain bikes for kids: A B’Twin Rockrider ST 500 26 on a plain background

  • Price: £279.99
  • Weight: 14.3kg
  • Height: 135-150cm
  • Gears: 1 x 7-speed
  • Brakes: V-brakes
  • Tyres: B’Twin 26 x 2.00”
  • Suspension: Coil-sprung, travel unspecified

Buy if: They’re new to mountain biking and you don’t want to spend a lot

Being the cheapest bike in this list doesn’t make it bad by any means, in fact we’re incredibly impressed with the value for money the B’Twin Rockrider ST 500 26 mountain bike offers. Naturally, in order to keep the price down, many of its components are unbranded, and you do get V-brakes instead of disc brakes.

However the bike itself is very well made, its components are all child-friendly and considered, and it would make the perfect mountain bike for a beginner or anyone with a tight budget.

GT Stomper Ace 26

Best for growing riders

Best 26" mountain bikes for kids: A GT Stomper Ace 26 on a plain background

  • Price: £399.99
  • Weight: 12.95kg
  • Height: 154-160cm
  • Gears: Shimano Altus, 1 x 8-speed
  • Brakes: Promax mechanical disc
  • Tyres: Kenda Small Block Eight, 26 x 2.1"
  • Suspension: SR Suntour XCM, Coil, 100mm, preload adjuster

Buy if: They need a bike to keep up with their growing confidence (and height!)

For just £120 more than you’d pay for the B’Twin, you gain mechanical disc brakes, a wider range of gears, and a more advanced suspension fork with a preload adjuster, allowing you to finetune the suspension to suit your child’s weight to ensure they get the most out of it. This is especially handy if your child is growing quickly, and all these features are great for riders growing in size as well as confidence.

The higher height range means it’s more suitable for taller riders, while the mechanical disc brakes are more powerful than V-brakes but not as hard-hitting as hydraulic brakes, making them a good introduction to disc braking.

Voodoo Nzumbi

Best value for money

Best 26" mountain bikes for kids: A Voodoo Nzumbi on a plain background

  • Price: £450.00
  • Weight: 14kg
  • Height: 145-154cm
  • Gears: Shimano Altus, 1 x 9-speed
  • Brakes: Clarks Hydraulic Disc Brakes
  • Tyres: Vee Crown Gem 26 x 2.25"
  • Suspension: SR Suntour XCR, Air, 100mm, preload, hydraulic lockout

Buy if: You want the best build at entry-level pricing

At the top end of our recommendations for value bikes is the Voodoo Nzumbi, which offers very good value for money if your budget can stretch to £500. At this price you get hydraulic disc brakes, 9-speed Shimano gearing, an air-sprung Suntour suspension fork, and wider 2.25” tyres for better traction and stability in the mud.

This bike is a great choice if your child is already confident on the trails and in need of a good quality bike to do the job without an enormous price tag.

Carrera Vengeance

Best for click and collect

A side view of the Carrera Vengeance mountain bike

  • Price: £360.00 (Currently £305 at Halfords)
  • Weight: 14.9kg
  • Height: 136-154cm
  • Gears: Shimano Altus, 2 x 8-speed
  • Brakes: Mechanical disc (brand unpublished)
  • Tyres: Kenda Kadre, 26 x 2.1"
  • Suspension: SR Suntour XCM30

Buy if: You want to collect a pre-built bike in-store

Carrera is probably one of the most prevalent brands seen in the playground because many parents immediately think of Halfords when they want to buy a bike. There are much more premium quality (and lightweight) bikes available, but if you're looking to collect a bike, already assembled, somewhere locally, then we recommend sticking to Carrera instead of some of the other, cheaper brands on sale at Halfords.

The Carrera Vengeance is suitable for slightly shorter riders than the B'Twin listed previously, accommodating inseams down to 136cm. It comes with a Shimano Altus 2 x 8-speed drivetrain, offering an array of 16 gears to cover a variety of gradients, while 26 x 2.1" Kenda Kadre tyres offer traction on loose terrain.

Best 26” mountain bikes £500-700

When you step into this price range, you’ll find more choice beyond store-exclusive brands, with bikes available at multiple retailers.

At this level, you can expect to see higher-quality components and lighter overall bike weights. Warranties also tend to improve.

Cube Acid 260 Disc

Best value for money

Best 26" mountain bikes for kids: Cube Acid 260 Disc on a blank background

  • Price: £599.00
  • Weight: 13.9kg
  • Height: 145cm+
  • Gears: Shimano 2 x 8-speed
  • Brakes: Shimano hydraulic disc, 160mm rotors
  • Tyres: Cube Impac Smartpac, 26 x 2.25”
  • Suspension: SR Suntour XCE, Coil, 80mm

Buy if: You want more bike for your money, while sticking to a firm budget

Recently renewed for 2025, the Cube Acid 260 Disc offers great value for money if you've got a little more to spend. It's got a more 'grown up' aesthetic compared to some of the other mountain bikes listed here, since Cube also produce a wide range of excellent bikes for adults as well.

For just under £600, you'll get powerful hydraulic disc brakes, a 2x Shimano drivetrain with a decent range of gears for climbing, and chunky 2.25" tyres for good traction and cushioning. It comes with a coil-sprung fork with 80mm travel, which isn't quite as good as the air suspension forks found on the Frog bikes, but that's a way to keep the price down.

For a better idea of how good this bike is, take a look at our Cube Acid 240 Disc review, for the same model in a smaller wheel size.

Squish MTB 26

Best for the young rider

Best 26" mountain bikes for kids: A Squish MTB 26 on a plain background

  • Price: £599.99
  • Weight: 12.5kg
  • Height: 145-165cm
  • Gears: Shimano Altus 1 x 8-speed
  • Brakes: Tektro MD-280 mechanical disc, 160mm rotors
  • Tyres: Lightweight Junior Multi-Terrain 26 x 1.95'' 
  • Suspension: SR Suntour XCR, Air, 100mm, preload, hydraulic lockout

Buy if: They’re still young enough to appreciate bright colours and fun graphics

While they may be tall enough for a 26” mountain bike, that doesn’t mean they’re fully-fledged teens yet. If you’re buying for a younger child who’s blessed with longer legs, they may still want a mountain bike that performs well but still has a fun and colourful design that you see in smaller bikes.

The Squish comes with all the great features they need, like 8-speed Shimano gearing, mechanical disc brakes and an air-sprung Suntour suspension fork with a hydraulic lockout for efficient climbing. But it’s fun to look at as well!

Frog MTB 69

Best mid-range option for shorter riders

Best 26" mountain bikes for kids: A Frog MTB 69 on a plain background

  • Price: £670.00 (Currently £536 at Decathlon)
  • Weight: 11.4kg
  • Inseam: 63cm-75cm
  • Gears: Shimano Alivio, 1 x 9-speed
  • Brakes: Tektro hydraulic disc, 160/140mm rotors
  • Tyres: Kenda K1134, 26 x 2.1”
  • Suspension: Frog Bikes air suspension fork with lockout and damping control, 100mm travel

Buy if: You want them to learn better handling skills

As a hugely popular bike brand, we're featuring Frog Bikes on this list twice, because they make two excellent mid-range 26" mountain bikes that cater for different heights and age groups. Marketed for 10-12 year-olds, the Frog MTB 69 is great for shorter riders looking to improve their skills on the trails.

It comes equipped with an air-sprung suspension fork, offering 100mm of travel for building confidence off-road. Meanwhile, powerful Tektro hydraulic disc brakes and a 1x 9-speed Shimano Alivio drivetrain deliver a decent range of simple-to-use gears and stopping power for climbing and descending undulating trails.

For more, check out our Frog MTB 69 review.

Frog MTB 72

Best mid-range option for teens

Best 26" mountain bikes for kids: A Frog MTB 72 on a plain background

  • Price: £680.00 (Currently £544 at Decathlon)
  • Weight: 11.5kg
  • Inseam: 66cm-85cm
  • Gears: Shimano Acera, 1 x 9-speed
  • Brakes: Tektro hydraulic disc, 160/140mm rotors
  • Tyres: Kenda K1134, 26 x 2.1”
  • Suspension: Frog Bikes air suspension fork with lockout and damping control, 100mm travel

Buy if: They're on the taller side and need some extra height

Equipped with much the same componentry as the MTB 69 listed prior, the Frog MTB 72 is a similarly excellent quality junior mountain bike, designed for teenagers and youngsters with a minimum inseam of 66cm. With quite a wide height range, it could accommodate a growth spurt or two, and last a good amount of time.

Much like the 69, the 72 comes with Frog's own 100mm travel air sprung suspension fork, Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, and a Shimano Acera 9-speed drivetrain. The 2.1" Kenda tyres are chunky enough to offer good traction on loose ground, but not so much that they're likely to slow anyone down.

Best 26” mountain bikes £700+

At the premium end, you’ll find two distinct types of bikes:

  1. Specialist kids’ brands, with a focus on every aspect of creating high-quality bikes for younger riders.
  2. Top-tier mountain bike brands, who have scaled down their adult models for kids.

Whichever option you choose, you can expect superior components and attention to detail that will stand up to more challenging trails.

Woom OFF AIR 6

Best premium hardtail

Best 26" mountain bikes for kids: A Woom OFF AIR 6 on a plain background

  • Price: £1,049.00
  • Weight: 11.0kg
  • Height: 140-165cm
  • Gears: SRAM X5, 1 x 9-speed
  • Brakes: Promax hydraulic disc, 160/140mm rotors
  • Tyres: Schwalbe Rocket Ron, 26 x 2.35”
  • Suspension: Air sprung, 90mm

Buy if: You want a premium hardtail from a children's specific brand

At the top end of our hardtail recommendations, the Woom OFF AIR 6 comes with a fantastic build and would suit advanced mountain bikers who still want to ride a hardtail. It’s lightweight at 11kg, features SRAM X5 9-speed gearing, hydraulic disc brakes, an air-sprung suspension fork and 2.35” Schwalbe Rocket Ron tyres that offer great speed.

The woom offers a high quality kids-specific build that comes with the kind of attention to detail you'd expect. It's not just an adult's MTB made smaller - you get a specially designed saddle, narrow Q factor, child-sized grips and brake levers, and pedals uniquely designed for smaller feet.

We've gotten hands-on with the smaller version of this bike, so you'll get a lot more detail on what it's like from our woom OFF AIR 5 review.

Mondraker Trick 26

Best for tallest riders

Best 26" mountain bikes for kids: A Mondraker Trick 26 mountain bike on a plain background

  • Price: £1,549.00
  • Weight: 12.5kg
  • Height: 145-165cm
  • Gears: SRAM SX Eagle, 12-speed
  • Brakes: SRAM Level hydraulic disc brakes, 160mm rotors
  • Tyres: Kenda Booster 26 x 2.4"
  • Suspension: X-fusion Velvet RL 26, 120mm, air spring, lockout, rebound, air preload
  • Extra: Onoff Pija dropper seatpost

Buy if: You need a serious hardtail for taller teens

You don't need to go full-sus to get serious on the trails. If your teen is dedicated to life off-road and wants a fully-equipped top-tier hardtail to do the job, look no further than the Mondraker Trick 26. Drawing upon the brand's expertise in high-end MTB design, the Trick 26 borrows much of its componentry and design from the adult range.

It comes with a SRAM SX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain and SRAM Level hydraulic disc brakes for the best possible performance, while the tubeless-ready wheels are paired with 2.4" chunky Kenda tyres for superior traction on all terrain. As an added bonus it also comes with a dropper seatpost, making it simpler and quicker to navigate undulating trails.

Cannondale Habit 26

Best full-suspension option

Best 26" mountain bikes for kids: A Cannondale Habit 26 on a plain background

  • Price: £1,200.00 (Currently £999 at Wheelbase)
  • Weight: TBC
  • Height: 137-157cm
  • Gears: microSHIFT Advent X, 1 x 10-speed
  • Brakes: Tektro HD-M275 hydraulic disc, 160mm rotors
  • Tyres: Kenda Regolith, 26×2.4"
  • Suspension: SR Suntour XCR34, 120mm travel, air spring / SR Suntour Raidon R, air, rebound adjust

Buy if: They're getting serious on the trails and need full-suspension

If they're getting more confident, and perhaps even thinking of racing enduro/downhill, a full-suspension mountain bike like the Cannondale Habit 26 could be a great way for your youngster to tackle more technical and advanced trails.

Kitted out with 1 x 10-speed microSHIFT Advent X gearing, Tektro hydraulic disc brakes for powerful braking, and SR Suntour 120mm front and rear suspension, the Habit is fully equipped to take a battering. If your mini ripper is growing into a serious shredder, this will surely take them to the next level.

For more full-sus recommendations, check out our guide to the best kids’ full-suspension mountain bikes.

How to choose from the best 26” mountain bikes for kids

If you’re looking for a bit of buying advice before you make a decision, here are the answers to some commonly asked questions.

How do you choose a mountain bike for your child?

Several factors come into play when choosing the best 26” mountain bike. First and foremost is the correct size, which should be based on your child’s height and inseam. Follow our guide to how to easily measure your child for a new bike, to get the right measurements.

Other key considerations include the type of suspension, brakes, gears, and tyres — all of which depend on the kind of riding your child will be doing.

Suspension

Suspension helps smooth out rough trails, making it easier and more comfortable to ride over obstacles. Most kids’ mountain bikes are hardtails, meaning they only have front suspension.

There are two main types of suspension forks: air-sprung and coil-sprung. Air-sprung forks use air pressure to adjust the firmness of the suspension, while coil-sprung forks use metal springs. Air forks tend to be lighter and more adjustable, making them a better choice for most riders, while coil forks are more affordable but less squishy. Coil fork also won't have all the adjustment settings you can find on air forks.

You’ll also see suspension “travel,” measured in millimetres. For beginners riding light trails, 80-100mm of travel is sufficient. For those tackling tougher red or black trails, 120mm or more will provide better support over rough terrain.

Brakes

Disc brakes are now the standard on most mountain bikes, offering reliable stopping power in all weather conditions. They come in two types: mechanical, which are more affordable, and hydraulic, which provide greater power.

Some cheaper bikes may still feature rim brakes (like the B’Twin Rockrider), which are effective and simpler to maintain. The key detail to check with any braking system is whether the brake levers are sized for small hands, as this is essential for safe braking.

Gears

The gearing system needs to match the terrain your child will be riding. For riders tackling steep hills or more technical routes, more gears will be necessary. However, simpler single-chainring setups (like 1 x 11-speed) can be easier for less experienced riders to manage compared to multi-chainring setups (like 3 x 8-speed), which offer more gears but add complexity.

Tyres

Fat, knobbly tyres are crucial for providing grip and stability on rough, uneven trails. Wider tyres offer more cushioning and better control in muddy or loose conditions, but very wide tyres can slow down the bike. Finding the right balance between tyre width and rolling resistance is key to keeping the ride comfortable without sacrificing speed. The tyre width for 26” mountain bikes is usually measured in inches, and is expressed as the second number following the 26” diameter, e.g. 26 x 2.25”.

How much should I spend on a kids’ mountain bike?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as it depends on your budget and your child’s riding needs. If you have the budget for it, investing in a high-end bike will make a big difference, especially for kids who love to ride regularly.

We recommend avoiding ultra-cheap, heavy bikes from retailers like Argos or Halfords, as they tend to have poor-quality components that wear out quickly. They may LOOK like a mountain bike, but they'll be so heavy and have a fork so unresponsive, that they won't actually function like one. For more information, check out our guide on why you shouldn’t buy a REALLY cheap kids bike.

In this guide, we’ve broken down the options into three price ranges: under £500, £500-£700, and over £700. For those on a tight budget, the B’Twin Rockrider is our top pick under £300, offering a reliable build that far outlasts bikes found in the £100-£200 range.

Do kids need a front-suspension mountain bike?

The need for front suspension varies depending on the type of riding your child does. Most kids’ mountain bikes are hardtails because they offer a good balance between comfort and performance on rougher terrain. But there are also rigid and full-suspension options to consider.

A full-suspension bike features rear suspension, giving extra cushioning for more extreme trails with jumps or drop-offs. These bikes are ideal for confident riders tackling red or black trails, or those interested in enduro or downhill racing, though they do come with a higher price tag.

One thing to be aware of is how much aesthetics can come into play. For many kids, a full-suspension bike looks really cool and advanced, but unless you have £1,000+ to spend on one, it's not worth it. Getting a cheap full-sus will just result in a bike that don't have fully functioning suspension and will be incredibly heavy. So there's a fine art of balancing the kind of mountain bike kids at this age will WANT to ride, that actually functions well and is within your budget.

On the other hand, rigid mountain bikes, which have no suspension at all, are great for teaching kids better handling skills by making them more aware of the trail’s surface. These bikes tend to require less maintenance and are often favoured by experienced parents who appreciate their simplicity. They're usually lighter and cheaper, which means you get more bike for your money, and they'll often have wider tyres (or even 'plus' tyres) that offer good suspension on the trails - much better than a cheap and heavy pair of coil-sprung forks will give.

155 bikes match

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How to choose the right size bike for your child’s age

Whether your child is just starting out on the trails or already a seasoned off-road rider, investing in one of the best 26" mountain bikes for kids is key to keeping them happy off-road for years to come. At Cycle Sprog, we believe that the right bike can make all the difference when it comes…

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Comments

SK

Hi, My 11 year old (around 5ft tall) is keen on a dirt jump bike.
I can see many used on Ebay, but concerned about wear and tear on these.
Are there any good discontinued models that I could buy cheaper to get him started?
Thanks

Penny Millar

Hi SK. Many thanks for your comment. Unfortunately, jump bikes aren’t our area of expertise. We’d recommend joining the Little Rippers MTB group on Facebook as you might find someone there who is able to help. Good luck! Penny

Dylan

How do you buy a bike on this web site

Karen

Hi Dylan, we don’t sell bikes ourselves but provide links to the retailers who stock each brand we mention. Regards
Karen

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