Best kids’ full-suspension mountain bikes 2024

Whether you're just getting started with family mountain bike rides, or your little ripper is ready to start mountain bike racing, investing in one of the best kids' full-suspension mountain bikes could be a good move.

Full-suspension bikes make it easier to ride more difficult, technical trails, and they pave the way for junior enduro racing events, if that's what your child is hoping to do.

What is a full-suspension mountain bike?

We've provided a lot more information below to help you understand the specs we've listed, but first things first: what is a full-suspension mountain bike and how does it differ from other kids' mountain bikes?

Mountain bikes, which are designed to be ridden off-road over rough surfaces, generally tend to come in three forms: rigid, hardtail, and full-suspension.

• Rigid mountain bikes have no suspension at all, and are like a regular bike. They can be quite uncomfortable when ridden off-road.
• Hardtail mountain bikes have a front suspension fork to soak up the bumps and reduce discomfort in the wrists, elbows and shoulders.
• Full-suspension mountain bikes have front and rear suspension, making them the most comfortable off-road option, and capable on more challenging and technical trails.

Best kids' full-suspension mountain bikes

It's very common to find full-suspension mountain bikes for adults, but kids' full-suspension bikes are a little harder to find, especially since the pandemic, when production halted for a long time. Even harder to find is a good quality full-sus mountain bike for kids.

Options are still limited, but we're gradually seeing an increase in availability.

So to make the search easier for you, we've rounded up what we think are the best kids' full-suspension mountain bikes on the market right now. They're all sized with either 24 or 26 inch wheels, and are suitable for kids and teens aged 7+.

As you'll quickly see, they don't come cheap - but in each case, you're getting a lot of bike for your money.

If you're not sure what to look for in a full-suspension kids' bike, head to the bottom of the page for our buying advice, and if you decide your sprog isn't ready for the full-sus treatment just yet, we've got a guide to the best kids' mountain bikes, which focuses on hardtails.

Don't forget, if you're heading off-road, to also consider one of the best kids' bike helmets, or the best bike helmets for teenagers as tumbles are more likely to happen on the trails!

We also have a dedicated guide to everything you need to know when buying a kids' mountain bike, which is definitely worth a look if you're still not sure.

Best kids' full-suspension mountain bikes

Mondraker Factor 24

Mondraker Factor 24 key data:

Typical age range: 8-11 years
Height range: 135-155cm
Wheel size: 24 inch
Frame: Hydroformed alloy with 100mm travel. Internal cable routing, qr 9mm rear axle and 73mm BSA bottom bracket
Fork: X-Fusion Velvet RL 26, 100mm, air spring
Shock: X-Fusion 02 PRO R, rebound adjustment, air sprung
Brakes: SRAM Level with 160mm rotors front and rear
Gears: SRAM SX Eagle 12 speed groupset with 11-50T cassette and  30T single chainring
Tyres: Kenda Booster 24x2.4
Weight: 13.2kg
Warranty: Please check with supplier

Mondraker is a Spanish brand that's been producing mountain bikes since 2001, so they're well established in the industry. Their 24 inch offering, the Mondraker Factor 24, is a great investment for any child who's serious about off-road ripping.

It's built with quality components throughout, from the X-Fusion 02 PRO R shock at the rear and an X-Fusion Velvet air fork giving 100mm of travel, to the OnOff stem and bars and saddle from SDG.

A SRAM SX Eagle 12-speed groupset provides an excellent quality drivetrain that will withstand a lot of use, while a massive 11-50T cassette out back provides plenty of gears to get them up steep climbs. This is a really high-end component often found on adults' bikes, so we're getting premium quality here.

We've had good experiences with SRAM groupsets, so it's reassuring to see the Eagle being used here. A massive plus with the Factor 24 is that it's built for growth, and it will take 26" wheels once the 24s have been outgrown!

It's pricey, but when you're paying a significant sum of money you do, quite rightly, get more than a smattering of top kit for your investment.

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Saracen Ariel Junior

Saracen Ariel Junior key data:

Typical age range: 7-9 years
Height range: 125-145cm
Wheel size: 24 inch
Frame: Series 3 custom-butted hydroformed 6013 alloy. Internal cable routing, quick-release 12mm rear axle and 73mm BSA bottom bracket
Fork: X-Fusion Velvet RL 2, 120mm, rebound adjustment, air sprung
Shock: X-Fusion 02 PRO R, rebound adjustment, air sprung
Brakes: Shimano Deore hydraulic with 180mm rotors front and rear
Gears: SRAM NX 11-speed groupset with 11-42T cassette and  30T single chainring
Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHRII 24x2.3
Weight: 13.6kg
Warranty: Please check with supplier

Saracen is a British brand that's been around since 1983, producing a variety of bike types including mountain bikes for all ages. Their 24 inch Ariel Junior is a really well-specced alternative to the Mondraker Factor 24 for those looking to spend under £2,000.

It's essentially a scaled-down version of the brand's adult bikes, and shares almost exactly the same front and rear shock with the Factor 24, except the Saracen Ariel offers slightly more travel, at 120mm, meaning it can take on some rowdier terrain.

The groupset, while slightly lower-range, is still the excellent SRAM NX 11-speed. With an 11-42 cassette, the range of gears isn't quite so wide, but it's still adequate for most family-friendly trails.

A nice detail is that the Ariel Junior comes equipped with Maxxis Minion DHRII tyres, for a race-replica grip that's sure to inspire confidence on the trails in all weathers.

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Scott Ransom 400

Scott Ransom 400 key data:

Typical age range: 7-9 years
Height range: 125-145cm
Wheel size: 24 inch
Frame: Alloy 6061 Custom butted tubing, internal cable routing, 73mm Prowheel bottom bracket
Fork: X-Fusion Slant RC 26, 140mm travel, kids' bike tune, air sprung
Shock: X-Fusion 02Pro R Trunnion, 130mm travel, kids' bike tune, rebound adjustment
Brakes: Shimano BR-MT500 hydraulic, 180/160mm rotors (front/rear)
Gears: Shimano Deore 11-speed groupset with 11-51T cassette and 32T single chainring
Tyres: Kenda Hellkat, 26x2.4
Weight: 13.6kg
Warranty: Please check with supplier

If your youngster is starting to take on some seriously challenging trails and looking to get more into downhill mountain biking, then the Scott Ransom 400 could be the perfect bike for them.

It comes with 140mm of travel at the front and 130mm at the rear, making it the most downhill-capable bike on this list.

Some components you'll recognise from other bikes we've listed here, while others are new. Because of its longer travel, the Ransom 400 comes with an X-Fusion Slant RC 26 fork that comes with a kids' specific suspension tune, geared towards smaller (and lighter) bodies.

This means the ride will feel more natural, they'll have more control, and you don't need to worry about the bike over-compensating for an adult's weight.

Using Scott's Flip Chip technology, the Ransom 400 is another bike on this list that can be adjusted for size, scaling it up to 26 inches so the bike can grow with your child as they get older.

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Mondraker Factor 26 

Mondraker Factor 26 key data:

Typical age range: 10-14 years
Height range: 145-165cm
Wheel size: 26 inch
Frame: Hydroformed alloy with 120mm travel. Internal cable routing, qr 9mm rear axle and 73mm BSA bottom bracket
Fork: X-Fusion Velvet RL 26, 120mm, air spring
Shock: X-Fusion 02PRO R, 210x47.5mm. Settings: low-speed rebound, air preload
Brakes: SRAM Level with 160mm rotors front and rear
Gears: SRAM SX Eagle 12 speed groupset with 11-50T cassette and 30T single chainring
Tyres: Kenda Booster 26x2.4
Weight: 12.3 kg
Warranty: Please check with supplier

If you need a 26" wheel bike from the off, then moving up in size to the Factor 26 gives a similar specification as its smaller wheeled sibling listed above, while providing an increase in suspension travel from 100mm to 120mm front and rear.

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Cannondale Habit 26W Junior

Cannondale Habit 26W Junior key data:

Typical age range: 7-12 years
Height range: 137-157cm
Wheel size: 26 inch
Frame: SmartForm C3 alloy with 120mm travel. Internal cable routing, 12mm thru-axle and 73mm BSA bottom bracket
Fork: SR Suntour XCR34, 120mm travel, air spring
Shock: X-Fusion O2 Pro w/ Rebound Adjust
Brakes: Tektro M275 hydraulic disc, 160/160mm rotors
Gears: MicroSHIFT Advent X 10-speed groupset with 11-48T cassette and 30T single chainring
Tyres: WTB Vigilante 26x2.4"
Weight: Unpublished
Warranty: Please check with supplier

Cannondale is another big-name brand that we've had good experiences with, and the Habit 26W Junior is another great option for those on a tighter budget.

At around £800 cheaper than the Mondraker Factor, the Cannondale Habit is understandably built with some slightly lower-range components. Still, it offers 120mm of travel at the front and rear, so your sprog can still take on more technical trails with confidence.

While the Mondraker would be a great option for a child who's serious about mountain biking (and potentially racing), the Cannondale Habit is a better option for a beginner who's still finding their feet off-road.

It may be more affordable, but it still comes with good quality Tektro hydraulic disc brakes for powerful braking, a 10-speed MicroSHIFT Advent X drivetrain, and a large 11-48T cassette for a great range of climbing gears.

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Marin Rift Zone 26

Marin Rift Zone JR 26 key data:

Typical age range: 7-12 years
Height range: 137-157cm
Wheel size: 26 inch
Frame: Series 3 6061 alloy with 130mm travel. Internal cable routing, 12mm Boost thru-axle and 73mm threaded bottom bracket
Fork: X-Fusion Velvet RLC 26, 130mm travel, compression & rebound adjustment, air sprung
Shock: X-Fusion O2 Pro R, custom tune, rebound adjustment
Brakes: Tektro HD-M280 Hydraulic, 180/180mm rotors
Gears: Shimano Deorre 11-speed groupset with 11-51T cassette and 32T single chainring
Tyres: Vee Tire Co., Flow Snap 26x2.4
Weight: Unpublished
Warranty: Please check with supplier

Marin is a big name in mountain biking, named after Marin county, where the sport is believed to have its roots.

A firm middle-ground option between the Mondraker Factor and Cannondale Habit, the Marin Rift Zone comes with a very strong array of componentry and boasts 130mm of travel at the front and rear.

The Rift Zone combines a Shimano Deore 11-speed drivetrain with Tektro hydraulic brakes, and comes with an 11-51T cassette, offering a really wide range of gears.

A really nice touch is that the Rift Zone 26 shares the same frame, fork and shock as the 24. So if you're thinking longterm and are handy in the workshop, you could swap out the wheels and cranks to downsize it to 24 inches and have your sprog grow into it.

This is a great way to get your money's worth, and also makes it a great hand-me-down option if you have another shredder not far behind.

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Scott Ransom 600

Scott Ransom 600 key data:

Typical age range: 7-12 years
Height range: 137-157cm
Wheel size: 26 inch
Frame: Alloy 6061 Custom butted tubing, internal cable routing, 73mm Prowheel bottom bracket
Fork: X-Fusion Slant RC 26, 140mm travel, kids' bike tune, air sprung
Shock: X-Fusion 02Pro R Trunnion, 130mm travel, kids' bike tune, rebound adjustment
Brakes: Shimano BR-MT500 hydraulic, 180/160mm rotors (front/rear)
Gears: Shimano Deore 11-speed groupset with 11-51T cassette and 32T single chainring
Tyres: Kenda Hellkat, 26x2.4
Weight: 13.9kg
Warranty: Please check with supplier

Similarly to the Ransom 400 listed above, the Scott Ransom 600 is the brand's 26 inch wheel option, and shares many of the same components with its smaller sibling.

If you're buying for a younger child and wanting the bike to grow with them, then opt for the 400. However if you're already in need of a 26 inch bike, but have a younger sibling who's going to need their own later down the line, then the 600 makes the perfect hand-me-down. Once your oldest has outgrown it, you can transform it into a 24 inch bike for the youngest, using Scott's flip chip technology, and then it can grow with them.

We love a bike that's designed for longevity!

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How to choose the best kids' full-suspension mountain bikes

If you're stuck and not sure what to look for in a full-suspension kids' mountain bike, or if you're not even sure if a full-sus is what your child or teen needs, take a look at our FAQs below for some guidance.

Does my child need a full-suspension mountain bike?

Some will argue that your sprog should be learning their skills on a fully rigid or hardtail mountain bike before moving onto the comparative luxury of full suspension later in life (when the bones start creaking and muscles need warming up before a ride!).

Others will retort that if it means their child can get up and down whatever the trail throws at them, and it enjoys it, then it's a great thing, and means your family mountain biking can reach exciting new levels (assuming you can keep up!).

The only thing to consider is that full-sus bikes, regardless of age range, are often a lot more expensive than hardtails, so be sure your child is keen to ride it before you make the investment.

Does my child need a full-face helmet?

We have a whole article dedicated to answering this question, and in many cases we'd often say a full-face helmet can be overkill.

However, when it comes to mountain biking, and specifically the type of challenging and technical riding that your child might be doing on a full-sus bike, then a full-face helmet is fully justified.

It's certainly not a requirement, and the quality of all bike helmets these days is really high, so either way you can rest assured your youngster's head will be protected.

But if they are taking part in high-risk activities like downhill or enduro racing, or pushing their limits on really challenging trails, then by all means, consider a full-face helmet.

For a more in-depth answer to this question, read our article 'Does my child need a full-face helmet?'

Are full-suspension mountain bikes safer for kids?

Yes and no, is the short answer. Really it depends on your child's skill level, confidence, and the type of terrain they're riding.

If you're headed out on some really technical trails with rock gardens and drop-offs, then a full-sus mountain bike would be the safest option. It'll smooth out the rough stuff and help build their confidence on the trails, and it's more likely to soak up anything drastic they try to roll over, that a hardtail might buck them off if they're not in full control. It's also a great option if they're planning to start racing at junior events, and would be a great investment for them.

However, if you're sticking to smoother, less-technical trails, or if your child is an absolute beginner to off-road riding, a hardtail may be more suitable and is perfectly safe. It still has the comfort of a suspension fork, which reduces fatigue in the upper body, but having that rigid rear end will enable your child to feel more connected to the ground beneath them, quickly build their skills, and get used to the bumpiness of off-road riding.

Why are full-suspension mountain bikes so expensive?

If you've perused this list, you'll have seen that it costs a pretty penny to invest in one of the best kids' full-suspension mountain bikes.

There are several reasons they're more expensive. Firstly, the addition of the rear shock adds to the price tag, as it's not a cheap component and it plays a vital role in the bike's overall performance.

In order to accommodate the rear suspension, the full-sus bike has a more intricate frame design, with a linkage system (or pivot) that connects the free-floating rear end of the bike with the rest of the frame.

If you're put off by the price tag, consider whether or not a full-suspension bike is going to match the type of terrain your child aspires to ride, and whether or not the trails they're riding are challenging enough to demand it.

Otherwise, if you're on a budget, you're better off buying a good quality hardtail, that will still have front suspension and give you a lot more value for money, than a cheap and poor-quality full-suspension toy bike that isn't built to last. Take a look at our list of the best kids' mountain bikes for some ideas.

Can you put a child seat on a full-suspension bike?

If you're thinking ahead to mountain biking with your child, but they're not quite big enough for their own bike yet, you'll be pleased to know that many front seats can work with an adult's full-suspension mountain bike.

So you can still take them out on the trails with you and get them used to the rush of off-roading until they're ready to have a go themselves.

Check out our guide to the best front bike seats for more on this.

Other posts you should check out whilst you're here:

• Buying a kids mountain bike - things you need to know
• Best kids 24″ wheel mountain bikes ages 7 to 10 years
• The best kids 26" wheel mountain bikes - hard tails
• Best 26" wheel kids hybrid bikes - last stop before an adult bike!
• Review of Cube Action Essentials mountain biking shorts
• How we became a mountain biking family in just one year
• Review of the Islabikes Creig 24 and Creig 26
• Things to know when buying a mountain bike (for a child or an adult)
• Family Cycling Podcast; Mountain Biking with kids