Best mountain bikes for teenagers and small adults

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Finding the best mountain bikes for teenagers and small adults can be a bit of a challenge. For many teens, it’s time to graduate from kids' bikes, yet they may not be quite ready for a full-sized adult bike. Choosing the right mountain bike is essential to make cycling with teenagers an enjoyable experience—finding a bike that’s lightweight, easy to handle, and sized appropriately is key.

In this guide, we’ll highlight some of the best bikes for teenagers and small adults, focusing on models that offer a great fit, performance, and value. This includes a range of options, from the largest models in kids’ mountain bike ranges to smaller-frame adult bikes designed with teens and shorter riders in mind.

If your teen isn’t quite ready for a full-sized adult bike, consider our picks for the best 26" kids' mountain bikes, which can be perfect for those on the shorter side. And if they’re ready to move up, we’ll cover what to look out for in an adult’s bike to ensure it meets their needs as they continue to grow and develop their riding skills. And, if they're ready to get really rowdy on the trails, don't miss our guide to the best kids' full suspension mountain bikes.

Finally, don’t forget that safety is just as important as bike fit. Be sure to check out our recommendations for the best bike helmets for teenagers to complete their setup for safe and fun rides.

One of the largest kids' mountain bikes available, the Frog MTB 72 is Frog’s biggest model. It’s unique among the bikes on this list because it comes with 26" wheels. This model suits inside leg measurements from 66cm to 85cm, which Frog recommends for an average age range of 13–16 years, though this can vary by individual.

Frog Bikes designed a lightweight frame specifically for junior riders to boost stability and improve control, backed by a 5-year warranty. The Tektro junior-specific hydraulic disc brakes are tailored for smaller hands, enhancing braking ease and control. All Frog mountain bikes come with junior-specific air suspension forks, featuring lockout and damping control, with 100mm of travel on the 26" models for optimal performance with lighter riders.

Price: from £725

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Best 27.5 inch mountain bikes for girls and small women

For teenage girls ready to upgrade, now is an excellent time to explore brands offering XS and Small-sized women’s mountain bikes. As teenagers reach puberty, differences between male and female body types become more pronounced. Variations in height, limb length, and pelvic/hip structure mean it’s often more comfortable for teenage girls to ride a bike designed for female anatomy.

Women’s mountain bikes feature shorter reach, female-specific saddles, and lower standover heights, making them a great choice for teenage girls who’ve outgrown a 26" kids’ mountain bike and for smaller women seeking a more tailored fit.

BTwin Rockriders

are Decathlon’s in-house brand of kids’ mountain bikes, with models at a range of prices and specifications. The BTwin Rockrider ST 100 is an entry-level 21-speed aluminum mountain bike, ideal for those starting out with mountain biking in dry weather conditions.

Moving up, the Rockrider ST 120 adds mechanical disc brakes and a single-chainring, 9-speed setup. The Rockrider ST 530 and ST 540 add adjustable front suspension for smoother trails, though this does add some weight. These Rockriders provide excellent value for entry-level mountain biking fun, especially in the summer. There are also hardtail and full-suspension Rockrider options, with XS sizes beginning at 140cm.

Price range: £199.99 - £1,399

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Vitus women's mountain bikes XS

size are designed for teens and adults starting from 144cm in height or a 61cm inside leg. The Vitus lineup includes the Vitus Nucleus 27 and Vitus Sentier 27 hardtail models, which offer impressive performance and design at competitive prices.

Both models feature aluminum frames, hydraulic disc brakes, and air-sprung forks. Vitus markets the Nucleus 27 as an excellent choice for teens and beginners in mountain biking, while the Sentier 27 offers a more advanced setup, including a dropper post and 11-speed drivetrain.

Price range: £499.99 - £1,2499

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Liv, a sister brand of Giant, designs bikes specifically for women, with XS models suited for riders starting at 152cm in height and a 66cm inside leg. Liv offers the broadest range of women’s mountain bikes among the brands featured here.

The Liv Tempt range is a great entry level women's hardtail MTB range with hydraulic disc brakes, while the Liv Embolden is aimed at riders ready for more challenging trails, with full suspension, a tubeless wheelset, and a dropper seatpost. For advanced riders, the Liv Intrigue is a versatile long-travel trail bike with 150mm/140mm of travel and a SRAM 1x12 drivetrain.

Price range: £399 - £2,899

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Cube Access women's mountain bikes come in a wide range of specs with well-chosen components. All Cube Access MTBs are hardtail and the 27.5 inch wheel size is available in XS and S, suitable from 149cm height.

The smallest frame sizes from Cube have a specially designed top tube offering extra clearance.

The Cube Access WS mountain bike range comes in a wide range of specs and this is reflected in the price range as well. What the bikes have in common is hydraulic disc brakes and 100mm front suspension.

The top of the range is the carbon-framed Cube Access WS C:62 Pro, for those who want to go beyond their local trail centre.

Price range: £549 - £2,099

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Best 27.5 inch mountain bikes for teenage boys and small men

Adult mountain bikes have largely moved to 29" wheels and wider handlebars, which may work for some teens and smaller adults but can make handling difficult for those used to more agile kids' bikes.

Many brands now offer men’s and unisex mountain bikes with smaller frame sizes and 27.5" wheels, ideal for teenage boys and shorter adults. These options range from affordable entry-level models to high-end builds for serious enthusiasts.

The Specialized Rockhopper is a classic in mountain biking, first introduced in 1985 and still going strong. The Sport version is an excellent choice for teenagers transitioning from a smaller kids' mountain bike, with frame sizes starting at XS and fitting riders from 148cm in height with a standover height of 65.8cm.

This model is also popular secondhand, though variations exist, and specifications have changed over the years, so check carefully before buying used.

Price range: £499 - £1,475

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BTwin Rockriders are available in women's and men's versions, and they come in a wide range of specifications with a very low starting price.

As described higher up the page, the ST100 is the most basic model and it then goes up to ST 500 series with additional features such as adjustable front suspension and hydraulic disc brakes.

These BTwin Rockriders offer a really good value entry level mountain bike for teens and men.

The Rockrider sizing varies per bike, with the men's S sized bikes starting at 150cm.

Price range: £199.99 - £1,399

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Giant Talon 27.5 inch mountain bikes for teens and men come in a range from Giant Talon 0 up to 5, with 0 being the highest spec and 5 the lowest.

The Giant Talon Extra Small mountain bike is suitable for teens and men from 155cm tall. The Giant Talon mountain bikes all feature a lightweight ALUXX aluminium frame with a classic hardtail design.

The Talon is a great choice for XC or light-trail terrain and is available in metallic black.

It’s a confident ride that’s perfect for ambitious riders who want to take their off-road skills to the next level.

Price range: £399 - £999

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The Scott Aspect hardtail mountain bike range includes XS bikes with 27.5 inch or 29 inch wheels, suitable for a 155cm minimum height.

The Scott Aspect 770 27.5 inch mountain bike is the entry level model and is light, efficient and reasonably priced. It doesn't have hydraulic disc brakes, like some other bikes do in this price range and comes with a 3x7 drivetrain. The next model up is the Aspect 740 which features a 2x9 drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes.

The 29 inch wheel Scott Aspect is available in different specs too, with the Scott Aspect 950 as entry level model and the Scott Aspect 940 as more premium hardtail for teens and shorter men.

Price range: £499 - £759

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Vitus Nucleus 27 VR mountain bikes in XS are suitable for teens and men from 155cm height, or 658mm inside leg.

Just like the Vitus women's range, the Vitus men's mountain bike range includes the hardtail mountain bikes Vitus Nucleus 27 and the Vitus Sentier 27.

The VR range includes aluminium-framed hardtail mountain bikes with hydraulic disc brakes and 8 or 10-speed groupsets.

Both the Vitus Nucleus and Sentier 27 are great choices for boys and men new to mountain biking.

Other Vitus bikes at the more expensive end of the spectrum within the 27.5" wheel range are the Vitus Mythique, Escarpe and Sommet. Lots of different options for more experienced riders including full suspension and a mullet bike setup.

Price range: £399.99 - £4599.99

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Can I buy a regular 27.5" adult mountain bike for my teenager?

Yes and no! Although a 13 or 14-year-old may fit an adult frame, most adult bikes aren’t designed with younger riders in mind. The suspension may require a heavier rider to activate properly, and brakes may be sized for larger, stronger hands.

If the saddle is set low, the back wheel may sit too high for them to safely shift their weight during descents. A 27.5" mountain bike tailored to their size and weight can give them better control, making rides safer and more enjoyable. Of course, if your teen’s height and weight match that of an adult, a larger bike may be suitable.

The best MTBs for teenagers and shorter adults

Thankfully there are a number of mountain bike brands with XS and S adult bikes with 27.5" wheels at a range of price points which are ideal for teenage boys and girls. These MTBs can also be suitable for smaller men, from under 5' or 152 cm height.

Here's our selection of the best mountain bikes for both boys and girls, that are sized for teenage riders aged 12, 13, 14 and 15 year olds and beyond. You'll also find bikes specifically designed for girls/women and boys/men.

We've featured mountain bikes that have 27.5 inch wheels and frames that start with an XS or S sizing, and also a few with 26 and 29 inch wheels.

Obviously, if you or your teenage boy or girl is taller than the sizing stated just move up either a wheel size or frame size to suit.

Sharon 8th May 2021 at 05:43pm

Please can you revisit this page as all the bikes you suggest are sold out??

Penny Millar 9th May 2021 at 10:06am

Hi Sharon
Thank you for your comment and sorry you’ve found that a lot of the bikes on this post are sold out. Unfortunately, buying a new bike this year is slightly trickier than in previous years. With the huge surge in bike sales over lockdown 1, and the issues with importing goods due to Coronavirus, bike suppliers still have a lack of stock. When they do get more bikes in, they sell out again pretty quickly! Where available, we link to a secondhand option, which is worth looking at; with children growing quickly, you can often pick up a bike in great condition for a fraction of the price. Kind regards, Penny

Daniel Barker 8th November 2020 at 08:46pm

Canyon have 2x 27.5 kids bikes. The Grand Canyon Junior hardtail and the Neuron Junior full suspension.

Best mountain bikes for teenagers and small adults