The Carrera Luna 24 is a popular choice for parents seeking a budget 24-inch wheel mountain bike from Halfords that is going to be fun and safe for their child to ride out on the trails.
It is designed for young riders aged 8 to 11 (approximate height 127cm to 145cm) who are wanting to tackle some off-road family cycling.
This is one of the entry-level 24 inch wheel mountain bike we recommend , as it is significantly better than many of the poorly made bikes on the market that can quickly discourage a child from riding.
The frame of the Carrera Luna 24 is made from lightweight aluminium, but the overall bike is quite heavy, weighing in at 14kg. This will be manageable on gentle terrain and family friendly forest trails but some children may struggle with the weight on long steep climbs or technical singletrack.
The bike includes a front suspension fork which should help soak up bumps from the front wheel and smooth out the ride.
A key feature for safety and confidence at this price point is the inclusion of mechanical disc brakes. These provide far more consistent stopping performance than traditional V-brakes, especially in wet and muddy conditions. This more reliable braking power is confidence inspiring for a young rider as they gain speed and tackle more varied routes.
The bike is equipped with a 14-speed Shimano gearing system, controlled by easy-to-use Revoshift (grip) shifters. This gives the rider a wide range of gears for tackling both hills and flats.
However, this two-chainring system at the front is more complex than the simpler, single-chainring setups often found on more expensive bikes, and you may find that managing two gear shifters takes your child some practice.
The Carrera Luna 24 is certainly a decent choice if you’re looking for an entry level mountain bike for gentle off-road paths.
If you are not certain this bike is right for your child, or if you want to explore alternative bikes, take a look at our complete guide to the Best 24 inch kids mountain bikes for more options.