BTwin

The Rockrider ST 500 is the midrange specification bike in BTwin’s 20″ wheel kids mountain bike range. With front suspension to absorb bumps, 6 speeds and grippy tyres this is a great value bike for introducing your child to the joys of mountain biking.

The BTwin 14 is sold exclusively at Decathlon (who are huge in Europe), which probably explains the more continental style “step through” frame design, and the ability to deliver this bike at such a low price.

The frame is steel, which usually means a very heavy bike. However, the style of this one, with the low step over and lack of cross bar helps keep the weight down to 8.7kg.

This is still a lot heavier than the more expensive aluminium framed 14″ wheel bikes –  but it’s a lot less than the 10kg plus bikes you get elsewhere, and it has “proper” tyres – beware other 14″ wheel cheap bikes with foam or plastic tyres.

The very low frame itself will be easy for children to get on and off – especially important for children who would struggle to lift their leg over a higher frame. The braking system is designed specifically for smaller hands.
The bike comes with front and rear lights too, plus the 500 model has mudguards fitted, which the 100 model doesn’t.

The stabilisers unscrew easily – although if your child isn’t ready to pedal we’d recommend a balance bike instead.

The Rockrider ST 900 is the top specification mountain bike in BTwin’s 20″ wheel mountain bike range.

With a lightweight aluminium frame, front suspension, 6 speeds and grippy tyres this is a great value bike for introducing your child to the joys of mountain biking.

The bike is unusual in that it has a front disk brake and a rear V-brake.  The disc brake will help give some additional stopping power in the wet, and the V-brake helps to keep the price down.

The brake levers are designed for small hands (and the saddle is moulded for little bottoms).  It’s also supplied with a front and rear LED light.