Mountain Bike

The Carrera Blast 24 is a great entry-level mountain bike for kids aged around 8 to 12 who are looking to tackle mixed terrain.

It’s a good value option that won’t break the bank, offering key features like front suspension and a wide range of gears.

The bike comes equipped with 14-speed Shimano Revoshift gears, which are easy for small hands to operate by twisting the grip.

Its mechanical disc brakes provide reliable stopping power, even on wet trails, giving parents peace of mind about safety.

The Carrera Blast 24 is a budget-friendly way to get your child out on some gentle off-road paths, but remember that at 14kg, it is heavier than some premium alternatives.

The Carrera Luna 24 is a Budget 24-inch wheel mountain bike for young riders aged 8 to 11.

It is offers much better quality than the cheaper options found at Halfords and your child will appreciate this.

Its lightweight aluminium frame and front suspension are good for family rides and gentle off-road paths. While the bike is quite heavy at 14kg, it should be manageable on easier terrain.

Dependable mechanical disc brakes will give your child confidence and reliable stopping power, especially in the wet.

The 14-speed Revoshift gearing is more complex to operate than a single chain ring found on more expensive bikes, but the shifters are designed to be easy for kids hands to use.

The Btwin Rockrider 24 Expl 500 is an excellent entry-level mountain bike that offers great value for money and will perform well on the trails. Designed for children aged 9 to 12, it is a much more capable bike than others in its price range that may come with heavy full suspension and complicated gearing. It is a reliable option for families where budget is a priority, as Decathlon’s in-house brand is known for durable and accessible bikes.

The bike focuses on the features that matter for this age group, with a simple yet effective 7-speed drivetrain and an Easytrigger shifter that is designed to be easy to operate. The sturdy steel frame and 50mm of front suspension are perfect for tackling mixed terrain like paths, trails, and gravel. It also comes with all-terrain lugged tires for good traction and control.

For parents, a great feature is the quick-release front wheel, which makes the bike easier to transport in the car. It’s a bike that gives children a gentle introduction to off-road riding without being overly complicated or heavy. We are impressed with the quality of bikes in the BTWIN range, and this is a great option if you’re looking for a good off-road bike that won’t break the bank. You can also Read our comprehensive guide to Btwin kids’ bikes to learn more about the brand.

The Rockrider Kids’ Mountain Bike 26″ EXPL 900 is designed for children aged around 9 to 12 years (135–150 cm tall) who are ready to take their riding up a notch.

With a lightweight aluminium frame and an 80 mm suspension fork, it’s built to handle proper trails and give young riders the confidence to roll over bumps, roots and rougher ground. The simple 9‑speed gears are easy to use, so kids can focus on enjoying the ride rather than fiddling with tricky gear changes.

One of the real stand‑out features at this price is the hydraulic disc brakes. Many kids’ mountain bikes around this budget come with basic V‑brakes, so having the same smooth, powerful stopping power you’d expect on an adult mountain bike is a big win. Paired with grippy 26″ all‑terrain tyres and strong double‑wall rims, it’s ready for weekend rides on the trails as well as everyday cycling. Everything – from the child‑sized cranks and short stem to the comfy saddle – is designed with young riders in mind.

At around £450, this is one of the best value kids’ mountain bikes out there. You’re getting the kind of quality and components you’d normally expect to pay a lot more for, but without the big‑name branding.

If your child is starting to outgrow basic bikes and you want something trail‑ready that will last, the EXPL 900 is a smart choice that won’t break the bank.

Rockrider (who are an in-house brand of Decathlon) are going through a makeover of their kids bicycle range, with some very good value bikes arriving in stock.

The Rockrider EXPL500 is a 26″ wheel kids mountain bike aimed at riders around 9-12 years of age and between 135 and 150cm tall.

Featuring an aluminium frame and suspension fork at the front, the ST500 comes with a single chainring and 7 speed gearing using a thumbshifter to minimise complications (kids mountain bikes at this cheap a price usually have a lot more gears that are confusing to use and harder to maintain).

The bike is equipped with v-brakes and a set of tyres suitable for gentle off roading.

They’ve got a great video on the Decathlon website showing the types of fun you can have on these bikes.

The Rockrider EXPL500 really does represent value for money and would be a great way to get a child off road and muddy!