The following is single review of what I think is the best kids mountain bike out there. Hence, I felt it needed its own post as I am just so impressed and excited about this company and feel like you all need to know about these bikes and these people! Enjoy!
The Search for the Perfect Bike
Max had outgrown his Woom 3 bike (which is an amazing light and nimble bike), and we were eager to introduce him to the world of mountain biking. Our top priorities were finding a bike that was lightweight and tailored to fit his smaller frame. We tried several well-regarded options like Prevelo, Woom 4, and Early Rider, but each had some limitations for Max. Either they were too heavy for his small size or the shifting was too challenging for his little hands.
Just when we were feeling a bit defeated, a glimmer of hope emerged when we stumbled upon TrailCraft. Intrigued by their promising reviews, we contacted the owner, Brett, and were immediately impressed by his passion for helping kids enjoy biking. His excitement oozed out of his emails and was so refreshing and contagious!
First Impressions and Unboxing
As soon as the TrailCraft 20 inch mountain bike arrived, we eagerly assembled it for Max. The process was quick and straightforward, only requiring us to attach the pedals, tires, and handlebars. Max’s eyes lit up with excitement as he saw his new bike, and he wasted no time strapping on his helmet for a test ride around the neighborhood.
From the very first ride, we noticed a significant difference. Max’s body position on the bike was perfect, and it seemed like the bike was custom-made for him. The lightweight design allowed him to transfer his power efficiently, and he appeared entirely at ease on the bike, unlike his experiences with other models. Both Jason and I were immediately in love, as we knew how much attention to detail Brett had put into this bike. It was like Trail Craft had literally taken one of our bikes and shrank it down to Max’s size. By the end of Max’s many laps, it was hard to tell who was the most excited.
The TrailCraft Difference
What sets TrailCraft apart is their commitment to building high-performance, lightweight mountain bikes designed specifically for young riders. Brent and his wife, Ginger, share a mission to create bikes that bring joy and adventure to children while ensuring they get the best riding experience possible.
The customizability of TrailCraft bikes is a significant advantage. Unlike mass-produced bikes from other companies, you can choose the components, cassette size, and even decide whether you want a tubeless setup. This level of personalization ensures that each bike is tailored to suit the rider’s needs and preferences. The process of building your bike with them is easy, fun and exciting as they ask you where you like to ride, what your trails are like and what your child’s goals are. Never had we ever been asked these questions from other companies.
The Result: A Happy Rider
Max’s excitement for biking has been rekindled ever since he got his TrailCraft bike. He now eagerly takes on local trails and even our weekly commutes around town without any complaints. Four weeks later, and the joy of riding on his TrailCraft bike has not worn off like it did with previous bikes, and it’s evident that he genuinely loves the experience.
The bike’s lightweight frame, custom lightweight cranks, and alloy hubs contribute to a low rotational weight, making uphill climbs easier for Max. The Shimano Deore 6100 hydraulic brakes ensure reliable stopping power, which is crucial for young riders’ safety. The whole bike said and done comes in at 19.11 pounds and it is one of the only 20 inch mountain bikes that can fit a water bottle. This feature sounds like a small thing, but having them being able to carry their own water is extremely helpful, especially when they are riding in camps as kids often don’t like riding with backpacks. For Max we opted for the dropper seat post, and while it is not needed for him quite yet, as he grows, it will make this bike last for much longer. All in all it is an amazing build and will be in our family for a very long time. Revel is already asking when he can jump on it!
Here are the key details about the bike:
- Weight: 18.75 pounds (tubeless).
- Cranks: Custom Trailcraft Direct Mount, 127mm.
- Brakes: Shimano Deore 6100 Hydraulic.
- Headset: Custom Trailcraft Precision Sealed Cartridge.
- Fork: Trailcraft TC30, weighing 1425 grams.
The search has ended!
The search for the perfect mountain bike for Max led us to TrailCraft, and we couldn’t be happier with the outcome. Their dedication to creating high-performance, lightweight bikes for kids truly shines through in the exceptional riding experience that Max has now. With TrailCraft, Max’s love for cycling has been reignited, and every ride becomes a new opportunity for skills to unlock and new vistas.
If you’re looking for a mountain bike that will truly make your child’s eyes light up with joy, look no further than TrailCraft. The personalized approach and commitment to creating happy riders set them apart from the rest. With their outstanding customer service and passion for helping kids enjoy biking, TrailCraft has won us over as loyal customers, and we can’t wait to see where Max’s biking journey takes him on his new favorite bike!
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