27.5 INCH FULL SUSPENSION BIKES
Yes, kids as young as 11 can fit a 27.5 inch wheel bike, amazing. The advantages of the bigger wheels; traction, speed, roll-over, definitely helps in some scenarios but generally the bigger wheeled bikes are not as playful as a similar sized 26 inch wheel bike. Two options exist: 1) a kids specific 27.5 bike or 2) an adult xs/s 27.5 bike. The kids specific 27.5 bikes can generally fit kids a couple inches shorter but the differences in stand-over, stack height and reach with the xs adult bikes are sometimes neglligible...so dig into the geometry numbers. Also, still pay attention to weight for the younger kids. If you are total MTB heads like us, grab a small frame and build a master piece. Check our video below.
Rokk 26/27.5
A cool convertible 26/27.5 inch 160 mm travel frame that uses a geo chip to keep the chainstays and BB height normalized between wheel sizes. Rock Shox Pike 160 mm fork, Sram NX 11-50T, Sram G2 brakes, pivotal seat, 165mm cranks, and maxxis highroller 2.4 tires. Geo is 63.2 HA, 74 STA , 1143mm wheelbase, 22mm BB drop, 439mm rear center, and 372mm reach.
Weight: 30 lbs | MSRP: $3600 | Min/Max inseam: 27-32 inches | Where to buy: Spawn
Rocky Mountain Reaper 27.5
We really like the Reaper platform for kids as Rocky has a great bike here at a competitive price. The shorter reach of around 371-383 mm make it a small fitting 27.5 which is nice to take advantage of the bigger wheels but do keep in the mind the listed standover is quite high comparatively, 792mm. Ride 9 adjustable geo lets you set a 66.4-67.6 HA and 424-426 mm CS. The 27.5 model has 150 mm front travel with a RockShox Recon Gold fork and the rear 140mm suspension works amazing. Maxxis Minnions , Race Face 165mm cranks, 11-51 Deore Cassette and a dropper post round out a smart build. Like the 26 model, I would switch out would be the Shimano MT4100 brakes to something with a better lever and more power. We really like this for a kid who spends equal time climbing, shuttling and lift access.
Weight: 31.4 lbs | MSRP: $2850 | Min Rider height: 4'11 | Where to buy: Rocky Dealer
Canyon Neuron Young Hero 27.5
Two sizes in essentially a XXS and XS neuron 130mm rear travel trail bikes. No dropper but the routing is there. Both bikes see 165 mm Cranks, 67 degree HA, 74.5 STA, 430 mm stays and 130mm Forks. Reaches of 378 cm (xxs) and 398 cm (xs). Lots of value here but a heavier Judy fork in 29er configuration (this is weird as there are great 27.5 forks available) and sram SX components are also heavy. Does have a nice tubeless ready wheelset and 2.25 inch tubeless ready tires. You can also look to the XXS and XS mens and womans Neurons as they are the same frame and offer different builds with dropper posts but 170mm cranks and more money. UPDATE: The new build available in Europe comes with a Manitou Machete 130mm fork (a far better fork for the kids). OUR FULL REVIEW HERE
Weight: 30.1 lbs | MSRP: $1899 | Height Range: XXS 144-155cm XS 155-165cm | Where to buy: Canyon
Trailcraft Maxwell 27.5
As young as 11 can get on this 120mm trail bike with 120 or 140 mm fork options. 11-46 or 10-51 T rear cassette, 165mm custom cranks, tubeless 2.25 inch wide tires, great geometry (64.5-66.5 HA, 74 STA, 425 mm CS, 685mm Standover) and overall light weight make this an exceptional light weight bike for kids. A modern longer 425mm reach ad to the stability and capability of the bike. Stealth dropper compatible and KS Lev available with builds. As with all Trialcrafts, the build leaves nothing to be changed and these bikes are made to climb extremely well in addition to descending single track like rockets. This bike excels for the enduro climbing kids out there that like a fast single track descender and will pop into the bike park on occasion to crush some jump trails. Choose the 140 fork for the gnarlier kiddo.
Weight: 24.75-27.5 lbs | MSRP: $2999+ | Height Range 4'11-5'6 | Where to buy: Trailcraft Cycles
YT Primus 27
New for 2023 the 275 Primus is for pre-teens, teens and small adults. Great bike and spec but the Sram SX stuff has to go. Grab a cheap 150-165mm crankset from Ali express and swap in microshift advent x. We also would have preferred a pike over a lyrik to lighten up the build a bit but not as big of a deal as drivetrain. 442mm reach, 598mm stack, 1167mm wheelbase, 432mm chainstays, 65.7-66.2 Head Angle.
Weight: 33.4 lbs | MSRP: $2399+ | Height Range 5'1-5'5 | Where to buy: YT Bikes
VPACE Moritz 27.5
A fantastic super small fitting 27.5 inch full suspension 130mm travel bike with 140m Fox fork. Reach 415 mm, 65 degree head angle, 75 degree seat tube, 435 mm chainstays, 415mm reach, 145mm cranks, 11 spd 10-50 cassette, dropper post, 28 or 30T front chainring, 2.25 Nobby Nics...a lot to love here. The 145mm cranks make sense as this bike fits smaller kids than most 27.5 inch bikes and the bottom bracket is low. It's light, slack enough and very capable. This is an equal climber and descender that is no stranger at the lift access bike park for kids to get after it! UPDATE: No longer shipping to North America.
Weight: 27 lbs | MSRP: $3500+ | Minimum Height: 4'7 (140+cm) | Where to buy: VPACE
Marin Rift Zone 27.5
Wow, this bike offers a ton of value and will get more kids into mountain biking because of it, well done Marin. The XS size has a reach of 410mm, 579mm stack, 66.5 HA, 430mm chainstays, and a standover of 647mm. Cranks come in at 170mm, you get a Rock shox recon fork with solo air spring, motion control damper but heavier steel stanchions. No dropper on the Rift Zone 1 but the other builds do. You could easily throw one on with its internal routing for $150. 10-51T rear Cassette, clutch derailleur, hydraulic brakes, Crown Gem tires and 120mm/130mm travel make this an absolute winner of a bike for this price and weight. Also available in two different builds with higher end components dropper post etc.
Weight: 31.5 lbs | MSRP: $1899-$2999 | Min rider height: 4'8 | Where to buy: | Bikes Online
Trek Fuel EX5/EX7
This is a great 140mm front 130 mm rear travel trail bike that fits really nice an XS for kids. The Jump up to the EX7 is probably worth it to get the weight down and the better suspension. The XS has a reach of 395 mm, Head Angle of 66 degrees, Stack height of 559 mm, Chainstays of 436 mm, and 75 seat tube angle. You get 100mm dropper on both builds and 170mm cranks.
Weight: 31-34 lbs | MSRP: $2449-$3249 | Minimum Height: 4'6-5"1 | Where to buy: Trek
Norco Youth Sight 27.5
A brawler of a bike, the spec on this bike packs a punch. 140mm Rear and 150mm Pike upfront, this is a capable suspension package. A 650mm standover and 395mm reach, this is a small fitting 27.5. 63.5 HA, 425mm chainstays and a 77 degree STA make it a very progressive geo in a kids package. Dropper post, Maxxis minions, 165mm cranks, and 11-50T cassette finish the build. Unfortunately , the SRAM SX stuff adds to weight which is pushing it for smaller kids. Great Bike Park bike that can get up the hills with a little effort.
Weight: 33 lbs | MSRP: $2999 US | Rider Height: 4'7-5'2 | Where to buy: Norco
Canyon Spectral Young Hero
A nice aggressive trail bike from Canyon at a very good price for 11-14 crowd. Like the young Neuron you do get lower end heavier SS drive train parts and a heavier steel stanchioned 150 mm fork. The frame is great with a cable cover and well thought out 140mm rear travel with kinematics for the kids. Another win on the build is Race Face wheelset plus the DHF front tire for grip and Aggressor for rolling and cornering. Crank length is good at 165 cm and a good length 125mm dropper post. In an ideal world, I would pay more for an alloy stanchioned lighter fork (Recon Gold) and would love to see something like a Microshift AdventX drivetrain instead of the heavy 12spd SX stuff. Great geo with a 66 Head angle, 373 Reach, 430 Chainstays and a 74 degree Seat tube angle.
Weight: 32.5 lbs | MSRP: $1899 | Height Range: 2XS 148 -158 cm (4'10-5'2) | Where to buy: Canyon
Commencal Clash XS Mullet
Polygon Siskiu T7 27.5
What you get here for this price is so amazing for a 150mm front/140mm rear travel bike. Recon fork with great damper and air spring, 10-51T 1x12 Deore drivetrain, 170 mm cranks, 150 mm dropper, 4 piston front brake for more power and great hans dampf tires. Very modern geometry with a size small 440m reach, 76.5 STA, 65 HA, playful 425 chainstays, stack height of 594mm , and standover of 667mm. And like all Bikes Online bikes, free shipping to lower 48, 14 day no hassle returns, and lifetime warranty of polygon frames. We can't over state how pumped we are to see bikes like this at this price from the likes of Polygon and Marin. At 440mm reach it really is for teens over 5'4 mark.
Weight: 34 lbs | MSRP: $1899 | Min rider height: 5'1 | Where to buy: Bikes Online
Commencal Supreme DH XS
The YT shares the same frame as the adult aluminum small (old model) and can also be made into a 160/160. If you buy smart you can get really good components for this bike for cheaper than one of the more expensive ones like the commencal.
Moving my 10yr old boy (he’s tall for his age) from a 24″ YT to a 27.5″ XS size bike. What kind of suspension settings are people using for kids when it comes to actual Fox shocks/forks? Can find data on the Manitou Junit stuff for kids but not much out there for Fox Factory stuff for kids.
Settings for kids is basically finding a compromise between effective travel and the ability of the fork to return quickly (effectively no rebound dampening in most adult forks). Too little air and the rebound will slow down causing the fork to pack-up and feel really harsh. Adding more air will help this but limit the effective travel of fork or shock. This is why we go for as much travel as possible (but still a good size fit for standover/stack) in pre-teen bikes. Play around and film in slow-mo over a rough section to see what is going on, then make adjustments to air pressure and dampening accordingly.
Yo whats up so im beginning at trail/mountain biking and have been thinking about getting the siskiu t7 whats you take on that bike is it worth it? Im 5’1 do you think the small will be to big for me or should i keep searching for an xs frame?
If you are still growing, the small T7 is worth a look. Anything with a reach of 400-420mm would be a good fit.
Hi. I’m looking for a solid next level mountain bike for my almost 10 year old son (4’9”) a full suspension, dropper post etc to support his development as a rider. I’d love to hear what your top recommendation is these days for a bike in this category. Any advice is welcomed. Thank you!
It really depends on what terrain he rides the most and a little bit on his strength and skill level.
I’m torn between the clash xs and the Norco. Leaning towards the clash because of the mullet style and color. I would love your expert opinion on the better built bike. My son is 4’7” and growing. Thanks
We would go Clash over Norco but keep in mind they are both fairly heavy for a pre-teen to climb. We opted to build out a lighter bike with even more travel with our Evil build because pedaling a 33 lb bike is a lot for a 12 year old. Lift access bike your jam? The clash and Norco will be great.
Hi Bike Dads, according to your recommendation, I purchased a 2022 27.5 Reaper. Is the Recon gold fork on this sufficient or should I replace it and sell it as a take off before he ever rides it? Our local trails are pretty flat or rocky but we travel to Northwest Arkansas 3-4 times per year.
We would think for terrain described and Northwest Arkansas, the Recon Gold will be just fine. It uses Alloy stanchions so not too heavy and the motion control damper performs pretty good. If he is Charging hard, you may want to look to a RS pike or fox 36 if you can find a good sale.
Thank you for the reply. It was a pricey investment but there are few 22’s left we picked up for delivered sub 2200. With having a 6 year old I figure this bike will see great use for them both. Thanks for all you do. I did use your link and buy goldix 140,150 mm and a 28,30 tooth rings so we can have some options depending on destination.
Hi Bike Dads,
Great site and YouTubes! I think you guys are more on point to what I am looking for than the other kids’ bike review sites that I would visit when my guys were smaller. I think you had the question before, but … anyways … my 12-year old kid is 5′ (152 cm) and his arms are 5’2″ and inseam is about 28-29″ if I measured right. I am looking at the 27.5 Rocky Mountain Instinct or the Cannondale Habit. I’m thinking about the XS, but wondering, should I go with the S? He is on either end of the size ranges for both bikes, but don’t want to go XS if he’ll grow out of it before the spring. I’m also willing to hear about other comparables in 27.5 bikes if there are any. Thanks! Keep up the good work!
I meant to say his armspan is 5’2″. Thanks
At 12, he is likely going to quick so sizing up a good idea. Anything with a low seat tube and a reach in the 410-430 range should be good. 145-155 mm after market cranks would also be a good idea for any bike.
Hello dad’s, do you have any opinions on the Ghost Riot Youth Pro? Debating that against Canyon Neuron because it is a good price at the moment.
Thanks!
They are very similar bikes but the Neuron might hold the edge in suspension, particularly the Euro version with the Manitou Machete. We would swap out the cranks with both bikes to 150mm vs the 165 mm stock cranks. Both drivetrains are heavy/entry level and could be replaced eventually as well. The reach is also a fair amount longer with the ghost (419mm) vs 398 of the neuron XS. At 419 reach, you can also be looking at XS or Small 27.5 bikes if you want more options.
Thanks- I went with the Ghost becuase it is priced at Euro 1100 at the moment. It also has the GX drivetrain versus the SX on the neuron. My concern is that it is pretty heavy, so will wait and see.
FYI the new Neuron with the Manitou suspension also seems to have updated geometry – 66HA, 76SA, 390 Reach. Combined with the Deore 12S it seems like a pretty awesome ride. It would be worth updating the stats in your article, though FYI it is not even listed on the US website (lucky I’m in AU where it is available!)
What do you think of the Kona Process 134 DL 27.5” in a size XS for a 4’10” kid?
https://www.jensonusa.com/Kona-Process-134-DL-275-Bike
yep, great. throw on some 150/155mm cranks and call it a day.
Your page is so so useful! My son’s 4’6″ on a 24″ prevelo this year (it’s getting too small) and will be looking to move him up next year. I was hoping to jump to 27.5 and avoid 26″ to try to eek out more time without having to buy another bike somewhat soon. However, my kid mostly wants to climb, climb, climb (2000 ft plus) so weight is the main consideration. Was considering going hardtail. Are there good hardtail options that would fit a kid, light, and won’t break the bank in 27.5? Or would you still recommend a full suspension? The light full suspensions are just so expensive.
Look at an extra small or small adult 27.5 hardtail with a reach around 400mm and a decent standover. As for Full suspension vs Hardtail it really depends on descending terrain and if benefits of f/s start to outweigh the weight difference (differs depending on kiddos skill level and strength).
Is there a 27.5 out there for a sub 4’6″ rider. My son is definitely ready for a more serious ride. He’s outgrown/worn out the capability of his Vitus Hardtail 24″ (which I also found on this site and chose because of his stature) but not necessarily the frame size. I was hoping to skip to a 27.5 with more substantial components and better suspension but it looks like we’re only going to be able to move up to a 26″. I was stuck on a hardtail being his next bike but after our last bike park trip I’m thinking full sus might almost be a matter of safety/control at this point. Would love any advice for a solid bike for a very short but capable rider. 50lbs or so. V Space looks like it might work but I see the shipping note…Canyon Neuron? Thanks very much for this site.
You can go a low standover, shorter reach 27.5 and always throw on 26 inch wheels and shorter cranks. The Nueron would fit that bill nicely. Our 4’3 Nine year old is currently on a 2019 27.5 XS Bronson with 26 inch wheels and 127mm cranks, works great.
The Canyon Neuron ditched not only the Judy fork (now a Manitou Machete as mentioned above) but also SRAM SX is replaced with Shimano Deore.
So basically the two main complaints you had have been addressed – looks like a solid buy now – right?
Very Solid buy now!
I missed one thing – they now use 150mm cranks. Wonder if they take hints from thebikedads.com !? Must be!
XS santacruz 5010 or Bronson too
That’s what we are building right now…XS Bronson.
Hi, Are you building a full 27.5 bronson or mullet? harder and harder to find full 27.5 bikes these days!
It’s a 2019 XS Bronson that is getting 26 inch wheels and 145mm cranks…It might even start with 24 inch wheels and 130mm cranks LOL.
I am looking for a bike for my 11 year old son. He is 4’11 and I saw that the Yt primus 26 was now for sale for 1500$. Would you recommend a 27.5 or the primus?
At 4’11 I would go XS or S 27.5 with low stand over and reach number in the 400-415cm range and put on 152mm cranks to take advantage of the bigger wheels. But, at this price that YT is a steal (would also put on 152 cranks).
I would like to stay under $2000.
Go YT 26 and swap the cranks out then, can’t beat that price and he should get two years out out of it.
Hi Colin, looking at the Reaper 26 size chart, I feel it is really off. My son is 9 year old, 146 cm and has already outgrown the reaper 26. The reach is so short and seatpost + dropper is at maximum extension. With short seatube making it hard to install a longer one.
I would like to stay with RM, as I really like the brand and quality. I could have a 2022 Small instinct C50 in 27.5. If sizing is on the short side like the reaper 26, it might fit next summer…standover height is similar to Reaper 26 , but reach on the new instinct is very long at 430 compare to 377 on the Reaper. I know there is XS for instinct too, but i,m afraid it will not last 2 summer. On the other side I don’t want to stretch him too much either even if he is a solid rider for his age…What other critical geo spec I should look at before making a decision ?
Do you think there ia a big difference between the XS and Small for INstinct
Hi Martin, The Reaper 26 is probably the smallest 26 out there in terms of reach and standover, makes it great for getting small kids on a 26. 430 is a big reach for 146cm. My 11 year old rides at 410cm reach at 148 cm tall and its perfect. Just getting him on 27.5 wheels will make a huge difference. Unfortunately, kids grow in spurts but at 410-430 reach bike should last 2-3 years. They can learn to live wiht a shorter reach bike, us Dads did for years, LOL.
Hi, I was wondering if you’ve heard of anyone doing a 26/27.5 mullet on an adult xs trail bike? I got my tall 9yr old an xs Trek Fuel Ex 8, and while the frame fits him really well the standover is a bit high (lots of low speed crashes) and it seems like he has a bit of trouble leaning it over. Switching to a 26in rear wheel would drop the bottom bracket and slacken it out, I’m not too worried about the negatives, as he has shorter 155 cranks on there and the effective STA wouldn’t be too slack. Just not sure if the it’s worth the cost of building a whole new wheel (haven’t been able to find boost 26″ wheels anywhere). Thoughts on if this would be worth it?
You can use offset bushings to negate some of the geo changes. I’de try this first. https://www.offsetbushings.com/pages/how-they-work
Other option would be to go full 26 front/rear handbuilt wheelset. 155 cranks will probably deal wit the BB drop but you could always go down to 145/150 cranks. Might be hard selling just a rear wheel when are finished with it…
What is Bike Dad’s official opinion on the 27.5″ kids bikes in Germany/England? HUP is making a 27.5″ frame that supposedly a 3’11” kid can ride. . . It seems like for some kids bigger wheels would make a huge difference, especially for girls that don’t have the kind of upper body strength required to manual over roots/rocks, but can pedal uphill well.
It looks super cool. This is essentially what VPACE does with their Full Suspension bikes. Low BB, Very short cranks and low standover/stack. This allows you tho get smaller kids on bigger wheelsize which is really great for rollover, traction and speed. The price might get up there with various builds to the point I might look at a VPACE Moritz instead.
It looks like only the European build of the Canyon Neuron Young Hero comes with the Manitou suspension, sent a message to Canyon and they confirmed that North America still gets the Rock Shox Judy. Too bad as they are also currently in stock.
bummer, the machete such a superior shock for kids.
There’s too much focus on weight here. If the focus is downhill then the Clash is a clear winner. Besides, weight isn’t the only deciding factor of how well a bike climbs.
Kelan, at 5’1″ you have a lot of choices by considering any small adult bike out there.
Bike Park only and the commencal is great but the heavy rotational weight in that wheelset makes is a tough slog for a pre-teen compared to some other bikes available if climbing is on the menu. Now winners of losers here, its more about getting the right bike for where kiddo rides, their skill and strength level and parents budget.
Can a boy ride a Liv mtb?
We’re currently looking at a Liv hail for a 12 year old, and wondering if it could be fit for him.
We were thinking as a lighter weight rider it would work for him.
Thanks!
100% they can. In fact, may be even better as the suspension will have a ligher tune and you can sometimes get an xs sizing not available in a Giant branded bike.
HI guys, I’m looking for a rowdy 27.5 bike in the next year. Wondering what options you might like better than others.
-Clash is way too heavy
– Reaper has a junk fork etc
– Sight isn’t bad but not sure they are making them…63.5 HTA seems pretty aggro even for my kid that’s a freeride/slopestyle beast. Maybe its fine and an Angle-set could solve all of that. REALLY like the geometry (beyond the HTA).
Also thinking about a Transition Scout XS. Its a bit longer in the reach (410mm) and 430mm chainstays and spendy. Wondering if there is anything else in 27.5 around that 140-150mm travel range in an XS that similar to the Sight/Scout.
If its the reaper you are after just grab a an xs Rocky alloy 50 instinct, great bike, 406 mm reach, awesome fork (the reaper is basically a xxs Instinct at reach of 377 mm). Not much else in that 140-150 range adult small 27.5 except the Giant Trance small (406 mm reach, 67 HA). Other small fitting adult smalls Santa Cruz 5010 and Nomad, Salsa Rustler and some Yetis. New Sight Youth should be coming out this Fall but still crazy times and things change. Let us know what you end up finding/going with. Cheers.
Unfortunately, Bikes online will not ship Polygon (or or the complete bikes) to Canada.
Hi, I’m 12 years old and am starting to outgrow my RM Reaper 26- I’m a smidge below 5’1″. I’m a very aggressive rider, hitting double blacks and 8+ foot drops at the bike park. Out of these bikes above, which do you think would be the best option? Should I maybe go with a XS or small sized adult bike? What price range is reasonable to look into at my skill level?
Thanks!!
If you are in the bike park, I’de look at Reaper 27.5, Sight youth 27.5 or Commencal Clash youth 27.5. Some XS/S adult 27.5 bikes might be worth a look as well.