Gearing Up for Growth: A Parent’s Guide to Kids’ Mountain Bikes in Steamboat
Spring in the Yampa Valley is a time of renewal. The snow melts from Emerald’s ridgelines, wildflowers pop along the creek beds, and the trails begin calling us back. But for parents, it’s also a season of realization: our kids have grown during the cold winter months—sometimes more than we realize… or want to admit.
That old bike that was “just right” last fall might suddenly look more like a toy than a tool for exploring singletrack. As Steamboat’s trailheads begin to buzz with activity and programs like the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club roll into summer training, the question comes up again and again: Is my kid’s bike still the right fit?
In a town like Steamboat Springs—where even grade schoolers are shredding Emerald and tackling Buffalo Pass—the question isn’t if your kid will ride trails, it’s how well equipped they are when they do. We spoke with Ben Brodsky of Ski Haus, one of Steamboat’s most trusted bike shops, to get expert advice on what to look for when upgrading your child’s mountain bike—whether they’re just starting out or ready to bomb down Emerald’s new expert-level directional downhill trail, Ben’s insights are steeped in both mechanical know-how and local wisdom, helping families find bikes that fit their kids, their goals, and our unique riding environment.
Sizing and Safety First
One of the most common mistakes Ben sees is parents buying a bike that’s too big, hoping their child can “grow into it.” While understandable, this can lead to poor handling and even safety issues.
“It’s hard to figure out sizing for kids,” Ben says. “We all want these bikes to last, but at the same time we need to make sure they’re appropriately sized and safe to ride right now.”
Every parent wants their investment to go the distance. But when it comes to kids’ bikes, sizing up too far can compromise both safety and stoke. Fortunately, Steamboat has a solid used bike culture, making it easier to find high-quality bikes being passed down as kids outgrow them. Ski Haus also has a robust trade-in program, which helps ease the cost of regular upgrades.
Buying for a Program? Do Your Homework
Another common mistake parents make is not matching the bike to what their child actually needs—especially when enrolling in local programs like the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club’s youth mountain bike camps.
“One of the biggest issues we see is parents buying bikes without suspension forks when their kids are enrolled in programs that require them,” Ben says.
Beyond the program checklists, it’s important to recognize that Steamboat’s terrain demands more than just a casual cruiser. Local kids aren’t just riding the Core Trail—they’re hitting the pump track, lapping Emerald, and tackling technical singletrack like Spring Roll. That means they need real mountain bikes with capable tires, proper gearing, good suspension and reliable brakes. “We recently had a ‘mountain bike’ come in with slick tires, and it just wasn’t what a local kid needs” Ben adds.
Before You Hit the Trail…
Before your kid hops on their bike this spring, give it a full once-over. Start by airing up the tires and lubricating the chain. Check that it shifts smoothly and brakes reliably. Then, assess the fit—has your child’s seat height or reach changed since last season? A growth spurt might call for raising the seat post, adjusting the saddle, or even moving up a size.
Once the fit and function are dialed, consider your plans for the riding season. If your family plans to log a lot of trail time, it might be time to invest in a new bike that better suits your child’s size and ability. But as Ben points out, sometimes a few simple upgrades—like a new derailleur or a proper tune-up—can make last year’s bike feel brand new.
The Case for Simplicity
Ben isn’t one to upsell unnecessary gear. “Most kids’ bikes are pretty simple,” he says. “You don’t always need new parts—sometimes it’s just a matter of basic maintenance.” Even something as small as fresh brake pads or new cables can completely transform a bike’s performance. “You might spend $5 to $15 on housing and cables, and suddenly that V-brake works like it’s brand new.”
The key is making sure the bike matches what your kid wants to do. Trail-ready bikes simply brake better, shift better, and handle better. “We’ve all put so much time and effort into our kids already—it’s worth making sure their bikes are safe and reliable for the trails they’re riding.”
Planning for Growth (and Hand-Me-Downs)
Thinking long-term? Routine maintenance is the best way to keep a kids’ bike in top shape—especially if it’ll eventually be handed down to a sibling. “Get the bike checked out at least once a year,” Ben advises. “One common issue is bent derailleur hangers, which happen when bikes get dropped on their drive side. It’s an easy fix, but if you ignore it, it can cause bigger problems.” Even when stopping for a quick snack break, a good rule to remember—and to teach your kids—is to always lay the bike down with the expensive side up. That refers to the drive side with all the more costly components, and keeping it off the ground helps avoid unnecessary damage.
Bikes for Every Stage of Growth
While it might be tempting to surprise your child with a new bike, Ben recommends involving them in the process. “Different bikes fit differently. A Trek might fit better than a Specialized, or vice versa. The best way to know is to have your kid sit on a few and take a quick spin.”
For parents with younger kids, balance bikes are a fantastic way to introduce coordination and confidence. When it’s time to transition to pedal bikes, Ben is especially excited about the new Specialized P-Series—trail-ready machines with front suspension, hydraulic brakes, and solid drivetrains. “They’re not cheap—about $1,000 for a 20-inch and $1,500 for a 24-inch—but they really let kids keep up with their parents,” he says. These bikes offer a smoother, more enjoyable ride. Cheaper bikes may be heavier and less reliable, which can make climbing difficult and turn trail riding into a frustrating experience for young kids.
For something that lasts through growth spurts, Ben recommends the Rocky Mountain Reaper. With dialed geometry, solid components, and gearing suited for local terrain, it’s designed to grow with your child. “The Reaper starts as a 24”, but you can put 26” wheels on it later—so it really grows with your kid.”
For tweens transitioning out of “youth” bikes, Ski Haus also stocks extra-small adult bikes like the Rocky Mountain Element, which still come with smaller 27.5-inch wheels—ideal for smaller riders as most adult bikes shift toward the 29” standard.
Final Word: Ride Local, Ride Right
In Steamboat, kids don’t just ride bikes—they ride mountain bikes. The trails are out the back door, and the community embraces young riders who want to push themselves and progress.
So if your kid is ready to try Panorama for the first time, chase you down NPR, or be your teammate in the Emerald Mountain Epic, make sure their bike is ready too. And when in doubt, head to your local shop. Experts like Ben Brodsky are here to help you get it right—for this summer, and many more to come.