HOW TO TEACH YOUR KID TO RIDE A MOUNTAIN BIKE on REAL TRAILS / Mountain Biking Tutorial

[@Bike198]

Don't forget to check out our t-shirts in our merch store!! shop.bike198.com

[@sundaydiver]

My son grew up on bikes. Push-bike as soon as he could walk, and riding with me on my various bikes using a front seat as early as 1.5 years old. He wasn't even 3 years old the first time I took him on trails on my mountain bike. He loved it from the first minute. Now that he's almost 6, I'm facing a bit of a challenge, as he is totally proficient on his own bike but too big for the front seat, so I need to figure out how to take him on trails on his own bike that aren't too much for him, yet still allow us to get a ride in that's more than a mile or two on dirt. Recently, he rode 8 miles all by himself, although on asphalt. Still, I was very impressed. Not bad for a 5-year-old. I hope he keeps it up. His enthusiasm makes me happy.

[@morgan3963]

Realize you did this a few years ago but should add that using a tow rope to pull the kids up the bigger hills helps tremendously with the mood and the fun. Nothing makes them hate the riding more than having to do big climbs. Towing helps you get into better trails as they progress too. Plenty of time to learn how to climb when they are older and stronger, the downhills and flats help teach them bike handling and keeps it fun. eBikes for the parents make the towing even better

[@Bike198]

I actually bought one of those shortly after making this video. They work great. He is now 5'1 and 12 years old so we don't need it anymore but it was a great tool to get him out riding longer trails.

[@morgan3963]

@@Bike198 Can you still keep up with him? LOL

[@user-ps4zi1ns8i]

​@@morgan3963 my son's 14 and he can keep up but if I put the power to the pedals I'm gone. He can take me out on my bad days but that's where the motivation comes from. Just riding with your best friend/son!

[@morgan3963]

@@user-ps4zi1ns8i My son is 9 and he is starting to smoke me on the downhills, even the gnarly terrain, and he can certainly jump better than me. In my defense I am in my 50's LOL Been awesome, but thought I might have a couple more years before he could beat me

[@piotrgliwinski4392]

Riding with my 3,5 yr daughter is sooo satisfying. Watching how fast she learns, how each time her confidence grows and how she is tries new things is amazing. 12 km ride in forest and dirt roads on 16" singlespeed is now easy for her. I encourage her just like you and even if she is tired she is so proud of herself after every difficult section. And yes, watching mtb movies is great, she saw a 6 yr girl in bike park and now I hear "Look daddy, I'm as fast as this girl!" :)

[@Bike198]

There is just something special about riding with your kids and watching them progress and love the sport. I really feel like the amount of kids riding bikes is decreasing over time.

[@sundaydiver]

3.5 years old and she does 12km rides? 😲 That's amazing.

[@raymondcatania1248]

You are spot on about the balance bikes, we built some small enough that they could use them as soon as they could walk, they worked as a walker before they could balance on them. But we never had to teach them to ride, took a day to teach them to pedal, but they were off on their own in no time.

[@Bike198]

They really are the best. Glad to hear it worked out for you as well! Such a cool moment...

[@tedmanasa907]

Great video. You’re absolutely right that managing your kids’ psychology and mood while riding is the key to them sticking with it and growing their love for it!

[@stellazhou-b2k]

I started biking when I was 9 years old, I might get my first mountain bike soon!

[@jeffsellenrick6635]

This is really great advice. I will add for anyone reading this, that when you buy a balance bike be sure it has a hand brake. Most models don't come with one, and most people don't think their 2 year old will be going fast enough to use one. But there will come a day when they can truly push that thing to it's limit and will need a brake.

[@MrStracker]

Great stuff man - our 4 1/2 yr old is just getting into his 'big boy' bike after absolutely shredding on his Strider since age 2. Can't wait to see how he wants to take this in the next couplea years!

[@redred1161]

I’m in my teens and right near my house, there’s like a forest of pine trees. My friends and I built a trail there and no one really know where it is, anyways. The reason why we built it is because our small town doesn’t have a local bike trail which is sad. Have a great day

[@justinvick8827]

Amazing dude! I am going through the same process with my daughter. Patience, strength and encouragement. These are my proudest and happiest times.

[@CraigCrider]

Heck yeah! We did the same thing with our daughter. Started off on the same blue Strider at 18 months, she riding her pedal bike on the trails at 5ys. She's now almost nine and she has the same bike as your son. She's riding about the same level of tech stuff and killing it. Already shared this on FB.

[@CraigCrider]

and here she is, nailing her first skinny www.reddit.com/r/MTB/comments/h8uq6d/my_daughters_persistence_and_joy/

[@Bike198]

That is awesome!!! Thanks for sharing it. She is killing it.

[@RockstarHarley]

So many helpful tips in this… and reminders of how little ones think!! Can’t wait to put ALL off these tips into practise!!!!! THANK YOU

[@luisguerrero3364]

Man! Thanks a lot for your video! I just discovered it. I have a 7yo and I have almost done everything word for word as you explained it!

[@luisguerrero3364]

My kid started with the balance bike, we transitioned (not so smoothly, though) to a 20 incher, I got him "pre-owned" 20 inch MTB and we started going around the neighborhood. I took him to a trail that is rated "easy", but here's the catch: I don't ride. I bought a generic bike from a retail store. I do want him to start enjoying this sport with me, but I feel I have much to learn also... your tips have boosted my confidence as I have done basically the same thing with my kid, although I'm not as technically savvy as you. I really appreciate this video... I hope he really likes the sport and continues to practice it. Thanks!

[@camerasquad6976]

Awesome video!! Im looking to get my son his first mtb so he can join me in the trails and we can bond! This video gave me some good heads up on what to expect and it all makes sense. My favorite part of the video was definitely when he put his hands back while going down the hill, that was awesome just like an 80's and 90's kid! Now Im going to have to do that!!

[@EBG-mm4ec]

water and food yup! 100% agree!

[@Bike198]

The ride can go bad quickly with a hungry child!

[@ahmadzuhaili9080]

Wow thanks for this. Really helpful for me. Always wanting to bring my 4 yr old for a good ride on a local trail. Now i know how to prepare him for the ride.

[@Bike198]

Sure thing! Let me know how the ride goes!

[@vinaypatel3584]

Love this video, can you please do a video on Beginner Mountain Biking for Kids / Adults on how to control speed and braking

[@peterweidenbacher3334]

Great video. I’m going through this stage with my 9yr old and I know exactly what it’s like.

[@vicmichener673]

Great advice! My son is now 31, but this takes me back... particularly the line, "There is going to be a day when he's going to drop you, anyway..." It didn't take long!

[@Bike198]

You were smiling when it happened too weren't you?! I am looking forward to that day. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@XXNerdzillaXX]

Okay, watching that little one on the push bike is cute as hell. I wish i would have thought of that when my kids were that age, but training wheels did the trick.

[@Bike198]

The push bikes are awesome.

[@Thefemefatal]

Thankyou for sharing this I totally hear you! Yesterday I took my six year on his first trail super low key. I am new to trail riding too. I had no intentions of coaching or “you shoulda coulda wouldas”. We climbed hills together that were too steep. And crashed and got back on our bikes and laughed while saying “let’s do that again!” No disappointment. And he wants to go again!

[@Bike198]

That is awesome!!! It is awesome to be able to share riding with our kids.

[@TheSaxophony]

Great video, was considering but now inspired to get my kids some MTB's. Regards from Cape Town, South Africa.

[@andrenadeausimard9958]

Man, good advices! I am trying to get my 4 kids into this, and yeah, moods are something to deal with. You nailed alot of good points on food and water, films. It helped me alot. I will gladly try a few of your tricks today!

[@EarlyDawnTravels]

You are an awesome dad!!! This is a great video! 🤙🏼

[@andriimartynov83]

Yeah I agree about the push bike. It’s the must. It literally took 10 minutes for my son to learn how to ride a pedal bike.

[@Bike198]

One of the best things to ever come to kid biking for sure.

[@vinceyong2324]

Excellent job on the video. This should be the 101 video on how to get your kid into riding. 👍

[@jiffypop1989]

Got my daughter a strider when she was two and a half. Shes mastered it at 4. she has a pedal bike now but isn’t quite comfortable on it yet

[@tjwhipple7919]

Great video. And I appreciate how you end the video with a crash. That is the hardest part for me as a parent!

[@Bike198]

Thanks TJ! It is hard to watch them wreck but at least they bounce back up a lot better than we do.

[@bret1tmcleod]

I’m fine! Our boy does the same thing!

[@neocrashburn]

Thanks for this specific video, very informative and will try these tips this summer with my kid.

[@Bike198]

Thanks for watching! Let me know how it goes!

[@djlarroc]

Great video! Just watched this with my 9 year old daughter after a pump track session.

[@Bike198]

Nice! How did she do?

[@TheVuk1976]

Great video and cool advice. I kinda followed almost all of your tips, simply by gut feeling. Simply learning by doing with a mistake every now and then. But managed to get my daughter hooked up to biking from the young age on. She is 7 now and rockin her Specialized Riprock 20". We even visited a MTB school for kids this year to get more advice on riding technique. All the best for you and your kiddo and enoy the rides together. For me it is the best feeling.

[@Bike198]

That is awesome. That Riprock was a great bike. Was there anything in the MTB school that they taught that I missed in the video or was it more of a skills clinic?

[@TheVuk1976]

@@Bike198 jp, the Riprock is cool.We are on Specialized from Hotwalk on. Currently searching for a 24". It will be either an Orbea Laufey or Riprock 24". It was more a skills clinic. Like hot do you tackle a corner, how do you look ahead, stand on your bike and how do you ride a pumptrack. Would attach a foto but can not do it here.

[@fentuz]

I ride a mini velo 20” with gravel tyres and same gearing and my child bike. I put better tyres on the child bike. In doing so, the bike I built is more limited and it levels thing up. I also ride with shot gun ropes to help on steep hills

[@deweirdta]

Awesome video! My 6yo daughter went on her first mtb ride last weekend through. Muddy, and 4°C and she loved it!

[@Bike198]

Thanks! Awesome that she loved it Anthony! Kids riding bikes is a great thing.

[@aamert]

Appreciate the tips!

[@anthonysantanas]

Need more videos like this...kids progression skills practice would be good .need some more ideas on teaching my daughter braking

[@Bike198]

Thanks Anthony! What is she doing with braking right now?

[@dennisrod5808]

Great video. I’m taking my son out to the trails for the first time today. I will try to use all the tips in this video so he can enjoy his ride and hopefully love the sport as much as I do. Thank you!

[@Bike198]

Good luck Dennis! Have a great time and let me know it goes!

[@dennisrod5808]

@@Bike198 thanks!

[@coronadohoover]

Great video how am I like 600 you deserve one million

[@Bike198]

Thanks! I need to get some more videos out there. More will be published soon.

[@hotelroyal334]

Great video and great Dad 👍

[@josemiguelllinasgil5888]

great job! I´ll go for a ride this afternoon with the kids and finding your channel was very helpfull, thanks a lot!!

[@Bike198]

Jose, awesome! Let me know how it goes when you get back!

[@MorksDepot]

thanks for sharing. these tips are priceless !

[@Healthnwellness1]

Great video, thanks for inspiring. Just upgraded my sons bike to a 24" giant xtc. We did the same on his bike sizes and he has dominated each very well, progressing naturally. I Was wondering if you have ideas on what pedals to upgrade to, or anything else apart from the hydration and helmet mentioned in the video that would make him more comfortable. Thanks!

[@jaimegonzalez799]

Great tips! Really appreciated your advice.

[@fedarin]

Nice video bro!

[@maxtherobloxian5573]

I reccomend GARUDA Super sport mountain bike!

[@tupacsaavedra8119]

Excellent viodeo! much appreciated.

[@gregmcdole7727]

Just a great video! Thx!

[@MTNMAX88]

Awesome advice. Thank you

[@durellescott5860]

Thanks for putting this out there!

[@thedecimalspace2977]

Thank you.

[@dbtrackz33]

👏 well done

[@azteccrimson4107]

The video I was finding for me to learn! I can't even reach a mountain bike so yeah

[@jayc9772]

Thank you..

[@lenmajuskin]

Great device

[@DominicVictoria]

Man, Why did we have to learn the hard way. I didn’t have training wheels. All I had was a lot “groin-to-top-tube smacking action” because the bike was too big for me. 😢

[@Bike198]

That’s how I did it as well. Kids have it great these days! I am against training wheels though. I think they hold back the learning process.

[@everywherelocal]

yeah! 👌

[@JamesRobertMTB]

Best lesson ever

[@Bike198]

Thanks James!

[@mtmarios9016]

Pov:my parents don't do anything like this I just learning things with my friends and have fun in trails jumps and that things and now I am a enduro biker but I want to learn my kids like you

[@magnet86]

Greate video!! My kid is almost 7, he is rideing wheels 16” now, we are switching for something bigger. To be honest i have some problems with decision, we were in 3 stores, all of salesman said that he is on the begining of 24”, he rides those size on parkinglots and kid feels fine, salesmans recomends 24, but it looks little big on the outside. What was your kids bike size when be was 6-8 yo ?

[@Bike198]

He was on 24's. Around that 8-9 range we went up to 26's. It really depends on how they fit the bike. I am of the mindset of buy more often to have it fit correctly.

[@rich75233]

There are days when i have to tell my 8yo it's not a race haha

[@Bike198]

100% or nothing! That's how they like to roll!

[@rich75233]

@@Bike198 right? Tonight is his last race in a series of 10 races. Leading by 8 points. As long as he podiums he'll win the series.

[@Bike198]

@@rich75233 That is awesome!!! Good luck to him!

[@jonppe8929]

I am 12 I have a hardtail ghost kato 27.5 and I love biking with my friend we are trying To get goon on mtb but heres no trails or anything we just jump broken asphalt and stuff you got any tips?

[@aaronlanger7158]

Just build some ramps out of wood. It's not that difficult and brings much fun

[@JR-xi7mz]

Great video!!

[@Bike198]

Thanks JR!

[@varunbihani8506]

Which bike does your son have? That was a very helpful video.

[@Bike198]

That one was the Specialized Rip Rock. He is now on a Rocky Mountain Reaper.

[@jamesrobertson6959]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@mickeymouse9654]

😃 👍 💪 ❤️

[@hawkeire2414]

Daddy cheating on the Ebike at 5:04 😆

[@Bike198]

I’m recovering from a very serious injury that prevents me from riding a regular bike at this time.

[@cathygould7541]

👍

[@andthefunkybunch1466]

Anybody ever tell you that you look like Jim Halpert?

[@Bike198]

Yeah I have heard that before. It's funny...I never hear that I look like Jack Ryan!

[@jeremybordelon8402]

Please save the raw footage for when he's older and starts talking mad game to his dad's friends. Thanks in advance... 😆

[@Bike198]

That is a great idea for another video too!

[@Dontslaythybroski]

How old was he at 5:00 ?

[@cuddlesadventures232]

Why is it so hard to shift gears

[@Bike198]

It shouldn't be really hard to shift unless you are trying to shift under load a lot. Normally it is getting caught in the wrong gear that makes it difficult.

[@katienolan7127]

What size is his bike xx

[@Bike198]

Katie...this is the one. www.specialized.com/us/en/riprock-20/p/186973?color=299071-186973&searchText=B6516-7009

[@katienolan7127]

Ok thanks so much lv your vids xx

[@Bike198]

Thanks Katie!

[@hilarymercer2676]

Clikbait

[@jdgreenleaf2168]

Bro no one cares you talking so people to spend $300 for a helmet