We started with a used 20 inch co-op with disk brakes. We Got it used for $250. We decided to upgrade the kids mountain bike to improve its performance.
From Grip Shifter to Click Shifter
Our first upgrade was changing the grip shifter to a click shifter. The grip shifter was difficult for her to use, making shifting gears a challenging task. With the click shifter, she found it much easier to change gears, which allowed her to enjoy her rides at the pump tracks and small hills more comfortably. This simple upgrade to the kids MTB made a significant difference. It's important to note that when upgrading to a click shifter, you will also need new handlebar grips, which cost $7. The cost for the click shifter was $12.99.
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Upgrading the Drivetrain
As her skills improved, she began to seek more challenging terrains. The original gearing system, a 14-28T 6-speed, started to limit her ability to climb bigger hills. To address this, we upgraded the kids MTB drivetrain to a 13-34T 8-speed freewheel. This upgrade provided a wider range of gears, making it easier for her to tackle slightly steeper inclines.
However, it was still not enough. We added 6 more teeth to the rear freewheel, but compared to my bike's 30T chainring and 52T granny gear, it was as if she was riding in 4th gear up everything. The cost for the drivetrain upgrades was about $86.76.
Further Enhancements to the Drivetrain
To further improve climbing, we replaced the front chainring with a 25-tooth one, equivalent to adding 10-15 teeth in the rear, effectively making it 44-49T. This significantly improved her climbing ability, offering a better gear ratio for tough uphill sections. We kept the 127 mm crankarm length, enhancing her performance on steeper terrains. Other than the click shifter, this was the best upgrade to the bike so far.
If I could only do two upgrades, it would be the click shifter and changing the front chainring. However, I could only find one supplier for the 25T crankset in the US, and it's hit or miss if they are in stock cost $57.99. I found another supplier out of the country called AliExpress. I was wary about ordering from them, but everything I have ordered so far has either arrived or been made right. The shipping time, however, is very slow.
Special Tools for Upgrading a Kids MTB
Cost was $26.83
Crank puller, Freewheel remover and Chain breaker
Tackling Bigger Hills
With the new upgrades, she is now able to ride up more significant hills. Recently, she successfully conquered a 1.5-mile climb with a 327-foot elevation gain, taking a few breaks along the way. This achievement is a testament to how the right upgrades can empower young riders to push their limits and enjoy the sport even more.
Conclusion
Upgrading a kids' mountain bike can significantly enhance their riding experience. We invested about $480, including the bike and tax, to make these improvements. By switching to a click shifter and upgrading the drivetrain, we have empowered her to tackle more challenging terrains and enjoy her biking adventures with greater ease and confidence.