Best Bike For 9 Year Old Review: Falcon Jetstream Mountain Bike

Best Bike For 9 Year Old Review

Product Name: Falcon Jetstream Mountain Bike

Product Description: For a nine year old, you have to spend a bit more money on a good quality bike that is bigger, sturdier and ready to tackle all kinds of terrain. But you don’t need to clear your bank account to get something good like this 20” Falcon Jetstream Boys' Mountain bike. Though it’s a junior bike, it’s just as hardy and full-featured as an adult bike. It comes complete with a 6-speed shifter, powerful V brakes, a rigid steel frame and wide MTB tires. The size is perfect for most 9-year olds but it can also fit some 7 and 8 year olds. Check that your child’s inside leg measurement is between 51cm and 64cm.

4.6

Design
Performance
Safety

Summary

When buying a 9-year old a bike, you want to be sure it can take their rough and tumble riding. The Falcon Jetstream is pretty affordable and yet provides the reliability and durability of a full MTB. It’s one of the best bikes for a 9 year old.

Pros

Hardy MTB bike for all kinds of terrain.
Adjustable saddle and stem.
Cool non-fade styling.
Easy to use Shimano gears and V-brakes.

Cons

Requires some assembly.

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What Are You Buying?

1. 20” MTB Bike

A 20” bike is just about perfect for 9 year olds. It’s a step up from their small beginner MTB but not too big to make riding uncomfortable and unsafe.

Some 7 and 8 year olds will also find it to be a perfect fit.

To know for sure whether your child can comfortably ride this bike, check that their inseam is between 51cm and 64cm.

2. 6-Speed Shimano Gear Shifters

If your kid has been begging for a bike with gears, this is the perfect one to start them off.

It comes with 6-speed Shimano revoshift light action gear shifters. They are super easy for kids to operate. They can shift gears on the fly without any problem.

3. Steel Frame and MTB Tires

This is a real MTB that your child can ride outdoors on any terrain and in all weather conditions.

To make sure it can withstand everything from rough trails to gravel it’s fitted with a rigid steel frame and wide MTB tires.

The frame is coated in hardened powder paint that doesn’t chip or fade, ensuring the bikes retains its bright orange and black finish through years of riding.

4. Rear and Front V-brakes

V-brakes are a much better alternative to center-pull cantilevers that are often found on older bikes.

They provide better braking performance, easier maintenance and longer durability. They also work remarkably well in all kinds of weather conditions.

5. Adjustable Parts

To make sure your child is comfortable riding the bike there are four adjustments you can make.

Adjust the reach of the brake levers to make it easier for smaller hands to operate.
Adjust the height of the stem, which moves the handlebars higher or lower.
Adjust the saddle up or down along the 200mm seat post.
Adjust the saddle forwards or backwards along the horizontal rail.

How Easy Is It To Use?

If your kid is moving from a smaller bike or this is their first bike, they’ll need some time to adjust to its height and weight.

Because the frame is solid steel, the bike has a bit of heft to it. It weighs 12kg.

But that’s still light enough for a 9 year old to ride safely.

The gear shifters are easy to use and the V-brakes are much more intuitive than coaster brakes that are common in kids’ bikes.

If your kid seems to be having some difficult pedaling or reaching the handlebars, remember you can adjust the height of the saddle and handlebars as well as the distance between them.

Note that this bike does not come with training wheels. If your child doesn’t yet know how to ride a bike, I recommend you buy a cheap balance bike first (look for one that is designed for older kids – most are sized for 2-5 year olds).

Also note that you’ll need to do some assembly when the bike arrives. But you only need to attach a few parts. It takes less than 20 minutes to have it ready.

What Accessories Are Included?

Other than the parts you need to assemble the bike, there are no accessories included.

Pros

Hardy MTB bike for all kinds of terrain.
Adjustable saddle and stem.
Cool non-fade styling.
Easy to use Shimano gears and V-brakes.

Cons

Requires some assembly.

Anything Else You Should Know?

One other feature I should mention is the double-sided chain guard.

It prevents the oily chain from dirtying your child’s fingers and clothes. Most importantly, it prevents the chain from coming off especially when shifting.

Conclusion

When buying a 9-year old a bike, you want to be sure it can take their rough and tumble riding. Buy one that’s too cheap and it will cost you more to maintain or even replace within a few months.

But you don’t have to spend a lot of money either. The Falcon Jetstream is pretty affordable and yet provides the reliability and durability of a full MTB.

It’s one of the best bikes for a 9 year old.