Posted by Paul Hoyle on 12th Nov 2021
Best children's mountain bike range for the 2021/2022 season
If you want to buy a mountain bike for your child that truly excels in off road conditions and inspires confidence, you need a mountain bike capable of these demands. This ultimately requires a bike with the features and build quality expected from an adult bike.
Here at MTB Monster we feel Orbea have nailed the kids market this season. Producing a mountain bike that can be taken anywhere, from a local pump track to a trail centre. The Laufey Jr accomplishes this through a combining a super lightweight frame with high end components that are tailored specifically to the intended rider.
Super lightweight components
The Orbea Laufey Jr is constructed from super lightweight aluminium, proving a robust and lightweight foundation for the bike. Not only does the frame account for the bikes light weight, Orbea uses aluminium for the cranks and chain ring, in which have been specifically designed for the Orbea Laufey Jr range.
Keeping the weight as low as possible in a bike is paramount for uphill pedalling efficiency, in which can be a discouraging factor especially for younger riders. Furthermore the low weight is especially helpful in the descents allowing the bike to be manoeuvred more easily, preventing it from becoming too cumbersome in sharp turns.
Proportionality
The Laufey Jr has been designed specifically with kids in mind, not comprising on any areas of the bike. The size of the frames and the components on the bike have all been chosen and constructed with the intended user in mind.
A good example is the brakes which are designed with a short reach, in which many brands might simply use the brakes from an adult bike. Orbea also tailor the crank lengths and handlebar width specifically to each model, boosting confidence when your child is navigating tricky terrain.
Performance components
The Laufey Jr truly departs from the traditional heavy steel low spec children's mountain, featuring components found on adult hard-tails, that look and function just like their adult counterparts.
Features such as an air suspension fork, drastically improve how bike both performs and handles through rough terrain. Some models are also fitted with dropper posts, moving the seat post out of the way greatly improving both ability on the descents & ease on the ascents, all models are also fitted with mud fenders reducing the amount of mud flicked up from the front wheel.
Orbea are perfectly up to date with changes in the mountain bike industry, all models are fitted with a single chain ring on the front, with a chain guide assuring the chain does not slip off the chain ring. Furthermore every model is has hydraulic disc brakes and grippy tyres providing excellent control on the trail; on some models these tyres are setup tubeless minimising the risk of a puncture.
Sizing
Specification
The video
