I would like to have seen disc brakes supplied with this model, but the front and rear linear brakes are a proven technology that provides plenty of stopping power, so this is a fairly minor gripe. Another one designed for the little ladies in your life, the Mongoose Maxim is a slightly more robust version of the Exlipse model. While both models feature similar-looking specs in terms of gears, brakes, etc, the more “mountain bike” construction of the Maxim, gives it more functionality over the terrain it can handle. This is reflected by its higher price point, yet it still isn’t a bike that is going to break the bank.
Forth Bikes (formerly Park Cycles) kids bikes are rad little machines. With kid-friendly geometry and solid components for a great price, Forth Bikes provide the perfect mongoose kids bikes balance between performance and affordability. Hand brakes are more effective at stopping a bike, though they do require a little more maintenance than coaster brakes.
The weight of the bike is nearly 34 pounds (15.04 kg) and it shows. I am excited to take my son fat biking this coming winter and provide a complete review. Kid sized fat bike frames are rare so taking him out this winter will be a unique experience. With that said, it was fun seeing my son experience something truly different on the dirt. The rear end of the bike also has quick release dropouts with 190mm hub width. The torsion and stiffness from fat wheels and hubs paired with quick release skewers might allow for some flex, but when riding mellow trails, the setup seemed to do just fine.
What We Look for in a Budget-Friendly BikeWhile these bikes are not as well-designed or as light as the bikes that take our top recommendations, they all perform impressively for their price tag. They also feature good basic geometry with properly placed handlebars (not too high, not too low), a reasonable weight (under 21 lb.), and a durable build. The rigid frame works well for snow and sand riding but loses ability in comparison to a suspended mountain bike. In the end, bikes are fun and if you are a fat biking family then I would highly recommend picking up an Argus to get your budding pre-teen out there with you having snowy adventures. The Argus just so happens to be capable enough for trail riding too.
Due to limitations set on local bike shops by larger manufacturers such as Specialized and Trek, these new breed child-specific brands are rarely, if ever, available in local bike shops. Besides NO coaster brake, we also love the Forth Bikes’ all-terrain tires which make it an ideal fit for aggressive little riders who will be adventuring off the beaten path. While the overall design is still a lower-quality budget build, the price tag is much more affordable for many parents. The SmartStart Series does come with a handbrake, but it’s poorly made and riders will have to rely on the coaster brake to stop.
Within the 16 inch wheel size, there is a very large range of seat heights. The smallest 16 inch bike we recommend has an 18″ minimum seat height, while another has a minimum seat height of 21.5″! mongoose fat tire bike You also always have the option of adding cute bike accessories to any bike to make it more feminine. For our favorite girls bike accessories, check out our list of best kids bike accessories.