Here is everything you need to outfit your kids so they’re ready to make the most of family rides, whether you’re cruising the neighborhood or finding local trails to shred.
Giro Tremor MIPS Bike Helmet – Kids’
No piece of cycling gear is more important than a helmet. This one from Giro comes equipped with MIPS—a sliding layer inside the helmet that helps protect against rotational force and brain injury during impact. A bevy of vents (18) helps fight off overheating, and Giro’s Roc Loc Sport system is easy to adjust with one hand. It’s even ponytail-compatible. $70
Nutcase Little Nutty MIPS Helmet – Toddlers’
Smaller kids need just as much head protection as bigger kids and adults, and this pint-size lid from Nutcase, available in toddler and youth sizes, offers MIPS protection. It also has a one-hand twist adjustment, so you can dial in the fit. The skate style and graphics look good on the ’Gram too. $70
Electra Domed Ringer Bike Bell
With people flocking to the greenways and streets, a bike bell has become the essential tool for riders hoping to maintain a responsible distance and pass slower riders politely. Electra’s bell clamps to your kid’s handlebars with the twist of a screw. You can choose from a handful of different graphics, but it’s hard to beat a cat wearing sunglasses. $13-15
CamelBak Mini M.U.L.E. 1.5L Hydration Pack – Kids’
CamelBak applies the same design principles of its most popular pack, the M.U.L.E., to this kid’s version. It comes with a 1.5-liter bladder so your ripper never goes thirsty. There’s enough space for a clothing layer, snacks and even tools, so your kid can get a kick out of carrying their own gear. Reflective striping and an emergency whistle add smart safety features. $55
Fun idea: Let your kids fill their own packs with things they think they’ll need on the ride and try not to veto their choices. You never know what you’ll find, but those “silly” items could bring new purpose to the adventure, like taking photos of their favorite stuffed animal at various spots throughout the neighborhood.
Columbia Tech Trek T-Shirt (Girls’) & Columbia Grizzly Ridge Graphic T-Shirt (Boys’)
Your kid doesn’t need a bike-specific jersey, but a shirt that wicks sweat and provides sun protection is smart. Enter simple T-shirts from Columbia that can handle long, hot rides without soaking up sweat like a towel. The moisture-wicking fabric has a bit of stretch as well as the maximum UPF 50+ sun protection. Sizes XXS-XL (girls’, $30) and (boys’, $15).
Fun idea: Play Bike Ride Bingo where the family is tasked with finding several items on a group list. It could be anything: a vintage Volkswagen Beetle, a fire truck, a jogger with a dog. Collect the items together or turn it into a competition by sending members of the family off in groups to separate parts of the neighborhood. If you’re in need of some inspiration, download our Bug Bingo card.
Five Ten Freerider Mountain Bike Shoes
The Five Ten Freerider set the industry standard for grown-up mountain bike shoes, and this kid’s version has the same qualities as the adult kicks, most notably the Stealth Rubber bottom, which sticks to flat pedals without locking the foot. The pedal grip is key, especially when your kid starts hopping curbs and looking for roots to jump. Three hook-and-loop straps keep the shoes tight, so there’s no need to worry about loose laces getting caught in the cranks. $70; sizes 13-3
Jelly Belly Sport Beans
Bringing snacks on a ride is essential, and these tiny beans are simple to dole out throughout the excursion to keep kids motivated. Jelly Belly Sport Beans have electrolytes and vitamin C, plus sugar to help keep the pedals pumping. (Be wary of the flavors that include caffeine.) $1.50 for a 1-oz. pack
Fun idea: Make your own trail mix at home. Find three recipes we love here (and read about the origins of GORP).
Bontrager Kids Cycling Gloves
A little bit of padding goes a long way. Bontrager’s gloves have a grippy texture on the palm, stretchy uppers and a thin layer of foam padding to help ease hand fatigue on long rides. Adding gloves for some protection on your kid’s hands doesn’t hurt on falls, either. $15
Fox Youth Ranger Bike Shorts with Liner – Kids’
Kids aren’t great at hovering over their bike seat when cruising over obstacles, so a padded chamois can be key to keeping the ride comfortable. (Also, it can make young rippers feel like “real” cyclists.) Fox’s Youth Ranger is a burly ripstop short with plenty of stretch that comes with a removable liner and even has a zippered thigh pocket for an extra snack. $84.95; sizes 22-28
Electra Sprocket 16” Kids Bike
The first pedal bike. It’s a big deal. The Electra Sprocket’s streamlined aluminum frame, 16-inch wheels and a single gear keep things simple and easy to handle for kids striking out on their own. A front pull brake and coaster brakes double the stopping power. Bonus: The training wheels can be removed without any tools. $360
Co-op Cycles REV 20 6-Speed Plus Kids’ Bike
Even if you’re only planning on riding your neighborhood streets, consider getting your kid a mountain bike instead of a street bike; the relaxed geometry and larger tires can help boost confidence during those first rides. All Co-op Cycles REV bikes are made from a light 6061 aluminum frame, and the 20-inch has disc brakes for reliable stopping power and six gears, which will let the rider learn the basics of gearing up or down.
The REV 16 is built for younger riders transitioning to their first pedal bike. It has a low stand-over height and optional training wheels. It even comes with a sticker pack so your kid can customize the frame. $399 for the REV 20, $229 for the REV 16.
Thule Coaster XT Bike Trailer
Not all kids are old enough to pedal their own bikes. Enter the Coaster XT, a sleek Thule trailer built for carrying two toddlers around town. It has five-point harnesses to keep your tykes safe, plus storage room for more gear. Drop the rain shield if a storm moves in, or roll up the front screen if your kid wants to feel the wind in their hair. It converts to a double stroller. $479.95
Fun idea: Make sure your family bike rides have frequent stops that will excite your kids, like a local park or an ice cream shop. My daughter is passionate about art, so we try to work public murals into our rides as often as possible.
Interested in more staff picks and kits? Find more collections here.