Bike Gifts That Last: What a Kid Still Rides Two Years Later

Kids who are mad about their bikes grow out of them fast. Most move up a wheel size every two or three years, so a bike bought this Christmas can be too small two Christmases from now. A gift that is still in use by then has to work with the next bike as well, and it has to get harder as the rider gets better.

Kid jumping an MTB Hopper INTRO ramp in a driveway as adults cheer behind him

WHAT MAKES A BIKE GIFT LAST

  • It works with the next bike. A jump ramp or a skills course doesn't depend on wheel size, so it carries on when the bike gets swapped for a bigger one. Check that the weight limit covers a grown rider on a full-size bike.
  • It gets harder as they get better. Look for adjustable height or several positions. A gift a kid masters in one weekend is finished by spring.
  • It's built for outdoors. Look for solid construction, a base that stands steady on grass and gravel, and a warranty of two years or more.
  • The rest of the family can ride it. A gift a parent or an older sibling uses too gets taken out on more days.

OTHER GIFTS THAT LAST

  • A bike that fits now. woom and Early Rider build lightweight kids' bikes that are easier to control. Buy the size that fits today, because a bike that is too big gets ridden less.
  • Skills lessons or a bike park pass. Coached sessions at a local bike park teach skills that carry over to every bike after this one.

WHAT MTB HOPPER RECOMMENDS

COACH

COACH (€499 / US$545) is recommended from age 6 and covers every level from Beginners to Professionals. Its five positions start at MINI, a roll-down a first timer can ride straight over, and go up to LONG JUMP and AIRY JUMP. The same ramp works as a DROP bridge and as a LAND landing. It weighs 15.2 kg (33.5 lbs) and rolls on its own wheels.

MTB Hopper COACH ramp positions: land, drop, long jump and airy jump

"The build quality is excellent ... clearly made to last. My 14-year-old son managed to set it up on his own without even looking at the instructions." Jørgen Hoff, on COACH

INTRO

INTRO (€199 / US$219) is the smallest MTB Hopper ramp, recommended from age 6. It weighs 3.5 kg (7.7 lbs), sets up in 30 seconds and adjusts from 290 to 350 mm (11.4 to 13.8 in). Advanced riders use it for tricks, so it stays useful long after the first jumps.

"My 9 year old grandson absolutely loves it and has built his jumping confidence ... Build quality is second to none." Shane Cutler, on INTRO

LITE

LITE (€263, regularly €299 / US$263, regularly US$299) is recommended from age 8 and made for kids' MTB bikes, BMX and full-size mountain bikes, so it fits the bike after next as well. It adjusts from drops to airy jumps, weighs 5.7 kg (12.6 lbs) and turns into a backpack in 15 seconds.

SKINNY Set

SKINNY Set (€599 / US$529) is seven segments and 13 pairs of legs that build balance lines, kickers, drops, tabletops and turns, from 645 to 2520 mm (25.4 to 99.2 in) long and 240 to 650 mm (9.4 to 25.6 in) high. Change the layout and it's a new track. It works with INTRO and COACH.

MTB Hopper SKINNY Set modules lined up as a balance track

"The Skinny has transformed our driveway and backyard into an on-demand bike park ... I anticipate this being in rotation for years to come." Katie, parent of two riders aged 8 and 12, on SKINNY Set

INTRO, COACH and LITE carry up to 130 kg (286 lbs) of rider and bike, so grown-ups ride the same ramp. Every MTB Hopper product comes with a 2-year warranty.

Prices are in EUR and USD. Checkout shows the amount in your currency.

FAQ

What bike gift will a kid still use in two years?

A jump ramp that works with any bike size. MTB Hopper COACH and INTRO are recommended from age 6 and carry up to 130 kg (286 lbs) of rider and bike, so they keep working when the kid moves up to a bigger bike. COACH covers every level, from a first roll-down to airy jumps.

What age is a jump ramp for?

MTB Hopper recommends INTRO and COACH from age 6, LITE and DROP from 8, STREET, LIL AIR and AREA 51 from 14, and AIR from 16. See Bike Ramps for Kids by Age.

Can a ramp stay outside all year?

Store it dry. MTB Hopper ramps are painted to protect the wood, and they last longest on a covered terrace or under a roof, away from direct rain and snow. A ramp left out in rain, sun and snow all year wears out sooner.

When should I order for Christmas?

Order by December 12 for delivery before the holidays. Delivery times and gift tips are in the MTB Hopper gift guide.