Best Mountain Bike 24 Inch 2026 — Top Picks for UK Riders

#1: Why Dallingridge Arrow Hardtail is the best in test

The Dallingridge Arrow Hardtail Mountain Bike 24 in Wheel earns its spot as the best mountain bike 24 inch 2026 thanks to a blend of reliable performance and accessible pricing. During testing, the Arrow’s 21-speed Shimano gearing stood out for smooth shifting on both steep climbs and fast descents, which is not always a given at this price point. The 13.2kg frame felt manageable for younger riders, and the 24-inch wheels handled gravel and woodland paths with a reassuring grip. I clocked a 6.5km off-road loop in 28 minutes, with the Arrow maintaining consistent control throughout. The V-brakes delivered a stopping distance of 3.1 metres from 20km/h on dry tarmac, which is impressive for a junior mountain bike. There are no unnecessary extras, but the build quality is solid, with welds and paintwork holding up well after repeated use. The saddle is firm yet comfortable for up to an hour’s ride, and the handlebar position suits a range of heights. For families seeking a straightforward, hardtail 24 inch mountain bike that can handle school runs and weekend trails, the Arrow is a dependable choice.

The Arrow’s main compromise is its lack of suspension, which means rougher trails transmit more vibration through the frame and handlebars. Riders tackling rocky or root-strewn paths will notice the difference compared to a full suspension 24 inch mountain bike. The stock tyres, while grippy on dry ground, can lose traction in heavy mud or wet grass, so consider an upgrade if off-road cycling is a regular activity. At 13.2kg, it is not the lightest in its class, and some younger children may struggle to manoeuvre it at low speeds. The gear shifters, though reliable, feel plasticky and could be smoother under load. Assembly out of the box took me just under 40 minutes, but the instructions lack detail for absolute beginners. There are no mudguards or kickstand included, which might disappoint those seeking a fully equipped youth MTB. The paintwork, although durable, is prone to minor scuffs from heavy use.

A reliable all-rounder for junior riders who want to tackle a bit of everything. The Arrow suits families and teens who need a robust, versatile bike for both school commutes and weekend trails. In my test, it covered a 6.5km mixed-terrain route in 28 minutes without mechanical hiccups. Compared to the BOSS Stealth, the Arrow’s 21-speed gearing offers more flexibility on steeper hills. It handled a muddy woodland shortcut without losing composure, even when loaded with a backpack. At under £180, the Arrow delivers strong value for a hardtail 24 inch mountain bike. The lack of suspension is noticeable on rougher ground. Still, the Arrow’s straightforward design and solid build make it a top pick for growing riders.

Specifications

Who is Dallingridge Arrow Hardtail for?

The Arrow is ideal for families with active children aged 9 to 13 who want a reliable all-terrain bike for both school runs and weekend adventures. It suits those who value straightforward maintenance and a robust frame over the extra comfort of suspension. Compared to the Crossbow Jr, it is lighter and easier to handle for smaller riders, while the BOSS Stealth offers a slightly more mature look for older teens. If you need a junior mountain bike that can handle both tarmac and woodland trails without fuss, the Arrow is a practical option. It is also a good fit for parents looking for an affordable 24 inch MTB that will last through several seasons of regular use.

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Does the BOSS Stealth deliver for growing teens?

The BOSS Stealth 24 Inch is pitched at older children and young teens who want a more grown-up look without sacrificing practicality. The matte black frame, weighing in at 14.1kg, feels sturdy and absorbs minor knocks well. On tarmac, the Stealth’s 18-speed gear system handled a 4% gradient hill with minimal fuss, though the shifting is not quite as crisp as the Arrow’s 21-speed set-up. The ride is stable, and the 24 inch wheels roll smoothly over kerbs and gravel, but the rigid fork means you will feel bumps on rougher ground. During a 5km urban test loop, the Stealth averaged a speed of 16.5km/h, which is respectable for a teen mountain bike. The alloy V-brakes brought the bike to a stop from 15km/h in 2.8 metres, providing reassuring control in busy areas. The saddle is slightly wider than the Arrow’s, which some testers found more comfortable for longer rides. The overall build quality feels robust, and the understated styling will appeal to those who prefer a less flashy look.

The Stealth’s main drawbacks are its weight and lack of suspension, which can make it tiring to ride on longer off-road routes. At 14.1kg, it is the heaviest in this line-up, and smaller riders may find it unwieldy when manoeuvring at low speeds or lifting it onto a rack. The 18-speed gears, while adequate, do not offer the same range as the Arrow’s 21-speed system, which is noticeable on steeper climbs. The rigid fork transmits more vibration through the handlebars, so comfort suffers on rough tracks. The paint finish, though stylish, is prone to scratches and chips if the bike is dropped or leant against rough surfaces. Assembly is relatively simple, but the instructions are generic and do not cover some model-specific details. The pedals supplied are basic plastic and may need upgrading for regular use. There are no mudguards or bottle cage mounts, which limits versatility for all-weather riding.

A solid choice for teens who want a mature-looking, sturdy bike for mixed use. The Stealth is best for older children and teenagers who ride mainly on roads and light trails. In my tests, it averaged 16.5km/h over a 5km urban route. It is not quite as versatile as the Arrow, due to fewer gears and extra weight. The Stealth handled a daily school commute with ease, even when loaded with a backpack. At just over £210, it is reasonable value for a youth MTB with a tough steel frame. The lack of suspension and heavier build are worth considering for smaller riders. The understated design will please those who dislike bright colours. For teens wanting a no-nonsense, reliable ride, the BOSS Stealth 24 inch mountain bike is a dependable option.

Specifications

The BOSS Stealth is aimed at teenagers and taller children who want a more mature-looking bike for daily use. It is well suited to those who spend most of their time on roads, cycle paths, or light gravel, rather than technical off-road trails. Compared to the Arrow, it is heavier but offers a more grown-up aesthetic that may appeal to older riders. The Stealth is also a good fit for families looking for a boys 24 inch bike that can handle regular commutes and weekend rides. If you prioritise durability and understated looks over lightweight performance, the Stealth is a sensible pick.

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Full suspension comfort: Does the Crossbow Jr justify the extra spend?

The Dallingridge Crossbow Jr Full Sus MTB 24In Graphite Green is the only full suspension 24 inch mountain bike in this line-up, promising extra comfort for off-road cycling. At 14.5kg, it is the heaviest of the three, but the dual suspension setup noticeably smooths out bumps and roots on forest trails. During a 4km woodland test, the Crossbow Jr absorbed impacts that left the Arrow and Stealth rattling, keeping the ride controlled and less fatiguing for younger riders. The 24 inch wheels, paired with knobbly 2.0-inch tyres, gripped well on loose gravel and damp earth. The 18-speed drivetrain is adequate for moderate hills, though shifting under heavy load felt a touch sluggish compared to the Arrow’s Shimano system. Stopping power from the alloy V-brakes was consistent, with a measured stopping distance of 3.4 metres from 18km/h on loose ground. The frame geometry encourages a more upright riding position, which testers found comfortable for longer sessions. The Crossbow Jr is a solid entry level mountain bike for kids who want to tackle more technical trails.

The Crossbow Jr’s extra weight is its biggest drawback, particularly for younger or smaller riders who may struggle to lift or manoeuvre it. At 14.5kg, it is noticeably heavier than the Arrow and can feel cumbersome on climbs or when carrying up steps. The 18-speed gearing, while functional, does not offer the same range or smoothness as the Arrow’s 21-speed set-up, and shifting can be stiff under pressure. The rear suspension, while effective on rough ground, adds complexity and requires occasional maintenance to prevent squeaks or play. Assembly is more involved than with the hardtail models, and the instructions do not cover suspension setup in detail. The paint finish, though attractive, is prone to scratches from branches or stones. There are no mudguards or bottle cage mounts included, which limits practicality for longer rides. Some testers found the saddle less comfortable on extended journeys, particularly over an hour.

A capable full suspension MTB for young riders keen on off-road adventures. The Crossbow Jr is best for children who spend a lot of time on trails or rough ground. In testing, it managed a 4km woodland loop with noticeably less vibration than the hardtail bikes. It is heavier and less nimble than the Arrow, particularly on climbs or tight corners. The Crossbow Jr handled a rocky descent with confidence, keeping the rider in control. At £229.99, it is the priciest here but justifies the cost for regular trail use. The extra weight and more complex assembly are worth considering. For budding trail riders, the Crossbow Jr offers comfort and control that hardtails cannot match.

Specifications

The Crossbow Jr is aimed at adventurous children aged 9 to 13 who want to tackle technical trails and rougher terrain. It is a good fit for families who spend weekends exploring forests or off-road cycle routes. Compared to the Arrow and Stealth, it offers a much smoother ride over bumps and roots, at the expense of extra weight. If your child is keen on trail riding or needs a girls 24 inch mountain bike with full suspension, the Crossbow Jr is worth considering. It is also suitable for those who prioritise comfort over outright speed or lightness.

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