Early Rider Hellion

83/100
BikeRide Score
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Facts

Gender
Release Year
Brand
Wheel Size
Number of Gears
Weight
14.99, 21.16, 24.03 lb
Suspension
Brake Type
Frame Material

Summary of Reviews

We have read all expert and user reviews on the Early Rider Hellion. In summary, this is what cyclists think.

11 reasons to buy

  • The Hellion comes in 16", 20", and 24" builds for kids ages four to 11. 
  • Experts and owners praise the quality of the components and finish. 
  • Parents say their kids love the Hellion and quickly advance their mountain biking skills.
  • The Hellion is light for a kids' MTB.  
  • Aggressive MTB geometry, 2.25" Vee Crown Gem tires, and relatively low weight allow kids with enough experience to tackle bike park trails, says one expert. 
  • The Hellion 20 is rated for kids from 117cm to 135cm, but one reviewer says it fits their 112cm child no problem.
  • Shimano's Deore hydraulic disc brakes (20 and 24) work "flawlessly" and delay kids' hands from tiring. 
  • The Promax Solve hydraulic disc brakes (16) allow quick adjustments to lever reach.
  • An expert praises the quality and adjustability of the RST SPEX fork (Hellion 20, 24)
  • One reviewer says their child finds the Hellion 20 comfortable on long climbs. 
  • Gears can be added to the single-speed Hellion 16. 

6 reasons not to buy

  • The Hellion is expensive for a kids' bike, though it holds its value well, according to an expert. 
  • A tester says the drivetrain (Hellion 20) was set up incorrectly, requiring adjustment to be able to shift to the biggest or smallest cog.
  • While setting up the tubeless-compatible 20" wheels to be tubeless, a reviewer discovers that a poorly-drilled valve hole leaks air.
  • One expert says the Hellion 16's Q-factor is too wide and the handlebars too thick to get a good grip.
  • The aluminum pedal pins wear out quickly, according to a tester. 
  • The rear derailleur cable bends sharply to enter the frame. 

Bottom line

Early Rider's Hellion is a kids' mountain bike available in three builds for ages four to 11. The single-speed 16 has a rigid frame; the 20 and 24 hardtails have MTB drivetrains and 80mm and 100mm suspension forks, respectively. Reviewers praise the Hellion's ability to handle real MTB trails, allowing kids to progress rapidly while having fun thanks to the comfort, relatively low weight, and powerful brakes. However, some build quality-control issues frustrate one expert, and another complains of the Hellion 16's thick bars and excessive Q-factor. Despite this, experts and buyers agree the Hellion is worth its high price.

Expert Reviews

85/100 based on 1 rated expert review
85
?
This review has been given a score. Read more here
unluckyPete.

Early Rider Hellion 20″ Long-Term Review

Early Rider Hellion 20″ is a splendid kids’ bike, after minor details were taken care of. My son is making huge progress every week and is able to ride increasingly difficult trails on it.

Visit full review
ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine

Early Rider Hellion 16 Kids Bike in Review

The Early Rider Hellion 16 kid’s bike is built well and finished beautifully, making a good impression not just on kids but also on their parents… We think it’s just right for a growing shredder.

Visit full review

User Ratings

99/100 based on 20 ratings
  • 5 star
    95%
  • 4 star
    5%
  • 3 star
    0%
  • 2 star
    0%
  • 1 star
    0%

Rankings

Compared to other bikes
#57 Best Kids
Bottom 50%
#52 Best Trail
Bottom 30%
#4 Best Early Rider Bike
Bottom 40%
#462 Best of All Bikes
Bottom 50%

Bike Comparison

Early Rider Hellion in comparison to averages

Forum Discussions

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