The most important thing for little mountain bikers is - exactly: the mountain bike. But bikes are a dime a dozen. Which one to buy? It's best to pack up your little one and take your time to get advice in a specialist store. The professionals in the bike store will know immediately what size your little one needs: Tiny tots from the age of two first learn the benefits of speed and balance on a balance bike. The smallest bikes for self-pedaling are then available with 14-inch wheels. These are suitable for tots up to 110 centimetres tall and 38 to 46 centimetres. If you are around 120 centimeters tall (stride length 44 to 48 centimeters), you are ready for your first real mountain bike for off-road riding (16-inch alloy bikes). However, four to five-year-olds can safely do without gears. The most important things are the perfect size - and the lowest possible weight.

Size matters: biking is much more fun with a bike that fits perfectly

A primary school child at last! And after school, it's time to get out and get on the bike. The bike is now already 20 inches tall and boasts its first gears. Some bikes even have suspension forks and disc brakes. However, primary school children can easily cope with rigid forks and rim brakes. Kids between 130 and 150 centimeters tall feel comfortable on 24- or 26-inch bikes. These are usually full-fledged mountain bikes with grippy studded tires that allow you to really go full throttle. And teenagers? They have zero desire for the emotional swings of their parents - but all the more for a 26-inch adult bike. Or even a 27.5-inch bike with full suspension? But remember: weight always comes before suspension travel for kids' bikes! And please don't buy a mountain bike to "grow into".

Basic rule no. 1: If you've got something in your head, protect it with a helmet!

Even some supposedly grown-up helmet haters can learn this basic rule from the little ones. Because for kids, a bike helmet is as much a part of cycling as the end of a sentence. One thing is clear: the helmet is the most important accessory when biking. Nothing works without it. The helmet must fit perfectly, so it must neither wobble nor press on the temples. The triangular straps must lie directly under the ear. This ensures that the number one life insurance always stays where it belongs. What else do mini mountain bikers need before heading off-road? Sunglasses, long-fingered gloves, knee pads and a back protector. Because safety always has priority when biking. And dad quickly checks brakes and co. before setting off. Remember: don't skimp on safety. Watch out - the style police advise: style comes right after safety.

Nino Schurter also started small: Riding technique tips for kids

Now get out there! Like the ABCs at school, the child first learns the basics - the basic position on the bike: pedals horizontal, body centered over the bike, elbows out like duck wings, looking forward. And first: try out which is the "chocolate foot" and which is the "sour cucumber". Just like at school, the same applies outside: practise, practise, practise. If you organize a "who-can-stay-on-the-spot-longer-challenge" with dad or try to be the last to finish in the "snail race", you can improve your balance in a playful way. Next step: Try something new! Why not try "wave riding" on the pump track, i.e. rhythmically pushing off camel humps? Or try out steep bends and small jumps in the bike park? Or develop a feeling for speed on the flow trail? Stairs downhill, steps uphill, drops - the better the kids get, the more exciting the challenges. But never forget: It's all about one thing - having fun!