Is the Apollo Independence Junior Mountain Bike Suitable For Pre-Teens?
The Apollo Independence Junior Mountain Bike has a great name that will catch the attention of a lot of pre-teen kids ready to move on to a more capable and “grown-up” bike.
The term independence gives the impression of a bike that will take kids further than they have been before out in the countryside – perhaps allowing them to race ahead of the pack and explore.
It is a great notion, but does the bike do enough to allow for this experience?
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The Pros and Cons of this Apollo Independence Junior Mountain Bike.
Pros:
- The specification is better than you might expect for a pre-teen bike
- It should be a safe and comfortable option with the disc brake and front suspension
- The design is fun and ideal for this pre-teen demographic
Cons:
- A bit difficult for some younger riders
- The “robust” frame is quite heavy at 15kg
The Apollo Independence Junior Mountain Bike has an impressive spec and design.
When you read the basic specification for this Apollo mountain bike without looking at the photos, it doesn’t immediately sound like a kid’s bike. There are strong 26’’ wheels with all-terrain tyres – just like you might expect on an adult’s model.
You also get an 18-speed Shimano gear system to handle the terrain with ease, some nice front suspension, and a reliable disc brake for the front wheel.
This combination of components should not only allow kids the chance to go a little further and faster on their outdoor adventures, but also give parents some peace of mind.
While the specs aren’t too dissimilar to a standard adults’ bike, the design is definitely for a younger market. The recommended age range here is 9 to 12 years.
Obviously, this will depend on the abilities and needs of your child. But, the fun pink and purple colour scheme and effects on the paintwork fit this pre-teen demographic. Some kids of this age might argue that it is a bit feminine, but it is all a matter of taste.
There are, however, some parents that question the recommended age for the Apollo Independence Junior model.
While the design is perfect for pre-teens, there are reports of some younger riders struggling with this model. There is a lot to deal with here if you are upgrading from a basic child’s bike so you need to prepare for that learning curve.
Furthermore, some have struggled with tight gears at the higher end of the range. Another consideration here is the weight.
The product description talks about a “robust” steel frame and while this promises greater strength, it does increase the weight to 15kg. This could be too much for some 9-year-old riders.
What does this all mean for the final recommendation for this Apollo Pre-teen Mountain Bicycle?
There are pros and cons here when buying this MTB for pre-teens. On the plus side, the design is stunning and the specification is a great upgrade for those keen to learn new skills over time.
The downside is that the complexity and build do make it a little difficult for some to handle. Consider the abilities and needs of your child before deciding if the Apollo mountain bike is right for them.
Find more reviews about the Apollo Independence Junior Mountain Bike on Halfords here.