MTB Hopper Skinny Review: Step Up Your Backyard Bike Park

We’ve had our MTB Hopper Lite ramp for five years now, and it has been one of our best purchases ever. That thing gets non-stop use!

So obviously, we were excited to get the MTB Hopper Skinny Set to add to our driveway setup. The adaptable set is basically an erector set for the backyard. It can be built (and re-built) in a multitude of different configurations.

Between the building and the riding, the Skinny can keep kids entertained and off screens for hours. In addition to providing good old-fashioned fun, it allows kids (and parents) to practice their skills and progress their riding.

It also has a hefty price tag. Is it worth it? Find out in this review.

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Review In A Nutshell

Pros:

• Can be built in endless variations
• Fun AND skills building in one
• Dissassembles for storage
• Portable for skills clinics, classes

Cons:

• Legs loosened with repetitive use
• Gets dirty/show tracks easily
• Expensive

Price: $529 List

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Watch The Skinny In Action 👇

Build In A Multitude Of Ways

The MTB Skinny set includes a teeter-totter and 4 other pieces that can be built as skinnies or ramps. We’ve been playing with the set for a couple months now and have yet to figure out all the different ways it can be used. (It does come with some suggested configurations, but we’ve had fun coming up with our own too).

In fact, this is my favorite thing about the Skinny: it encourages creativity. My 12-year-old and his friends have had a blast brainstorming different ways they can configure the pieces.

It also accommodates a wide variety of skill levels. Our 3-year old neighbor has enjoyed some of the more mild options on her balance bike while the pre-teens are practicing more advanced skills.

Beginner riders can use the teeter-totter in its traditional capacity, for example, while more skilled riders can practice doing a step-up onto the raised end.

You can use the skinny set to practice balance, pumping, wheel lifts, jumping, and more!

Breaks Down For Storage Or Transport

While it’s not quite as easy to transport as our MTB Hopper Lite (which folds into a backpack), it’s totally feasible to transport the MTB Skinny set in the back of your car. This makes it an ideal option for practice with friends or for coaches. Eventually, I plan to use the set with my NICA kids for some skills drills in the park.

In terms of storage, I’ve been keeping the pieces semi-assembled when not in use and placing them under a covered wood shed to protect them from the elements. For extra legs that aren’t in use, I’ve put them in a large plastic storage bin.

If you wanted to put the set away for the winter, you could fully break down all the pieces and store in a couple of storage bins.

Durable Construction (With A Few Minor Complaints)

For the most part, the MTB Hopper Skinny Set is beautifully and durably made. It’s far nicer than anything I’ve seen from the competition.

The pieces are stable, and we haven’t had any safety concerns with tipping or slipping. The legs have rubber feet that do a good job of providing grip even when placed on asphalt or dirt.

My son isn’t exactly using the set gently and it’s held up well. The weight limit is 290 pounds so it can handle heavier riders and e-bikes too!

I have noticed, however, that with time, some of the stability peices that go between the legs have worn and started to have trouble staying in place. This isn’t really an issue other than that we have to pause to fix them when they fall out (usually when moving pieces around). This hasn’t happened on all the pieces, so I do wonder if there was some rain damage or other user damage.

Also, like the MTB Hopper Lite, the pieces IMMEDIATELY got marked up. The lime green color is fun, but it will show dirt, rubber, and wear.

Overall, these were minor complaints and the durability and value is obvious. For any major problems, MTB Hopper does offer a 2-year warranty (which at this price point is greatly appreciated).

Which brings me to my next point….

It’s Expensive! But Worth It.

At over $500, the MTB Hopper Skinny Set isn’t exactly a spontaneous purchase. That said, it’s cheaper than an Xbox and will get your kids off screens and outside.

If you’re looking for an addition for your backyard bike park, I’d say this set is a must have. Throw in a couple other items from MTB Hopper (or your DIY skills), and your family will have all the driveway bike stoke you can handle.

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