Kids’ bikes are all about having fun, making memories, and giving your child the kind of freedom only found on two wheels. It’s amazing to see your child ride for the first time, head out together on a family cruise, and watch them grow as a rider. Whether your little one is ready for their first bike ever or a bigger size, our guide will help you make the right choice. Happy riding!
What size of bike does my child need?
Kids' bikes come in a wide range of sizes, and they are most commonly referred to by their wheel size which can range from 12" right up to 27.5". Manufacturers tend to use both age and/or height as the guiding factors when choosing the right size bike for your child. Balancing height, age, and riding ability is important when choosing either a first bike or a new bike for your child.
A bike that fits well is easier for learning to ride, and ultimately more enjoyable for your child from day one. Generally, you’ll know you have the right fit if your child is feeling confident and excited on the bike.
Size brackets are wide and tend to overlap, plus all bikes fit a little differently. Here is a rough guideline for sizing a bike for your child:
| 12" /Balance Bike | 16" Bike | 20" Bike | 24" Bike |
| 2-4 years old | 3-6 years old | 5-8 years old | 7+ years old |
How do I know if the bike fits my child properly?
Ensure that your child can stand over the top tube with both feet flat on the ground. When sitting on the saddle, they should be able to reach the handlebars comfortably with a slight bend in their arms and touch the ground with the balls of their feet.
Shop Balance Bikes Shop 12" Bikes Shop 16" Bikes Shop 20" Bikes Shop 24" Bikes
What is a balance bike?
Most adults learned to ride bikes with training wheels or simply by falling over until we just didn’t fall over anymore but starting off on a balance bike can eliminate all of this! A balance bike is a bike without pedals. Balance bikes allow for pedaling and balance, the two skills essential to riding a bike, to be split up and learned separately. By splitting up these two skills and allowing kids to learn at their own pace, the process of learning to ride can be made fun and easy!
Balance bikes provide an excellent foundation for future years of enjoyment by starting kids at an early age and by learning the essential skills of riding a bike.
What's the best kids' bike for my child?
There are lots of kids’ bikes to choose from, so narrowing down your options can be hard! The main thing is to ensure the purpose and features of the bike match your child’s skill level. For example, most young kids will likely only ride short distances around the neighborhood. They benefit from a simple, hybrid-style kids’ bike without unnecessary features. As kids get older and gain more skills, they’ll be able to choose from several types of bikes with many different kinds of features.
Kids' Hybrid Bikes
This type of bike is a great choice for cruising around the neighbourhood, pathways and will provide a great foundation for learning the skills essential to enjoying a lifetime on two wheels. They are designed for comfort and confidence building, whether on roads or light gravel paths.
Kids' Mountain Bikes
Some kids’ bikes have rugged styling but are still meant to be ridden on pavement. True youth mountain bikes are designed specifically for off-road riding. They have parts designed to handle bumps, rocks, and dirt—like knobby tires and, on some models, suspension forks. If your child has the advanced handling, shifting, and braking skills necessary to properly use a complicated bike, and shows an interest in hitting the trail, it might be time for a kids’ mountain bike.
Kids' Bike FAQs
Q: How do I know if the bike fits my child properly?
A: Ensure that your child can stand over the top tube with both feet flat on the ground. When sitting on the saddle, they should be able to reach the handlebars comfortably with a slight bend in their arms and touch the ground with the balls of their feet.
Q: Should I get a bike with training wheels?
A: Training wheels can help young children learn to balance and pedal. However, balance bikes (without pedals) are also a great option to teach balance from an early age.
Q: What features should I look for in a kids' bike?
A: Key features to consider include:
- Lightweight frame: Easier for kids to handle.
- Single speed vs. multiple gears: Single speed is simpler for younger kids, while multiple gears can help older kids tackle different terrains.
- Brakes: Coaster brakes (pedal backward to stop) are common for younger kids, while hand brakes are better for older kids. Some coaster brake bikes also include a hand brake so that younger kids learn the habit of using the hand brake too.
Q: What safety gear does my child need?
A: Essential safety gear includes:
- Helmet: Properly fitting and certified for safety.
- Knee and elbow pads: Especially for younger children learning to ride or kids' riding on trails.
- Bell or horn: For alerting others.
Q: How do I maintain a kids' bike?
A: Regular maintenance includes:
- Checking tire pressure and tread.
- Ensuring the brakes are functioning properly.
- Lubricating the chain.
- Inspecting for any loose bolts or parts.
When you purchase any bike from The Bike Shop, you get one free tune-up within the first year of your purchase and a life time of service checks.