Kids Bike Buying Guide

Introducing the next generation of young cyclists to the joys of the sport is one of the undoubted pleasures of biking, but it’s important to bear in mind some key considerations when purchasing bikes for children. In this kid's bike buying guide we will take you through some of the key considerations before buying a kid's bike.

Buying a bike for your kid can be difficult with the vast array on offer today, however a kid's bike needs to be able to withstand the rough and tumble of the streets, forests and back gardens.

Why should I buy my kid a bike?

Whether you want to head to the local shops, potter around a park, family cycle on holiday or the commute to school, a bike ride makes every journey that little bit better.

What size kids’ bike do I need?

Buying a bike that is the right size for your child is crucial. For a kid's bike - sizing the most important factor to consider -kids will find it hard to control bikes that are the wrong size, especially if they are too big. Don’t be tempted to think a too-large bike will be fine on the basis that the child will ‘grow into it’.

Because every kid grows at different rates it’s difficult to have an accurate chart that tells you exactly what you need. So, a good rule of thumb is to get your child to sit on a potential new bike and check to see if they can touch the ground with both feet.

Kids’ bike size chart

This handy chart will give you a good idea of the best size kids bike to buy.

Wheel Size	Age	Height
12″	2 to 4	85 to 100cm
14″	3 to 5	95 to 110cm
16″	4 to 6	110 to 120cm
20″	5 to 8	120 to 135cm
24″	8 to 11	135 to 145cm
26″	11+	125+ cm

Kids Bikes: In depth

There are a vast array of kids bikes available on the market today, from road to mountain bike, balance to BMX. 

Mountain Bike: Built for those off-road adventures that come with thick knobbly tyres for grip across all terrain. Most MTB’s will come with suspension up front and a range of gears.

Road Bike: Built for those kids who love speed on tarmac, a kids road bike usually is tailored for older kids, with a lightweight frame and thin tyres for maximum speed.

Kids balance Bike: a bike with no brakes, pedals or gears, is often tailored for toddlers to get their confidence on two wheels.

BMX Bike: Built for style, not speed, BMX bikes have a smaller frame, strong wheels and a low saddle which lets kids do flicks and tricks at the local park or on the street.

Kids balance bikes

Age: 2-5 years old
Wheel size: 12-14"

A perfect way for toddlers to tackle two wheels - balance bikes have no gears or pedals with the idea that the kid uses their legs to push themselves along and to (importantly) stop themselves. 

A balance bike is all about teaching kids how to manage two wheels and can be an excellent way for small kids to build up the confidence to progress to a ‘real’ bike once they have perfected the ability to coast along under their own steam, although Training Wheels may still be needed until they are comfortable with pedalling.

Durability: if you are looking for a kid's bike that will last long enough to be handed down to younger siblings, look for a durable but lightweight wooden or metal bike that can deal with being thrown around.

Training Wheels: many 12-14” kid's bikes can also come with Training Wheels, brakes and pedals too and often represent most kids’ ‘first bike’.

Junior bikes

Age: 2-6 years old
Wheel size: 24”+

Graduating onto their first (or second) ‘proper’ bike is an important step for many kids. 16” wheel kid's bikes are aimed at children aged four to six years old and usually come with Training Wheels as standard for those kids who are yet to master the art of balance.

Some say that Training Wheels can become a hindrance for kids learning to get their balance on their bike, however we would say it’s best not rushing kids until they are ready before running the risk of putting them off.

For frame material and parts, it’s worth remembering to look for a bike that is lightweight and easy to manoeuvre. Heavy frames and parts will tire our little bodies. Avoid unnecessary suspension and fat steel frames.

Most bikes in this category will be single speed, fine for pedalling short distances on mostly flat ground, with at least one working brake. Check that little fingers can reach the brake levers, and that not too much effort is required to squeeze.

Finally, make sure that the cranks are the right length – 20% of the inside leg measurement is a good rule of thumb, so at this age cranks of 90-100mm are about right.

Age: 6-10 years old
Wheel size: 18-20”

Riders from the ages of six to 10 will be covering longer distances so larger wheels are necessary, and gears will come into the picture – usually five- and six-speed rear derailleurs. 

Look for simple shifting mechanisms such as Shimano’s Revoshift system but remember that single speeds are also less prone to mechanical trouble and more than likely fine for the kind of use that the bike will be put to. Crank length should be 120-140mm.

Fashionable extras like suspension (front and rear) will also be more common in bikes aimed at this age bracket, but for the most part they will only add weight and expense, not improved performance. Rigid bikes will likely be lighter, cheaper and more durable.

Many riders in this age category, for example, find a BMX to be a great tool for buzzing around the neighbourhood with their buddies, while proper ‘mini-MTB’ bikes will also appeal to budding trail hounds.

Age: 10+ years old
Wheel size: 24”+

Older children (10+) are ready for 24” or 26”-wheeled bikes that in design terms differ little from those aimed at adults. In fact, adult bikes in smaller frame sizes (13”-15”) may suit perfectly, although be wary of going too big, too soon.

Dirt jump (DJ) style bikes are popular among teenagers, and in fact make tough and versatile all-rounders. Look for a decent range of gears, good-quality brakes and suspension forks that work as they should. 

You may need to spend a little money to get a bike with decent components and a frame that does not weigh a ton, but it should prove a tough and reliable companion for your offspring.

Some manufacturers have also begun to offer properly sized and spec'd road bikes for junior riders, with kid-friendly features such as 600c wheels, shallow-drop handlebars and short-reach brake levers. 

These light and speedy steeds are excellent for long-distance adventures and as first bikes for budding road racers.

What else will my kid need to ride their bike?

Safety is the number one priority when kids are riding bikes. It’s important from an early age to get them a helmet and other protective gear to ensure their safety. There is a wide variety of kids accessories out there on the market.

Kids bike helmet

Accidents happen more often with kids, especially at the beginning of their biking journey.  Helmets help to prevent serious head injuries and go a long way to helping avoid those cuts and bruises. Your kids bike helmet should fit securely, don't try buying one too big for the case that they’ll ‘grow into it’. Invest in an adjustable helmet, so as they grow the helmet can be adjusted to fit their head.

Protective pads and gloves

Knees and elbows often take the impact when kids are falling off their bikes. A pair of protective pads and gloves will help in protecting their hands, knees and elbows whilst also offering a bit of confidence and extra grip.

Lights and reflectors

Adding lights to your kids' bike will help increase visibility, which is important. All children's bikes come with reflectors as standard equipment, but it's inexpensive to add a set of lights to make sure they're seen and safe at all times. Lights are a legal requirement if they intend to ride in the dark.

Which bicycle is best for kids?

Now you know everything about kids bikes, but the question now comes - which one is best for my kid. Lucky for you we’ve picked some of our favourites to help make that decision a little easier for you.

Best kids balance bike

Cruzee Ultralite Balance Bike

Get your child started early with the Cruzee Ultralite Balance Bike. The super lightweight balance bike gives your child confidence every time they jump on the bike, with adjustable seat and handlebars which gives you the option to perfect their setup.

Wheel size: 12”
Age: 3+ years old
Weight: 1.90kg

See Cruzee Ultralite Balance Bike

Best kids BMX

Haro Shredder

Kids love being able to show off (we’ve all done it), so why not be the star of the show on a bike designed for exactly that. A bike that will have your kid enjoying themselves for years to come, the Haro Shredder comes in three sizes, 16”,18” and 20” wheel bike is ideal for those skatepark riding, dirt jumping or street riding adventures.

Wheel size: 16”,18” or 20”
Age: 4+ years old
Weight: 10.50kg (20”)

See the Haro Shredder Range

Best kids mountain bike

Orbea Laufey 20/24 H30

The Orbea Laufey 20/24 H30 is built for kids who are ready to take on more than just the sidewalk. Whether they're tackling trails, zipping through the park, or conquering the local pump track, this bike delivers fun and confidence in every ride. With its tough frame and grippy 20”/24” wheels, the Laufey 20/24 H30 is perfect for young riders looking to up their game and explore new terrain. Let them be the adventurer they’ve always dreamed of being!

Wheel size: 20”/24”
Age: 5+ years old
Weight: N/A

See the Orbea Laufey H30 Kids Range Range

Best kids bike

Apollo Neo (12” to 26”)

Are you looking for a bike to last your kid for years to come? We think we’ve got the perfect bike for you then. The Apollo Neo comes in a variety of sizes from 12” wheel bikes with training wheels to 26” geared cruisers. The light alloy construction of this bike means this is a super easy bike for kids to push whilst if the little one decides they have had enough riding for the day, the parents won’t be carrying a heavy bike back home.

Wheel size: 12”-26”
Age: 3+ years old
Weight: 7.20-11.20kg

See the Apollo Neo Kids Bikes Range