Sizing Guide For Kids Bikes

Kids bike sizing usually focuses on the wheel diameter of a bike, for example 14 inches, and links it to the age of a child, for example 3-5 years. Learning to ride a bike can be hard enough, so it is important to pick the right-sized child’s bike to suit their measurements. The size of the wheels can also dictate the correct bike size for kids rather than the frame. When choosing a bike for your child, try not to go too big or too small as this will result in problems balancing and controlling their bike. Essentially, try to find the right size wheels to suit your child’s measurements.

1. Kids bikes: Age and wheel size

Most bike brands organise their kids bikes according to wheel size, which corresponds to an age group. Here's a guide for starters, and if you have any doubts then don't hesitate to contact us. We'd be happy to hear from you.

Approx. Age	Wheel Size
2 – 4 years	Balance Bike
3 – 5 years	12"
4 – 6 years	16"
6 – 9 years	20"
10 – 14 years	24"

Shop Kids Bikes

Shop 24-inch wheelers

26 inch-wheeled bikes 11+

A 26" wheeler is of course an adult-sized bike. Some adult bikes are available in very small sizes. For instance, you can get a Specialized Hardrock with a 13" frame which kids as young as 11 can manage. The obvious advantage with this size is the much wider choice of spare parts (the number of 26" tyres on the market outnumbers 24" tyres at least 100 to 1). Another advantage is that spare tubes, for instance, can be pooled on family rides.

4. What to look for in a kids bike

Read our Kids Bike Buying Guide to learn what to look for when choosing a child's bike, these are the things to be aware of:

You want a bike with plenty top tube (crossbar) clearance so they can safely hop off the saddle.

You want a bike that's easy for a child to manage. A bike that's too long is unwieldy, harder to control and harder to steer. A bike with 12" wheels will not only be shorter in height than a 16" wheeler, it will also be shorter in length.

Again, you want a bike that's easy to manage. Heavy bikes are hard for younger riders just building their strength. This is worth remembering when choosing between one of our 12 kilo junior mountain bikes against a 25 kilo full suspension supermarket special. Read: Cheap Kids Bikes: Why They’re Not The Bargain You Think.

You want a bike that will last as long as possible: Small enough to straddle, yet big enough to offer years of growth, and well built enough to pass on to a wee brother or cousin in years to come. The kid's bikes we offer are all from well-respected, quality brands.

Shop By

Popular Filters

Top Brands

Buying Advice

Bike sizing guide

Shop By

Popular Filters

Top Brands

Buying Advice

Size Guides

Bike Bags & Luggage

Bike Locks

Bike Pumps

Bottles, Cages & Nutrition

Books, Maps & Guides

Car Racks

Child Bike Seats

Tech & Accessories

Bike Lights

Bicycle Helmets

Kids' Accessories

Other Accessories

Reflectives, Bells and Mirrors

Tools & Maintenance

Turbo Trainers

Brakes

Brompton Spares

Controls

E-Bike Parts

Drivetrain

Mudguards

Pedals

Saddles & Seatposts

Suspension Forks

Tyres & Tubes

Wheels

Other Components

Shop By

Popular Filters

Top Brands

Buying Advice

Size Guides

SALE - Bike Categories

Popular Categories

Popular Brands

SHOP BY PRICE

SHOP BY TYPE

SHOP BY PERSON

Sizing Guide For Kids Bikes

1. Kids bikes: Age and wheel size

Shop Kids Bikes

2. Frog Bikes: Inside Leg Measurement and Bike Size

3. Kids bikes sizes and what they look like

Balance bikes for 18 Months - 4 years olds

Shop balance bikes

14-20 inch-wheeled bikes for 4 - 6 years olds

Shop 14-16-inch wheelers

20 inch-wheeled bikes for 6 - 9 years olds

Shop 20-inch wheelers

24 inch-wheeled bikes 8 - 14 years olds

Shop 24-inch wheelers

26 inch-wheeled bikes 11+

Shop 26-inch wheelers

4. What to look for in a kids bike

Kids Road Bikes Guide

Kids MTBs Guide

Kids Frog Bikes Guide

Need to know more?