Kids Bike Size Chart | Buying Guide For Kids Bikes

Who doesn’t remember their first bike? Many of our childhood memories have to do with our first bike. In it, we begin to discover our independence and achieve our first great achievements. It is not uncommon that you are now eager to give your daughter or son their first bike.

We know that finding the right bike is not easy, so here is a guide to buying a kid’s bike.

Calculate your kid’s size according to their leg length

Buying boys bicycle or girls bicycles for kids is a bit complicated, unlike buying for an adult; it is important that you get the right bike for your kid. More reasons why there are high search results for “what size bikes for 4 year olds”, “what size bike for 10 year old”, “what size bike for 3 year old”, “what size bike for a 5 year old”, and “Toddler bikes”. The important thing when choosing the correct bike size for your kid is not the height of your body, but the length of their inner legs. Therefore, one of the most reliable factors to determine the size of a kid’s bicycle is the length of his legs. This is the reason why one should look for kids bike size chart before they purchase one.

For this, you must measure the internal length of your kid’s legs. Take off his shoes, place his feet on the ground with his legs straight and measure the distance from the ground to your crotch. You can help by holding a book between his legs at groin level and measuring from the floor to the top corner of the book. This will make it easier for you.

The size of your kid’s bike may be determined using this method rather than relying exclusively on his height. However, you should note that this is not only the criteria for selecting a bike for your kids. Since manufacturers and brands change the geometry of their frames from time to time, there are other measurements that influence, such as the length of the forearms or the elasticity.

 Kids bike size chart

When looking for an adult bike, the starting point is to determine the frame size you need. However, in the case of kid’s bicycles, we will take the diameter of their wheels as a reference, since the proportions are determined by this measurement. The common wheels for kid’s bikes are 12”, 16”, 20” and 24”.

A good start is to review the kid’s bike size chart by height. Any good store (physical or online) should present a kids bike size chart indicating the suggested size for a certain age and height.

These tables should only be considered as a starting point since not all people develop in the same way. There are those of us who take time to grow up, others grow very early. That is why there is no way to do a test drive and see if the girl or boy looks and feels comfortable and can control the bicycle well.

The bike will be the right size if:

  • You can sit on the saddle and reach the ground with the balls (bottoms of the toes) of both feet.
  • You have enough space between the shot and the top tube when standing with both feet flat on the ground.
  • Reach for the handlebars keeping your elbows slightly bent for good control.
  • If the bike has handlebar brakes, you will need to reach the levers perfectly and apply enough force to actuate them.

The weight of the kid’s bicycle

A few years ago there were not as many options as today. In the past, manufacturers did not care much about optimizing the weight of kids’ bicycles. Fortunately, that is a thing of the past and it is now possible to find lightweight bikes.

Due to the small wheels and short cranks these bikes are a bit more difficult to propel when pedalling. For this reason, it is highly recommended to look for the lightest option, as it will be much easier to control.

Characteristics of the kid’s bicycle

At present, the great variety that exists in the category of kid’s bicycles is incredible. We can find bicycles with counter-pedal brakes, rim brakes, fixed gear, with different handlebars and frame geometry.

To determine the characteristics of the bicycle it is very important to take into account the skills and confidence of the future cyclist.

Some will need to start with a balance bike to learn how to balance and control the bike before learning to pedal. There will be those who have already mastered these skills, having used a devil skate for example, and are ready for a pedal bike. That is why it is important to observe and receive expert advice.

Kid’s bicycles recommended by age

 

Kids Bike Size Guide | Boys & Girls Bicycle Size Charts

What size bike for 3 year old?

Balance bike (suggested age 2 – 5 years)

These bikes have no pedals and are ideal for developing balance and control. They are quite safe, as they will go as fast as he or the little one can push with their legs. Common sizes: 12”, 14”, and 16”.

What size bike for 5 year old

Kid’s bicycles 12″, 14″ and 16″ (suggested age 3 – 6 years)

These are typical early bikes. They already have pedals and are usually single-speed or can be fixed gear without brakes. In some cases, you can even find models with simple speeds and front suspension, although at this stage it is not highly recommended because these components are usually of low quality and will only be additional weight for the bike. Common sizes: 12”, 14” and 16”.

What size bike for 7 year old

Kid’s bicycles wheeled 20 “(suggested age 5 – 9 years)

This type of bicycle is already possible to find more decent gears and can be a good start to learning how to use them. Although a good bike with no gears can be fun enough at this age.

What size bike for 10 year old

24” kid’s bicycles (suggested age 9 – 14 years)

In this type of bicycle, you can already begin to see components more similar to those of an adult bicycle, more speeds, triple chainrings, etc. It is important to consider whether they are really necessary. If the bike is merely recreational, it is worth choosing a bike that is as simple as possible.

Kid’s Bicycle to the Taste of the Cyclist

Group test: Child seats | Cycling UK

It is not enough that the bike looks and feels comfortable. It is very important that he looks great too! Do not buy a bike because you like it, the one who has to like it is your son or daughter. If you like it, you will use it more and you will get more out of it. Let him choose the color and style he likes.

Types of kid’s bicycles

Balance bike

Balance bikes are bicycles that have two wheels and no pedals, sometimes referred to as “striders” or “gliders.” Specifically designed for young kids; From the age of 2, kids can start riding on them. They are designed to help young kids practice balance and coordination before moving on to a regular bike.

Bicycles rolled 12 with wheels

These r12 bikes are for kids from 2 to 4 years old, unlike balance bikes, they are bikes that have pedals. In addition, the rear wheels help to have more confidence when they get on the bike since they acquire balance over time.

Wheels 16 with small rims.

The 16-wheeled bicycles are for kids from 5 to 8 years old. You can find bikes in this shot with or without wheels. Bikes with rear wheels can be removed once your little one has the confidence to ride a bike without them.

You can find bikes from this ride with adult bike themes, such as MTB, BMX and Cross. But you will also find bikes with animations, cartoon character themes and accessories to transport their toys. Designed to attract the attention of the little ones who want to ride the bikes.

20 round bike

R20 bikes are for kids ages 6 to 12. They are mostly bikes that no longer have rear wheels. You will also find cycling styles and animated designs. In addition to different frames, both for men and women, which facilitate mounting and standing on the bicycle

You will find bikes with speeds and braking systems. In addition, they include accessories such as fenders and baskets.

24 round bikes

Bicycles with 24 -inch wheels are suitable for girls or boys from the age of 9 who are around 120 cm tall. Therefore, for short adults, it is also a suitable ride.

In this type of shot, you can have even more options for models and designs. Since you can just find animated designs and kid’s colors, in addition to designs designed for more adult people.

BMX bikes for kids

These bikes have been built to jump and do tricks in bike parks, they have handles twice the height of normal that is what this bike is characterized by and its tires are 20″.

Mountain bikes for kids

The MTB for boys and girls include a wide variety of wheel sizes depending on the height and age of each child, the smallest wheels start from 16″ and the largest go between 26″ and 27.5″

Components of a kid’s bicycle

Adjustable saddle and handlebar

As the measurements of the bicycles are not usually exact, it is recommended that the handlebars and the saddle be adjustable, so that they can be perfectly adapted to the size of the child.

Importance of the helmet and other safety measures

For those under 16 years of age, the use of a helmet is mandatory; it must be compact but resistant. It should be light in weight and have ventilation openings. To hold it to the head, it must have a harness or strap that the child must wear fastened at all times.

When they are smaller, the use of knee and elbow pads is also recommended, thus reducing possible bumps and scratches.

Other security measures to take into account:

  • good braking system
  • Chain guard to prevent snags
  • Bike suitable for your age and size

Rear wheels on kid’s bicycles

Training wheels are a great way to get kids comfortable pedaling and to get them hooked on the feeling of freedom that only a bike can provide. They’re a good choice for kids who are too old for a balance bike or just need more time to gain confidence.

Brakes

It’s best to start with no brakes (balance bikes) or a coaster brake (the type of brake that engages when you pedal backwards), as it’s intuitive to push your foot down or pedal backwards to stop.

When they are comfortable stopping themselves using these brakes and have more developed muscles in their hands, they can start using the parking brakes.

Some kids’ bikes even have both hand and coaster brakes so they can start to get to grips with them sooner.

Speeds

Not at the beginning. It is essential that kids learn how to balance and pedal properly. That’s why beginner bikes usually only have one speed.

As they gain bike handling skills, confidence, and hand strength, they can start riding a kid’s bike in a few gears.

Common mistakes when buying a kid’s bike

  • Buy the bike in a department store

Most likely, they do not have qualified personnel to advise you. Better go to a specialty store.

  • Buying a bike that’s too big for many years of

riding A bike that’s too big is unsafe. If it is too big it will be difficult to control and uncomfortable. They will not be able to reach the ground with their feet and the child may not have the strength or length in their fingers to apply the brakes.

  • Buy the cheapest option

Cheap is usually more expensive. Don’t see it as an expense, see it as an investment that will give your kids hours and hours of fun while they exercise and develop their self-esteem. Remember, learning to ride a bike is one of the first great achievements in life!

We hope that these tips will help you find a bike for your daughter or son.

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