Your six-year-old needs a new bike because he has outgrown the one you got, and you’re confused about the best one to buy for him. You’ve seen a plethora of bike brands online but cannot vouch for any, plus it might not be worth the money. While wheel size is one of the ways manufacturers classify their kids’ bikes, it is not the only factor determining the size. Bikes with the same wheel size can vary in overall size. He can ride a 20-inch bike comfortably from a brand, but the same size in another brand may be too big. Again, many parents assume that a child’s age is the sole determinant of the bike size to buy.
Note that some kids grow taller than others. This means that while a taller five-year-old can ride a 20-inch kids’ bike, a shorter kid would have difficulty doing the same. As a concerned parent, you want value for your money and want to put a smile on your child’s face. You can achieve both without breaking a sweat.
Below are four helpful tips for finding the right bike size
Budget
We can’t help but admit that our budget is the sole determinant of the kind of 20 inch boys’ bike we settle for. You’ll get the best quality for higher prices, but there are standard bikes we can get for fair prizes. Even if you cannot part with, say, $300 or more on a single bike, you can settle for cheaper options that are often fairly new or made of low-quality components. Don’t wait till you can buy an expensive bike; you can search for bike stores that sell used ones or search the internet to find someone willing to give out an old bike.
Measure the child’s inseam
Although many manufacturers base their sizing on a child’s height and age, it is best to consider their inseam because it is more accurate. You don’t need a special tutorial as you can do it yourself. With their shoes on, ask your child to stand against a wall with her feet apart. Place a hardcover book between their legs and spine towards the crotch. Raise the book until its spine hits the child’s crotch. Level the book with the floor and measure from the ground to the book’s spine. The figure you get is the inseam measurement.
Find the ideal seat height
You already know the kind of bike your child needs at this stage. Maybe you have not decided on a brand yet, but the mental picture is clearer. Another important yet less emphasized factor is the child’s riding ability. This is because a bike’s fit is based on the seat height vis a vis the child’s inseam. The seat height would be set based on the child’s experience level. You don’t expect a beginner to have the same experience with another child who has been riding a bike since he was two. The seat height is the distance from the ground to the top of the seat. If after determining the ideal seat height, your search would be streamlined the more. What kind of seat do beginner riders need? A beginner rider should be able to sit on the bike with their feet touching the ground. This design allows the child to stop the bike with ease. Therefore, you should purchase a bike with its seat height equal to the child’s inseam.
For experienced riders, they can start and stop their bike at will. Therefore, they don’t need to place both feet flat on the floor. This set of riders needs only the tip of their toes to touch the ground. The seat should be 2 to 4 inches above the child’s inseam. The raised seat maximizes the efficiency of each pedal stroke.
Brake system
Slow-working brakes are prone to accidents. Brakes ought to be efficient and precise to avoid serious injuries. The different brakes depend on the bike model and the rider’s needs. Speak to an expert on the best one to install. One of the commonest types is the disc brake. They are built to function in all weather condition and is less complicated to maintain. Other brake types are coaster brakes, fixed-gear brakes, drum brakes, etc.
Tires
Not much attention is paid to the quality of material used to manufacture the tires, but this decision is yours to make. If your kid would ride on pavement more than sand, ensure that the tires are fast-rolling, and if it would be used on grass, mud, or gravel, choose a wider version. If you found the perfect bike, but the tire doesn’t meet your expectations, you can always swap it at the bike store.
Comfort
If you promised to gift him a bike during summer, he would certainly be excited about it. You finally fulfill your promise, and it is delivered to your doorstep. Your 4-year-old is excited about the new experience and starts testing it. The chances are that they may not speak up if they are uncomfortable with how it fits. All other three factors mentioned above can be summarized into comfort. The aim of buying a bike you’re your child is so they can play and exercise with it. If they sustain an injury while at it, it means there’s something you didn’t do right.
To save money on unnecessary expenses like buying bikes yearly, please imbibe these tips when next you want to purchase a Boys’ bike 20 inch. Remember that many kids have rapid growth and would likely outgrow their bikes months after if you don’t get an accurate size. Most bike shops accept used bikes and extra cash in exchange for a new one. Better still, you can gift your child’s old bicycle to a kid that needs it.
Training wheels – What you need to know
Recall the first time you were introduced to cycling as a child and how training wheels are crucial to your learning process. Over time, they became redundant, and you graduated into using a balanced bike. There are possible misconceptions about training wheels, especially for new parents who want to buy bikes for their curious kids.
Before you buy a bike with training wheels, note the following:
Training wheels do not teach steering
Steering a bike is a crucial part of riding it. Proper steering keeps a two-wheeler straight and upright. While training wheels for 20 inch bike helps your child steer easily, it doesn’t teach them how to steer the bike properly. Since bikes with training wheels do not balance like standard bikes, they don’t steer like one.
Training wheels have issues
Training wheels are blamed for some safety issues among kids. Many have injured themselves while riding, but their parents cannot lay their hands on the reason for the injury. One disadvantage of training wheels is that they restrict a child’s movement and make it difficult for them to turn. Kids are naive and incapable of countering centrifugal force. When this force happens, it pulls the child outside and shifts the weight to the training wheel. If the bike’s back wheel lifts off the ground, the kid will have difficulty stopping the cycle. This happens because training wheels are not connected to the bike’s brakes. Again, training wheels extend outside and might likely get stuck somewhere.
Training wheels cannot be used on a rough ground
While training wheels are a good start for learners, they can’t be used on rough ground. When kids force their bikes to move on bumpy roads, they may crash to the ground. Ironically, a balance bike would go anywhere, regardless of how rough the terrain is. Wouldn’t you love your kids to ride unhampered? One way to ensure your child is safe is by introducing training wheels only for a short time, after which the real deal starts.
Boys bike 20 inch vs. girls’ bike 20 inch – Any difference?
These days it is hard to pinpoint the difference between a male or female kid bike. Before now, their designs were different, and each was either too feminine or masculine. You’ll hear people say that the bike you got for your four-year-old daughter was too masculine and vice versa. Contemporary kids need not worry about the design of their bikes because there’s rarely such a thing as a male or female version. The only difference in the latest designs is the color. While females would prefer lighter and “girly” colors, males will rather go for a dark color. You can still find brands offering various colors to suit boys and girls. If you think the bike you got for your daughter was so masculine, you can still accessorize it to make it look girly.
Five best 20 inch kids’ bike
After considering these factors listed earlier, you may have decided what size bikes for your 4-year-old. If you have a taller girl, you might as well settle for a 20 inch bike girl instead of a 16 inch. What are the best five 20 inch kids’ bikes we recommend for starters?
Decathlon Btwin Rockrider ST100 and Original 100
Decathlon’s Btwin Rockrider ST100 and Original 100 bikes offer the best quality in terms of performance. It is budget-friendly and boasts responsive handbrakes that hardly need any adjusting. These bike models have a traditional mountain bike style frame with knobby air tires, dual-hand brakes, and no coastal brakes. It also boasts slimmer tires that allow for easy navigation.
Guardian Ethos 20 Small
From their braking system to their lightweight frames, the guardian ethos small offers an amazing experience for riders. The guardian’s patented brakes make it safer, and the braking system works by preventing the child from accidentally activating it. When a brake is mistakenly activated, the front tire stops quickly and almost bucks the child off the bike. This brand also promises to be one of the best in the market and is fairly easy to assemble. They also come up with diverse designs that kids love.
Pello Reddi
The Pello Reddi is the brand that every parent hopes to patronize. It is a great way to kickstart your child’s cycling career. This bike is ideal for everyday neighborhood riders looking to have fun while riding in a comfortable position. This model can travel at a faster speed with each pedal stroke. Pello Reddi is the ideal partner for longer rides with the family.
Woom 4
The Woom 4 is a lightweight bike suited for longer rides on tough terrains. It is easy to handle, and it places kinds in a comfortable riding position which helps them become more confident as they rise. Woom 4’s handlebar design allows it to be raised or lowered as the child grows older. It is about the lightest 20 inch bike on the market. Whether your child wants to ride on flat paved trails or climb rolling hills, it got you covered.
Polygon Premier Ultralight 20
Polygon kids’ bikes are not new in the US, and their Polygon Premier Ultralight 20 isn’t a shock to fans. There’s a lot to be excited about when you purchase this 20 inch bike. From the solid quality components to the kid-friendly geometry, this model is everything your child needs. However, it is not as light as many other top brands, but you get value for your money. If your budget is limited, but you won’t bother going for a high-quality product, the Polygon Premier Ultralight 20 might be what you have been looking for.
Comparison chart for the five best 20 inch kids bike
| Bike | Unique Selling Point | Price |
| Decathlon Btwin Rockrider ST100 and Original 100
|
High-quality, super affordable, and exceptional brakes. | $199 |
| Guardian Ethos 20 Small
|
Guardian’s SureStop braking system that allows your child to brake faster with less effort. | $339 |
| Pello Reddi
|
High gain ratios, higher speeds, comfortable riding position. | $409 |
| Woom 4
|
Very lightweight, comfortable riding position, wide gain ratio range. | $499 |
| Polygon Premier Ultralight 20
|
7-speed grip shifter, great build for a giveaway price, multi-terrain tires, lightweight. | $349 |
Conclusion
When you are ready to shop for the best 20 inch kids bike, ensure to go for the best as they are more durable. Also note that your choice affects your child’s health and overall performance.