Bicycle Network: Parents

Bike sizes and children's ages

Bike accessories

Bike sizes and children's ages

Which shop?

You will see a lot of cheap bikes in large department stores. It can be difficult to resist the temptation of these products, but by buying at a reputable bike shop you will receive better advice regarding the correct size for your child. A bike shop will also have the ability to alter the moveable components (seat, handlebars, etc) so the bike is properly set up for your child.

You also establish a rapport with the shop, which means they are more likely to attend to your needs if you have to return for further help, or maybe even another bike. They can advise you on the range of bikes available rather than just selling you what is on the floor. Lastly, but probably most importantly, the overall quality of bike available at dedicated bike shops is generally higher.

Basic Bike Sizes

• 12” for 2-4 year olds
• 16” for 4-6 year olds
• 20" for 6-8 year olds
• 24” for 7+ and
• 26” for approx 10 plus

These age brackets are very loose, and vary according to your child’s physical growth rate and motor skills. It is always tempting to buy a bike that they can grow into but a bike that is too big can be hard to control and could lead to a crash and loss of confidence.

Training wheels are generally appropriate for the two smaller sizes. 

Brakes

A key difference between bikes of different sizes is whether they have back-pedal brakes or hand pulled levers (handbrakes).

Gears

Gears are another factor to conisder beside the size of the bike and what brakes they have. Smaller sizes are generally just a single gear, with gears being added as you go up through the sizes as children improve their coordination.

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Bike accessories

Brakes, gears, lights, kiddie carriers and more!

Click here for all the advice on all you need to find the right accessories for you and your family.

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