4 Advice to Choose a Kids Bicycles

The annual University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health found that parents were most worried about the overuse of devices and screen time (healio.com). Some studies have also stated that excessive screen time can slow down children’s development in socializing and problem-solving, and also cause several physical health impacts.

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With that in mind, we understand that most parents find it challenging to discover activities that keep kids healthy, entertained, and maintain a balanced screen time. While there are many strategies that parents can try, let’s not forget that cycling is one of the easiest and most beneficial activities for kids! Cycling promotes physical health, strengthens muscles, boosts confidence, enhances problem-solving skills, and helps children make friends, thereby improving their social skills.

Ready to pedal into fun and fitness? Choosing the right bike for your little ones is crucial, as it can create lasting memories and support their development. In this article, we’ll share comprehensive tips for selecting the perfect bike for kids according to their age.

Get to Know: Bicycle for Kids

Get ready to embark on a cycling journey with your child! Before we delve into age-specific bike recommendations, let’s explore the exciting world of children’s bikes and find the perfect match for your little rider.

A children’s bike is a specially crafted cycling companion, designed to grow with your child’s skills and confidence. With smaller frames, lighter weights, and safety features, these bikes are tailored to provide a comfortable and supportive learning experience.

Discover bicycle for kids types:

1. Balance Bikes (Push Bikes): The perfect starting point for developing essential balance skills. Push along and learn to coast effortlessly.

2. Tricycles: A stable introduction to cycling, with three wheels for added security.

3. Bikes with Training Wheels: A helping hand for those just beginning to pedal. Gain confidence and balance with these extra wheels.

4. Two-Wheeled Children’s Bikes: The ultimate goal! Once your child is ready, transition to a standard two-wheeled bike for a more authentic riding experience.

Remember, each child is unique. Observe their development and choose the bike that best suits their individual needs and comfort level.

Children’s Bicycles Tailored to Age Group

The right bike for your child depends on their age, height, and individual needs. At 18-36 months, kids need plenty of exercise to learn how to balance and gain confidence. A pedal-free bike that allows their feet to stop, steer, and turn provides them with more control and the confidence to keep riding. Children aged 5-8 years will be more comfortable with smaller bikes, possibly with training wheels, while children aged 7-12 years may benefit more from larger bikes without training wheels to enhance their riding skills.

1. Bicycle for Kids Aged 18-36 Months

Have you ever seen little kids riding mini bikes without pedals? If so, you’re likely familiar with balance bikes or push bikes. For children aged around 2 years, their feet are their main tools for discovering new things! Giving a balance bike during this crucial period is the best gift parents can offer to help them develop eye-foot coordination, strengthen muscles, and improve stability. With this bike, they will learn faster and find it easier to stay active.

2. Bicycles Suitable for Children Aged 5-8 Years

Between the ages of 5 and 8, children reach a pivotal point in their physical development. Their motor skills progress rapidly, signaling their readiness to transition from smaller bikes to those offering greater stability and control. Standing approximately 120-130 cm tall, bikes equipped with 20-inch wheels are an ideal choice, providing an appropriate challenge without overwhelming the child.

Polygon recommends the XTRADA 20 or RELIC 20 Mountain Bike Junior at this stage. These bikes feature lightweight alloy frames, 20-inch wheels, and suspension forks, allowing children to confidently maneuver around their surroundings comfortably and safely.

3. Bicycle for Kids Aged 7-12 Years with a Taste of Mountain Exploration

It’s time for your little one to broaden their horizons! Now, parents can guide their children through rougher terrains like little rocky paths, uneven ground, and root-covered trails—a thrilling introduction to mountainous landscapes. Between ages 7-12, as exploration opportunities widen, bikes with 24-inch wheels become the perfect fit.

Polygon RELIC 24 and Xtrada 24 Mountain Bike Junior are among the top options available. Crafted with sturdy alloy frames by Polygon, these bikes blend strength and durability to conquer diverse terrains. With their larger 24-inch wheels, these bikes offer steady speed and stability, ready to accompany children on exciting adventures.

Tips for Choosing Kids’ Bikes

1. Take Your Child’s Size into Consideration

Prior to buying, take into account your child’s height and inseam measurement (the length of their inner leg, from the upper thigh to the ankle). Choosing a bike that matches these measurements ensures optimal posture and comfort for your little one. Refer to Polygon’s height recommendations guide to find the perfect size.

2. Take into Account Riding Preferences and Terrain

Get to know your child’s riding preferences. If they enjoy tackling rough terrains with a bit of challenge, a mountain bike with front suspension or even rear suspension might be the better fit. For those who prefer leisurely rides around the neighborhood, a versatile urban bike or hybrid bike could be the ideal choice.

3. Test Ride Options

Allow your child to test out various bike models. This hands-on experience enables them to feel the comfort and ease of controlling the bike, empowering them to make more informed decisions.

4. Check Safety Features

Give priority to safety features such as reflectors, lights, and robust frames. Visibility is critical, particularly in low-light conditions. Bikes equipped with reflective elements enhance safety during morning or evening rides.

5. Weight Matters

Opt for lightweight bikes to enhance children’s maneuverability and control. Seek out materials like aluminum or alloy that offer durability without adding unnecessary bulk. Lighter bikes make it easier for children to handle and reduce the risk of accidents.

6. Seek Advice

Seek recommendations from friends, family, or other parents who cycle or previously purchased bikes for their little ones. Their insights can provide valuable insights and help you in making more confident decisions.
Have questions or need assistance? Contact us today and let us help you find the ideal bike for your child’s age, size, and interests. Contact us, here.

Conclusion

Selecting the right bike for your child is a significant decision that requires careful consideration of various factors. By prioritizing aspects such as size, riding style, safety features, weight, and seeking recommendations, you can ensure that your child enjoys a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable biking experience.

Remember to involve your child in the decision-making process by allowing them to test ride different bike options, empowering them to choose a bike that suits their preferences and needs. With the right bike in hand, your child can embark on countless adventures, fostering their physical health, confidence, and love for outdoor activities. So, take the time to choose wisely, and watch as your child pedals away into a world of exploration and fun on their new bike.

Ask any adult and no doubt they'll be able to tell you about their first bike or the adventures they had on two wheels as a youngster. A bike provides kids freedom, confidence and everlasting memories, not to mention the honing of fine motor skills and muscle development, and so choosing the right one is pretty important! There are no specific rules for buying a particular bike for a child. However, the tips below should point you in the right direction.

Choosing the right size and approximate age guidelines

Selecting the right size bike for a child might seem like a simple equation, but there's a lot more information to consider than age alone. As you'll see from the recommendations we've made below, many of the sizes overlap in age and are more dependent upon height, not to mention confidence and ability.

It's essential when selecting a bike that you don't choose a size the child will 'grow into'. As the size of a bike increases, so does it's weight, making it more challenging to manoeuvre. An increase in height raises the centre of gravity and makes it harder to balance. As a result, if you choose a bike that is too large, your child may have difficulty riding it and not enjoy the experience. Use the age and height recommendations below as a guide. Be mindful that the best way to know if the bike is the right size is to see if the child can comfortably stand over the bike with both feet flat on the ground, comfortably reach the pedals from the seat, and comfortably reach the handlebars when sitting.

It's also important to note that unlike adult bikes that are measured via the frame, kids bikes are measured by wheel size, and so the size is not indicative of the frame size or seat height of the bike. As well as looking at the bikes tyre size, be aware of the minimum and maximum seat height to make sure the child can fit the bike.

Age 18 months + / Balance bikes

Balance bikes are designed to suit children from as young as 18 months and teach balance, fine motor skills and good habits right from the get-go. These bikes have no pedals and rely on the child to push themselves along with their feet. They are a great introduction to cycling and will make the progression to balancing a pedal bike much easier when compared to progressing from using training wheels.

For a comprehensive understanding of these bikes and which ones we recommend, read our Ultimate Guide to Buying a Balance Bike article.

Age 2 - 4 / Wheel size 12in

12in bikes are often a child's first pedal bike and are designed for two to four-year-olds or those between 85cm - 110cm. As this is often the first foray into cycling, you want to look for simplistic designs without things that could complicate their riding experiences like multiple gears, lever-operated rear hand brake or front suspension.

Feeling comfortable and developing confidence is crucial at this point so ensure the fit is correct and the child is happy with the look and feel of the bike. The frame is likely to be made out of either steel or aluminium, the latter being the preferred (but more expensive) option as it will be lighter and resistant to rust.

Expect the bike to come with trainer wheels and a rear coaster brake, potentially a front lever-operated handbrake too. Children of this age often lack the hand strength to operate this type of brake, but it can be a crucial learning consideration as it will get the child used to using the handbrake to slow down. When the child is prepared to do this will vary depending on their physical ability, confidence and strength. Around three-four years is a useful guide.

Age 2 - 5 / Wheel size 14in

14in bikes share virtually the same form and features as 12in bikes but with slightly larger tyre size. Much of the industry work with wheel sizes of 12in, 16in, 20in and 24in to simplify the progression but some brands, such as Byk, skip the industry's more common 12in size in favour of a larger 14in wheel. Larger wheels provide better stability, a smoother ride and increased speed.

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The age and height recommendations are very similar for 12in and 14in bikes. So the choice is likely to be decided by your budget, brand preferences and availability as 12in bikes are far more common.

Age 4 - 6 / Wheel size 16in

16in bikes are the next progression once children have outgrown their 12in or 14in bike, suitable for those aged between four and six-year-olds or those between 100cm - 120cm.

Frame options again include steel or aluminium, with the latter being the preferred (but more expensive) option as it will be lighter and resistant to rust. Training wheels and coaster rear brakes are likely to feature, and you'll find front lever-operated handbrakes are more common as older children start to develop enough grip strength to use them as a stopping mechanism. Before buying a bike with a hand-operated brake, ensure it is a ‘short-reach’ lever designed explicitly for small hands.

Age 4 - 6 / Wheel size 18in

Much like a 14in bike is to a 12in bike, an 18in bike is an alternative to a 16in bike, as some brands skip the industry's more common 16in size in favour for a larger 18in wheel.

An 18in bike is suitable for those aged four to six-year-olds or those between 100cm - 120cm. Choosing an 18in bike over a 16in bike is likely to come down to budget, brand preference or availability as 16in bikes are far more common.

Age 7 - 9 / Wheel size 20in

20in kids bikes are the most popular size on BikeExchange, and it's at this stage that children start to develop a sense of adventure and freedom through their cycling. 20in bikes are suitable for those aged between seven and nine-year-olds or those 115cm - 135cm.

Bikes from here and up, start to split into specific cycling disciplines like mountain biking, BMX and road riding.

20in mountain bikes typically feature much of the same technology as adult mountain bikes including multiple gears and suspension, albeit abridged versions of both. Gears will likely feature a single cog at the front and numerous gears at the back, operated by a simple shifting mechanism on the handlebars. The suspension will likely feature at the front of the bike providing shock absorption and control if children go off-road. Some bikes may also feature suspension at the rear, but this does add significant weight to the bike and decreases durability so perhaps should be saved for larger bikes with more advanced riders.

20in BMX bikes are a popular option as they are highly durable, feature a simple design and are lots of fun. These bikes will typically feature a coaster rear brake, lever-operated front handbrake and a single-speed gear. The good news is adult BMX bikes also usually feature 20in wheels, and so these bikes may be a suitable option for several years.

20in road bikes to become more specialised with multiple gears, hand-operated brakes (front and rear), drop handlebars and lightweight frames designed for speed.

Age 9 - 11 / Wheel size 24in

24in bikes are often the final stepping stone to an adult-sized bike and are suitable for those nine to eleven-year-olds or those 130cm - 145cm.

Like 20in bikes there are distinctive categories of mountain, BMX and road, bridging ever closer to the features of a full adult bike. 24in mountain bikes gain more gears and more significant movement in the suspension when compared to 20in mountain bikes; they will also feature either disc or rim brakes operated by hand.

24in road bikes increase their gear range up to 21 and 24-speed, feature slick tyres for faster speeds and lightweight frames if your child has road racing ambitions.

Age 11+ / Wheel size 26in

26in bikes are suitable for children eleven and up, and those taller than 145cm. Some brands use this size as their largest children sized bike, while they can also be an alternative to a full-sized adult mountain bike. 26in wheels were previously the industry standard for adult mountain bikes, but the move to larger tyres that offer more exceptional rollover ability and comfort has become the norm.

Materials

The material used for kids bikes can vary according to price and will affect the durability, weight and look of the bike. Most commonly, kids bikes will be made from either steel or aluminium.

Steel bikes are the most cost-effective option and highly durable with the ability to withstand plenty of punishment. The downside of steel bikes is they're significantly heavier than aluminium and can rust if left out or ridden in all weather conditions.

Aluminium bikes are light, highly durable and near rust-proof, but come at an additional cost to steel.

Gears

Kids bikes will typically begin with a single gear to not over complicate the cycling experience, but as the child gets more experienced and skilled, more speeds are available.

A single-speed gear typically features an easy pedalling ratio, so children have no problems turning the pedals over. If there is a still a single-speed gear present as the size of the bike increases, this ratio is likely to be larger, making it harder to pedal initially but capable of faster overall speeds.

When multiple gears become available, it usually involves a single cog on the front and numerous cogs on the rear with a shifting mechanism on the handlebar to control them. Often children will have access to seven or eight gears, to begin with, but some 20in bikes can have 21 or 24 gears with three cogs on the front and seven or eight cogs on the rear.

Kids bikes will often feature a chain guard which covers the chain wheel and the upper run of the chain to protect the child from rubbing their leg against it or getting their clothes or shoelaces snagged. It can easily be removed if you wish but provides some peace of mind during the early riding days.

Tyres

Tyres come in many different forms; solid foam, pneumatic (a tyre inflated with air), honeycomb rubber, solid rubber and hard plastic. Balance bikes, 12in and 14in kids bikes could come with all of these, but as the size of the bike increases your likely to find the tyres are pneumatic.

Pneumatic tyres are most common thanks to the all-round benefits they provide, including a cushioned ride and good grip. They come in multiple tread patterns, which are typically either knobby tyres, similar to mountain bike tyres, or a standard tread pattern or 'slick' (no tread pattern), which is similar to road bike tyres.

Depending on the area you live in and the type of terrain the child will be riding, the tread pattern can make a big difference. Choose the relevant tread type to your area to provide the best possible platform for the child to enjoy their riding. A more pronounced tread pattern can provide grip on rough terrain and help shed mud when riding on off-road trails. Slick tyres are best suited to smooth surfaces giving excellent levels of grip and less rolling resistance resulting in faster speeds.

Weight

The weight of the bike will depend mainly on the size, what material it is made out of and the type of tyres used. Be mindful of the total weight as the more a bike weighs, the harder it is going to be for a child to maneuver and the less likely a child is going to enjoy the riding experience. Steel bikes are heavier than aluminium ones, greater tyre size equals more weight, so do more gears and additions like suspension, kickstands, and hand-operated lever brakes.

Kids bikes are typically 25-40% of the child's weight, but that figure will be highly variable depending upon the bike you choose, the child's weight to height ratio and age. If possible, try to limit the weight of the bike to under 50% of the child's weight. For some perspective, an adult's mountain bike typically weighs between 15-20% of a 75kg rider.

Brakes

There are two main types of brakes; coaster and lever-operated.

• Coaster: This type of brake is activated by pedalling backward and is primarily found on smaller bikes as younger children lack the arm and hand strength to operate the hand lever.

• Hand: Lever-operated hand brakes may be present on balance bikes and the smallest of other bikes, but often this is a case of learning good habits as opposed to using them for a practical purpose. As stated above, children between the ages of two and five often lack the strength to rely on this handbrake solely, so use a coaster brake as well. When the child is prepared to use a handbrake, this will vary depending on their physical ability, confidence and strength. As the size of the bike increases, it's more likely the brakes will be operated by hand, both front and rear.

Seat height

As mentioned, selecting a tyre size is not indicative of the seat height of the bike, so this is worth checking before making your purchase. Check the bikes minimum and maximum seat height and the standover height.

The seat height of kids bikes will typically begin at 25cm (10in) and can go right up to adult-sized bikes over 100cm (40in). The best way to know if a child will fit the bike is to get them to stand over it. Failing that, measure their inseam and allow 3.5-5cm (1.5in - 2in) leeway to the seat.

Note: When standing over the bike (not on the seat) there should be an inch or two of clearance. The gap helps prevent injury if the child slips forward off the seat during a fall. Most frame designs feature a sloping top tube for this reason.

Training wheels

There are positives and negatives when it comes to using training wheels or stabilisers. On the plus side, they provide stability, inspire confidence and can be valuable in the early stages of riding if children lack the strength to turn the pedals, and the weight of the bike is too much. And for children that have never used a balance bike or scooter, going straight onto a pedal bike with no support is a bridge too far.

On the negative side, it's said using training wheels teaches children bad habits and can make the progression to riding without support more difficult. They can also influence braking effectiveness when turning as the weight is on the training wheel and not on the rear wheel.

If you do use training wheels, start them level with the ground and gradually raise them as your child becomes more confident, to the point that they can almost do without them. When the child is confident enough, they can then be removed.

Other considerations

• Grips: As most kids bikes feature flat bars, the grips will influence how the child handles and controls the bike. As a critical touchpoint, make sure the grips are not too thick for small hands and can easily be held onto. For smaller bikes, look for grips that have large bulges on the outside to provide extra protection in the event of a fall or if they scrape their handlebars against walls, bushes or other sharp objects.

• Kickstands: This is a handy addition to all bikes (without training wheels) and will stop kids from dumping the bikes on the ground when they come to a stop. Not all bikes come with kickstands as standard though, so if this is something you're after, be sure to check.

• Accessories: The list of possible kids bike accessories is virtually endless; lights, reflectors, pedals, water bottles and cages, bells, baskets, tassels, spokey dokeys. Some bikes come with of these and more while others come with nothing. It pays to check and could mean the child enjoys their riding experience a whole lot more.

• Warranty: As with any new purchase, be sure to check the warranty. Check what it covers, for how long and what you have to do to replace it if required. Most bikes will have a lifetime warranty on the frame and manufacturers warranty on parts but check before your purchase as each bike will be different. Depending on how many children will be using the bike, a warranty may be crucial. The balance bike you buy today could end up going through half a dozen kids and possibly even a couple of generations.

• Pedals: To help children feel at one with the bike, pedals should have a grippy or rough surface so that feet don't slip off, and that should be the case on both sides of the pedals.

Budget

Prices for a kids bike will vary greatly depending on the size, material and type but below are a few things to consider when deciding on a budget, regardless of the kids' bike you're purchasing.

• Kids will grow out of their bikes in a short period, so it's worthwhile thinking a step ahead and deciding whether this bike will get handed down or be sold on. In either case, keep it in good condition and don't throw away training wheels, spares, reflectors, instructions or other items that come with the initial purchase. It might also help to choose neutral colours so it can be sold to girls or boys.

• Should you buy from a specialty bike store or a department store? Bike stores have expected knowledge, will assemble the bike safely and be a point of contact if something is not right. Department stores lack the specific expertise of bikes so you'll likely have to assemble the bike yourself and have limited resources available to you, should something go wrong. Typically speaking, the bikes sold at bike stores are built to higher quality standards than those you find at department stores, like most things, you do get what you pay for.

• We've listed many possible accessories above, but not all of them come with the bike as standard. As such, you should always check what comes with the bike and any possible accessories you'll need to purchase. Essential items like reflectors, bells and brakes will come with the bike, but training wheels, kickstands and baskets may not.

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