Children's Bike Size Guide
Sizing Information
Getting the correct size bike is critical for young adventurers and parents alike: too small and we risk the bike only lasting a few months (which costs a lot of money!); yet if it's too big it's likely to damage the confidence of the rider and potentially put them off cycling.
You'll often see size guides for kids' bikes based on the rider's age. This can be a useful starting point of course, but it is much too generalised to go solely from a child's age as it doesn't take into account the three most critical factors: height, inside leg measurement, and crucially the child's confidence on a bike.
Why it's important
When we talk about confidence what we really mean is how competent the rider is with their riding.
It's important for a child who is still learning how to ride to be able to start and stop with confidence - this means having them able to get both feet flat on the ground when they're sat on the saddle. If a child who is still learning has to worry and stretch to reach the floor, it will likely make them more nervous and hesitant to ride and learn.
A child who has already learnt how to ride confidently will be willing to stretch a bit more and we'll potentially be able to get them on a bigger bike as a result. A more confident child will be able to start and stop from the balls of their feet rather than requiring the security of being flat-footed.
How to measure
Our size guide below will give you the best chance at choosing the right size from our range of balance and pedal bikes to suit your child's needs.
In order to ascertain the correct size you'll need to measure your child's inside leg as accurately as possible.
The best method we've found is:
- Stand your child with their back against a wall in their shoes and place their feet a hand's width apart.
- Push a book up the inside of their leg as high as is comfortable.
- Ask your child to move away from the wall and take a measurement from the top of the book to the floor in centimeters.
Size Guide
Balance bikes
14" - 16" wheel bikes
18" - 20" wheel bikes
24" wheel bikes
26" wheel bikes