Buying your child a new bike is an exciting milestone! But with so many different styles and sizes of bikes on the market, it can be hard to know what to go for. In this article, we are going to be sharing our tips for sizing your child’s new bike, which should hopefully take some of the hard work out of finding the perfect bike for your child.
Whether you’re purchasing your child their first bike, or are simply upsizing because they’ve grown out of their old one, it’s essential that you buy a bike that is the correct size for their height.
If you get one that is too big or too small, it may be harder to control and more difficult for them to ride. An incorrectly sized bike may also make for an uncomfortable riding experience!
That’s why it’s so important to choose a bike that is appropriate for your child’s height and age, no matter where they are in their journey of learning to ride a bike.
When you go to buy a bike for your child, it is important to remember that children’s bikes are usually measured in terms of wheel sizes – not by frame size or seat height, as with adult bikes. Rather, each kids’ bike will have a wheel size that will correlate with a different age and height recommendation.
A variety of kids’ bike size charts are available online, which outline the size recommendations for different age groups and height brackets.
However, as a general guide, sizing starts at 30cm or 12-inch wheels for children aged between 2 and 4, who are between 80 and 100cm in height. This is the wheel size most commonly found on balance bikes and bikes with training wheels.
From there, you have three larger sizes, which are commonly found on pedal bikes for children who are ready to start riding without training wheels. These are:
- 40cm or 16-inch wheels (for kids aged between 4 and 7, with a height of 100 – 120cm)
- 50cm or 20-inch wheels (for kids aged between 7 and 9 with a height of 120 – 135cm)
- 60cm or 24-inch wheels (for kids aged between 9 and 11 with a height of 135cm – 145cm)
When you get to the 60cm or 24-inch wheel size mark, you will often find you have more variety when it comes to the bike’s design and capabilities. For example, a lot of brands offer child’s sized mountain bikes and BMX bikes in this wheel size, if your child is keen to start tackling some more challenging terrains.
Although these recommendations provide a useful guide when it comes to children’s bike sizing, it is important to note that these are not necessarily set in stone.
This is because there are a number of other variables that will also influence the most appropriate bike size for your child – for example, the length of their limbs. Your child’s inseam (the measurement from their crotch to the floor) is another variable that will influence this, as it will determine the best seat height for them.
Often, the easiest way to find the best bike size for your child will be to take them bike shopping with you! Not only will your child love being able to choose their own bike, but you will also be able to get them to try out different sized bikes to see which one feels most comfortable for them. This will ensure that you’ve found the right size before you make a purchase. For more information on children’s bike riding, be sure to check out our blog at Blog – PushmeHome. There, you will find a range of other resources to help you support your child as they learn to ride.
