If you were your kid, choosing a bicycle would be simple. You'd walk into the nearest toy store, pick out the most colorful, coolest looking set of wheels in the place, throw down your piggy bank money and ride out the front door. Fortunately – for everyone involved – you are not your kid. You're an adult and have to concern yourself with adult things like your child's health and safety.
So, with safety firmly in mind, how do you find the right bike for your child? There are so many factors to consider, but the most important one is proper fit. And how do you know that the bike you're considering is the proper fit for your youngster? Here's our look at what you need to know for choosing the bike that best fits your kid's current stage of growth.
A kids bike size chart is your starting point. Bike size charts are easy to find. They're available at bike shops, toy stores, discount warehouses – pretty much anywhere bikes are sold. But you don't have to get in the car and drive to the store to get one. We've got you covered:
The most common sizing chart. That's your child's height, by the way. Not the bike's.
Age Child's Height Wheel Size 2–3 years old 2'10"–3'4"Another sizing method, this one based on your child's inside leg length.
Age Inseam Wheel Size 2–3 years old 14–17"Age: Age figures here are only an approximation related to typical height and inseam figures for kids in that age range.
Kids bikes come in sizes measured by wheel diameter, as opposed to adult bikes which are measured by frame size and seat height. Common wheel diameters for children's bikes are 12, 16, 20, and 24 inches. By comparison, adult mountain bike wheel sizes typically start at 26 inches. Note that not all brands make bikes in all of these sizes. In additon, you may run into a few manufacturers offering models with 14- or 18-inch wheels.
Types of bikes commonly available:
According to the International Bicycle Fund, most children first experiment with a two-wheeler around the age of three. For those kids, a balance bike with 12-inch wheels is the typical first choice. Balance bikes are pedaless and may or may not come with a brake. Your child propels the bike by scooting along with her feet on the ground and stops by simply planting her feet.
Balance bikes are great for building a toddler's confidence, independence and, of course, sense of balance. They're very popular today as an alternative to tricycles or pedal bikes with training wheels.
Small wheelers are your basic first pedal bikes. Basic is a key word here, meaning that most bikes in this category come with few features found on bigger bikes, like handbrakes and freewheel hubs. But as a transition from a balance bike or tricycle, it's a good idea to keep things simple. Consider a model with coaster brakes, which require less manual dexterity and coordination.
Small wheelers typically come with 14-inch wheels, but there are also lots of models available with 12- or 16-inch wheels. This is important. Remember: It's all about proper fit.
I'm calling the bikes in this category "middle wheelers," although you probably won't find that term when you're out shopping. Usually, they're just described by wheel size, with 16-inches the most common in this group. Middle wheelers typically, but not always, come with hand brakes and may have a gear set. Some feature a freewheel hub that allows the rider to pedal backwards. Other common features include frames made of steel or aluminum.
With middle wheelers, kids pick up some real speed when riding and so it's essential that your child has developed the necessary coordination and dexterity for balance, steering and working the hand brakes.
Gear sets, hand brakes and suspension systems start showing up a lot more with 20-inch models. You'll also start seeing terms like "road bike," "mountain bike" and "cruiser". In other words, specialization starts creeping in at this level, bringing with it a variety of styles and features.
What all of this means is that you and your youngster will have to put some thinking into the type of riding he intends to do: on road, off road, racing, jumping, etc. A good bike isn't cheap and if you're not careful, you may end up with a model that doesn't fit his needs.
There's another style of bike in the 20-inch realm that you might hear your kid begging you for. BMX bikes were born out of the motocross motorcycle world and were originally all about dirt racing on tracks with jumps and banked turns. Today, they have a much broader appeal, mostly because of their durability and looks. BMX bikes typically come with one gear, lightweight frames and knobby tires. 20-inch wheels are common, but you can find models in almost any wheel size. Quality BMX models are ridden hard and built tough, so if you've got a kid like that, a BMX bike may be your choice.
24-inch wheel bikes can be thought of as transition-to-adult bikes mainly because they come with adult bike features (transmissions with up to 36 gears, front suspension, etc.) Road bike, mountain bike, the minimally-featured cruiser style, and BMX models are all available in this category. Advanced features, such as hub brakes, can also be found.
Extra features usually mean higher prices and the chance for more to go wrong. The simpler, the better is good advice. But let's face it, at this point, the choice may be your kid's, not yours.
Height: Have your child stand against the wall, without shoes on and with her feet slightly less than shoulder length apart. Use a measuring tape or yardstick to measure from the ground to the top of her head. Record the result in inches or centimeters, whichever is appropriate.
Inseam: Have your child stand against the wall, without shoes and with his feet slightly less than shoulder length apart. Place a book between his legs, book spine up, and against the wall. Slide the book up to where the spine firmly meets your child's crotch. Have your child move away. Use a pencil to mark where the book's spine meets the wall and then measure from the ground to the pencil mark. Record the result in inches or centimeters, whichever is appropriate.
So, you've measured your child and checked the charts. Ready to go buy a bike? Not so fast. As we said, kids bike size charts are your starting point, but they're only that. You've still got some work to do.
Your child is an individual, unique to every other one out there. That's what parents believe and they're right. Parents are also prideful, and sometimes that pride will lead them believe that their child is more mature than she really is. And that can be dangerous. The fact is that, regardless of age or height, or what a kids bike size chart says, your child may simply not be ready, in terms of maturity or physical ability, to move up to a bigger ride.
Well, that's not exactly true. Your youngster may have grown to a height that makes her ready for a bike with bigger wheels, but not for handling the more sophisticated features – such as hand brakes – typically found on bigger bike models.
So, how do you assess your kid's abilities when it comes to a new bike? First of all, no one knows your child better than you do, and you've seen how she does when compared to other kids of the same age. In other words, you probably have a pretty good instinct for where your child stands in terms of maturity and coordination. Trust that instinct, for starters anyway. You're also going to have her take a test ride before you buy.
Nothing's more fun on Christmas or a birthday than surprising your little one with a brand-new shiny bicycle, one that he'll want to immediately take outside and show off to the neighborhood. Here's an important piece of advice: forget it. That is unless you're prepared to tear your youngster off of that new bike and return it for a full refund.
When shopping for your child's new bike, here's your first rule: Take your kid with you. Going to the store with just your child's measurements and a kids bike size chart is a big mistake. In order to find the perfect bike for your perfectly unique child, you have to actually put him on the bike and check the fit, and then take him outside for a test ride.
Here's your second bike shopping rule: Be sure that the bike you are putting your child on is the exact same model as the one you are considering to buy. In fact, it's better to put your child on the exact bike you're thinking of buying, and if the exact bike or model is not available, come back another day. Or go somewhere else.
And remember to bring your child's bike helmet with you on your shopping trip. It's for the test ride. If your kid doesn't have one, you know what your first purchase will be.
You know the options: sporting goods and toy stores, big box and discount warehouses. But your best bet may just be your good old neighborhood bike shop. That's where you are most liable to find a knowledgeable and experienced salesperson. And expert advice is important in choosing the right bike. Other issues, like assembly and maintenance, are also likely to be best met in a bike shop. That's not to say you can't get quality advice and service elsewhere. But if you're not comfortable with the level of expertise offered at one store, it's best to move on to another.
Have your child sit on the bicycle's seat and grasp the handlebars. If you're trying out a balance bike or a first pedal bike, your kid should be able to place the balls of both feet comfortably on the ground. For second and subsequent pedal bikes, you want your child on her tippy toes when seated in the seat.
Next, ask your child to straddle the top bar, if there is one. According to Consumer Reports, there should be a 1- to 2-inch space between her crotch and the bar. No more, no less.
Have your child walk the bike outside the store and, wearing his helmet, climb on and take the bike for a ride. Check for a safe riding area first, of course. Observe your child's fit, balance, comfort and confidence while riding. Have him pedal, steer, turn and brake. If he does well and likes riding the bike, you may have found your winner. Don't hesitate to try out other models, though. As much as your youngster may like the first bike he rides, he may prefer another one more.
Now you've reached the point where it's almost time to pay up and take your kid and her new bike home. One more point first. Many parents are reluctant to spend a lot of money on a kid's bike that will likely be discarded in a couple of years. If that's your thinking, consider this: Going for a cheaper bike can be a mistake. More expensive bikes are often higher quality and feature lighter weight, greater durability and better control.
Remember your biggest "adult" concern: your child's health and safety.
There’s nothing like a bike ride to kickstart a child’s sense of adventure.
Every child is special and unique. When it comes to buying your child a bicycle, they need a bike size that’s just right for their individual needs.
Kids are constantly growing, so whenever you buy them something, whether it’s sneakers or shorts, you have to check their size. Bikes are no different, and when choosing a children’s bike, you need to ensure it’s a good fit.
There’s plenty to consider when sizing a kid’s bike. To start with, they’re sized differently from adult bikes, so forget everything you think you know about how your own bike was sized.
The wrong-size bike can ruin your child’s riding experience and lead to accidents. If a child’s bike is too large or too small, it can ruin their first biking experience and lead to accidents.
This kids bike sizing guide will provide you with an overview of Cleary’s kid’s bike sizes and show you how to measure your child for their first, second, or third bike. We’ll help you choose the right bike size based on rider experience, height, and inseam rather than broad and inaccurate age sizing.
So how do you know what size bike to get a child? The Cleary kids bike size chart is here to help.
Cleary bikes come in five distinct kids’ bike sizes, all specially designed to give your kids a feeling of freedom and adventure on two wheels. Put a kid on a Cleary bike, and you open up a whole new world of fun and learning. Our kid’s bike sizes are grouped by wheel diameter sizes, with bikes available in 12, 16, 20, 24, and 26 inches.
The bike wheel size chart below compares wheel size, age, inseam, and height measurements to guide you to the best bike fit for your child.
Source: Two Wheeling Tots
Wheel Size Age Inseam Height 12″ 2 – 4 years 15″ – 18″ 36 – 39″ 16″ 4 – 6 years 16″ – 22″ 41 – 48″ 20″ 5 – 8 years 19″ – 25″ 45 – 54″ 24″ 8 – 11 years 23″ – 28″ 49″ – 59″ 26″ 10 + years 25″ + 56″ +Our smallest bike is the 12-inch Gecko, a lightweight kids bike suitable for tiny toddlers. This bike makes magical memories and is many kid’s first “real” bike. The single-speed drivetrain of this 12-inch bike makes pedaling intuitive and straightforward.
A safety handle built into the bottom of the saddle allows you to easily help your child get their balance before riding off on their own. This model makes learning easier – as easy as learning to ride a bike should be.
The Gecko best fits riders with an inseam of 14″ to 18″, and If you’re looking for a lightweight, safe, and fun first bike, look no further. The 12-inch Gecko is just the rig for your two to four-year-old toddler. When the time comes to transition from a pushbike, you’ll beam with pride watching your child learn to ride the Gecko.
When your kiddo is getting a bit more confident and growing up (too fast!) Then it’s time to move up to the Hedgehog.
The spunky Hedgehog is ready to have some fun, so this model unlocks a whole new world of riding to preschoolers. This 16-inch bike has several features which take it up a notch from the Gecko.
The Hedgehog model includes freewheel, which allows kids more rideability than a coaster brake. Hand brakes take kids a step closer to an adult bike, but our hand brakes are small and durable- created with little hands in mind.
Suitable for riders with an inseam of 17″ to 21″, the Hedgehog is roughly a good fit for a three to five-year-old rider.
Once your kid reaches Owl and Scout status, they’re ready to fly. Perfect for kindergartners’ early-grade-school adventurers in the five to seven age range, the Owl and Scouts lets kids take off to adventure.
20-inch wheels let the Owl roll fast over small obstacles and bigger jumps. These wheels are made for flying and are the same size that Olympic BMX riders use, a fact your kid will love.
The Owl also has a freewheel and a rigid front fork paired with 20″ all-terrain tires. Those all-terrain tires give you more freedom to hit the trails as a family for some bigger adventures.
Our Owl bikes are available in single-speed or three-speed. If your child is ready to foray into the excitement of shifting, then the Owl is your chance to introduce gears. The three speed Owl has a shifting mechanism encased in an aluminum shell to shift smoothly without maintenance for thousands of miles.
The Owl’s 127mm alloy three-piece cranks allow for more speed and acceleration. But there’s no need to worry. They’re growing up and riding too fast too soon. The Owl can still stop on a dime thanks to the super-strong Tektro junior v-brakes.
Can a six-year-old ride a 20-inch bike? Yes, a 20-inch bike is generally a good fit to buy for six and seven-year-old children. But age is just a number, and when it comes to bike sizing, it’s the inseam measurement that should be your guiding number, not age. The Owl is the best fit for riders with an inseam measurement of 19-23″.
20″ Cleary Scout in Intergalactic
Their first foray into the world of dirt requires a bike set up just for them. The 20″ Scout delivers just that. This 20″ kids mountain bike can take on any obstacle your 6-8 year old rider can throw its way. When you’re ready to hit the trails with your child, this bike flattens the curve.
The 20″ Scout comes stock with a Red Bull Rampage worthy Suntour fork, 1×10 drivetrain, super smooth KMC chain and an ultra-light aluminium frame. This little Scout will quickly become your child’s go-to fun machine.
The geometry on the Scout is set up to put 6 to 8 year olds in a comfortable but appropriately aggressive riding position, one that allows the rider to feel balanced and confident. The bike feels stable and reliable as your rider maneuvers it around corners, hugs berms, rolls over roots and glider through rock gardens. The smile on their face at the end of every ride will keep you both coming back for more.
The Meerkat is a bit more interesting and a bit more exciting. If your junior shredder is ready for the 24 inch Meerkat, they’re prepared for some real riding fun.
The trigger shifter is paired with a five-speed internally geared Sturmey Archer hub. These features combined mean your child can make quick, efficient shifts without worrying about chain drops or being out of gear.
As your child gets older and becomes more independent, they can start to head off to school or on adventures alone. The Meerkat’s front and rear rack mounts mean you can easily add a basket or rear rack. This model ushers in a whole new world of bike packing opportunities, whether it’s school or sports gear, a beach bag, or a picnic lunch. The
Meerkat’s more advanced features offer your child a delicious first taste of independence, trust, and responsibility.
Are you looking for the perfect kids mountain bike for your 7 – 10-year-old child? Look no further than the Scout 10 Speed 24 Inch Kids Mountain Bike. This kids mountain bike is designed to provide the perfect combination of safety, durability, and style for your little one to rip it up on all-terrain paths and flowy single track. The 24-inch Scout Kids Mountain Bike has all the features you need to ensure your child’s intro into mountain biking is safe and enjoyable.
The 24-inch Scout All-Purpose Bike comes loaded with features to get your child excited about all-terrain biking. The Microshift 10 Speed Cassette enables them to continue practicing their gear-shifting precision skills without you needing to worry about their chain getting hung up. And the enduro knobbies on your child’s future favorite ripper make sure that they’ll feel controlled on gravel, dirt, sand, grass, and in the street.
This 26-inch bike is our biggest kids’ bike for older grade-schoolers and middle schoolers. The 5-speed Meerkat bike is excellent for kids and teens who can handle an adult bike’s features but aren’t quite tall enough for adult sizes. A 26-inch Meerkat model is fast, sleek, and stylish.
The 26 inches five-speed model is a practical bike, comfortable in urban settings, and easy to lock up. This Meerkat model has no derailleur to get bent in a bike rack and rolls smoothly over even the most pothole-filled route.
Can a seven-year-old ride a 24-inch bike? Yes! Seven-to 10-year-old’s will love the 24-inch Meerkat. Check your child’s inseam to see if the Meerkat is the right bike; it best fits riders with an inseam of 22″ to 26″.
When it comes to getting your child a new bike, there are a lot of options out there. So why should you choose a kid-specific mountain bike like the Scout 10 Speed 26-inch Kids Mountain Bike?
The Scout is a super fun hardtail kids mountain bike. The Scout bike has ten speeds that allow kids and families to hit the trails together with confidence. It features a 100mm Suntour XCR Air fork that has been featured in the limelight at Red Bull Rampage and other elite mountain biking events around the world which helps tell the story about its ability to standup to the roughest trails your kid can take it on.
Age groups don’t dictate our kids bike sizing guide because they don’t always work. No two five-year-olds are the same height and size; every child is different and unique. We’ll note age groups to help point you in the right direction, but you want a perfect fit when you come to pick the perfect bike.
Using wheel size isn’t the best way to judge the right size bike for your child, either. The old way to measure cycles was by using your child’s height to determine the correct wheel size. But the problem with that method is the size of the bicycle is not solely determined by its wheel size.
Just like your kids come in all shapes and sizes, so too do bikes. Two kids’ bike models with 20-inch wheels can look and fit entirely differently. The Seatpost and standover heights amongst bike models and manufacturers can vary drastically.
That’s why we recommend every child get measured for their perfect bike. After all, this bike is more than just a bike. It’s that first step towards independence, growing confidence, fun, and adventure. It’s worthwhile measuring to get the sizing right.
Our bike size chart will help you determine which of our kid’s bikes will fit your child best. We use a sizing system based on kid’s height and inseam measurements. This method allows kids to sit on the saddle with two feet touching the ground. If they are in between sizes, you could size up or down, considering their age, confidence, and skill level.
Not all bike models and manufacturers use the exact same frame sizes, so the frame size often measures bikes. You can use a tape measure to work out the frame size. Measure the bike’s frame from the center of the crank axle to the top of the seat tube.
Using the frame to size a bize is the measuring system you’re probably familiar with, as it’s common practice for adult bikes. However, youth bike sizing is usually done by the wheel size and inseam. If you order a kid’s bike thinking the measurements relate to the frame size, you’re likely to get the completely wrong size.
When buying a kid’s bike, models will be grouped by wheel size and measured by the wheel’s diameter. Balance bikes start with wheels as small as 10″. The smallest kids pedal bikes start with 12-inch wheels and go all the way up to 24-inch wheels. Any bigger than that and your kiddo is generally ready for an adult size ride.
Measure the wheel diameter in inches using the wheel’s outer diameter, with the tire installed on the rim. Extend your measuring tape from the top of the existing tire to the bottom. Some tires will also have the diameter recorded on the tire itself if you don’t have a measuring tape handy.
The size of your kid’s wheels is an important metric. However, many brands will show you a kid’s size chart that matches wheel size to an age group or bracket. Instead, compare the wheel size to your child’s inseam, which will give you a better idea of what will fit them as an individual, not just an age group.
This method involves measuring your child’s inseam or inner leg length, along with the seat height of the bike. The easiest way to measure an inseam is to have the child stand with their back flat against a wall. Use a tape measure in inches to measure the distance from the crotch of your child’s pants down to the floor. Note that, unlike a tailor measuring pants, this in-seam measurement should go to the floor, not the ankle.
You can then narrow down your bike hunt to models where tire size falls within the approximate inseam range. Your child should still sit on a few different bikes to finalize their size, especially if they are between sizes.
Measuring by inseam and comparing to the bike size chart is the most accurate way to find the right size bike for your child. You should use the inseam measurement alongside the wheel size as a comparison. Where possible, you should also put your child on the bike, check the fit, and then take them outside for a test ride.
If your child is in between sizes, their height, confidence, and ability can help you decide whether to size up or down. A capable rider can handle a slightly larger bike, while a rider with less confidence is better suited to something smaller.
See our recommendations for in-between sizes based on height in the kids bike sizing guide chart below.
Size is a biggy when it comes to picking the right bike for your child, but it’s not the only thing that matters. Once you’ve got a bike size that suits your child’s needs, you should begin thinking about other factors. These include the weight of the bike, the geometry, brake type, and tire type. For older children, gear speed is also a consideration.
Nothing beats the magic a child experiences when rolling on two wheels. Learning to ride bikes gets the mind and body working together. It’s a feeling of freedom. But all children are unique and learn at different paces. The ability and maturity of your child are also factors to consider when choosing a bike.
Maturity and coordination are factors that will determine whether your child is ready to handle bikes with more adult features, such as hand brakes or gears. A test ride before you buy is the easiest way to gauge your child’s mental riding level, confidence, and abilities.
One of the common mistakes we see parents make when buying a bike is to choose a size that’s too big, thinking their child will grow into it. A bike is not a pair of sneakers. Bikes that are too big are difficult for children to ride and can throw off their balance, making them dangerous. The wrong-sized bike, especially in a first bike, can slow down your child’s learning and affect their confidence.
If your child is struggling with bike riding, they may be riding the wrong-sized bike. Observe these visual cues and take measurements to find out. Here’s how an appropriately sized bike should fit.
Your child’s seat height is a vital sizing cue. You can adjust bike seats, so make sure your child’s seat is regularly adjusted to suit their current height. Changing the seat height often allows your child to grow without needing a new bike.
For a child’s first bike, the seat should be adjusted so your child can put their feet flat on the ground when seated. Once your little rider is more comfortable on pedal bikes, you can adjust the seat so only their toes can touch the ground.
Your child’s knee position on a bike is directly related to seat height. If your child is just learning, they will have more bend in their knees to easily put their feet on the ground. As they feel more confident, you can raise the seat height for better peddling and a full leg extension.
When a bike is too big, you can often tell by the pedals. If a bike has a minimum Seatpost height that is any higher than 1-3″ longer than your child’s inseam, they will struggle to reach the pedals. Kids can’t learn to ride a bike properly if they can’t reach the pedals, and they’re likely to have accidents trying. Adjust the seat so kids can touch the pedals comfortably or size down to a smaller model. Never buy a bike if your child is struggling to touch the pedals.
Handlebar heights need to be adjusted so your child can ride upright. Their handlebars should be at least as high as their seat or above the seat. If the bike’s handlebars are lower than the seat, it can stress your child’s wrists, arms, neck, and back. Even flexible little kids can get achy if their bike posture is off.
Your child’s standover (or “stepover”) height will be a few inches longer than their inseam measurement. You can visually gauge a standover height simply by making sure your child can easily stand over the bike with their feet on the ground.
When your child stands over the bike, there should be a visible gap between the frame and their crotch. The gap should be at least an inch or two. It’s essential to check the standover height to ensure your child can quickly and easily get on and off the bike.
The wrong stepover height can cause painful injuries if your child slips forward or can cause accidents when they need to jump off the seat during a sudden stop.
Believe it or not, training wheels are not a necessary step on the path to learning to ride a bike. Here at Clearly, we don’t believe children need to use training wheels.
Balance bikes are bicycles without pedals. A child who learns to ride a balance bike doesn’t need training wheels because it has already taught them how to ride.
By design, a balance bike teaches children to balance while they are sitting and in motion. This balancing act is the hardest part of learning to ride a bike! Once your kiddo has mastered balancing, pedaling is an easy skill to master.
Training wheels often prevent a child from trying and learning how to balance themselves. Cleary bikes have wider tires and are ergonomically designed for kids making it easy for them to go from balance to pedal.
With the proper fitting bike, your child can go from a balance bike straight to a pedal bike – without the need for training wheels! If you’ve sized your child’s bike correctly using the inseam method, your child will be able to put their feet on the ground.
Please don’t underestimate how important it is that kids who haven’t learned to pedal yet be able to place their feet flat on the ground. Touching the ground provides a sense of security for young children learning to ride a pedal bike for the first time. They can scoot or stop the cycle with their feet if they feel so inclined.
Teaching your children to ride a bike is a memory you and your kids should cherish. Cleary make bikes specifically designed to give kids the best possible riding experience. But the wrong size bike can quickly turn this experience into a frustrating and potentially dangerous situation for you and your child. That’s why taking the time to review the kids bike sizing guide and measure your child’s bike fit properly is so important. Spending a few minutes getting in those measurements now will save you both a headache in the future.