“It is understandable to want to save money,” says Sean Wilson, a physiologist, former cyclist, and the founder of the Youth Cycling Association. You’ll also want to avoid the temptation to buy too big a bike in the hope your kid will grow into it.
Whatever your child’s age, you’ll want to get the lightest bike you can afford. “Weight is critical, especially for younger kids,” says Bonkoski. The heavier the bike, the more difficult and potentially accident-prone the ride. But the biggest safety-and-comfort feature I favored when compiling this list, as advised by kids’-cycling experts, was lightness of frame. For bikes aimed at toddlers, additional safety features including chain guards are essential. I looked for bikes with bright colors and reflector panels that will help keep kids safe at night. I’ve also taken note of the height or inseam recommendations for each bike listed. On a properly fitted bike, Bicycle World co-owner Ilene Marcos says a kid should be able to touch the ground on tiptoe when seated on the saddle (or on flat feet for beginners who are still building their confidence) and have a slight bend in their knee at the lowest point while pedaling. Once you have that inseam measurement, check the bike’s stand-over height to make sure they’ll have some clearance. Some manufacturers will offer guidance as to the minimum and maximum rider heights for each model, but your best bet is to go by your child’s inseam measurement (the length of their inside leg), since even kids of the same overall height will have different proportions. While wheel size will give you a good idea of the age range a bike is suitable for, it’s important to get more specific than that when choosing your child’s bike. Hand brakes and multiple gears are typically introduced around the 20-inch mark. A 12-inch bike will typically be a balance bike or tricycle, whereas a 14- to 16-inch bike will be single gear with coaster brakes instead of hand brakes. These sizes range from 12-inch wheels (for toddlers) to 24-inch wheels (for taller kids on the precipice of their first adult bike). Unlike adult bikes, which are categorized according to frame height, kids’ bikes are measured by wheel size. I found a range of expert picks for every age, below - whichever you choose, don’t forget to buy a helmet. “It doesn’t have to be crazy expensive, but you’re looking for a quality frame, cranks, and gears,” says Michael Sandler, a coach at Star Track Cycling. While you don’t have to buy a buy a fancy road bike for your 9-year-old, it’s worth investing in a model that’s durable and repairable.
“If you buy a good-quality bike, you can get a good portion of your investment back by selling it used later on,” or even handing it down to a younger sibling. “Cheap bikes are generally heavy, have poorly designed geometry, and have components that aren’t serviceable or will fall apart quickly,” says Kristen Bonkoski, the founder of the popular kids’-bike website Rascal Rides. There’s one big tip they all agree on: Don’t waste your money on something cheap from a big-box store. To find the best kids’ bikes, I consulted bike sellers, cycling coaches, and the experts behind bike-testing and review sites to help you select the top ones. A little extra knowledge when selecting one can make all the difference in their riding experience - ideally setting them up for a lifetime of happy cycling. To a kid, a bike offers not just transport but freedom.
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