Buying the first bike or a new bicycle for your little kid has never been easier. For children, too big or too small cycling is practically not safe. How do you find the kid bike size guide? If you do more of your homework about the measurement of kid bike size, you will be surprised that the standard unit of measure for kid bike wheel size is marked in inch. On this page, you will find all vital guidance on the kid’s bike size.
>>>Check our guide about how to teach your kids to ride the bike
Today, the variety of kid’s bicycles on the market is enormous, and those who want to buy a bike for toddlers must pay attention to the right bike size for kids. Finding the right bike size will help your kid ride the bicycle comfortably, minimize the possible danger of falling, and eventually save you a lot of money. We will provide in-depth information on how to justify the right bike size so that you can do it by yourself. Recently, a majority of transactions are done online, so you don’t have to pay a hefty amount of cash to any local bike shops to do the bike fit for your kid. Just follow our simple D.I.Y. instruction. if you are looking for a good kid bike, check our best kid bikes for 4-year-old kids.
What size of the bike should I buy for my kid?
Finding the right bike size that fits your kid most is probably the crucial step to buying a decent bicycle for your kid. Unlike typical bicycles for adults the size is determined by frame size, the scale for kid bicycles, on the contrary, is justified by the wheel size in inch. Generally, the wheel size can be categorized into seven dimensions: 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 24, and 26 inches. To determine the right bike size for your kid, we need to consider two primary factors: age and height(inseam).
Age
Children usually start learning how to ride a bicycle around the age of 2 and up. Some parents may consider having their kid ride in the very early year, but it is not highly recommended to do such a thing, as much research has shown that injuries are higher in most kids who start riding at the level of 2 or lower. According to our study, the average age of children starting to practice a bicycle is around five years old and up. Additionally, age also determines the type of bicycle your kid should ride. The type of bike for toddlers is categorized as follows;
- Big Wheel bicycle
- Tricycle
- Balanced bike
- Bicycle with training wheels
- Ordinary bicycle
Height
First, you need to measure your kid’s height with a folding meter or a tape measure by placing your child against the wall and measuring him. Alternatively, you can measure the suitable size by your child’s inseam length. To do so, place your kid against the wall and measure the internal length of both legs. Please refer to the table below to find the right bike size for your kid.
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The correct length of the inseam is essential because it determines the height of the saddle. Children should always be able to reach the ground safely with both feet when riding a bicycle. Since most seats are adjustable, kids can ride the same bicycle for many years if you get the right bike size for them.
The complete wheel size explained
As mentioned earlier, the size of the kid bike is determined by the wheel size in inches. Each wheel size has its details and character. We have listed the complete explanation for each wheel size below.
12-inch wheel size kid bike
The 12-inch wheel size is probably the smallest wheel size available on the market. This type is intended for very young toddlers the age of 3 and up. To buy this wheel size, your kid must attend at least 2’10” high and have an inseam length between 13-16″. The recommended type of bicycle should be a tricycle or a bike with training wheels.
14-inch wheel size kid bike
The toddler’s bicycle with a 14-inch wheel size is for boys and girls with a height from 3’1″ to 3’7″. Your child’s inseam length is approximately 16-20″. Since this 14-inch wheel is suitable for children the age of 4 or more, our recommended type of bicycle is a bicycle with training wheels or a balanced bicycle.
16-inch wheel size kid bike
If your kid has a height of 3’7″ or more, then a 16-inch wheel size is the right choice. Usually, the saddle of these 16-inch wheel kid bikes is 20.5 inches high, your child’s inseam length should be at least 17 inches. The handlebars and stem of these kid bikes are usually padded so that the kid does not get hurt if he falls from the bike.
Usually, the kid should be at least five years old to ride this 16-inch wheel-sized bike. Finally, our recommended type of bike is a bicycle with a training wheel, a balanced bike. Some parents may consider having their child ride a standard bicycle but do it with caution.
18-inch wheel size kid bike
18-inch wheel size kid bikes are suitable for a kid with a height of at least 4.0′. However, sometimes a 16-inch bike or even a 14-inch bike with an adjustable saddle and handlebar can be substituted for this size. With the 18-inch wheel-sized kid bike, the saddle is usually 21.5 inches high, and the inseam length is at least 20 inches. Besides, 18-inch wheel size kid bikes are the largest children’s bicycles. Everything above it is already called the youth bike.
By the way, only a handful of bicycles in this range offer the training wheels options. Most 18-inch wheel-size kid bikes still have a low wheelbase. The small entrance provides more security when getting on and off the bike. The appropriate age for this size is six years old and up. The recommended bicycle is a standard bicycle without training wheels.
20-inch wheel size kid bike
If your kid is 4’2″ high and has an inseam length between 20-24″, he is probably eligible to get a 20-inch wheel-sized bike. Typically, this bike has a 23″ long Seatpost and a non-padded handlebar and stem.
However, a wide range of different types of bicycles is now available. Bicycles with 20-inch wheel sizes are available either in 12″ or 13″ frame sizes. Also, at this range, you will have various types of bikes to choose from, such as trekking bikes, mountain bikes, city bikes, or dirt bikes.
Most kid bikes of this size are equipped with a hub or chain gearbox. The equipment is the same as an adult bicycle. Some models come with suspension forks and lights, chain guards, and mudguards, depending on the type of bicycle. The suitable age for this size range is seven years old and older. Furthermore, children at this age are free to ride any type of bike they prefer.
24-inch wheel size kid bike
The 24-inch wheel-sized kid bikes are intended for young toddlers and teenagers with a height of at least 4’5″ and an average age of 8 or 9 years old. Furthermore, the kid inseam length is approximately 22-26″. Kid bikes in this range will look similar to adult bicycles. The popular types of bicycles among children are mountain bikes, city bikes, racing bikes, fat-tire bikes, and trekking bikes.
The standard size of the frame is 13″ or 14″. Chain or hub gears are already an obvious thing for these bicycle sizes. These bikes are often equipped with front and rear lights so you can ride safely on the road. The appropriate age is ten years old and up.
26-inch wheel size kid bike
The 26-inch wheel size is probably the least popular type of kid bike because children have already switched to adult bicycles. The appropriate age for this size range is 12 years old and up. Moreover, the average height is around 4’9″ and up, and the inseam length is 25-32″. However, you will not find these bikes in this range available on the market, and the 26-inch wheel kid bike looks almost identical to adult bikes. If your kid has grown up and is tall enough to ride the adult bicycle, do so because more variety of options is available for you.
Bottom Line
finding the right bike size for your kid is a straightforward process, and it does require less effort to do so. With a folding meter and our kid bike size guide, you can find the right bike for your kid without paying lots of money to the local bike shop. If you are currently looking for a decent bike for your kid, take our reference and find the bike that most suits your kid.
