How Do I Know What Size Bike To Buy For A Child

Wheel size gives you a very general idea of the size of a bike but bike frame size and seat height range can vary drastically from one bike to another within the same wheel size as a result your child may fit on a 16 inch bike with one brand.

How do i know what size bike to buy for a child. For standard hardtails our mountain bike size chart should be a god send. So make sure you look at a tire size chart and try a full suspension mountain bike for size before buying. Children s bikes are measured by their wheel diameter. To measure the inseam you need a yardstick and a medium sized book.

12 inch 14 inch 16 inch 18 inch 20 inch 24 inch and now even 26 inch. The kids bike sizing guide below will give you an overview of the various kids bike sizes and show you how to choose the best size bike for your child. So how do you know what size bike to get your child. What size do kids bikes come in.

However it s worth remembering that more than just your height goes into getting a correctly sized bike. You may be 5 8 but have legs shorter or longer than the average for example. Unlike adult sizing where the bike frame determines size in kids bikes the wheels set the proportions. Kids bikes come in these different wheel sizes.

You can pretty much go by your child s age to determine what size bike they need. How do i know what size bike to buy my child. For quick reference the bikes on our website feature size guides which use your height so take a look at these to know what sizes you should be looking into. 1 with your child standing with his back against the wall align the book vertically on the wall between your child s legs up to the crotch area.

Mountain bike sizing can be affected by suspension and your tire choices. Wheel size is the way that bike manufacturers classify their kid bike sizes but it s not the only factor it s not even the most important factor. Once you know what size bike your child needs you should begin thinking about things like weight this one is a biggy geometry brakes tires whether or not to use training wheels etc etc etc. After measuring you can refer to a bike size chart as provided in this article to find your child s suitable bike size.

The basic premise is that when you buy a kid s bike you get either guaranteed trade in value on the old bike when it is outgrown and or straight out discounts on future bikes as the kid continues to move through the bikes into the larger sizes. Remember that kid s bike sizes are always measured by wheel size and not frame size like adult bikes and that is why an adult bike size chart will not work for children. Bike wheels start small with one size balance bikes for toddlers. Remember 12 is the perfect toddler bicycle size so always get that as a balance bike.

For more information on other things you should be considering read our guide to buying a quality kids bike. Finally certain bike shops and online retailers including performance bike offer programs for people buying kids bikes. 12 16 20 and 24 inch.