With numerous variations and developments in the 21st-century biking industry, we understand buying a bike for your kid isn’t as uncomplicated as it was in the old days. Nevertheless, there are ways to get around it, still.
Does the size of the bike determine a convenient riding experience for your child?
Think about it.
While there are umpteen ways to find the perfect bike size for your child, one of the most researched and proven methods to ensure a bike is a perfect fit for your child, is to analyze your child’s inseam in relation to the seat height of the bike. Is that all? Well, not quite yet.
To classify a bike size, we got to consider several aspects such as wheel size, frame size, seat height range, age of the child, the height of the child, and so on. Hence, we’ve called for this holistic review.
In general, when we refer to ‘kids bike’ or ‘children’s bicycle’, we are indicating to children who are in between their early childhood phase and adolescent phase. So, we are dealing with different age groups here, is that correct? Along the same lines, we present this detailed study that caters to kids belonging to every age group including the adolescent phase.
Further on, this article entails:
- How to measure your child’s inseam? – with the help of an Easy Chart
- Stages of childhood and their corresponding bike types: Balance, with Stabilizers, Pedal
- Highly Recommended Bikes in sync with different age groups, inseam, and wheel size
- Quick Real-time FACTS and TIPS on kids bike and kids bike size
How to measure your child’s inseam?
One of the best factors to decide on choosing children’s bike size is the Inseam (inside leg length) length of your child. It is the measurement of the distance between the crotch of the child and the floor. Check if the child can reach the floor(ground) with both feet on both sides when they are seated on the bike. If this condition is fitting seamlessly, then you’ve achieved the first step to choosing the right bike for your child.
According to the inseam concept, take a look at the easy chart below to check the combinations best suited for your child, and narrow down wheel size based on inseam:
| Approx Age | Height of the Child (Inch) | Size of the Wheel | Inseam (Inch) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-3 years | 2’9”-3’1″ | 10 inches | 12”-14″ |
| 3-4 years | 3’1”-3’3″ | 12 inches | 14”-17″ |
| 4-5 years | 3’3”-3’7″ | 14 inches | 16”-20″ |
| 5-6 years | 3’7”-3’8″ | 16 inches | 18”-22″ |
| 6-8 years | 3’8”-4’0″ | 18 inches | 20”-24″ |
| 7-9 years | 4’0”-4’5″ | 20 inches | 22”-25″ |
| 9-11 years | 4’5”-4’9″ | 24 inches | 24”-28″ |
| 11-14 years | 5 inches and taller | 26 inches | 28 inches and longer |
The frame size and height of the seat will vary remarkably from one bike to another within the same wheel size, but it is the child’s inseam which decides whether a bike perfectly fits into their comfort level or not. To a reasonable extent, wheel sizes also determine the proportions for the rest of the bike.
Whatever may be the case, ensure to buy a bike that will fit your child and their growth, as they are now.
In order to simplify the Stages of childhood and their corresponding bike types, we have grouped them into three categories such as Balance Bike, Bike with Stabilizers/Training Wheels, and Pedal Bike. From toddler’s age with balance bikes to early childhood age with training wheels, to late childhood age with pedal bikes; this would give an indication of how a child progresses with their biking experience along with the right bike size at the right stage of their physical developmental growth.
| Group 1 Balance Bicycle | Group 2 Bicycle with Training Wheels | Group 3 Pedal Bike and more |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
| The estimated seat height of a balance bike will range from 1 inch to 1.5 inch below the child's inseam, having their knees slightly bent and foot flat on the ground. This would enable the child to run on the bike adeptly. | The estimated seat height for a bike with training wheels will range from 0 to 3 inches above the child's inseam. Here, we see two types of benefit for a learning rider. One is, a child should be able to stop the bike with their feet (tip toes or flat feet) on the ground while seated; and second, they could use the brakes. | Pedal bike without training wheels allow the child to immaculately stop and start the bike with confidence, without falling off, and with their foot touching the ground while seated on the bike. Here, the seat height should be equivalent to the child's inseam. Gradually, the seat can be raised for better pedaling regulation. |
Beyond the pedal bike, the seat height can be above the inseam by 2 to 4 inches. Here again, kids should be able to touch the ground with at least their tiptoes while seated on the bike. Plus, you can set the seat height higher to enable maximum pedaling order and correct leg extension.
Highly Recommended Bikes in sync with different age groups, inseam, and wheel size
The following information pertains to the recommended bikes as per the different age groups of kids and their corresponding wheel sizes. Currently, these collections are quite happening in the market. So, go through, review, and don’t hesitate to purchase online from this list.
For 10 inches wheels and 12”-14” inseam, check out these amazing brands for 2-3 years old kids.
1. INTEY Ultra-Light Balance Bike
This ultra-light balance bike is suitable for kids who are 2+ years old. It is made out of aluminum alloy, adjustable height, anti-vibration structure, puncture-proof EVA foam tires, easy-to-assemble parts.
2. Flying Pigeon FG
This lightweight balance bike is meant for 2+ years, old kids. It comes 90% assembled with EVA flat-free puncture-proof tires and anodized aluminum frame material.
3. Goplus 10″ Kids Balance Bike
This balance bike comes with ultra-lightweight, has adjustable handlebars and seat height; non-slip handles for better control. It has a bike stand, bell ring, and brake.
Category 2
For 12 inches wheels and 14”-17” inseam, check out these amazing brands for 3-4 years old kids.
1. Banana Bike LT
This lightweight bike comes with a low center of gravity and easy step-through frame design, puncture-proof EVA wheels, safe child-proof handlebar; meant for 3-5 years old.
2. Nickelodeon Paw Patrol Bicycle
This bike has training wheels; a low stand-over durable steel frame; chain guard and rubble; paw patrol-themed features like front handlebar plate, laser-printed seat, chase, marshal wheel covers.
3. JOYSTAR 12 inch for Girls
Joystar bike for girls with training wheels come assembled with a sturdy steel frame, girly colors, and coast brake.
Category 3
For 14 inches wheels and 16”-20” inseam, check out these amazing brands for 4-5 years old kids.
1. JOYSTAR 14 Inch Bike for Girls
It has a sturdy frame, coaster brake, training wheels, a cute basket carrier, shockproof seat and the bike come 85% assembled and with basic assembly tools.
2. Huffy 14″ Motox Boys Bike
It has removable training wheels, a vibrant handlebar, super cool racing graphics, a durable steel frame, front handbrake, and an easy-to-use rear coaster brake.
3. Dynacraft Hot Wheels Boys BMX Street/Dirt Bike
This brand comes with the front hand, rear coaster brakes, adjustable/removable training wheels, two-tone black and red tires with white rims, lifetime warranty on frame and fork.
Category 4
For 16 inches wheels and 18”-22” inseam, check out these amazing brands for 5-6 years old kids.
1. Schwinn Elm Girl’s Bike
This 16-inches smart start design features a durable steel frame, rear coaster brake, caliper brake, chain guard, adjustable saddle, training wheels, and front basket.
2. Huffy Kinetic Kid Bike
This bike comes with a glossy silver frame, easy-to-use coaster brake, front handbrake, padded seat and chainguard, and fast assembly.
Category 5
For 18 inches wheels and 20″-24″ inseam, check out these amazing brands for 6-8 years old kids.
1. JOYSTAR Kids Bike
This 18″ single-speed bike comes with a kickstand, DIY decal and safe chain guard, height adjustment, saddle with holder, foot brake and hand brake, and durable steel frame.
2. Kent Retro Boy’s Bike
This brand comes with a TIG-wheeled steel frame and fork, alloy quick-release seat post clamp, and training wheels.
3. Schwinn Shine Girl’s Bike
This bike for girls features new Schwinn SmartStart geometry to fit the child’s proportions, high-tensile steel frame
Category 6
For 20 inches wheels and 22”-25” inseam, check out these amazing brands for 7-9 years old kids.
1. Huffy 20″ Boys’ Bike
It features an easy quick-release seat, a steel frame in dark grey and neon yellow accents, a hi-rise handlebar with black grips, and easy height adjustment with a padded seat.
2. Kent Bundle 20″ Ambush BMX Bike
This brand features a TIG-welded BMX frame, extra thick foam cushion seat, BMX saddle with quick-release clamp, and multi-sport helmet.
Category 7
For 24 inches wheels and 24″-28″ inseam, check out these amazing brands for 9-11 years old kids.
1. Roadmaster Granite Peak Boys Mountain Bike
This 24″ mountain bike is known for trails and casual riding, steel frame, 18-speed twist shifters, front and rear linear-pull brakes, and alloy wheels.
2. Kent 24″ Girls’, La Jolla Cruiser Bike
This girly bike features a lightweight aluminum step, sturdy steel frame, and classy whitewall tires.
3. Pacific Boys Derby Full Suspension Bicycle
This bike features steel mountain frame geometry, suspension fork, 18-speed torque drive twist shifters, rear derailleur, one-piece mountain crank. It is designed to provide easy and increased control.
Category 8
For 26 inches wheels and 28 inches (or plus) inseam, check out these amazing brands for 11-14 years old kids.
1. Zerone Mountain Bike
This 26-inches bike features dual disc brakes, a quality carbon steel frame, a wheel tire providing excellent grip, superb shock absorption feature, and an ergonomic saddle.
2. Huffy Hardtail Bike, Stone Mountain 24-26 inch
Only from Huffy, and only at Amazon! The Huffy Stone Mountain is equipped to deliver in looks and in performance. The striking look in red gloss, the 21 speeds, and the front suspension all add up to one hardtail mountain bike that’s ready for action. With a gloss red hardtail frame and 21 speeds to conquer the trails, the Huffy Stone Mountain is ready for outdoor adventures. An Amazon exclusive: Ideal for ages 12-19 and a rider height of 58-70 inches; Kolo 1200 suspension fork handles bumps and dips for a smoother-feeling ride
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Quick Real-time FACTS and TIPS on kids bike and kids bike size:
- There is nothing as useful as watching your kid actually test out a bike in real.
- Ensure the bike fits your child, not otherwise.
- There is no concept of ‘your child will grow into it’, especially during their late and early childhood years. They would outgrow it anyway, someday.
- Try to get an experienced expert’s advice on your bike buying plan; it could save your time on scouting for answers online and/or offline.
- No matter when and where your kid rides, it is good to be responsible and teach your kid how to be safe, along with having fun.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, what we also ought to know is the way we choose our bikes as adults by reference to frame size is obviously not how we choose the correct size bike for children. Therefore, take one step at a time. In the long run, you can plan to buy a bike that can last longer when your child has grown enough to know how to maintain it.
We believe the guides and guidelines mentioned in this article were of value to you in choosing a perfect bike for your child.
If you would like reading our other articles on Kids Bikes, visit the link below:
kidsbikesadvisor.com/