Getting a new bicycle is like a right of passage. The first bicycle marks a child's entry into a world of greater autonomy and mobility. Each successive bicycle purchase is necessary because of your child's growth and maturation---he outgrows his old bike; and each successive bicycle fuels your child's physical, emotional and social growth, giving him an independent means to travel ever greater distances from home. Give your child a bike that fits properly to enhance his control and mastery of his cycling experiences.
Step 1
Measure your child's inseam using a tape measure. Measure the inseam from the inside of the crotch to the ground. Also measure your child's height, from the highest point on his head to the floor. Write these numbers down for future reference.
Step 2
Look for bicycles that have frame sizes that are 2 inches less than your child's inseam. Whether you look online or at a store, every bicycle should have a description of several measurements, including the frame size and the wheel size. There are different designs and styles of bikes and frames, so the stated measurements are only a starting point for the fitting process.
Step 3
Identify bikes to purchase based on the correspondence between the wheel size and child's height and inseam. Bikes with 12-inch wheels are designed for children who are at least 36 to 40 inches tall with a minimum inseam of 18 inches. Bikes with 16-inch wheels are best for children who are 41 to 49 inches tall with at least an 18-inch inseam. Generally children from 2 to 6 years of age fit bikes with 12- or 16-inch wheels. Bikes with 20-inch wheels fit children 50 to 56 inches in height with at least a 23-inch inseam, and bikes with 24-inch wheels match children at least 57 inches tall with a minimum inseam of 26 inches.
Step 4
Ask your child to straddle the bike with legs slightly apart and both feet flat on the ground. Have her hold the handlebars. Measure the distance from your child's crotch to the top of the crossbar on the bicycle. On a girl's bicycle measure to the top of where the cross bar would be if it went straight across rather than down at an angle. Allow at least 2 inches of clearance. If you shop for a bicycle online, use their stated frame size for your estimates.
Step 5
Measure the bike to position the seat and handle bars. Have your child stand next to the bike. Position the seat post so the bike seat is about level with your child's hip bone. Tighten the bolt so the seat is secure. Hold the bike firmly by the frame while your child boosts up on the seat and places both feet on the pedals. When the pedal is in the lowest position, your child's leg should be slightly bent---at about 80 to 90 percent extension, according to REI. If the leg is too bent, or if your child must straighten his leg, the seat needs to be adjusted to a higher or lower position. If both of your child's feet can touch the ground while he is in the seat, the bike seat is too low.
Step 6
Measure your child's fit and comfort with the handlebars. Straddle the rear wheel and hold the bicycle firmly upright. Have your child hop on the seat and grab the handlebars. Generally, handlebars should be positioned to be at least an inch or so higher than the seat, though the precise positioning of the handlebars is a matter of personal preference.
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