Because children are constantly growing, choosing the right size bicycle can be a challenge: Too big and it's hard to ride; too small and your child quickly outgrows it. Children's bicycles are sized by wheel diameter, and the bike is proportioned accordingly. Although there are ways to determine the best size of bicycle, it's important for a child to try out the bicycle, to ensure she can maneuver and operate it.
10- and 12-Inch Bikes
The smallest sizes, 10- and 12-inch bikes, are recommended for children ages 18 months to 5 years. These bicycle sizes are appropriate if your child is 26 to 38 inches tall and needs training wheels with his bicycle. When your child is 2 to 4 years old, he will need a 10-inch tricycle, meaning the bicycle has a main wheel and two back wheels that separate the balance of the wheels. Tricycles help your child learn the basics of pedaling and steering before graduating to the 12-inch bicycle. Most kids can graduate to a 12-inch bicycle at age 3.
16-Inch Bikes
A 16-inch bicycle is best for children between ages 4 and 8, who are between 34 and 48 inches tall. At this age, children typically have a better sense of balance and can more fully understand the coordination for stopping and starting. Bicycles at this size tend to have rear coaster brakes, meaning your child pedals backwards to turn on the bicycle's brakes. Because her coordination is developing, she may not be fully ready for front or hand brakes at this age.
20-Inch Bikes
A 20-inch bike is suitable for children 48 to 60 inches tall. Bicycles of this size often have more features, ranging from multiple speeds to hand braking. Wait until your child's hands are large enough to support hand braking before purchasing a 20-inch bicycle with hand brakes. Children who are taller than 60 inches are generally ready to move into adult-size bikes.
Bike Fit Tips
After you've made considerations for age, height and maturity, there are a few ways to make sure the bicycle is the right size for your child. The first is to have your child sit on the bike. His feet should comfortably touch the ground when seated. Have him test out the features like squeezing brakes -- if applicable -- and changing gears. Your child always should take a test ride. Make sure your child is comfortable.
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