Kids Bike Guide

Kids bikes are designed to make learning to ride a bicycle easier and more enjoyable. We all remember what it's like to learn how to ride a bike and it's an important part of finding freedom as you grow up.Whatever their age, it is important to choose the right bike for your children. Whether they are just learning or are looking for their next ride as they grow, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Size will be the first determining factor when looking at kids bikes. Always buy a bike that fits your child now, rather than one they'll grow into. Smaller kids bikes are generally categorised by size and whether they have pedals rather than by discipline - at least until they're a bit bigger. Then there are a much wider range of MTB, Road and Hybrids available for ages 10+Weight is also very important, particularly for younger children, and as an adult it's easy to overlook this. If you consider that some kids bikes weigh almost as much as the child, then you start to appreciate how tricky it can be for kids to pedal and control these bikes. Much better to invest a little more in a children's bike that is lightweight and uses good-quality brakes, gears and tyres - it will be easier and more enjoyable for your child to ride, and will stand the test of time, even after it's been handed down a few times.

No! Balance bikes are actually available from 18months upto adult sizes! They're not a one-size fits all and there are lots of tyre sizes. For kids aged 5 and up you can remove the pedals from any bike and have them use it as a balance bike. It might take a bit more effort as they're heavier than an actual balance bike, but if it's all you've got - go for it! Even older kids learn faster on a balance bike.

It depends how often they're on their bike! Most children can sit and glide on a balance bike within a few months with the really outdoorsy kids picking it up in a matter of weeks.

If they've mastered their balance bike, that's being able to ride, balance and stop - then they've shown enough skill to be able to manage a pedal bike.There are no real rules and some kids might feel more comfortable on a balance bike until they're tall enough for a 16-inch pedaller.

Stand them against the wall making sure their heels are right up against it. Put a book up between their legs as high as is comfortable.Ask them to move away from the wall and measure from the top of the book to the floor. That's their inside leg measurement which should determine the frame size you need.

Most kids' bike sizes are based on wheel size; a few brands (eg. Frog Bikes) size by minimum inside leg length (so a Frog 52 is suitable for a child with an inside leg length of at least 52cm, and should continue to fit until the child's leg length increases to 55cm. At this point, they can move up to the Frog 55).

Rutland Cycling is the world's largest Frog Bikes dealer, and we stock many other kids' bikes, too. If you're buying a kids' bike online, then the information above will help you order the right size child's bike. For ultimate peace of mind, we offer a 90-day returns policy (for unused products), and a 30-day test ride*, so if the bike isn't right for your child after having ridden it, you can exchange it for another model. If live nearby, you can visit any of our stores, where our helpful staff are fully trained in the art of children measuring. *Not available on sale items, or items purchased on Finance.

Measure their inside leg and compare it with our size guide on this page. Most bikes, aside from Frog Bikes will size their bikes based on wheel size, so we've put together a chart to help you convert.

A 20 Inch bike would be ample. Depending on their height, they may be ready for a bigger bike, but make sure they can comfortably keep their feet on the floor when not riding.

14-Inch to 18-Inch Bikes Are Ideal.

2 - 3 year olds

A 20-inch Wheel-size bike. This is based on an inside leg measurement of 52-58cm.

Stabilisers can help to alleviate some of the fear when a child is learning to ride a bike and often parents remove just one stabiliser as part of the process of learning to balance on their own. Gradually moving upto removing both. Arguably the better alternative is to help your child gain their balance on a balance bike before moving upto a pedal bike. These tend to help them gain confidence in the bike's dynamics.