How to Choose a Children's Bike
Kids’ bikes are lightweight and very easy to control. Their robust design prevents them from sustaining serious damage in beginner’s falls. Additionally, they are also available in many bright colours.
Important Parameters
Frame height
The ideal handlebar height should be at waist level.
For more information on how to choose the right bike size, read our article .
Frame material
Steel frames are tough and cheaper than other options. The downside is their higher weight and tendency to rust.
Duralumin frames are more expensive, but they are also lighter while having all the toughness of a steel frame.
Brakes
The most common are the so-called v-brakes, which brake by rubbing the friction pads against the rim. They are cheap, easy to maintain, but their braking effect drops when the mechanism gets wet.
The second option are the disc brakes, which work equally well when wet or dry. On the downside, their maintenance is more difficult. Disc brakes are controlled by cable or hydraulically.
Frequently asked questions when choosing a bike
What can I do to prevent my child from outgrowing the bike too quickly?
The best solution is to buy a bike that just barely fits the recommended height designation. This ensures the child will spend enough time with it and the bike will remain optimally sized for longer.
Do I need any accessories?
Kids’ bikes are usually equipped with fenders, reflectors, and a bell. We also recommend buying a helmet.
Can a kids’ bike take rough handling?
Most children's bikes are built to withstand the initial falls. However, we don’t recommend handling it too harshly and the bike still requires regular maintenance.
What is the right sitting position?
Kids’ bikes create the so-called neutral sitting position (a cross between the more horizontal sports position and the upright leisure position). It’s not particularly demanding and is suitable for the natural development of the body. It doesn’t strain a child’s back, but it’s also not as leisurely as an upright position.
Glossary - Bikes
Gears
Featured on most bikes, gears allow you to select the degree of difficulty when pedaling. At low gears (e.g. when cycling uphill), pedalling is easier, but the pedal frequency increases at the same time. Conversely, when using a high gear (e.g. on a flat road), you pedal less but more forcefully. Gears are essential for anyone who plans to cycle on mixed or hilly terrain.
Frame
An ideal bike frame is lightweight and sturdy. Frame sizes are measured in inches or units, or sizes S, M, L, XL. Bicycle frames are typically made from steel, aluminium or carbon fibre. Steel frames were once common but are now in decline; while being strong and relatively cheap, they are heavier and subject to rust. Alloy frames are cheaper but heavier than carbon fibre frames, which offer a lighter, more flexible, and yet equally strong option.
Fork
The front fork is a key component of any bicycle and determines its overall quality. Suspension forks use compressed air or a spring system to insulate the rider from the roughness of the terrain. Air suspension is the more common option, despite it being more expensive than spring suspension; moreover, the air pressure can be adjusted to the weight of the rider. Spring suspension is the cheaper option and provides a slightly more sensitive damping; however, one disadvantage is that the spring force depends on the weight of the rider, and sometimes the spring can harden at low temperatures.
Glossary
Wheel diameter
Kids’ bikes usually have a wheel diameter of 12"- 26". Bike size is determined by body height or inseam measurement.
Age
2-4 years
3-5 years
4-6 years
5-8 years
7-11 years
10 or more
Wheel size
12"
14"
16"
20"
24"
26"
Body height
82-100 cm
98-106 cm
104-122 cm
120-130 cm
127-142 cm
140-158 cm
Inseam
30-40 cm
36-44 cm
40-54 cm
52-59 cm
57-66 cm
64-70 cm