Pro Tips For Your Kids' Bike Sizes Chart and Guideline

You want to get your kids their first bike but you’re wondering “How do I know what size bike my kid needs? Let’s be honest, it can be quite stressful to find the most suitable because not every kid is the same. So we’re here to help you out with the most effective kids’ bike sizes chart and guideline.

Kids’ bike size chart by Age and Height

The child-size bike chart is usually determined by wheel size. Kids’ bicycles can come in many different wheel sizes, from one-size balance bike for toddlers to 24” or 26”. You can see this to have a better idea.

Wheel size	Age (Approx.)	Height (inches)	Height (centimeters)
Balance	First bike	2'1" - 3'5"	88 - 105
12 inch	3 - 5 years	3'3" - 3'8"	98 - 112
14 inch	4 - 6 years	3'5" - 3'10"	105 - 117
16 inch/ 18 inch	5 - 7 years	3'8" - 4'2"	112 - 127
20 inch	6 - 9 years	3'10" - 4'6"	117 - 136
24 inch	8 - 11 years	4'2" - 4'9"	127 - 145
26 inch	9 - 12 years	4'6" - 5'0"	138 - 154

Children's bikes' sizes can vary quite drastically.

However, only when you when to the store did you find out that all the bikes seem to fit differently. That’s why the most accurate way to find the right size bike for your child is to measure their inseam length.

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How to measure bike size for kids

The problem that we are facing is that not the bike is not solely determined by its wheel size. One company can come up with many 18 inches bikes to fit children with different figures. Follow our guidelines below to ensure a perfect bike fit.

Step 1: Measure your kid’s inseam

Many manufactures said that their size chart is based on your kid’s age or height, but from our experiences, we could say that the inseam length is the most decisive factor. Here is how you measure your child’s inseam for their bike.

• Have your child stand against the wall with their shoes on and feet slightly apart.
• Use a measuring tape to measure their leg length and leg inseam.
• If you want a more accurate measurement but they’re moving around too much, use a book as your guide.
• Place the book between their legs, make sure that the book is level and the spine of the book is close to their crotch.
• Measure the distance from the floor to the spine of the book.

Your kid's inseam length will be the most important factor while choosing a bicycle.

>>> Want to take your kid's measurements for other clothing pieces as well? HERE'S HOW!

Step 2: Choose the best wheel size based on the inseam

Now that you have their measurements, it will be much easier to narrow down the wheel size. Quick reminder: If your child’s inseam falls between different sizes, it’s better to choose the larger one, as long as they are appropriate for the bike.

Step 3: Find the perfect seat height

If you already have the bike that you’re interested in, it’s time to find out if the bike provides the best fit for your kid. The most suitable fit of a bike is based on its seat height as compared to your child’s inseam.

• Measure your kid in-store

It’s always best to have your child try on the bike. You have to make sure that the saddle, the handlebars as well as the standover height are right for them. There are a few things you need to bear in mind:

• Your kid should be able to have their feet flat on the ground while sitting on the saddle.
• Their arms should be straight and their back should lean forward slightly.
• Their inseam needs to be at least as tall as the standover height.

• Use a measuring tape

If you want their new bike to be a surprise, it’s completely fine. Use the measurements that you already have and find the right bike in-store. Remember to check all the criteria above. You can always ask for help from the employee as well.

Which bike is the most suitable for your child?

Balance bike

The balance bike would be the perfect way to approach your child and teach them how to balance on their feet first. This type of bike without pedals only gain popularity for the last few years.
These balance bikes are often for kids under the age of 3 to help them build their confidence. Since they will be scooting along with their feet, you have to make sure that both of their feet are flat on the ground while seated on the saddle.

A balance bike will be a perfect first bike for your kid.

Bike with training wheels

For first-timers, training wheels will be a great option. With those wheels, your child won’t have to worry about balancing the bike or afraid of falling over as much. The wheel size for this type of bike is often 14” or 16”
Keeping their feet flat or tiptoe is completely fine while using training wheels. You can adjust the seat height depends on their confidence. Even though higher seat provides greater pedal efficiency you shouldn’t leave them too high because many kids still stop the bike with their feet.

A bike with training wheels will give your child better support.

First-pedal bike (Beginner Riders)

With beginner bikers, it would be better to have the seat height the same length as their inseam. Their feet should be flat on the ground or 1 - 2 inches max. This will give your child a more stable standover height and pedaling position while allowing them to touch the ground after they braked.

Having your kid's feet flat on their first-pedal bike is very important.

Second-pedal bike (Experienced Riders)

After knowing how to start and stop pedaling as well as use a hand or a foot brake, you can heighten their bike seat height to have maximum leg extension and have them tiptoe on the ground.
The best distance on their tiptoes is 2 or 3 inches. At the same time, the bike seat should also be 2 to 4 inches above their inseam length. The wheel size for this type of bike can range from 18” to 26”.

After getting used to riding a bike, changing to a second-pedal bike would be a great option.

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Useful tips while choosing your kid’s bike

As we all know, choosing your kid’s bike can be much more difficult than adult bikes. So, we have some useful tips below to help you out:

• Choose the larger one if they are between wheel sizes: Eventually, your kid will grow into the bike and gain more confidence.
• Do not get a bike that has a seat height 3” higher than your child’s inseam. They will struggle to touch the ground and get hurt.
• Always give the bike a test ride: Besides the wheel size chart, a test ride will ensure a comfortable fit.
• If their bike still doesn’t look right after you got home and gave it a test ride, just bring it back to the store. The store can re-adjust the seat or the handlebars to make things more comfortable.
• Remember to let your kid wear protective clothing like helmets or knee-caps. These will protect them against the knocks and bumps that sometimes come along the ride. If want to learn more about kids’ helmet size chart and how to measure them, CLICK HERE!

Always have your child prepared with safety equipment.

With our size chart and guideline, you can now pay up and take your kid’s new bike home. However, many parents are reluctant to spend a large amount of money on a bike that will be discarded in a few years.
If that’s what you’re thinking, use our special discount codes of the month from various brands, such as Bike Direct, Competitive Cyclist,... to save yourself some extra money when you’re shopping. Lastly, be responsible and teach your kid how to ride their bike safely whenever and wherever.