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What is the best first bike for my childShort answer: The best first bike for kids is a Scoot balance bike. ‘What is the best first bike for my child?’ and ‘Should children start on a balance bike or a pedal bike with stabilisers?’ are two of the most common questions we get here at Ridgeback. In answer to this, we always suggest starting with a Scoot balance bike, if children are small enough and just starting out. Here is why. If your child is between 2 and 4 years old, a lightweight balance bike is usually the best first bike. Balance bikes help children learn balance and steering naturally before introducing pedals, making the transition to a pedal bike much easier.Should they learn to ride on a balance bike first?When you find yourself asking ‘What is the best first bike for my child?’ you might find that things have changed since you learned to ride. No longer are children waiting until they’re big enough to ride a pedal bike with stabilisers. Many, or even most children

Introducing the All-New Ridgeback Trekking RangeWhether you're commuting to work, planning your first bikepacking trip, or setting off on a long-distance tour, the new Ridgeback Trekking range is built to take you there. We're excited to introduce four completely redesigned models – the Panorama, Horizon, Voyage and Voyage Open Frame. While the names may be familiar, every bike has been re-engineered with modern components, updated geometry and practical features to meet the demands of today's riders. Each model comes fully equipped with essentials including racks, mudguards and kickstands, making them ready to ride straight out of the box.Ridgeback Panorama – £1,849.99The flagship of the range, the Panorama is built around a premium Reynolds 725 steel frame and features Shimano CUES 2x9 gearing, TRP Spyre-C disc brakes and Busch & Müller dynamo-powered lighting. Designed for serious touring, it's ready for fully loaded adventures in all conditions.SHOP NOWRidgeback Horizon – £1,299.99

How to teach your child to rideAt Ridgeback, we strongly believe that bike fit is the most important aspect of a kids’ bike. This is why we have a large range of bike and wheel sizes and why we always recommend visiting your local bike shop to make sure that you’re getting the best fitting bike for your child as possible. If you don’t think that bike fit is important, just try this experiment. If you’re reading this on a phone, just hold it at arm’s length and continue reading (or push your laptop to the far side of the dining table). Yes, it’s still possible to read, but it’s not easy, is it? And if your phone is at arm’s length, it gets tiring pretty quick, doesn’t it? Now imagine that you’re a beginner rider and that’s how far away the handlebars are.What’s the most important thing about learning to ride a bike?  It’s confidence. Your child needs to be comfortable on the bike, with the confidence to set off, needs to know that they can slow down (and stop if they want) and they

Why fit matters for confidenceAt Ridgeback, we strongly believe that bike fit is the most important aspect of a kids’ bike. This is why we have a large range of bike and wheel sizes and why we always recommend visiting your local bike shop to make sure that you’re getting the best fitting bike for your child as possible. If you don’t think that bike fit is important, just try this experiment. If you’re reading this on a phone, just hold it at arm’s length and continue reading (or push your laptop to the far side of the dining table). Yes, it’s still possible to read, but it’s not easy, is it? And if your phone is at arm’s length, it gets tiring pretty quick, doesn’t it? Now imagine that you’re a beginner rider and that’s how far away the handlebars are.Why does bike fit matter for children?A lightweight kids bike is a bicycle designed to reduce overall weight so children can pedal, steer and control the bike more easily. Most quality lightweight children's bikes use aluminium frames,

Are light weight bikes important for children?Why does it matter how much a kids’ bike weighs? How heavy is too heavy?This is a very common question from parents looking for a new bike. A cheaper bike might look the same, but weigh a lot more than a quality kid’s bike, so parents often choose the cheaper option, but this can be a false economy if your little one never wants to ride it. A heavy child’s bike can be very hard to pedal, to brake and to control, as it’s such a big proportion of their body weight. (Just imagine if you had to ride a bike that weighed 40 or 50kg – it would be like trying to push your sofa around the park.)What is a lightweight kids bike?A lightweight kids bike is a bicycle designed to reduce overall weight so children can pedal, steer and control the bike more easily. Most quality lightweight children's bikes use aluminium frames, lighter wheels and child-specific components to improve handling and confidence. As a general rule, a kids bike should weigh significantly

Why Your Child’s First Bike Should Come From a Local Bike Shop. Not a Supermarket Aisle.There’s a reason you won’t find Ridgeback Kids bikes stacked beside garden furniture or boxed up next to kettles and car seats. Because kids’ bikes aren’t just another retail product. A child’s first bike is confidence. Freedom. Independence. The beginning of a lifelong relationship with cycling. And getting that experience right takes more than clicking “add to basket” or wheeling a box through a car park. That’s why local bike shops still matter. And it’s exactly why we at Ridgeback Bikes continue to support independent retailers instead of chasing shelf space in mainstream chains like Argos.The Difference Between Selling Bikes and Knowing Bikes At first glance, a bike might look simple. But choosing the right children’s bike involves far more than age recommendations printed on a cardboard box. The correct bike should match your child’s size, confidence level and riding ability. Too often, bikes

Ditch Rising Fuel Costs: Why More People Are Turning to Local CyclingHow Your Local Bike Shop Can Help You Save Money, Ride More, and Depend Less on the Car. Fuel prices continue to hit hard across the UK. From the school run to short trips into town, many everyday journeys that once felt routine are becoming increasingly expensive and for a lot of families, the cost of relying on the car is adding up. That’s why more people are rediscovering something simple: cycling makes sense. For shorter journeys, bikes can often be quicker than sitting in traffic, cheaper than filling up the tank, and far less stressful than searching for parking. Whether it’s commuting to work, riding to school, or replacing quick local car trips, cycling offers a practical way to cut everyday costs without sacrificing convenience. But making that switch starts locally. Your local bike shop plays a vital role in helping people ride with confidence, offering expert advice, professional bike fitting, servicing and

E-Bike Positive: Helping Riders Choose Safe, Legal E-BikesElectric bikes are changing the way people ride their bikes. They are making it easier for people to commute to work go on rides and enjoy cycling. More and more people in the UK are using e-bikes.   As more people buy e-bikes it is getting harder to know what makes an e-bike safe and legal. That is why the UK cycling industry started the E- Positive campaign. This campaign helps people make choices when they buy an e-bike.   Why Choosing the Right E-Bike Matters Not all e-bikes are the same. Some good bike companies spend a lot of time and money making sure their e-bikes are safe and work well.. Some e-bikes you can buy online may not be safe or legal in the UK.   At Ridgeback and other companies like Genesis and Saracen we make sure our e-bikes are safe and reliable. We test our e-bikes to make sure they work well. We test the: Batteries Motors Electronics Frames and other parts This way we know our e-bikes are safe work and are

Why Parents and Kids Love Our BikesChoosing the right bike for your child is about more than size - it’s about confidence, comfort, and the freedom to enjoy every ride. Our kids’ bikes are thoughtfully designed around real-world research and rider needs, ensuring a better fit, easier handling, and long-lasting quality. From first pedals to growing independence, every detail is built to support young riders and give parents complete peace of mind. Put simply, our kids’ bikes are designed to fit children properly - making them safer, easier to ride, and more confidence-inspiring from the very first ride.The Best Fitting Children’s BikesThe fully researched fit of our children’s bikes creates greater rider confidence - and bikes that grow with your child. Ridgeback kids’ bike designs are informed by Department of Health and Royal College of Paediatrics data, alongside peer-reviewed ergonomic studies. This research looks at height and body proportions by age, shaping every aspect of our

Introducing the New Ridgeback Kids Bike Range for 2026We’re excited to introduce the new 2026 Ridgeback kids bike range, designed to help young riders progress from their very first balance bike all the way up to 27.5" wheel bikes before moving on to adult sizes. The new range has been built around optimised fit, lightweight frames, and durable components, making every ride easier, safer, and more enjoyable for growing riders. Whether you're buying your child’s first bike or looking for an upgrade as they grow, Ridgeback has a bike designed for every stage.Ridgeback Scoot – The Perfect First Balance BikeThe Ridgeback Scoot remains one of our most popular balance bikes and returns for 2026 with a refreshed frame design and bold new colourways. Balance bikes help children learn balance, steering, and coordination before moving onto pedal bikes, making the learning process much easier. Key features include:   Lightweight frame for easy handling Stable geometry for confident riding

This Winter — Discover the Best Ridgeback Bikes for the Whole FamilyWinter offers a great opportunity to slow down, wrap up warm, and spend more time outdoors together. Whether it’s a crisp weekend ride, a regular school-run route, or planning bigger adventures for the months ahead, cycling is a brilliant way for families to stay active all year round. With a wide range of thoughtfully designed bikes, Ridgeback makes it easy for every member of the family to enjoy riding together. Known for their focus on comfort, durability, and practical design, Ridgeback bikes are built to suit riders of all ages and abilities. From children discovering their first sense of freedom on two wheels to adults looking for a reliable bike for everyday riding or longer journeys, there’s a Ridgeback model to match every lifestyle — through winter and well into the New Year.Kids’ Bikes — Their First Adventures Getting children riding early helps build confidence, coordination, and a lifelong love of cycling.

Choosing a Ridgeback Kids Bike — A Christmas Gift GuideThe festive season is fast approaching, and if you're on the lookout for a standout present for a young rider, a bike from Ridgeback’s kids range is a brilliant option. Lightweight, well-designed and built to support a child’s development and fun, these bikes are more than just a gift—they’re an outdoor adventure waiting to happen. Why Ridgeback is a good pick Ridgeback is a well-established UK bicycle brand. Their kids’ bikes are specially tailored for younger riders: the website describes them as “lightweight, durable and built for fun, freedom and everyday” in the kids category. They offer a wide spectrum of wheel sizes and age categories, which helps when matching to the child’s height and ability.  What to think about when selecting the bike Here are the key factors to keep in mind when choosing a kid’s bike. 1. Age, height & wheel size Matching the bike to the child’s size is the most important measure of suitability. Ridgeback

Who Is Bikeability and How Ridgeback Bikes Help Kids Get Rolling.If you’ve ever seen a group of school children pedalling confidently down the road with huge grins on their faces, there’s a good chance they were taking part in Bikeability. Bikeability is the Department for Transport’s flagship cycle training programme for school children in England, run by the Bikeability Trust, a national charity. Their mission is simple but powerful: to make sure everyone has the confidence to ride a bike safely and enjoy this life-changing skill. Since 2007, Bikeability has helped over 5 million children learn the essential skills they need to cycle on today’s roads. It’s not just about pedalling in a straight line. Bikeability training is hands-on, practical, and designed to give children real-world cycling skills they’ll use forever. Think road safety, balance, confidence, and of course, plenty of fun. What Makes Bikeability Special? The Bikeability Trust isn’t just about teaching kids to ride it’s

Getting Kids Into Cycling with Ridgeback BikesWhen hill climb champion and all-round good guy, Andrew Feather reached out to us about finding the right kids’ bikes for his children, we were more than happy to help. As a multiple-time National Champion, Andrew knows better than most the joy, freedom, and lifelong benefits that come from riding a bike. Naturally, he wanted to pass that same love of cycling on to his son and daughter, starting them off on the best bikes for kids learning to ride. From our range of premium children’s bikes, Andrew chose the Ridgeback Dimension 16 for his 3-year-old, a perfect first pedal bike after a balance bike and the Ridgeback Dimension 20 for his 6-year-old, a lightweight, confidence-inspiring option that makes every ride fun and memorable.The Ridgeback kids’ bike collection has something for every age and stage. From balance bikes for toddlers to lightweight 26-inch kids’ bikes, every model is carefully designed to grow with your child. Whether you’re

The Lloyds Tour of Britain: Inspiring the Next Generation with Ridgeback Kids BikesWe’re still buzzing after an unforgettable week at the Lloyds Tour of Britain. From the opening stage in Woodbridge, to our home stage in Milton Keynes, and all the way to the grand finale as the peloton rolled into Cardiff — we were there for every pedal stroke, every cheer, and every hands-in-the-air celebration. And through it all, we had one mission: to inspire the next generation of riders with the best kids bikes. Giving Young Riders Their First Cycling Experience Our brilliant team was on hand throughout the week, encouraging young cyclists to hop on and test our Ridgeback kids bikes. With specially designed test tracks set up alongside the official stage starts and finishes, children had the chance to experience the thrill of riding just as the world’s best professionals flew past. For many, it was their first taste of cycling excitement — and what an introduction! The Full Range of Ridgeback Kids

Experience Ridgeback at the 2025 Tour of BritainRidgeback Bikes is thrilled to announce that we'll be joining the action throughout the entire Tour of Britain Men 2025—from the finish line of every stage, to the start and finish of Stage 3 in Milton Keynes on Thursday, 4 September. Where to Find Us & What You Can Do At the end of every stage, Ridgeback will be there with a demo-ride zone. Race your own time, experience the craftsmanship, and ride right over the official finish line. Stage 3 Start & Finish – Milton Keynes (4 September): Join us at Midsummer Boulevard from around 9:30 am, where the race starts at 11:30 am. We'll be set up for demo rides, plus scenic access to ride the stage’s conclusion through Ampthill—right over the finish line. Day-by-day stage details:Stage 1 – 2 Sep: Woodbridge → Southwold (161.4 km)Stage 2 – 3 Sep: Stowmarket → Stowmarket (169.3 km)Stage 3 – 4 Sep: Milton Keynes → Ampthill (122.8 km)Stage 4 – 5 Sep: Atherstone → Burton Dassett

Ridgeback Kids Bikes Are Almost Back — Don’t Miss Out!Here’s some great news for families: Ridgeback’s most popular kids’ bikes are nearly back in stock. Ridgeback’s bringing back some of their best kids’ bikes, like the Scoot XL, Dimension 16, MX20 and more. So, whether your kid’s still wobbling along or already doing circles around the block, there’s probably a Ridgeback with their name on it. Why are these bikes such a hit? Simple. They’re built with lightweight aluminum frames—strong enough for daily use, easy enough for kids to handle. Every detail is designed with young riders in mind, so learning to balance, mastering pedals, or even biking to school feels smoother (and safer). Why do parents keep coming back to Ridgeback? And why do kids actually want to ride them? Here’s why Ridgeback stands out: Durable aluminum frames — lightweight, but ready for real use Kid-specific geometry — better fit means more control and comfort for your little ones A range for every age — from balance

E-Bike Buyer’s Guide – Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy If you're considering buying your first electric bike—or just want to understand the latest tech—this E-Bike Buyer’s Guide will walk you through everything you need to know. From motors and batteries to sensors and displays, we’ll help you choose the best E-Bike for your lifestyle and riding goals. Whether you're commuting to work, exploring new routes on the weekend, or simply looking to make cycling a little easier, this guide will give you the confidence to choose the right electric bike. What Is an E-Bike? An E-Bike, or is correct technical name an Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle’ (EAPC), is essentially a bicycle with a built-in motor that assists you while pedalling. It doesn’t replace your pedalling effort—it amplifies it. This assistance makes climbing hills, riding into headwinds, or travelling longer distances much easier and more enjoyable. In the UK, all road-legal E-Bikes, or EPACs, are limited to 250 watts

Learn to Ride a Bike With Ridgeback Kids: A Parent’s Guide to Making It Fun and Easy Helping your child learn to ride a bike is one of those unforgettable parenting moments — a little nerve-wracking, a lot exciting, and something you’ll both remember forever. Whether you're starting from scratch or it’s time to take off the stabilisers, this step-by-step guide will help make the experience smooth, fun, and full of confidence-building moments. 1. Start with the Scoot – Balance First! Before introducing pedals, it's essential to help your child master balance. A balance bike like the Ridgeback Scoot is the perfect starting point. These pedal-free bikes allow kids to push along using their feet, focusing on how to stay upright and steer without worrying about pedalling. Why this works: By prioritising balance, your child develops the control and confidence needed for a smooth transition to a pedal bike - and it often speeds up the learning process! Parent Tip:  Getting the saddle height