I want my own Ridgeback bike – where can I buy one?!

We believe in supporting your local bike shop! That’s why we have an extensive network of expert dealers who can help you get your perfect Ridgeback, whether you’re after a reliable tourer or your first mountain bike.Find your local dealer here. You can also buy your new Ridgeback through Freewheel – your local bike shop online. Your new bike is available via Click & Collect only. Simply choose your preferred local dealer at checkout and collect it when it's ready.

Who are Freewheel?

We’ve partnered with Freewheel as a solution to offer Ridgeback bikes online whilst supporting local bike shops at the same time. Freewheel are essentially your local bike shop online. Each online sale supports your selected bike shop with a percentage of the sale, with all orders available via Click & Collect through your chosen local dealer.

I’d love to test ride a Ridgeback – what’s the easiest way?

The best way to test-ride a Ridgeback is to contact your nearest stockists and ask what models they have available to test.

What warranty do I get with my bike?

All of your warranty questions are answered here.

I’ve scratched my pride and joy… have you got any touch up paint I can fix it with?

Unfortunately we do not stock replacement touch up paints. However, we do have a list of nearest-match paint codes that you can download here. This is our complete known paint colour history - if it's not listed then unfortunately we do not have a reference colour available. All colours listed are a closest match, but not exact, to the original and ideally suited to touching up stone chips in discreet areas.

Which mudguards, racks or bags are compatible with my Ridgeback?

It’s hard for us to specify if certain brands of mudguards/racks will be compatible on your bike as it depends on the model you have and your wants/needs. Your best option will be to talk to your local bike shop or ask the mudguard/rack manufacturer.

I’m trying to fix my bike, but have run into problems – can you give me some technical advice, or give me a technical walk through?

It’s really hard to give safe and accurate technical advice over the internet. We’d always advise going to see an expert. We suggest taking it in to your local Ridgeback dealer, where they can see the bike and diagnose any technical or mechanical issues that you’re having with your bike. If you have a warranty claim, they can handle that too.

Where can I get Ridgeback branded components?

Unfortunately, we do not range Ridgeback branded components for after sale. Your local Ridgeback dealer may be able to source a spare.

Where can I find specs for older bikes?

Check out our catalogue archive dating back to 2010 here.

Bike Registration

We recommend noting down your frame number (located on the underside of the Bottom Bracket) and using one of the many online services available.

I'm not happy with the bike I purchased, what do I do?

We’re sorry to hear you are not satisfied with your new bike. We want to get it right – if you have purchased a bike through Click & Collect, please return it to the store you selected when placing your order within 30 days (along with proof of purchase). They will discuss the options available to you and rectify the situation. get in touch If you purchased the bike online and chose Click & Collect from your local authorised store, you can return it via that same store. Please contact the store beforehand to confirm their returns process and any information they may require.

Do you have dealers outside the UK?

Ridgeback bikes are now widely available in many European countries - find your local UK dealer here. and your local international dealer here.

I’m planning a trip/adventure, can I get support?

We’re always looking out for keen riders who are planning trips so we are open to receiving sponsorship proposals to consider. Email us at [email protected] and we’ll be in touch.

Does Ridgeback offer finance on bikes?

Ridgeback do not offer finance directly. However, through our online retail partner Freewheel, you are able spread the cost of your new bike via a finance scheme. For more information please see the Freewheel finance page here.

Why am I seeing a message saying my browser is not supported?

You may be seeing a message at the top of the website saying your browser is not supported, which means your browser is likely out of date and you need to update it.

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If you have general problems, we recommend that you make sure you have the latest updates and patches for your web browser and operating system.

If you are still having problems using our site, please contact us.

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Kids Bikes Frequently Asked Questions

What size bike does my child need? A guide by age and height?

The right children’s bike size depends on your child’s age, height and inseam or inside leg length. Kid’s bikes are sized by wheel size, from the smallest 12-inch wheels for 2-4 years old up to 24-inch wheels for 8 to 11.5 years old, plus the 27.5-inch size (often replacing 26-inch wheels) for those over 11 years old. Measure your child’s height or inseam and compare it to the range we recommend for the bike wheel size or refer to our size chart. A child’s height is a better guide than age, inseam can be more accurate still as children vary in growth rates. If your child’s inseam is at the lower end of the range we recommend they will still be able to sit on the bike and touch the ground with both feet flat or nearly flat on the ground, for confidence when starting out. A confident rider will usually start on a given wheel size earlier (when smaller) than a less confident rider.

Balance bike vs stabilisers: which is better for teaching a child to ride?

We recommend balance bikes over stabilisers for teaching children to ride as stabilisers prevent the learning of balance and steering, meaning this skill must be learned later on. A balance bike teaches the core skills of balance and steering co-ordination first, making it a faster and smoother transition to a pedal bike. Pedalling is an easier skill to master when balance and steering are already understood. Many children of the right age will learn the basics of steering to balance within one or two sessions. Don’t forget - any bike can be a temporary balance bike with the pedals removed.

How much should a children's bike cost, and is a cheap kids' bike worth buying?

A quality children’s bike can be from £150-200 up to £400 or more, depending on size and specification. Cheap kid’s bikes are usually heavy steel-framed bikes that make them more difficult for children to handle and risk putting them off. Spending more on a lightweight aluminium children’s bike from a reputable brand gives them a better experience and it will have a higher resale value so their enjoyment has a lower cost overall. Ridgeback bikes cover two price points per wheel size, and are designed with quality parts and a transferable frame and fork warranty so they hold their value, making them among the best performing bikes on resale too.

How heavy or light should a children's bike be? Why bike weight matters for young riders?

A children’s bike is a much higher proportion of their body weight than an adult’s bike, so low weight is important. Heavy kid’s bikes are harder for a child to move around or control and more likely to cause a fall or frustration. Look for light aluminium frames and parts in a bike that weighs 9-9.5kg or less for a 20” geared bike, or around 7.5-8kg for a 16” single-gear bike. Heavier steel bikes may add 2 or 3kg to that (10% of child’s body weight range at 5-9 years old, approx. 20-30kg at 50th percentile). Some parts can add to bike weight and be a worthwhile trade-off though, like the control and comfort advantage of larger-volume tyres or more durable, serviceable hubs. Light weight does matter, within reason. We publish the real weights of our bikes without the pedals removed or similar manipulation.

What age do children need gears on a bike, and how many gears is enough?

Most children are ready for gears on a bike at around 6 to 8 years old, when they start taking on longer rides and hills. This is often when they are riding a 20-inch wheel bike. Look for simple gear systems with a single front chainring, as multiple chainrings complicate gear use unnecessarily. The number of gears is less important than the gear range (the difference between the highest and lowest gear) though 7 or 8 speed gears generally have more range than a 5 or 6 speed gear system.

What safety gear does a child need for cycling? Helmets, pads and what's essential?

A properly-fitted children’s bike helmet (an inch or two fingers’ space above the eyebrows, level, straps evenly adjusted to be close but not tight) is the most important piece of cycle safety gear. Ensure the helmet meets the current European safety standards, EN 1078 (and replace it if it has any significant impact). After that, consider gloves to prevent sore hands after a tumble, and knee and elbow pads will also help with confidence and protection. For riding on the road, hi-viz and lights are an important safety aid.

How do I teach my child to ride a bike? Step-by-step tips for beginners?

The most effective method for teaching a child to ride a bike is to choose a flat, open and traffic-free area or a gentle grassy slope. Remove the pedals and lower the seat so they can walk with the bike, like a balance bike. Walk with them so they get used to the bike. Then gradually raise the seat and support them to help them get confident gliding along feet up, steering to balance. When they can glide along for a few seconds, pedalling often comes naturally after adding the pedals back on. Many children will learn to ride a bike within three sessions using this approach (and it’s best not to rush it).

How do I know when my child has outgrown their bike and needs a bigger size?

A clear sign when a bike is too small and has been outgrown is when they can no longer extend their legs to pedal properly. They should have a slight bend at the knee at the bottom of the pedal stroke. Similarly if they can’t pedal without their knees coming up awkwardly high, or they look hunched or cramped, the bike is too small. Ridgeback kid’s bikes are designed to accommodate a low, confident saddle height when they start out on that wheel size and a longer seat post can be fitted later to add room. Similarly the handlebars can be adjusted to extend growing room a little. After that it’s time to upgrade to the next size of bike.

Do I need to buy a girls' bike or boys' bike, or can children ride any kids' bike?

A correctly-designed and sized frame with suitable parts will fit a girl or a boy of the same height equally well. This opens up more choice in bikes for all children. Although girls tend to grow taller sooner than boys and boys tend to end up taller, this is all within height and limb proportion variations that our bikes account for per wheel size and age range. All that matters is that the bike is the right size for their height and inseam. Beyond sizing, Ridgeback children’s bikes come in a wide range of colours to suit all children and the design is all about height and riding confidence, meaning they can be passed between siblings most easily.

Can children's bikes go off-road? Trails, tracks and where Ridgeback bikes ride best?

Yes, Ridgeback bikes feature larger 2.0” tyres, quality V-brakes and a confident riding position that encourage use on byways, gravel tracks and light trails where children can get outside, away from traffic and have fun exploring. While they’re not full Mountain Bikes for steep and muddy trails, as the bikes get larger with larger wheels and gears they become more capable for off-road rides. They are designed for the freedom that we enjoyed as children on bikes and we hope your children will enjoy it too.