What size bike does my child need?

 

If you’re buying a kids bike, it’s really important to select the right size – but how do you choose the right size of bike for your child?

We’ve put together a handy guide explaining how kids bike sizing works and what you need to look out for. Of course, nothing beats heading to a Ridgeback stockist. They have years of experience in choosing the right size bike for your child, with the opportunity to try before you buy.

 

 

Children’s bike sizes are defined by wheel size
Unlike adult bike sizes which are defined by the size of the frame, kids bikes are broken down into wheel size.

As the bikes get bigger, the wheel size grows in proportion, to give the best riding experience.

In the Ridgeback range, wheel sizes start at 12-inches and go all the way up to 26-inches. At this point there is a little crossover with adult bikes, and it’s possible for children to transfer into the smallest sizes of the adult range.

What wheel size would I choose for my child?
Every Ridgeback kids bike listed on our website comes with a recommended height and age range. Kids can get onto one of our 12-inch Scoot balance bikes from as young as two-years old, while our traditional pedal bikes are ridden by three-four-year-olds.

Of course, every child is slightly different and we would always recommend going to your local Ridgeback stockist to check bikes for size, before you buy.

 

 

Can’t they grow into it?
Choosing a bike that’s too big for your child, so that they can grow into it may seem like a smart decision at the time. However, it may turn out to be a false economy. If the bike isn’t comfortable because it doesn’t fit, then the child might not ride the bike as much.

And by the time the bike fits well, perhaps they have been put off cycling and found something else they’d rather do instead.

We would always recommend choosing the correct size to give the most enjoyable experience and sizing up when appropriate.

How often will I need to size-up?
This will depend on how fast your child is growing, however we’d usually recommend getting a bigger bike after two or three years.

Where will I store all of the old bikes?
In good news, you won’t have to keep hold of these old bikes! Our kids bikes are not toys – they are built to last. They can be passed down to a younger sibling, or alternatively sold second or even third-hand.