The Pro Tips Kids' Wheel Sizing Chart

Getting your little one ready to ride? Use this simple kids' bike sizing chart to assist brand the right choice.

Learning how to ride a bike can be a significant milestone in a child's life. But earlier you lock in the training wheels and strap on their helmet, you need to find them the perfect sized bike. Bikes that are too large or too pocket-sized can be difficult to command and maneuver. Therefore, understanding what size bike to purchase tin can exist crucial to a child's feel. Become a handle on the ins and outs of children's bike sizing with this guide.

Have THE Wheel

So, how practise you know what size bike to go your kid? Unlike adult sizing, where the bike frame determines size, in kids' bikes the wheels set the proportions. Bike wheels start small with one-size balance bikes for toddlers. Meanwhile, wheels that are 24 inches in diameter are considered the last step before moving up to developed models.

Below is a bike size chart categorized by height, age and bike size. The chart answers questions from "What size bike is right for a vi-year-onetime?" to "What age should utilize a xx-inch bike?" However, it'southward important to keep in heed that a examination ride is the best style to get the most authentic fit.

KidsBikeSizeChart

As you can encounter, both age and top are important considerations. The best size wheel for a 4-year-old is either a 12-inch or 16-inch wheel, depending on their superlative. Similarly, the right size cycle for a 5-twelvemonth-old falls into that same range.

Most eight and 9-year-olds will fit on a 20-inch wheel wheel. Meanwhile, a 10-year-old (or older) will probable use the 24-inch size. Keep in listen that if your ten-year-old is smaller, they may still be more comfortable with a 20-inch bike wheel.

RIDE AND TESTED

While meridian charts are a skilful starting signal, a examination ride can be a great aid in choosing the right size bike for your child. To help ensure a comfortable fit, hither are a few key things to watch out for when putting a bike to the exam:

  • Take a Seat – When your child is sitting on the seat of the bicycle, the balls of their feet should comfortably touch the ground. If non, the seat height is also loftier, which could make stopping more hard.
  • Level the Pedals – While pedaling, there are two potential bug that could ascend if the bicycle is the incorrect size. The first is your kid'due south knees bumping into the handlebars. This is a sign that the bike is too pocket-size. In contrast, if your child cannot pedal smoothly and looks to be hyperextending their legs, so the bike is too large.
  • Set up the Bar – Standing up, your child should be able to straddle the bike's middle bar with their anxiety flat on the ground. With a correctly sized bike, in that location should be 1″ to two″ of clearance. If the cycle has to be tilted to fit under your kid'due south legs, it is besides large.
  • Handle with Care – Your child should be able to comfortably steer the handlebars while only slightly bending their artillery. If they are overstretching, information technology tin can exist another sign that the bike you're looking at is besides big.

GROWTH Experience

Information technology may be tempting to buy your child a bike that they can "abound into." However, doing so is ill-advised. A bike that is difficult to maneuver could impact their confidence and arrive harder for them to learn.

To account for modest growth spurts, some bikes enable you to raise the seat and the handlebar stem for minor customizations in size. But be sure to cheque the limits on the possessor'southward manual of whatsoever wheel you choose. If adjustments don't solve problems with comfort and role, so it's time to motion upward to the next size level.

At present that you know how to find the right bike size for your child, check out our list of the all-time kids' bikes yous can buy. So. get them started with these beginner wheel riding skills.