Kids' Bikes: How to Choose the Right Size?
Unlike adult bikes, whose size is determined by frame height, children's bike sizes depend on wheel diameter, ranging from 12 to 24 inches. The bike categories above are therefore presented according to the children's age.
Children aged 2 to 5: Balance bikes and 12 or 14-inch wheeled bikes
Why are they suitable for this age group?
Balance bikes, also known as run bikes, have 12-inch wheels and are a great way for your children to learn to ride a bike in a fun and safe way. Since the bike has no pedals, children must propel and stop it with their feet. With this bike, they learn the basic concepts of balance, coordination, and steering control. It also allows your child to transition directly to a larger bike without needing training wheels on a 12 or 14-inch wheeled bike. Indeed, bikes with "small wheels" can slow down your child's progress if they have already learned to use a balance bike, as they do not allow them to practice their balance.
Bike Safety
- Balance bikes are designed to operate without pedals, chains, or cassettes.
- The absence of drive components significantly reduces the risk of entanglement or injury from sharp objects.
OUR 12-INCH WHEELED BIKE MODELS >
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Children aged 4 to 8: 16-inch wheeled bikes
Why are they suitable for this age group?
This type of bike allows your child to transition from a balance bike designed for "play" to a bike with pedals, brakes, and a single-speed drivetrain. When choosing a bike for this age group, make sure the bike is durable and lightweight. It must withstand all the exuberance your 4 to 8-year-old child can demonstrate.
Mountain Bikes
These bikes are mostly built on steel and aluminum frames. 16-inch wheeled bikes include V-brakes and a single-speed drivetrain. Some higher-end models are equipped with disc brakes so your child can enjoy optimal stopping power. These types of bikes are generally offered with chain retention discs to reduce the risk of chain derailment. Some 16-inch wheeled mountain bikes are equipped with stabilizers attached to the rear dropout of the bike for better balance.
Bike Safety
- 16-inch wheeled bikes are equipped with raised handlebars and robust grips for more control and comfort.
- The child controls the speed using caliper brakes or "V" brakes, and their progressive braking system prevents them from being surprised by sudden locking when braking.
- They are equipped with flat, grippy pedals so that your child is well supported and centered on the bottom bracket.
- These bikes have a low height, so if your child falls, they are less likely to get tangled.
OUR 16-INCH WHEEL BIKE MODELS >
Children aged 7 to 10: 20-inch wheel bikes
Why are they suitable for this age group?
20-inch wheel bikes mark your children's approach to maturity: they are entering the world of "real" bikes! Rear suspension, sturdier frames, more agile wheels, knobby tires, and suspension forks make their appearance.
Junior mountain bikes
20-inch mountain bikes are perfect for adventure. They are robust, lightweight, and include multiple gears designed to allow your child to ride comfortably and safely. Suspension forks combined with stronger, more agile wheels offer excellent traction and great stability for faster, more aggressive riding.
Bike safety
- 20-inch mountain bikes include front suspension for improved stability, comfort, and control.
- Braking is done using disc brakes or "V" brakes. These progressive and reliable systems are designed so that your child is not surprised by a sudden lock-up when braking.
- Pedals on children's bikes are wider to accommodate larger feet. They also offer more stability and support.
OUR 20-INCH WHEEL BIKE MODELS >
There's no age limit for doing your first stunts!
Children aged 9 and over: 24-inch wheel bikes... and more
Why are they suitable for this age category?
24-inch wheel bikes (or 26-inch for some models, such as those from the Miele brand) have all the advantages of adult bikes in terms of frame design, drivetrain, and brakes. The only difference between these bikes and adult bikes lies in the frame geometry, which has been optimized for 24 (or 26) inch wheels. There are also 27.5-inch wheel bikes, which are technically adult bikes. However, in "XS" or "small" versions, these bicycles are perfect for youngsters aged 11 and up. An investment that can be worthwhile, as the young person will be able to keep their "adult" bike longer...
Road bikes
Children's road bike frames are primarily made of aluminum and are generally equipped with an 8 or 9-speed cassette on the rear wheel. Cranks are standard and come with various crank arms to suit your child. Children's road bikes always come with alloy wheels and hubs. In addition, these bikes can now be found with handlebars of various sizes and integrated, close-fitting, more efficient gear and brake levers.
Mountain bikes
24-inch mountain bikes are generally equipped with 6 or 7-speed cassettes on the rear wheel. 2 or 3-ring chainring systems offer your child a wide choice of gears to tackle both climbs and descents. Bikes generally include front suspension forks with 50 to 70mm of travel. They are also generally equipped with quick-release alloy wheels.