Choosing the right size kids bike for your child plays a big part in ensuring they enjoy the cycling experience and make the most of the health benefits associated with cycling.
Kids love bikes. They allow them to discover the environment around them with friends and family creating magical memories of fantastic adventures.
This year, in the lead up to Christmas, kids bikes are proving as popular as ever and with our Click & Collect service along with V12 and Klarna finance options we make it easy and affordable to get your kid on two wheels!
There are some questions every parent asks when buying their child a bike and this guide will help answer those and explain the best way to determine which size bike your child needs.
Which size bike does my child need?
Kids’ bikes are sized by wheel diameter rather than frame size. The wheel sizes from 12 to 24-inch fall loosely within age groups, but at Hargroves we have found that height is the best indicator for which bike to buy your child, rather than age. The sizes within the age range are a rough guide that you can use to help find the right bike for your child.
The below guide should let you know what size wheels you are looking for.
12 inch wheels – Balance Bikes
These bikes have changed the way kids learn how to ride, with the main focus on them keeping their balance and learning how to steer. Research has shown that kids who learn how to ride with Balance Bikes progress quicker onto pedalled bikes, rather than kids who learn via stabilisers.
£149.00
Moving on from the balance bikes you have the 14-inch bikes that introduce pedals, brakes and usually a single speed drivetrain. These bikes will go everywhere, from the pavement to fields, through mud and through puddles. They are durable and light and will give your little rider confidence in their riding.
£179.99
Much like the 14 inch wheeled bikes, the 16 inch is the next step in your tiny cyclists’ life. Again they’re durable and easy to throw around. Most of these bikes are designed to be tough, thrown around and crashed into bushes. A perfect jumping off point to the larger bikes.
£199.99
This is probably the bike that will define your kid’s childhood. Including more gears, stronger tires and light but sturdy frame, these bikes are for the kids who want to explore and have fun whilst riding. Most are equipped with V-brakes but some even have disc brakes for ultimate stopping power.
£329.00
Probably the last stop before your child moves onto an adult size (they grow up so fast). This is essentially a full sized bike scaled down for a child. Some have double or triple chainsets and even front suspension forks. Much like the 20 Inch bikes, brakes can be V-brakes or disc.
£429.00
Some kids and teenagers may find that an adult bike is the best fit for them and with that in mind, we have a huge range to choose from with 26”, 27.5” and 29” wheel options. At Hargroves our adult mountain bikes are sized in the traditional way.
Our selection of kids bikes are available in all of our stores, located in Southampton, Winchester, Chichester and Swindon and can be purchased online using our Click & Collect option.
We also have a variety of safety accessories, such as kids helmets and lights, which will ensure your child stays safe on their new bike.
