Which wheel size is right for your child? Calculate your child's bike size!
A new bikeβwhat a treat! But what size should you get? The size of a child's bike is perhaps the most important thing: too big is unsafe, too small is quickly worn out. You want your child to be comfortable, have both feet on the ground, and the bike will last as they grow.
How do you determine the correct children's bicycle size?
Unlike adult bikes, where the frame height determines the size you need, children's bikes are based on the wheel size. Wheel sizes range from 12 to 26 inchesβfor both girls' and boys' bikes.
Your child's age doesn't tell you much about the right bike sizeβafter all, a 4-year-old can be very different. Therefore, consider their clothing size and their inseam (this is the saddle height). These two together provide the best indication.
View the guidelines for children's bicycle sizes here, including examples:
| Tire size (Inch) | Age | Clothing size | Saddle height |
| 12 Inch | 2.5 β 4 years | 98 β 104 | 43cm |
| 14 Inch | 3 β 5 years | 98 β 110 | 48cm |
| 16 Inch | 4 β 6 years | 104 β 110 | 53cm |
| 18 Inch | 4 β 8 years | 110 β 116 | 58cm |
| 20 Inch | 6 β 8 years | 116 β 122 | 61cm |
| 22 Inch | 5 β 9 years | 122 β 128 | 63cm |
| 24 Inch | 8 β 12 years | 128 β 140 | 74cm |
| 26 Inch | 10 β 14 years | 140 β 152 | 78 cm |
What else do you pay attention to when choosing?
Besides size, there are a few practical choices:
Training wheels β Included with some bikes up to 18 inches. From 20 inches onward, they are usually not included.
Gears β relevant from 22 inches onwards, if your child will be cycling more (school, sports, friends). A 3- or 7-speed bike is much more comfortable for longer distances.
Brakes β Most children's bikes have a back-pedal brake. Often, a handbrake is also added for added safety. Larger bikes sometimes have two handbrakes.
When is your child ready?
Around 3 or 4 years old is a good time for the first real bicycle. But before that, a balance bike is Highly recommended: no pedals, but practice your balance. And that transition to a regular bike will be much smoother afterward. Read more to find out about a Tiny Library bicycle subscription.
