Children grow so fast that they are constantly outgrowing things. Determining the right shoe or clothes size for your child is usually not a big mystery. However, when your child looks doubled over every time he/she rides a bike down the street, knees hitting the handlebars with each pedal, how do you choose the right bike size for your child?
The right size is the biggest consideration in buying a bike for your child. Children are most comfortable around child-sized objects, and this is true with bikes too. A child will have a hard time controlling a bike that is too big. An oversize bike-one to “grow into”-can be dangerous. The right size bike will be safer because it will be easier to control. As an added bonus, your child will have more fun too.
First, it helps to understand more about how bike sizes are determined. While adult bikes are sized by the frame, children’s bike sizes are determined by wheel diameter. The most common sizes are: 12″, 16″, 20″, and 24″.
Second, fit the bike to the child. Your child should be able to dismount and comfortably straddle the bike on flat feet. When riding, your child’s knees should not hit the handlebars, but neither should your child be stretched out and unable to turn the handlebars easily.
Here are some general guidelines: 10″ and 12″ sizes are usually appropriate for children ages 1.5 – 5 years, 16″ is good for the 4 -8 year-olds, 20″ usually fit the 6 – 9 year old bracket, and 24″ bikes are usually for ages 9+.
And for those who want much more specific guidelines: 12″ bikes will often fit 4 – 6 year olds with an inseam of 14-17 inches, 16″ bikes will often fit 5 – 8 year olds with an inseam of 18-22 inches, 18″ bikes (not common) will fit 6 – 9 years olds with 20-24 inch inseam, 20″ bikes will often fit 7 – 10 year olds with 22-25 inch inseams, and a 24″ bike is for children 9 and up with inseams of 24-28 inches.
NOTE: These are general guidelines only. The best guideline on whether a bike fits is your child’s size.
Bike shopping tips:
If at all possible, take your child with you when you shop, so he/she can try out the bike.
Have your child sit on the seat with hands on the handle bar. He/She must be able to place the balls of both feet on the ground.
Have your child straddle the center bar. Your child should be able to keep both feet flat on the ground with at least 2 inches of clearance between the crotch and the bar.
NOTE: This isn’t a factor in determining bike size, but for safety reasons you should also consider brakes. When buying a bike with hand brakes for an older child, make sure he/she can comfortably grasp the brakes and apply sufficient pressure to stop the bike. Smaller children DO NOT have sufficient grip strength for hand brakes and require foot brakes.
If you are looking for more than just a ride-around-the-neighborhood bike for your child, there are other factors to consider. See the links at the end of this article for some good sites to visit. Happy bike shopping!
Some other good sites:
http://www.ibike.org/education/buying.htm#Buying – more information about sizing as well as frames, brakes, and other considerations.
http://www.consumersearch.com/www/sports_and_leisure/kids_bikes/#intro – Consumer Reports kid bike reviews (updated in 2007) and more buying information
http://toys.about.com/od/kidsbikesandscooters/a/safeconstruct.htm – Article “Kid’s Bikes: Safety Construction Features”
http://www.parentinghints.com/bike_safety.html – Parenting Hints page about choosing a good bike, helmets, and more.
http://www.rei.com/bike/Shoplette/Kids’+Bikes?cm_re=toc*toc*all_kids_bikes – REI website. This will take you to the products list for Kid’s Bikes. Click on the Expert advice tab for a list of great articles.
