How to Buy a Bike for your Child | Kids' Bike Sizing

When you go to purchase your child’s first bike, you will have two options: training wheels or balance bike. What’s the difference? We will break it down for you:

Training Wheels: An add-on part that can be attached to a two-wheeled bike. For a lot of parents, this is how you learned to ride a bike. Training wheels sound like a great deal because the child can learn to ride with the training wheels on and when the time comes to pop the training wheels off, you have a regular bike. The downside of training wheels is that it could take the child longer to learn to balance if they are relying on those extra wheels to hold them up.

Balance Bikes: With only two wheels and no pedals, these bikes require the child to sit on the saddle, scoot, and balance. Many resources say balance is the hardest part of learning to ride, so transferring to a pedal bike is easier for children that start out on a balance bike.

Ultimately, the choice is up to you and your family. Your local bike shop can also help you make the right decision for your child.

What size bike does my child need?

In general, the size that’s right for your child depends on their age and height. Our biggest piece of advice? Don’t buy a bike that’s too big for your child, thinking they’ll grow into it. It can slow down their learning and affect their confidence. The right size bike makes your child feel comfortable and is a lot easier for them to maneuver so they can pick up skills fast. Some companies even offer programs that let you trade in outgrown bikes, which brings the cost down so you can always have a bike that fits your child. Here are some tips for helping you find the best-fitting (and most fun) bike for your child.