1. Size: kids' bikes are measured by wheel size. For best fit, come into the store and try the bike with your child for size.
2. Gears: bikes for older kids may come with gears. Especially if you live in a hilly area, you may want gears to make pedaling easier for your child.
3. Frame and fork: some bikes for older kids have off-road tires, disc brakes and/or suspension forks. If you'll be riding off-road, or on rougher pavement, you should consider a bike with suspension and mountain bike-style tires.
We sell bikes made by Cannondale, Electra, Schwinn, Trek, and other brands that are known for building quality bikes for all riders, even the youngest ones.
How to find the right bike for your kid
Children's bike sizing:
Kids come in many sizes, and so do their bikes! Unlike adult bikes, which are measured by their frames, kids' bikes are measured by wheel size. The approximate age breakdown for wheel sizes is shown below. We have bikes for all kids, aged approximately 2 years old and up. These include balance bikes, single-speed coaster brake bikes, multi-geared bikes, and special purpose bikes such as mountain bikes for kids.
The most important factor for children's bike size is comfort. No matter what their age or height, you need to be sure they can operate the brake comfortably, reach the handlebar, reach the ground, etc. We do not recommend buying a bike that the child will "grow into," because that would be a bike that is too large, or is difficult to steer and handle safely. We recommend that you come into our store and put your child on a bike to find the right fit. But if you want to get them a bike as a surprise gift, or order one online, we can suggest the right size if we know height and arm/leg length.
