Fresh Air Experience

How to Buy a Kid’s Bike

When thinking about buying a bike for their kids, the two big questions Ottawa parents should ask themselves are what size kids bike to buy, and what kind of kids bike to buy. In this article we will talk about sizing and then conclude with a discussion of what kind of bike you should buy to meet your family’s needs.

Kids grow. And grow. And grow and grow and grow. That can be daunting when looking at a significant purchase such as a bicycle, skis, or other sporting equipment where the right fit is important. Often the temptation is to encourage your child to squeeze an extra season out of an ill fitting bike, or buy a bike from a department store to try and save a few dollars, but there are some definite advantages to making sure your kids is on the right size.

How to Tell if Your Kid’s Bike Fits

Safety is the main reason to make sure your child’s bike fits. A bike that fits properly will allow your child to maintain control of the bike. Better still, if you want your child to grow up to be a lifelong cyclist, a well-fitting bike will ensure that they are comfortable and able to pedal efficiently. Better fit equals more enjoyment.

There are two main guidelines you can use to gauge if a bike will fit your kid (or a grownup for that matter!) The first is standover height. Standover height is a measurement of  distance between the ground and the top tube or crossbar. This measurement is usually published by bicycle brands for each model on their website. In practice, when you walk into a reputable bike shop, standover will be the first fit assessment the salesperson will make.

You want your child’s inseam to safely clear the crossbar by an inch or two. Remember, when you stop a bicycle, especially in a hurry, you will often end-up straddling the top tube. You want to make sure your child will not injure themself if they need to stop quickly.

The second important fit guideline is reach. Reach is a measurement of the distance between the saddle and the handlebars. In general, a bike fits if, while you are in a pedaling position, you are able to keep a straight back and a slight bend in the elbows. Looking for rounded shoulders is a way to check if the bike is too large.

When a bike is too large, the front wheel will be difficult to control for your child. The front wheel needs enough weight on it that it will not get bucked around if your child hits a small bump. A too-short reach makes a bike feel twitchy, and easier to oversteer.

Finally the last thing to pay attention to is saddle height. Loosening the bolt at the seat post collar will allow you to raise or lower the saddle as needed. The height of the saddle should be adjusted to reflect your child’s confidence as a young rider. Beginners will typically feel safer if they can place both feet flat on the ground. Advanced riders might prefer to have the seat adjusted so they can touch with both tiptoes at the same time.

A higher saddle height will offer greater pedaling efficiency. All seatposts will have a ‘minimum insertion’ marking imprinted on them. Once the seatpost needs to be extended beyond this point, your child needs a new bike. Alternately, if your child cannot safely touch their feet to the ground while the saddle is in the lowest position, the bike is too big and unsafe.

What Size Kid’s Bike Should  You Buy?

While adult bikes usually have the same wheel size but different frame angles to achieve a safe standover and reach, kids will see their wheel size change as they grow. A The chart below is a rough guideline. It is important to make sure your child is sized on the bike before you make your final purchase decision, as fit will vary from model to model.

We can also think about the different sizes of kids bikes as being indicators of what kind of bike your kid needs for their age. Most of our kids bikes are made by Giant as we feel they provide the best value in the kid’s segment.

The Best Kid’s Bikes for Ottawa

12 inch and run bikes are for the smallest kids. Run bikes, sometimes called Striders or balance bikes, are a great way to get kids used to the sensation of coasting. Run bikes, such as the Giant Pre, do not have pedals, but rather are propelled by your child walking or running the bike.

12 inch pedal bikes will usually be sold with training wheels. These bikes help to develop the coordination and leg strength needed to pedal a larger bike. 12 Inch bikes, like the Specialized Riprock, are also a great choice for small kids who have mastered the run-bike to take the next step.

16 Inch bikes will be the first ‘real’ bike many children own. Most 16 inch bikes, such as the Giant Animator, come with training wheels and an upright position to inspire confidence. A 16 inch bike will have removable training wheels, one speed, and coaster brakes to keep things simple while your child works on pedaling and steering.

There are not many differences between 20 inch and 24 inch bikes other than the wheel size. Once your child is tall enough for a 20 inch bike, many new features will be introduced, most notably handbrakes and gears. You will also start to see a little more variety in these categories with specific hybrid, road, and mountain bikes available.

Our best selling models year in and year out are the Giant XTC Jr and Liv Enchant Jr lines. Liv is Giant’s women’s specific brand and in adult bikes this translates to differences in sizing and fit. For the XTC and Enchant, the only difference is the colours and the name on the bike – the fit is identical.

The XTC and Enchant are excellent choices as a kids bike for their durability and versatility. They are great for family rides on the bike path but also have wider tires, and, in some configurations, suspension, which will make the bikes great for mountain bike camps, tearing around the gravel roads at a campground, and the general abuse that only an 8 year old can conjure. Available in 20 and 24 inch sizes the XTC and Enchant are Fresh Air’s go-to kids bikes for the Ottawa area.

Too Big for a Kid’s Bike?

Once your kid outgrows a 24 inch bike, it may be time to think about getting a bike more directly suited to their needs. We bring in mountain and hybrid bikes in a range of small sizes to help your child with the transition to an adult bike. One of our favourites is the Giant ATX which comes in a 26 inch size to help with the transition.

If you have any questions about what size bike your child needs, or for an assessment of that hand-me-down you got from a neighbour, please come see us at 1291 Wellington St W. We are a kid-friendly store and have numerous accessories to make your kids’ ride more fun. We are always happy to talk through sizing decisions with you and your family to make cycling a safe and enjoyable part of your child’s routine!