What Size Bike For My Child? A Guide to Kids’ Bike Sizing and Buying Quality Second-Hand Bikes
Without a bike that fits you, cycling can be a struggle. Not only does it make cycling more uncomfortable, it may also lead to injury or difficulty to get started pedalling. That’s one of the reasons why we provide bikes during our lessons - it ensures all participants are on bikes suitable to them and their level. It also makes it much easier to then buy a bike, when you know which type of bike and size you prefer. You can browse our activities here.
Now this is all good and well, if you’re looking to find a suitable bike for yourself. Finding a suitable bike for your kids who just seem to be constantly outgrowing everything is a whole other ball game.
At Women on Wheels we understand the difficulties of finding the perfect fit. Parents often approach us asking how they can find the perfect size bike for their kids. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to make it a breeze for you.
In this guide, we'll share essential tips for sizing kids' bikes as well as what to look out for when buying a second-hand bike.
Sizing Simplified for Kids:
Ensuring your child has the right size bike is paramount for your child's safety and enjoyment. Let’s take you through how to measure your child to find the right bike size for them:
Begin by measuring your child's inseam from the floor to their crotch. Then use this measurement to check what size they require using a Kids Bike Size Chart (see below).
Kids' bikes come in various wheel sizes, ranging from 12 inches for the little ones to 24 inches for older riders. Opt for a size that allows comfortable contact with the ground when seated. If your child is a confident pedaller, ‘comfortable contact’ means them being on their tip toes when seated while for new pedallers they should have both feet flat on the ground with stretched legs.
Look out for bikes with adjustable features such as seat height and handlebars, guaranteeing that the bike grows alongside your child. Your wallet will thank us later.
Second-Hand options:
Whether you’re looking to buy a second-hand bike to save some pennies, protect the planet or personal preferences, at Women on Wheels we understand the value of a good pre-loved bike. Now the trick is to find a pre-loved dream and not a neglected nightmare. Here's how you can find top-notch second-hand kids' bikes in Glasgow:
Local Gems: Glasgow's local bike shops can be useful and many have a great selection of quality second-hand bikes. It may be a tad more expensive to buy from a bike shop (even when buying used) but the upside is that the bike has been checked over and should be in a ready-to-ride condition. They can also help answer any questions, you may have.
Go Digital: Embrace the convenience of online platforms like Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace. These hubs offer a variety of pre-loved bikes and you can often find a bargain. Always check the bike over and ask for accurate details about maintenance (has it been looked after or neglected).
Community Connections: Someone in your local community may have a child who has outgrown their bike. To connect with other like-minded parents, keep an eye on local events and bike fairs such as the Let’s Cycle for Christmas event in Kinning Park on the 16th December 2023. These gatherings present a fantastic opportunity to connect with other parents or cyclists who could potentially give you tips and tricks on where to find you or your child’s next bike.
Quality Brands: Some bike brands are better quality and longer-lasting than others. It’s worth investing if you’re able to. Brands to look out for are Frog, Islabike, Squish, Woom and B’Twin.
Try Before Buying: At Women on Wheels we have a large range of kids bikes sizes which we use for our activities. If you would like to try out sizes for your child, loan a bike from our Bike Library. You do this by getting in touch with Katherine at families@womenonwheels.org.uk.
Checking the bike before you buy:
When buying a second-hand bike, there’s a few things to look out for:
Quality Check: Scrutinise the frame, tyres, brakes, and gears for wear and tear. Be vigilant for rust and cracks that might indicate underlying issues. Some parts can easily be replaced cheaply, while others can be costly and some even irreplaceable. If the frame has significant rust or any cracks, don’t buy the bike - it’s no longer safe to ride.
Test Ride: Whenever possible, arrange a test ride for your child to ensure a comfortable fit and riding experience. If you’re buying through Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace or similar, ask if there’s space near the agreed collection point for your child to test the bike safely.
Maintenance: While people rarely keep a record of the maintenance done to a bike in the way it’s done with cars, it’s always worth enquiring about how the person has maintained the bike. Have they taken it to a service at a local bike shop? Have they stayed on top of the maintenance themselves? The reality is many people won’t know how to maintain a bike, so your best bet is to actually go and view it before you buy it.
And that’s it! There’s no reason to overcomplicate it. We know it can be a pain in the backside to find the right size bike for your children - they just keep growing! Not to mention, the challenge some parents have of getting their kid off their favourite bike which no longer fits them… But with this guide finding the right size should at least be a breeze! Keep this guide saved, and you’ll have an easy time every time your child has outgrown their bike.
Please do get in touch with our Families Activities Coordinator Katherine if you would like more advice. You can contact her on families@womenonwheels.org.uk.
Happy cycling!