Shopping the best bikes for kids could be a daunting task!
It’s much more complicated than buying an adult’s bike because of the difference in measuring bike sizes. Not to say that there are more elements to consider, like age range consideration and graphics.
Relax and take a deep breath. I’m going to help you cut through that mess, just by reading this ultimate buying guide.
See also:
- Top 13 Best Commuter Bikes Reviews In 2020
- What’s The Best Road Bike Tires? | 2020
- Top 10 Best Road Bikes Reviews In 2020
- Top 11 Best Cruiser Bikes Reviews In 2020
Top 29 Best Bikes For Kids Reviews In 2020
Bikes For 2-3 years old
Strider – 12 Sport Balance Bike
Strider 12 Sport is the push bike that revolutionizes the way kids learn to ride and stride. It also introduces them to the responsibility of riding, the power to keep up with you when going out, and freedom.
The easy-to-adjust handlebar and seat heights assure it will grow with your child, from 18 months to 5 years of age, and that many kids can ride it.
Of course, to do that, the entire bicycle is specifically designed to be ultra-durable with steel frame and puncture-resistant tires to ensure it can last long under kids’ abuse.
Another good news is the large shock-absorption air-tired tires are replaceable for any future upgrade, like heavy-duty tires or a foot brake, if wanted. Designed with kids’ needs in mind so the bike is also very lightweight – just 6.7 pounds – to make it highly maneuverable.
There are mini-grips for younger kids to take control of easily and naturally.
Pros
- Fit kids’ height within 18 months to 5 years old – Adjustable handlebar and seat heights & replaceable tires
- Ultra-durable – puncture-resistant tires & steel frame
- Lightweight – weighing just 6.7 pounds
- Full of control – feature mini-grips
Cons
- No instructions
- Coaster brakes are prone to be activated accidentally
Product Specs
Woom 1 Balance Bike 12”
The Woom 1 Balance Bike 12” bike allows you to easily adjust its overall height from 32” to 39” to fit riders of different heights, commonly within 18 months to 3.5 years old.
This balance bike, with highlighting in extra safety and stability, is the perfect introduction to the concept of two wheels, allowing kids to learn to ride more naturally with more confidence.
Parents also love it for the hassle-free assembly, accordingly, all tools and instructions are included that even low-tech people can follow. Back to the bike construction, the reason why I say it’s ultra-safe to use is based on the woom steering limiter.
This additional feature helps limit swerving and avoid oversteering of the handlebar to promote straight riding better. Not to say that the ultra-long wheelbase makes the bike more stable and boosts safe straight-away riding.
Pros
- Ideal for kids within 18 months to 3.5 years old – overall height is adjustable from 32” to 39”
- Extra safety and stability – feature Woom steering limiter & ultra-long wheelbase
- Easy to assemble – all tools and instructions are included
Cons
- The handlebar isn’t adjustable
Product Specs
Schwinn Elm Girls Bike
The Elm Girls Bike is manufactured by Schwinn – America’s most loved bicycle brand that has lasted over 100 years – so it’s a promising balance bike to help your kids build coordination as they learn to ride.
This model gives a nice fitting to kids of 28” to 38” high, relevant to ages 2 to 4.
Making it outperform other balance bicycles is the SmartStart frame design with an emphasis on narrower rear wheel spacing and ball-bearing headset with steering limiter.
This combination provides not just extra stability with easier handling but also features kid-specific proportions to keep them comfortable. There also comes with axle guards so when scooting, the ankles of your kids will be protected better.
Pros
- Extra stability with easier handling – feature narrower rear wheel spacing and ball-bearing headset with a steering limiter
- Comfortable to ride
- Better protection in the ankles – axle guards
Cons
- Paint is prone to chip off
- Heavy
- No instructions
Product Specs
Schwinn Koen Boys Bike
The Koen Boys Bike is completely redesigned for a wiser geometry.
As a result, it fits more snugly to a child’s proportion, giving extreme comfort with an ideal upright riding gesture.
While other kids’ bikes are commonly shrunken-down versions of adults’ bikes, this stands out by featuring the narrower pedal position to match smaller hips and smaller grip diameter to fit smaller hands.
Such a new design also helps the bike itself less wobble when pedaling, which gives your kids much more comfort and confidence to go through the learning process.
Pros
- Fit kid’s proportion better – feature narrower pedal position & smaller grip diameter
- More confident and comfortable – No wobble when riding
Cons
- Very heavy
Product Specs
Dynacraft Browning Men’s Leather Slug Belt
Another BMX-styled bike option for your kids – the Browning Men’s Leather Slug Belt by Dynacraft.
This brand isn’t the first company to make kids’ bike but it’s simple, affordable, and easy to assemble. This model has a couple of upgrades over the original, such as the adjustable seat post, handlebar padding, and training wheels.
In comparison, this is more stable and comfortable to ride while growing up with your kids.
To keep costs low, Dynacraft has equipped this bike with just rear coaster brake, which means your kids must learn to pedal backward to stop the bike. But that’s just a minor flaw as the safety levels of the bike don’t change.
Pros
- No chipping-off painting – feature deluxe paint finish
- Easy to ride – adjustable seat post, handlebar padding, and training wheels
Cons
- No instructions
- No front caliper brake
Product Specs
Retrospec Cub Kids Balance Bike No Pedal Bicycle
The Cub Kids Balance Bike No Pedal Bicycle is specifically designed by Retrospec’s professionals to fit kids within 20 months to 5 years old.
It bolds a foot-to-floor and step-thru design, namely featuring a low-down tube and a kid-friendly frame. Accordingly, even the youngest child can hop on/off the bike with ease. Unlike the new shoes they got last month, Cub is designed intuitively to keep up with your kids’ growth, featuring 12.5” to 17.5” seat height and adjustable handlebar.
Retrospec also improves the coordination and balance levels of this bike by adding a seamless development towards its pedals and air-free tires that never go flat.
If you want some technical information, the Cub Kid’s Bike is CPSC compliant for ultimate safety.
Pros
- Durable & adorable – no-pop tires, step-through frame, & low stand-over height
- High coordination and balance levels – a seamless development towards its pedals
- Ultimate safety – get CPSC compliant
Cons
- A bit heavy
Product Specs
Specialized Riprock 12 Coaster
By featuring low-and-wide handlebar, longer wheelbase, and reasonable size chart, Specialized Riprock 12 Coaster is a small yet mighty beginner bicycle capable of the tiniest and youngest kids off and riding.
Setting it apart from other 12” bikes out there is the ultra-small construction that even a 2-year-old toddler can fully touch his feet on the ground.
With a longer wheelbase, the bike’s performance is much more stable and maneuverable.
While testing, I also make a comparison among this and other similar counterparts, like the Huffy Rock It, to find out the most comfortable option. The result is, with highlighting on a low-and-wide handlebar, this Specialized Riprock 12 Coaster wins.
Some other bonuses are the effective and simple coaster brake, two removable training wheels, and pushed forward bottom bracket design for a proper pedaling position.
Pros
- More stable and maneuverable – a longer wheelbase
- Comfier to ride – a low-and-wide handlebar
- Proper pedaling position – pushed forward bottom bracket design
Cons
- Expensive
- No handbrake
Product Specs
Bikes For 4-7 years old
RoyalBaby Freestyle Kid’s Bike
RoyalBaby Freestyle Kid’s Bike is a home run for parents who want to officially make an upgrade for your kid’s bike.
Setting it apart from the two siblings – the Stargirl Girl’s Bike and the Jenny & Bunny Girl’s Bike – are the BMX sporty frame design, the 2.4” ultra-large fat tires, and the water bottle.
You also find an upgrade in its braking system, which combines a rear coaster brake and a front caliper brake so kids can get higher control with safety.
I personally appreciate the provided training wheels and assembly tools. Additionally, 95% of the bike is pre-assembled, just leaving the need to install the saddle, handlebar, pedals, and training wheels.
While you can choose between adding training wheels or not, a little upgrade with extra rubber makes them less noisy. This is minor though, I still feel thankful for that thoughtful detail.
Pros
- Look sporty and cool – feature BMX frame design with Outer Sticker Decal
- Ultra-stable and safe to ride – 2.4” fat tires & dual braking system
- Convenient – provide ultra-quiet training wheels, assembly tools, & the bike is 95% pre-assembled
Cons
- Too heavy
- The water bottle is cheap
Product Specs
Dynacraft Magna Major Damage Boys BMX Street/Dirt Bike
The Dynacraft Magna is the bicycle to pick when you have a young kid who is ready to pedal at an early age.
The 16” wheels and adjustable seat post make it amazingly easy and sturdy for little ones to keep their feet on the ground when getting on/off.
But if yours are a bit shorter, rest the heart to count on its two training wheels included in the package. They’re adjustable and also easy to remove when kids grow up and gain more riding experience.
In addition, the low bottom bracket makes it easier than some for children to hop on and off, which is ideal when your child is learning to ride.
Pros
- Easy to keep feet on the ground when getting on/off – 16” wheels and adjustable seat post
- Help kids focus more on their riding – two adjustable removable training wheels
- Easy to hop on and off – low bottom bracket
Cons
- Paint is easily chipped off
Product Specs
COEWSKE Kid’s Bike Steel Frame Children Bicycle 14-16 Inch with Training Wheel
By focusing on making a unique style design, this 16-inch bike is versatile for both boys and girls to learn to ride.
The unit is rather stable and reliable in my opinion. It boasts two 2.125” wide knobby air-filled tires, front and rear hand V-brake, fully enclosed chain guard, and wider footrest. Also, two training wheels are included.
What I feel satisfied the most is the ample stopping power, it’s easy and intuitive to use, not too harsh and sudden to pull kids lean forward when braking. Besides, riding over bumps or small rocks is less shock than other bikes with thinner tires.
COEWSKE also ensures that no dangerous bursting happens in this bike, which will give parents lots of peace in mind to let their kids ride around.
Pros
- Versatile – feature unique style design
- No dangerous bursting, providing smooth riding experience, and high shock absorption – ultra-thick 2.125” wide knobby air-filled tires
- Safe, protective, and reliable – fully enclosed chain guard, and wider footrest
- Ample stopping power – rear hand V-brake
Cons
- Expensive
- Fenders are prone to bend
Product Specs
Retrospec Koda Kids Bike with Training Wheels
The Retrospec Koda is a perfect sporty kids bike for little riders who want to cruise with the bigger kids speeding off to the races.
It is topped off with a durable hand-built steel frame, wide grippy tires, full chainguard, one-piece crank, and dual braking system. In general, the bike is very protective, safe to ride, and full of control.
Lots of parents give positive feedbacks about its high handle and saddle that keeps their child against sliding off the back. Not just them but the kids also love it thanks to the bright colors and fun streamers of design. There are even up to 13 color options to choose from.
Retrospec Koda is also designed to grow with kids as it can transition effortlessly into a two-wheeled bike whenever your little rider is ready to ditch those training wheels.
Pros
- Protective, safe to ride, and full of control – feature a durable hand-built steel frame, wide grippy tires, full chainguard, one-piece crank, and dual braking system
- Prevent kids from sliding off the back – high handle and saddle
- Attractive and customizable – 13 color options
Cons
- Heavy & a bit expensive
- The water bottle is hard to get in
- The fork is a bit tight to fit the wheel in
Product Specs
Huffy 12″ Disney Frozen Elsa Girls Bike
Based in the United States, Huffy has had over 100 years’ expertise in manufacturing kids bikes. And with the unstoppable trend updating and new design making, it is undoubtedly a leader in this industry.
For kids within 3 to 5 years old, this 12” Disney Frozen Elsa Girls Bike is the best contender not just for its appealing design but also the ergonomic construction.
It highlights a rear coaster brake paired with the front and rear handbrakes to allow kids to focus better on their riding. Just pedal by feet and brake by hands – particularly ideal for inactive kids. The bike is also praised for its extra protection based on its fully enclosed chain guard and training wheels.
Though small, I really appreciate the hand slot behind the saddle, which helps parents guide their kid more conveniently during their first rides.
Pros
- Reliable – made by a 100-year long-standing American brand
- Attractive and appealing to girls – feature sparkling Disney Frozen cloth handlebar basket & swirly snow-white sidewalk tires
- Convenient for parents – feature a hand slot behind the saddle
Cons
- Costly
- Not easy to assemble
Product Specs
JOYSTAR Kids Bike
For the starter bike that is durable, stable, and safe enough for young kids to make memories, I reached for this JOYSTAR.
It looks like a shrunk-down version of an adult’s BMX bike but features thicker tires, higher seat post position, and two training wheels to excel the safety and stability levels. A high-tensile frame is added to make sure the bike can handle kids’ abuse to hence last longer.
JOYSTAR Kids Bike is designed to make both kids and their parents happy.
Aside from its longevity, minimal construction is very easy to install and simple to maintain. It comes in 85% assembly with single speed and black tires. And kids will get a DIY decal to stick their name on the frame, making a unique bike on their own. How creative!
Pros
- Easy to assemble & maintain – feature 85% assembly, single-speed construction & black tires
- Customizable – provide a DIY decal
- Safe and durable – high-tensile steel, thicker tires, higher seat post position, & two training wheels
Cons
- Confusing instructions
Product Specs
Schwinn Petunia and Grit Steerable Kids Bikes
I highly recommend this Schwinn bike if your living area has plenty of corners and hills to guide your kid riding.
It bolds a long handle attached to the back of the bike to steer the bike when you push it. When kids ride uphill, you can give them a hand to climb up or stop them at the corner. On this handle, you’ll also find a water bottle mount to keep both you and your kid hydrated with hand-free capability.
Don’t worry, this add-on is removable when your kid can ride along already.
Except for the handle, its general construction is similar to other good models, including fat tires, hi-ten steel frame, bell, pedals, and training wheels.
Pros
- Superior in control and protection – feature a long handle
- Stay hydrated when riding – a water bottle mount in the handle
- Keep the road grit off – have front and rear fenders
Cons
- The brake system is tricky
- Poor-quality bell
- Training wheels give little adjustment
Product Specs
Huffy Kids Bikes 16 & 20 inches with Streamers and BMX Pegs
Make it an exciting milestone in your child’s life with this bicycle from Huffy.
It is measured by 37.8 x 7.5 x 17.7 inches with either 16” or 18” wheels to suit for kids within 42” to 48” high, equivalent to ages 4-6.
What makes it stand out from other counterparts is the efficient and easy-to-reach dual braking system that delivers intuitive stopping power without pulling the rider forward. It also isn’t tricky as the rear brake which requires the rider to pedal backward to stop the bike.
With this model, your money will be well-spent and guaranteed as its steel frame is under the manufacturer’s lifetime warranty. Not to say that it’s made by the world’s famous kids bike brand – Huffy.
Pros
- Delivers intuitive stopping power – efficient and easy-to-reach dual braking system
- Reliable – steel frame is under the manufacturer’s lifetime warranty
Cons
- Training wheels are janky
Product Specs
Early Rider Limited Belter 16″ Kids’ Bike
Being the very first kid’s bike to win the coveted Eurobike award in 2012 and the only kid’s bike to go onto win Gold (2016), Early Rider Limited Belter is my most favorite minimalist model.
The low profile and lightweight aluminum frame make it ideal for kids aged between 3.5 and 6 years, and their parents who wish for less maintenance job. The biggest selling point is its neat belt drive. It isn’t gunked up by grease and dirt or doesn’t stretch like a chain, which makes the maintenance much simpler.
I also realize another superb convenience of this belt drive design. It is that your kid can chuck or carry the bike on their own without a change of clothes at all.
More significantly, it excels in the controls to inspire confidence.
Pros
- Reliable and trustful – receive many precious awards
- Easy to maintain – low profile, lightweight aluminum frame, & neat belt drive
- Lightweight and transportable
Cons
- Very expensive
Product Specs
Cleary Bikes
Cleary Bike is the do-it-all preschooler’s bike for aggressive young riders aged 4.5 to 6 years.
This unit has no attractive cartoon faces or crazy graphics, though. In turn, parents can count on its weight and geometry as the bike is fine-tuned already to guarantee responsive handling and proper stability.
As it’s superbly stable, this model is highly recommended for all-terrain, curbs, and jumps.
But that doesn’t it is not easy or smooth to ride. By featuring a low basic gear, lightweight frame, and easy-to-use brakes, the bike can go through bumps or rocks with full of control.
It also gains speed quickly in a short distance so making a ride around a cone obstacle course won’t be a matter with this.
Pros
- Ideal for all-terrain, curbs, and jumps – light in weight and geometry design
- Easy and smooth to ride – feature a low basic gear, lightweight frame, and easy-to-use brakes
- Ride around a cone obstacle course easily – gains speed quickly in a short distance
Cons
- Compared to other 16” bikes, it gives lower top speeds
Product Specs
Diamondback Jr. Venom SS 20″ Boys’ Bike
With classic pure BMX design, Diamondback Jr. Venom SS 20″ Boys’ Bike will make other boys in the neighborhood jealous with your kid.
Regardless, it is the bike that can keep your little one safe and handle the learning curve of riding better. The single-speed drivetrain bicycle features a heavy-duty steel frame with low clearance for easy on and off.
It rolls on 20” wheels and fits the average height of 44” to 52” – about 4 to 8 years olds.
The highlight point lies in its motocross-inspired handlebar and rear fender for better control in addition to a combination of an alloy linear-pull brakes and coaster brakes for simple stopping.
Pros
- Safe and handle the learning curve of riding better
- Easy on and off – a heavy-duty steel frame with low clearance
- Better control – motocross-inspired handlebar and rear fender
- Simple stopping – a combination of an alloy linear-pull brakes and coaster brakes
Cons
- Unclear manuals
- A little on the heavy side
Product Specs
Islabikes USA
This Islabikes USA is a bit different!
It isn’t designed for beginner young riders but is likely to ride down the road in more aggressively longer distances. Its overall performance in varied settings is excellent, with highlighting on the ease to ride and great balance.
Fans of this robust bicycle also commend for its unsurpassed stability, whether trying out new tricks, being towed along a long ride or pushed from behind up a long hill.
During some testing, I recognized the geometry and frame design were two main contributors to its decent stability. Namely, it features mid-height handlebars, a longer wheelbase, and lower bottom bracket.
In a nutshell, this is a perfect option for adventurous kids to eagerly take off once getting started.
Pros
- Ease to ride and great balance
- Exceptional stability – the geometry and frame design
Cons
- Lack of coaster brake
Product Specs
18″ Schwinn Shine Girl’s Bike
Make the bike-riding course of you and your little one become easy and fun with this 18″ Schwinn Shine Girl’s Bike.
Like other Schwinn models, this is designed by experts but to fit a better body proportion of kids within 5 to 7 years old. It overcomes the common issues of most standard kids’ bikes would have – oversized components, such as too big seat, too wide pedals, and too large grips.
In this model, everything is carefully measured so that the rider can pedal effortlessly and feel comfortable while riding on it. As a result, it delivers less waddling, less knee pressure, and better leverage.
Pros
- Fit snugly to kids’ body proportion – New Schwinn SmartStart geometry
- Deliver effortless pedaling & feel comfortable
- Lightweight and easy to control
Cons
- Poor-quality reflectors
- Loose training wheels
Product Specs
Co-op Cycles REV 16 Kids’ Bike
The Co-op Cycles REV 16 is a great choice for people who are also a fan of Co-op Cycles – a trusted nationwide outdoor retailer – to provide their kids with a nicely designed bike.
Aside from the kid-friendly and lightweight construction that any good kid’s bike must feature, it emphasizes unbeatable versatility.
In detail, it features old-schooled coaster brakes for ease to control with less fuss, two removable training wheels for extra stability, and adjustable seat post and handlebar stem to fit numerous kids.
I also love the bike’s gearing for excellent acceleration, as well as the semi-knobby tires for superior performance on pavements and dirt roads. Just a minor flaw that these tires are slightly thin, which might be a bit difficult to handle for first-time riders.
Pros
- Versatility – old-schooled coaster brakes, two removable training wheels, & adjustable seat post and handlebar
- Excellent acceleration – the bike’s gearing
- Superior performance on pavements and dirt roads – the semi-knobby tires
Cons
- Wish the tires were thicker
Product Specs
Bikes For 8-12 years old
COEWSKE Kid’s Bike Steel Frame
Adorable and attractive, this princess-style bicycle makes it perfect for girls. The doll seat sets this unit apart from other girl’s bikes, making it an ideal place for teddy bears, Barbie, or action figures, whatever your kid prefers to tote around with her outside.
Regardless, COEWSKE Kid’s Bike Steel Frame is highly appreciated for its safety design, highlighting a 2-styled chain guard and dual braking system.
The best thing is no matter the wheel size you choose for kids, there’s no change in the tires’ width, which means stability is always top-notch in this model.
I also love the seat padding. It is filled with a thick sponge with a multiple-layer design for better shock absorption when riding through bumps or uneven surfaces. This ergonomic construction not just provides comfort but also protection to your kids.
Pros
- Adorable and attractive – feature princess-styled construction & 2 style woven baskets
- Ultra-convenient – a basket, bell, & rear seat
- Superior protection – 2-styled chain guard & dual braking system
- Unchanged stability – 2.125” rubber tires regardless of the wheel sizes
Cons
- Awful directions
- Poor-quality handlebar covering
Product Specs
Huffy Kids Bike Go Girl & Ignyte 20 inch
Huffy is one of my favorite brands where parents can find safe, high-quality bikes with the latest trends of designs and colors for their kids.
This 20-inch bike is a shining example for my saying.
The single-speed Ignyte has an awesome gloss Blue Abyss finish and eye-catchy acid yellow handlebar. Combining with decorated seat and crossbar pad, huffy-branded grips, smoke-colored chain guard and black tires, it’s amazing for active riding fun with style.
I love the alloy quick release for easy seat post adjustable in addition to the adjustable handlebar and railed seat, therefore, it ensures the best fitting.
A cool thing about this model is no need for training wheels, all thanks to the front pegs and the frame gusset. These are a versatile feature that helps beginner riders keep balance better on two wheels and also the experienced to try tricks and hops.
Pros
Made of high-end components – it stacks up against those road bikes more than 2x the price -> bang for bucks
Cons
The foot pedal cups are hard to remove
Mediocre pads, you should replace them
Product Specs
Razor Nebula BMX/Freestyle Bike
If you’re looking for a good bike for teenage rider, Razor is a good choice, especially for 10-year-old boys.
This Nebula BMX/Freestyle Bike is suitable for kids between 8 and 13 years old or even grown adults who want to do tricks.
What you will get from it is a cool looking, good quality construction, a fair price, and a simple design that even a mechanically-inclined person can easily install. What you need to do is to pump up the tires, adjust the brake and handlebar, and add wheels.
The biggest setting point of this model might be its 360-degree rotation handlebar and with the front pegs, it’s supportive to do tricks. Ah, did I tell that about the included freestyle rotor?
Pros
- Ideal to do tricks and jumps – feature front pegs & 360-degree rotation handlebar
- Ultra-convenient – included freestyle rotor
Cons
- Not clear directions
- The seat-mounted a bit low
Product Specs
RoyalBaby Girls Kids Bike Stargirl
Founded as a brand specializing in kids’ bikes, RoyalBaby’s products get high scoring in practical design and kids’ favorite styles.
With this Girls Kids Bike Stargirl, its concept is simple yet elegant and feminine, featuring reflectors and a basket. It is also designed with extra safety, comfort, and stability to make your little girl happy, such as the added training wheels, kickstand, non-slip resin pedal, and enclosed chain guard.
What I love the most is its multi-braking system. It does not simply give kids different ways to stop the bike but I also find that my little one feels more confident when he wants to try different speeds.
The added patented detachable brake levers are another big bonus as it allows for reaching short distance with higher reliability.
Pros
- Elegant, appealing, and ultra-convenient – reflectors and a basket
- Extra safety, comfort & stability – added training wheels, kickstand, non-slip resin pedal, and enclosed chain guard
Cons
- Costly
- The plastic fasteners on the basket aren’t strong at all
Product Specs
Mongoose Legion Freestyle BMX Bike
Featuring the feel and geometry preferred by worldwide nowadays’ riders, the Mongoose Legion Freestyle BMX Bike is a wonderful option.
It is made for riders of 8 to 12 years old with height within 4’4” to 5”0.
The 2.25” BMX tires and the aluminum single wall 36H rims add extra durability and grip. Meanwhile, the 48mm stem and L10 Hi-Ten steel rise handlebar are two big bonuses to boost the bike’s precision riding.
To make drivetrain clean and reliable, Mongoose also designed an American loose ball bottom bracket and 2-piece tubular Chromoly cranks with a 25T steel chainring.
Overall, this is the most bang-for-bucks you can get at this price range, especially for 8-year-old boys.
Pros
- Extra durability and grip – the 2.25” BMX tires and the aluminum single wall 36H rims
- Give precision riding – The 48mm stem and L10 Hi-Ten steel rise handlebar
- Clean and reliable drivetrain – American loose ball bottom bracket & two-piece tubular Chromoly 170mm hollow spindle cranks
Cons
- Stem, sprocket, and pedals are lower quality than others
Product Specs
RALEIGH Bikes MXR Kids Bike
In need of a fun, reliable, and durable basic bicycle for everyday neighborhood riding? Well, look no further!
The RALEIGH Bikes MXR Kids Bike is top-notch for its unparalleled overall performance, especially in terms of maneuverability. Compared to other counterparts at the same price range, I find this model gives rattle-free with no bumps during aggressive riding or going down curbs.
In other words, it rides quietly, which is a big thank you to its 2.1” ultra-large tires and solid frame.
The last highlight point is a high gain ratio. Although it requires taking extra effort to get started, the bike is super-suitable for long riding and kids will gain much more distance with each pedal stroke.
Pros
- Unparalleled overall performance & maneuverability
- Rattle-free with no bumps – 2.1” ultra-large tires and solid frame
- Help gain much more distance with each pedal stroke – high gain ratio
Cons
- Limited in color choices
- Require more effort to get started
Product Specs
Ridgeback MX14 14 Inch 2018 Kids Bike
Currently, in the market, Ridgeback MX14 is among the bestselling models of kid’s bikes for riders who want to increase personal confidence on and off the trails.
Generally, this is a minimalist, lightweight, and well-balanced bike that not only brings fun to your little ones but also extreme safety. Making it stand out is the well-proportioned construction with reliable brakes, concealed chain and sprockets, and training wheels.
Particularly, the wheels are leveraged up to 24” of diameter for extraordinary stability, allowing for smoother riding experience even on uneven surfaces.
All-in-all, it’s a perfect choice for teenage riders, 9-year-old boys for example.
Pros
- Versatile – 24” wheels & BMX style pneumatic all-surface tires
- Full of control – Front and rear high-quality hand brakes
- Lightweight & well-balanced – 6061 Aluminum frameset & Alloy 20 spoke wheels
Cons
- Limited color choices
- A bit pricey for a starter bike
Product Specs
Pello REYES 24″ 9 SPEED
Pello REYES 24″ 9 SPEED performs like a charm for kids age 12 whether around the neighborhood or at the bike part.
It is a well-thought design featuring optional air fork, lightweight aluminum frame, and responsive Tektro mechanical disc-brakes to offer the longest-term use with versatility.
The grippy Kenda K-RAD tires are also key for such magical performance by crashing over rocks and bumps like a beast. Or you can say, it boosts the rider’s confidence regardless of the terrains.
In comparison to other premium 24” bikes, it is an extraordinary option filling the gap between a mountain-bike-specific bike and a great all-around one, which helps your little one progress their skills faster without feeling overwhelmed.
Pros
- Offer the longest-term use with versatility – feature optional air fork, lightweight aluminum frame, & responsive Tektro mechanical disc brakes
- Smooth and reliable riding experience – grippy Kenda K-RAD tires
Cons
- Too expensive
Product Specs
The Ultimate Guide To Choosing Best Bikes For Kids In 2020
Size
To choose the right bike size for your kid, you should understand how it is sized.
Differing from adult bikes which are commonly measured by the size of the bike frame, this product line references its wheel size. And in fact, there are plenty of size options to choose from, within 12” to 24”.
As a basic rule of thumb, the bigger the kid’s body proportion, the bigger the bike size (wheel size).
The following table will give you a simple idea of which range of bike sizes to choose for your kids:
Weight
For some reason, most kid’s bikes are made with ridiculously heavyweight.
When it comes to the weight of a kid’s bike, materials play a huge role in whether it’s lightweight or hefty. There are 3 major options on the market:
- Steel – the heaviest yet the most robust and long-lasting
- Aluminum – offer the lowest price with moderate lightness
- Titanium – the lightest, strongest yet the most expensive
Besides, remember that an ideal bike’s weight should be under 50% of its rider.
Don’t go any heavier than that because a too hefty bicycle is very difficult for a young rider to maneuver, leading to faster exhausting during long-distance rides.
If you’re about to choose a steel one, make sure other components are lightweight enough to not add more pounds to the bike’s total weight.
Braking system
When considering this feature, ask yourself whether your kid would feel comfortable and have enough strength to use that type of brake or not.
We are talking about two common types of brake now – the coaster brakes and the hand brakes.
For beginner riders, I highly recommend choosing the rear handbrakes because kids when learning to ride will find it easier to pedal backward to stop their bike, especially for youngest kids.
It’s hard for them to command their feet to stop pedaling and their hands to squeeze the coaster brakes. They would be good at doing just one action at a time.
Once getting some extra riding experience, parents can switch to a higher-level bike that features both coaster brakes and handbrakes.
FAQ
What Bike Is Good For Kids?
There are three key things to decide whether a bike is good for kids – braking system, bike’s weight and size. They directly affect on your kid’s comfort, safety, and ease to use the bike.
For more information, take a peek at my ultimate buying guide as well as the 29 top picks above.
What Is The Best Bike For An 8-Year-Old?
Here are my picks:
- COEWSKE Kid’s Bike Steel Frame
- Huffy Kids Bike Go Girl & Ignyte 20 inch
- Razor Nebula BMX/Freestyle Bike
What Age Range Is A 24-Inch Bike?
7 to 11 years old.
What Is A Good Bike For A 10-Year-Old Boy?
It should feature 24” wheels with adjustable seat post and handlebar as boys at this age range grow up rapidly. Also, pay attention to the bike’s weight and its safety features. Here are my choices of best bikes for a 10-year-old boy:
- COEWSKE Kid’s Bike Steel Frame
- Huffy Kids Bike Go Girl & Ignyte 20 inch
- Razor Nebula BMX/Freestyle Bike
What Size Bike Does An 11-Year-Old Ride?
24”
What Is The Best Bike For A 7-Year-Old Boy?
With careful consideration, below are the top 3 best of the best bikes for a 7-year-old boy:
- RoyalBaby Freestyle Kid’s Bike
- Dynacraft Magna Major Damage Boys BMX Street/Dirt Bike
- COEWSKE Kid’s Bike Steel Frame Children Bicycle 14-16 Inch with Training Wheel
Can A 7-Year-Old Ride A 24-Inch Bike?
No, he can’t because most 7-year-old kids aren’t tall enough to safely ride a 24” bike. They should level down to a 16” or 20” model.
Can A 7-Year-Old Ride A 16-Inch Bike?
Probably. This actually depends on the kid’s height and inseam. If he/she is within 3’7” to 4’0” of height, a 16” is better.
What Age Is A 12 Bike For?
Generally 2-3 years old
How Do I Know What Size Bike My Child Needs?
You should get your kid’s height and inseam to choose the right bike size for him/her. Consult my buying guide above for more information.
What’s The Best Bike For A 3-Year-Old?
My choices would be:
- Dynacraft Browning Men’s Leather Slug Belt
- Retrospec Cub Kids Balance Bike No Pedal Bicycle
- Specialized Riprock 12 Coaster
What’s The Best Bike For A 4-Year-Old?
Here are the best bikes for a 4-year-old kid:
- RoyalBaby Freestyle Kid’s Bike
- Dynacraft Magna Major Damage Boys BMX Street/Dirt Bike
- COEWSKE Kid’s Bike Steel Frame Children Bicycle 14-16 Inch with Training Wheel
What Is The Best Bike For A 5-Year-Old?
I would choose:
- Huffy 12″ Disney Frozen Elsa Girls Bike
- Cleary Bikes
- Diamondback Jr. Venom SS 20″ Boys’ Bike
What Age Is A Balance Bike For?
18 months to 7 years old
What’s The Best Bike For A 6-Year-Old?
My choices would be:
- Islabikes Usa
- 18″ Schwinn Shine Girl’s Bike
- Co-op Cycles REV 16 Kids’ Bike
What’s The Best Bike For A 9-Year-Old?
I’d like to pick:
- Mongoose Legion Freestyle BMX Bike
- RALEIGH Bikes MXR Kids Bike
- Ridgeback MX14 14 Inch 2018 Kids Bike
Conclusion
Overall, to choose the best bike for kids, here is a brief instruction:
- Write down your kid’s inseam, height, and age
- Find the right bike size
- Name the brand that you can count on
- Go shopping
Of course, don’t forget about your budget and your kid’s fashion taste to make sure both of you feel the happiest when getting a new bike. That’s all for this article!