How Big A Bike Should I Get Kids?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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In general,

as long as your child's inseam is appropriate for the bike, it's better to buy a larger wheel size

. Larger wheels have more stability and allow more room for growth. For example, our 5-year-old shown above has an inseam 19.5′′ inches.

How tall of a bike should I get for my child?

Bike Wheel Child Height (in.) Approx. Age
16-inch


39-48


5-8
20-inch 42-52 6-10 24-inch 50-58 8-12 26-inch 56+ 10+

Is a 20-inch bike too big for a 7 year old?


Most 8 and 9-year-olds will fit on a 20-inch wheel bike

. Meanwhile, a 10-year-old (or older) will likely use the 24-inch size. Keep in mind that if your 10-year-old is smaller, they may still be more comfortable with a 20-inch bike wheel.

Is a 26 inch bike ok for 10 year old?


Most adult that are small enough for an 11-year-old or 12-year-old will most likely come with 26 inch or 27.5 inch wheels

.

What age is a 26 inch wheel bike for?

Wheel Size Age (Years) Height (cm) 16 Inch / 18 Inch 5 – 7 112 – 127 20 Inch 6 – 9 117 – 136 24 Inch 8 – 11 127 – 145 26 Inch

9 – 12

138 – 154

What height does a 26 bike fit?

Bikes with 26-inch wheels are designed for people who are

between a height of about five feet to the smaller end of six feet

. If you're taller than that, then your bike should have larger tires and more space in length.

What height is a 24 inch bike for?

Generally, a 24-inch bike is designed for people

less than 5'4′′

, though this is not a hard and fast rule. If you are 5'4′′ or taller you may find yourself having trouble riding one as your body will be much longer than the bike. Your height and weight will determine how much you can comfortably handle on this bike.

Is a 16 inch bike good for a 5 year old?


A 16-inch bike is typically the best bike size for five-year-old or six-year-old children depending on their height

. This 16-inch bike includes a freewheel and hand brakes which take kids a step closer to an adult bike. The Hedgehog's hand brakes are durable and small – designed for little hands.

What age does a 50cm bike suit?

Approximate Age Child's Inseam Wheel diameter “bike size” * 4-6 years 16-20 inches 40-50 cm 14 inches 5-8 years 18-22 inches 45-55 cm 16 inches
6-9 years

20-24 inches 50-60 cm 18 inches
7-10 years 22-25 inches 55-63 cm 20 inches

What is the best size bike for 8 year old?

Wheel Size Age Height 16′′ 4 – 6 years 41 – 48′′ 20′′ 5 – 8 years

45 – 54′′

24′′

8 – 11 years 49′′ – 59′′
26′′ 10 + years 56′′ +

What size bike do a 7 year old need?

A bike with

18 or 20-inch wheels

will be suitable for riders that are 7 to 9 years old and of average height (47.7′′ – 52.5′′). If your child is taller than average, they may need a 16-inch bike. Or, if they're shorter than average height, they may require a 24-inch bike.

What bike size should I get?

Rider Height Suggested Frame Size Feet and Inches Centimeters Inches
5′ 1′′ – 5′ 5′′


155 – 165


15 – 16
5′ 5′′ – 5′ 9′′ 165 – 175 17 – 18 5′ 9′′ – 6′ 0′′ 175 – 183 19 – 20

Can a 9 year old ride a 26-inch bike?

When your kiddo is ready for 26-inch,

they are generally ready for an adult size ride

, although some bike manufacturers make smaller “youth” size 26′′ bikes. Balance bikes, on the other hand, start with wheels as small as 10′′ although most balance bikes have 12′′ or 14′′ wheels.

Is a 26-inch bike for adults?


26-inch bikes suit adults who are 4'10-5'7′′ tall

. Interestingly, the bike size is also perfect for kids who are 4'10 or taller. In most cases, these kids are in their teenage years, 13 years or older. But before you can get a 26-inch bike or any other, you've to consider your height or inseam length or both.

Does anyone still ride 26 MTB?

26′′ wheels are found on children's bikes, dirt jumpers, some touring rigs, and commuters. That said,

the MTB industry is highly unlikely to ever revert to 26′′

. The world of MTB likes new stuff that could be seen as innovation rather than going back to old habits. Also, there's little incentive to reverse the switch.

Is 27 inch bike for what size person?

Your Height / Inseam Bike Size 5′ to 5'4′′ under 27′′ inseam XS (extra small) 49 cm bike
5'4′′ to 5'8′′ with 27′′ to 29′′ inseam


S (small) 49 cm to 54 cm bike
5'8′′ to 5'10” with 29′′ to 31′′ inseam M (medium) 52 cm to 56 cm bike 5′′10′′ to 6′ with 31′′ to 33′′ inseam L (large) 54 cm to 58 cm bike

How tall is a 27.5 bike?

What height is a 27.5 bike for? Mountain bikes with 27.5 inch wheels are suitable for

adults of all heights

. These bikes offer nimbler handling than 29 inch wheeled MTBs. Sometimes they are only available in smaller frame sizes and some shorter riders prefer the fit of a bike with 27.5 inch wheels.

How tall should you be for a 29 inch bike?

If you are under 5'6” tall, a 26-inch mountain bike is still likely to be a better fit. If you're

5'6′ or taller

, you should be able to find a 29er model to fit you. Riders more than 6′ tall can rejoice: You'll definitely enjoy a more natural riding position with the size and frame geometry of a 29er.

Can a woman ride a 26 inch bike?


Very petite women may want a 26′′ wheels but most will be best served by a 27.5′′ or 29′′ wheel

. These two wheel sizes are becoming more common on modern mountain bikes, so if you are buying a bike new, it's likely to have 27.5 or 29 inch wheels.

Who fits a 24 inch bike?

What Height Is A 24 Inch Bike For? (Bike Size Chart By Height) In terms of height, 24-inch bikes are best for

riders who are 4'5”-4'9” tall

, and they are most likely to be kids. Adults with the same height can ride 24-inch bikes that are either adjustable or come with frame sizes that match their stature.

Can a 9 year old ride a 24 inch bike?


24 inch bikes are typically the best fit for kids ages 8, 9 and 10

, but be sure to check out our kids bike sizing guide if you are unsure about the best size bike for your child. Like adult bikes, kids 24 inch bikes can vary greatly in form and function.

What size bike does a 5'2 woman need?

Women's hybrid bikes Rider height Suggested frame size Feet and inches Centimetres Inches 4ft 10in – 5ft 2in 148 – 158cm 13 – 14in 5ft 2in – 5ft 6in

158 – 168cm


15 – 16in

Is a 18 inch bike good for a 5 year old?

5-8 Years.

As kids grow up and their confidence, skill, and sense of adventure grow, they can move to the larger 14 – 18-inch wheels

. Kids bikes at this age start to feel and resemble grown up bikes.

Is a 20 inch bike too big for a 5 year old?

In general, children between the ages of 3 and 5 can comfortably use bikes with 12-inch diameter wheels. Kids between 4 and 7 years old will need 16-inch wheels,

5- to 10-year-olds require 20-inch wheels

and kids from 8 to 14 years old will need a bike with 24-inch diameter wheels.

Is a 16 bike good for a 3 year old?

Age Inseam Wheel Size 2–3 years old 14–17′′ (35–42 cm) 12′′ (30 cm) 3–4 years old 16–20′′ (40–50 cm) 14′′ (36 cm)
Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.