What size do I need?
When choosing a kids pedal bike, not only should you look at the wheel size, you should also take into consideration the childs inseam length and height to get the best fit.
| Wheel Size
|
Age |
Inseam |
Height |
| 12" |
2-3 years |
38-46cm |
91-99cm |
| 14" |
2-4 years |
38-51cm |
94-112cm |
| 16" |
4-6 years |
40-56cm |
104-122cm |
| 20" |
5-8 years |
51-64cm |
114-137cm |
| 24" |
8-11 years |
58-71cm |
124-150cm |
| 26" |
10+ years |
64cm+ |
142cm+ |
Inseam measurement
The inseam measurement is most important when we go to narrow down the bikes and look at the saddle heights.
Take the inseam measurement with shoes on, using a hardback book and wall method.
- Stand the child, with shoes on, with back against a wall with their feet slightly apart
- Put a hardback book between the legs and slowly raise until its firm against their crotch
- Measure from the top of the book to the ground - that's the inseam measurement
What saddle height is best?
Beginner rider
The bike needs to be set up with the seat height matching the inseam length. The rider can then touch the floor with the feet flat on the ground which adds for more confidence being able to stop and start pedalling the bike.
More experienced rider
An experienced rider is confident using the brakes to stop and confident when starting and stopping the bike. The saddle height needs to be set up so the rider can sit on the saddle with the tip toes touching the ground - this is usually a saddle height with about 5-10cm above the inseam length.
Narrowing it down
Once you have the inseam measurement, childs height and age, look at the recommended wheel sizes for those measurements. Your child may fall under two different wheel sizes. Use the ideal saddle height as the factor to narrow it down further... you want to find a bike with the minimum seat height as close to (but not higher than) the saddle height required. This means the bike would fit them straight away without being too big, as well as also allowing room for growth.
