By the time kids are ready for a 20 inch bike (around 6 years old), they have a heightened sense of interest and ability when it comes to cycling.  Suddenly, they can bike longer distances–faster!  And if they’ve been biking for a while, they might be ready for their first bicycle with gears.

Cycling becomes even more fun than it was before, but having the right bike for your child (or grandchild) is key to their continued enjoyment and success.

Unfortunately, there are a lot of crappy kids bikes out there. They are heavy, have poor geometry, and will fall apart quickly.

We’ve tested and reviewed dozens of 20 inch kids bikes to help you weed through the noise, and find the best bike for your child. Below is a list of the best 20 inch bicycles on the market, as well as a comparison chart and tips on how to pick a bike.

The bikes on this list will perform well on the daily school commute as well as your family’s weekend outings on the local dirt rail trail.  They are do-it-all bikes can serve both on- and off-road duty–cruise to the park on a Saturday and visit some mellow single track on Sunday!

(You’ll notice that none of these bikes have suspension.  If your child is more interested in mountain biking than recreational around-town riding, check out our list of the Best 20″ Mountain Bikes instead).

June 2023: Updated prices, removed the Co-Op Rev 20 (which has been discontinued), and added additional purchasing options.

In This Article

How to Choose a Kids 20 Inch Bicycle

If you’re not sure what you should be looking for when shopping for a 20 inch kids bike, here is a quick primer.  You can also download our printable cheat sheet.

Budget

When shopping for a kids bike, I always urge parents to spend as much as they can afford.  Like all things in life (sadly!), the more you spend the nicer bike that you’ll get. 

That said, there are still some good budget options on this list.  When buying new, expect to pay at least $200-250.  If you spend less, you can expect the bike will be heavy and have cheap, low-quality components that won’t last long. 

If you can’t afford to spend that much, don’t despair.  Buying a kids bike used is a great option.  Check out our tips on how to find a quality used kids bike.

Age Range

The age range for 20-inch bikes is generally 6 to 8 years old.  Even then, each bike is designed a little bit differently. 

My 5-year-old, for instance, fits nicely on the Prevelo Alpha Three as well as the Pello Reddi.  For this reason, I urge parents to make sure you measure your child’s inseam before shopping for a bike and compare it to the minimum seat height and/or minimum standover height for the specific bike you are considering. 

It might be tempting to buy up a size, but the extra size and weight can easily frustrate your child and even be downright dangerous.

Weight

Although weight isn’t quite as important for a 7-year-old as it is for a 3-year-old, for instance, it’s still pretty important.  Many big box store bikes can weigh up to 50% of your child’s body weight.  Yikes!

The lighter a bike is, the easier it will be for your child to maneuver, the easier to pedal up hills, and the more enjoyable for your child to ride long distances.  Unfortunately, the lighter the bike is generally the more expensive it is, so this is usually a trade-off between weight and budget.  Choose the lightest bike you can possibly afford.

Brakes

When it comes to 20-inch children’s bicycles, most bikes have v-brakes (rim brakes) rather than a coaster brake.  We think this is a good thing since coaster brakes tend to be dangerous and don’t have the same kind of modulation and control that a handbrake has. 

Still, you might find a few bikes (such as the Specialized Riprock) that include a coaster.  Unless you have a good reason for doing so, or fondly remember your coaster brake days, we recommend avoiding the coaster brake.

For bikes that have hand brakes, you’ll find that most of them are v-brakes.  Some more expensive bicycles will have disc brakes which provide increased stopping power.  We recommend going with disc brakes if you live in a particularly wet, rainy climate or if you live in a city with lots of steep hills.

Tires

Consider the type of riding your child is going to be doing.  If they will be riding 100% of the time on pavement, you want to look for a bike with slick, fast-rolling tires.  If they’re going to be spending time riding dirt, gravel, grass, mud, etc, you want to make sure the tire is a little wider and has some extra tread. 

Even if the bike you are considering doesn’t have the best tires for your child’s preferred type of riding, you can always swap out tires later.

The knobby tires on the Woom (left) are better suited for all-terrain riding (gravel, dirt, etc), while the slick tires on the Guardian (right) are faster-rolling on pavement.

Drivetrain and Gearing

Whether or not your child is ready for a bike with gears is largely a matter of how confident they already are on a bicycle.  If your kiddo has been on a pedal bike (without training wheels) since 3 or 4, they’re probably ready for gears. 

On the other hand, if your child is still using training wheels or is simply a timid rider, wait to introduce a new element to the mix. There is nothing wrong with keeping things simple and having a singlespeed bike, especially if you live in an area without many hills.

There are several bikes on this list that do not have any gears.  For those that do, there are two kinds: bikes with traditional drivetrains and those with an internally-geared hub. 

The Pello Rover (left) has a traditional drivetrain with a rear derailleur. The Priority Start 20 (right) has an internally geared hub which may be a better option for parents who don’t want to do much bike maintenance.

The internally geared hub usually has just a few gears to keep things simple, and there is no derraileur.  This is also nice for parents who don’t want to do much bike maintenance.  The more traditional drivetrain includes a rear derailleur and cassette that might have 5 or 7 or 9 gears.  At this age, a few gears are usually plenty.

On bikes with gears, you also want to consider the shifter. There are two different types of shifters that you’ll encounter on 20 inch bikes: grip shifters and trigger shifters.

In general, we prefer trigger shifters as they are easier to operate and make cleaner shifts. That said, grip shifters are usually easier and quicker for kids to pick up on and learn. If you know your child is prone to frustration and might struggle with the concept of a trigger shifter, then stick with a grip shifter.

Grip shifters (left) are easier to learn to operate than trigger shifters. Trigger shifters (right) are a bit tougher to learn but are easier for small hands to operate and make cleaner shifts.

Fork

For recreational around-town (and even mellow trail riding) pick a bike with a rigid (not a suspension fork). Yes, a suspension fork LOOKS cool and we know lots of parents that pick a suspension fork because that’s what their kids want.

The bad news is that most suspension forks are HEAVY and don’t work very well. In other words, you’re adding a bunch of weight for no performance benefit.

If your kiddo really is doing mountain biking and riding mountain bike trails (or playing around at the bike skills park), then you’ll want to invest in a REAL mountain bike with a higher quality (but more expensive) air-sprung suspension fork.

If that’s what you are looking for, check out this list instead:

Girls 20 Inch Bikes vs Boys 20 Inch Bikes

Don’t buy into the hype! There is no difference between a “girls 20 inch bike” or a “boys 20 inch bike.” Unlike adult bikes, girls bikes don’t have any unique components making them different.

That said, some girls may want a “girly” bike with feminine colors and accessories like a basket. We totally get that!

Most of the bikes on this list are offered in both feminine and masculine colors, so both girls and boys should be happy with these bikes.

If you are still looking for specific recommendations, check out our post below on the best 20-inch girls bicycles. You’ll also find suggestions on how to accessorize the bikes to make them more girly.

Best Kids 20 Inch Bikes

Woom 4

Woom makes great bikes that are lightweight, have components that match the size of little bodies and boast a sleek aesthetic that appeals even to parents. The Woom 4 is no exception.

The Woom 4 is the lightest bike on this list, making it fun to ride and easy to maneuver. Handling is also helped by the upright geometry and unique adjusting handlebars. The dual handbrakes are some of the easiest around to pull and operate.

We also appreciate that Woom 4 has nearly endless customization options. Want fenders? A rack? Matching helmet? Those are all options.

And while it’s not cheap, the Woom 4 is NOT the most expensive bike on this list despite it being our favorite. Think it’s still too expensive? Consider that Woom offers an trade-in program, and that these are probably the most in-demand bikes on the used market.

The bike now also comes in two versions. One with a SRAM drivetrain, and one with a Microshift drivetrain for $100 cheaper. We recommend going with the Microshift to save some dough and still get a great bike.

Read Review: Woom 4

Price:$599 (SRAM) / $499 (Microshift)

Buy at Woom.com

Prevelo Alpha 3

Prevelo makes gorgeous bikes with top-notch components and kid-specific geometry that makes the ride comfortable and fun.  The Prevelo Alpha Three offers a low standover height, narrow q-factor, and lightweight build. 

Components include brand-name parts such as the durable Shimano drivetrain and Tektro v-brakes.  When comparing the Alpha Three to bikes from the big bike companies, it is clear that buying from a kid-specific brand makes sense. 

Like Woom, Prevelo also offers a trade-in program, which helps take the bite out of the high price.

Read Review: Prevelo Alpha 3

Price: $539

Buy at PreveloBikes.comBuy at Backcountry.com*

Frog 55

Frog makes nice some of the nicest kids bikes across sizes and disciplines.  The Frog 55 is their 20″ do-it-all offering. 

The bikes come in absolutely gorgeous colors and designs, so no matter your child’s favorite color, they are sure to find a Frog that they like. Accent colors are repeated in incredibly thoughtful ways such as on the spokes nearest the tire valve and on the saddle.

Fortunately, the Frog 55 doesn’t just look pretty. It also has child-appropriate geometry, short cranks, and high-quality components. And it comes with fenders, which is a plus if you live in a rainy climate.

Read Our Review: Frog 55

Price: $600

Buy at ReadySetPedal.comBuy at FrogBikesUSA.com

Pello Rover or Reddi

“Life’s an adventure,” reads one of the decals on the Pello Rover–which is appropriate since it is certainly a bike built for adventurous kids.  The Kenda K-Rad tires can handle hopping curbs and cutting across fields, while quality components like the Cane Creek headset can handle plenty of abuse.  It also comes in at a respectable 18.5 pounds.

If your child isn’t yet ready for gears, or is still too small for the Pello Rover, you might also want to consider the Pello Reddi which is a slightly smaller singlespeed version of the bike.

Read Review: Pello Reddi

Read Review: Pello Rover

Price:  $539 / $559

Buy at PelloBikes.com

Cleary Owl 20

Cleary makes beautiful bikes. The Cleary Owl, their 20-inch offering, has an internally geared 3-speed Sturmey Archer hub and a robust steel frame that is built to last. (It also comes in a singlespeed version if you prefer that).

This bike is well suited to lots of abuse and will stand up with time. Cleary is also another brand that is well known and in-demand in the used market, making it a smart buy.

Read Our Review: Cleary Owl

Price: $396/$485

Buy at ClearyBikes.comBuy at Backcountry.com*

Early Rider Belter 20

This is a seriously snazzy bike.  The Early Rider Belter 20″ has a brushed-aluminum frame, belt drive, sealed bearings, and an internally-geared 4-speed hub. 

All this makes it an ideal bike for sitting in the rain at school, being thrown on the ground, and otherwise being abused as only a 7-year-old can manage.

Price: $579

Buy at ReadySetPedal.comBuy at us.EarlyRider.com

Vitus 20

Looking for some major bang for your buck? The Vitus 20 is the bike you want.

It comes with child-appropriate geometry and a full list of top-shelf components–Kenda tires, Tektro brakes, Shimano drivetrain–at several hundred dollars less than the bikes on our Top 5 list.

The one drawback is the weight–at 20 pounds it’s heftier than our Top 5 bikes–but for the price, this bike can’t be beat.

Price: $349

Buy at Vitus.com

Guardian Bikes 20

The Guardian 20 comes with the proprietary SureStop braking system. This unique brake setup helps prevent over-the-bars accidents.

We also like that Guardian offers the 20″ in both a small and large frame size, and provide the RideSizer tool to help make sure you get the perfect sized bike for your child.

Read Our Review: Guardian 20

Price: $339 (small), $399 (large)

Buy at GuardianBikes.com

Belsize 20

There aren’t many bikes that can compete with the Belsize 20 on price alone. It offers a ton of features not normally seen at this price point including a rust-proof belt drive and beautiful brushed aluminum frame.

The bike is crazy lightweight at a mere 14.8 pounds. This means that it is fast rolling and easy to handle.

The bike does NOT have gears so that may be a deal breaker for some, but is great for kiddos that live in flatter areas or that simply aren’t ready to add that extra complication.

Price: $399

Buy at BelsizeBikes.com*Buy at Amazon.com*

Polygon Premier 20

Sometimes companies try to save money by cutting back on the quality of their components. That’s not true on the Polygon Premier 20.

This affordable bike has all brand name components including Kenda Tires, Shimano drivetrain, and Promax brakes. This is all built up on a good quality aluminum frame with child appropriate geometry.

The only thing we’re not crazy about on this bike is the weight. At nearly 22 pounds, it’s quite a bit heavier than the Belsize, for instance.

Price: $279

Buy at BikesOnline.com

Batch Kids Bicycle 20 Inch

The 20″ Batch Kids Bicycle is the ideal ride for parents who are looking for an affordable option and one that’s available at their local bike shop.

We like the bike for it’s simplicity (single speed only) and durability. Unlike many bikes in this price range, it won’t fall apart anytime soon.

The only thing that’s a real drawback for us is the coaster brake and lack of a hand brake.

Read Our Review: Batch Kids Bicycle

Price: $229

Find a Dealer at BatchBicycles.com

Honorable Mentions: Other 20 Inch Bicycles To Consider

Ok, so these bicycles didn’t make it onto our top ten list but they are still worthy-contenders.

Islabikes Beinn 20

The Islabikes Beinn 20 is another top contender thanks to their lightweight build, quality components, and durability. The Beinn checks all the boxes for an all-terrain cruiser. 

It’s capable not only of keeping up with the neighbor kids, it will probably leave them in the dust. A SRAM drivetrain, Tektro v-brakes and lightweight frame paired with in-house rims and tires provide a stunning build.

Islabikes is no longer selling their bikes in the U.S. market.  We’re leaving it on this list in case you are lucky enough to find one used or you live in Europe.

Read Review: Islabikes Beinn 20

Price: £399

Priority Start 20

Are you looking for a bike for your child to bike to school or commute around town? If so, you probably can’t find a better-suited bike than the Priority Start 20.

Like the Early Rider Belter 20, the Priority Start 20 has a low-maintenance belt-drive (rather than a chain) and an internally geared 3-speed hub. Unlike the Early Rider, however, it’s actually totally affordable.

The bike is perfect for withstanding bad weather as it sits on the school bike rack, and it will look good doing it. The bike’s paint job is beautiful, and the bike even comes with a small bottle of touch-up paint.

Price: $369

Glerc 20

The Glerc 20 provides tremendous bang for your buck. It’s also low maintenance.

The bike has a singlespeed drive train and internally routed cables to keep things clean and tidy. It even has brand name components like the Kenda tires which is almost unheard of at this pricepoint.

The only thing we weren’t crazy about were the sharp (not rounded) bolts.

Read Review: Glerc 20

Price: $320

Specialized Jett 20

Chances are you’ve heard of Specialized which is part of the reason this bike is so appealing. With a local dealers, and proven durability, the Specialized Jett will appeal to parents who’d like to buy from a big brand name.

The Specialized Jett 20 is also a big step up from the company’s previous kids offerings. The bike is lightweight, has child appropriate geometry, and is designed to grow with your child.

We especially like the Jett’s fit tool that helps you set seat height, handlebar postition, and crank position. Yes, the cranks have two holes to allow the crank length to effectively grow as your child does.

Read Our Review: Specialized Jett

Price: $500

Norco Storm 2.3

The Norco Storm 2.3 is a big step up from previous Norco youth offerings. It offers Tektro brakes (front and rear) and easy-to-reach levers.

This bike introduces kids to gears with the 6-speed Shimano drivetrain. That said, the grip shifter may be hard for smaller hands to operate.

Price: $369

Cannondale Quick 20

*

It is hard to find a kids bike that is not either very heavy or very expensive. The Cannondale Quick 20 weighs a respectable 19 pounds and comes in about $100 less than the most expensive bikes on this list.

It comes with brand-name components–Kenda tires, and a Shimano drivetrain–although the Revo grip shifters are a bit challenging for small hands.

Price: $440

Forth Park 20

The Forth Park 20 offers a lot of value for the price–notably the disc brakes! While not every kid needs disc brakes, this does make the bike more attractive for families who want to do a bit of off road riding or who live in wet climates.

Other things we like are the wide handlebars and long wheelbase, trigger shifters, and quick release seatpost collar.

Price: $370

Schwinn Koen/Elm

The Schwinn Koen (boys version) or Schwinn Elm (girls version) are both good alternatives to inferior bikes you might find at a big box store or on Amazon. While this isn’t our favorite bike, it is made by a reputable company, is durable, and won’t end up in a landfill anytime soon.

We appreciate that the bike has a quick release seatpost collar for tool free height adjustments–something that’s often missing on even high end kids bikes.

The biggest bummer is the bike has a coaster brake, but that’s expected at this price point.

Price: $196.19 (Last updated: 2023-11-29 at 11:39 – More Info)

Comparison Chart: 20 Inch Kids Bikes

Here you can find a bit more info on each of the bikes listed above.

BikeWeight (lbs)Frame Material/DesignDrivetrain/ShiftersBrake SystemRimsTires Co-Op Cycles REV 2020.2Alu AlloySinglespeed Coaster / rear v-brake (Tektro)In HouseKenda Kontact, 20" x 1.75" Vitus 2020.9Alu AlloyShimano, 7-speed, trigger shifterV-brakes (Tektro)In HouseKenda Small Block Eight Pro 20 ×1.5 Raleigh Rowdy20.4Alu AlloyShimano, 6-speed, grip shifterV-brakes In House20 x 2.125" Norco Roller 20NAAlu AlloySingle SpeedV-brakes (Tektro)In HouseNorco 20” x 2.1” Priority Start 2019.5Alu AlloyGates Belt Drive, Shimano Next 3-speed hubV-brakes In HouseKenda 20 x 1.9 Guardian AIROS 20 1-speed19.5Alu AlloySingle SpeedV-brakes (SureStop)In HouseKenda Kontact, 20" x 1.75" Cannondale Quick 20 20.2Alu AlloyShimano, 7-speed, grip shifterV-brakes (Promax)In HouseKenda Small Block 8, 20 x 1.5 Pello Reddi 2017Alu AlloySinglespeed V-brakes (Tektro)AlexKenda K-Rad 20x1.95 Guardian AIROS 20 6-Speed21.2Alu AlloyShimano, 6-speed, grip shifterV-brakes (SureStop)In HouseKenda Kontact Woom 417.9Alu AlloySRAM, 8-speed, grip shifterV-brakes (In-House)Supa Dupa Hoops (In-House)Schwalbe Little Joe 20 x 1.4 Cleary Owl 2021.0SteelSturmey Archer Internal 3-speed Hub, trigger shifterV-brakes (Tektro)AlexKenda 20 x 1.9 Prevelo Alpha 318.9Alu AlloyShimano, 8-speed trigger shifterV-brakes (Tektro)In HouseKenda Small Block Eight Pro 20 ×1.5 Pello Rover 2018.5Alu AlloySRAM, 7-speed, grip shifterV-brakes (Tektro)AlexKenda K-Rad 20x1.95 Frog 5519.4Alu AlloyShimano, 8-speed, trigger shifterV-brakes (Tektro)In HouseKenda K1153 20"x1.75 Early Rider Belter Urban 2016.3Alu AlloySturmey Archer 3-speed hub, grip shifterV-brakes (Tektro)In HouseMaxxis DTH 20 x 1.5 Guardian Ethos 2020.7 (small)SteelSinglespeedV-brakes (SureStop)In House Batch Kids Bicycle 2019.2Alu AlloySinglespeedCoasterIn House Specialized Jett 2019.3Alu AlloyShimano microSHIFT, 7-speedV-brakesIn HousePathfinder Sport, 20x2.0" Park Cycles 2023.0 Alu Alloy7 speedDisc brakesIn House20 x 2.1″ Belsize 2014.82Alu AlloySingle SpeedV-brakes (Tektro)In HouseKenda CST, 20x1.5 Polygon Premier 2021.8Alu AlloyShimano, 7-speedV-brakes (Promax)In HouseKenda 20×1.75"

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About Us

The Rascals are a family of three. Kristen (mom), Blair (dad), and Parker (kiddo). We started Rascal Rides when Parker was born and we didn’t want to give up our passion for biking. As we learned, we shared. Over the years, we’ve tested hundreds of kids bikes, helmets, bike trailers, and more.

Kristen is a USA Cycling certified coach and loves to share her passion for biking with other families. Blair is a bike geek, mechanic, and mountain bike junkie. Parker is our resident tester and inspiration.

If you see us out on the trail, make sure to say hi!

Photo: Marcus McDonald

A little extra knowledge when selecting a child’s bike can make all the difference to their riding experience, ideally setting them up for a lifetime of happy cycling. To find the best kids’ bikes, I consulted bike sellers, cycling coaches, and the experts behind bike-testing and review sites. There’s one big tip they all agree on: Don’t waste your money on something cheap from a big-box store. “Cheap bikes are generally heavy, have poorly designed geometry, and have components that aren’t serviceable or will fall apart quickly,” says Kristen Bonkoski, the founder of the popular kids’-bike website Rascal Rides. “If you buy a good-quality bike, you can get a good portion of your investment back by selling it used later on,” or even handing it down to a younger sibling.

While you don’t have to buy a fancy road bike for your 9-year-old to pedal around on this fall, it’s worth investing in a model that’s durable and repairable. “It doesn’t have to be crazy expensive, but you’re looking for a quality frame, cranks, and gears,” says Michael Sandler, a coach at Star Track Cycling. I found a range of expert picks for the best kids’ bike for every age, below — whichever you choose, don’t forget to buy a helmet.

What

we’re

looking

for

Wheel size

Unlike adult bikes, which are categorized according to frame height, kids’ bikes are measured by wheel size. These sizes range from 12-inch wheels (for toddlers) to 24-inch wheels (for taller kids on the precipice of their first adult bike). A 12-inch bike will typically be a balance bike or tricycle, whereas a 14- to 16-inch bike will be single gear with coaster brakes instead of hand brakes. Hand brakes and multiple gears are typically introduced around the 20-inch mark.

While wheel size will give you a good idea of the age range a bike is suitable for, it’s important to get more specific than that when choosing your child’s bike. Some manufacturers will offer guidance as to the minimum and maximum rider heights for each model, but your best bet is to go by your child’s inseam measurement (the length of their inside leg), since even kids of the same overall height will have different proportions. Once you have that inseam measurement, check the bike’s stand-over height to make sure they’ll have some clearance. On a properly fitted bike, Bicycle World co-owner Ilene Marcos says a kid should be able to touch the ground on tiptoe when seated on the saddle (or on flat feet for beginners who are still building their confidence) and have a slight bend in their knee at the lowest point while pedaling. I’ve also taken note of the height or inseam recommendations for each bike listed.

Brakes and gears

Experts told me that kids should start developing adult-riding habits as soon as possible; this is why the industry has trended toward balance bikes for beginners (and not those with training wheels), as well as intermediate bikes that feature hand brakes and multiple gears, as opposed to coaster brakes and fixed speeds. The recommendations here will set kids up for adult-style road riding. And because there are plenty of adventurous young riders out there, I also looked at nine-speed road bikes and mountain bikes with fancy disc brakes.

Safety and comfort

I looked for bikes with bright colors and reflector panels that will help keep kids safe at night. For bikes aimed at toddlers, additional safety features including chain guards are essential. But the biggest safety-and-comfort feature I favored when compiling this list, as advised by kids’-cycling experts, was lightness of frame. The heavier the bike, the more difficult and potentially accident-prone the ride. “Weight is critical, especially for younger kids,” says Bonkoski. Whatever your child’s age, you’ll want to get the lightest bike you can afford. You’ll also want to avoid the temptation to buy too big a bike in the hope your kid will grow into it. “It is understandable to want to save money,” says Sean Wilson, a physiologist, former cyclist, and the founder of the Youth Cycling Association. “However, a bike that does not fit properly will make it more difficult for the child to ride and ultimately can cause them to have negative experiences.”

A final point: If you’re getting it shipped, it’s still a good idea to get your bike safety checked at a local bike shop. “I see a lot of people buying brands I love online, but they’re not building them properly and following instructions,” says Rachel Varn, a certified cycling instructor and the founder of PedalPower Kids, “and that is a safety issue.”

Best kids’ bike overall

Co-op Cycles REV 16 Kids’ Bike

$229

Wheel size: 16-inch | Brakes and gears: Single speed, coaster brake | Safety and comfort: Lightweight aluminum frame

REI’s affordable Co-op REV range, recommended by Bonkoski and Natalie Martins, the owner of the kids’-bike review site Two Wheeling Tots, is affordable without compromising on weight: Its aluminum frame clocks in at just over 16 pounds. “In addition to being the lightest budget bike we know of,” Martins says, “the REV is backed by REI’s amazing return policy, making it a no-brainer.”

Like most 16-inch bikes, this one has a classic back-pedal coaster brake instead of a hand-operated one. It also comes with training wheels, which you may remove if your kid has been learning on a balance bike — more on that, below. It has a low stand-over height of 17.2 inches, meaning the rider must be at least that height and ideally just a bit taller.

$229

at REI

Buy

Best first kids’ bike

Woom 1 Balance Bike

$249

Wheel size: 12-inch | Brakes and gears: Mini-hand brake | Safety and comfort: Lightweight, upright seating position

When you purchase your child’s first bike, you will have three options: tricycle, training wheels, or balance. Overwhelmingly, the industry is trending toward balance bikes, which are designed to inspire confidence in young riders from the outset: They’ll always be on two wheels, and pedaling should come fairly easily once they’ve been gliding around on one of these for a while. Although balance bikes tend to be more expensive than tricycles, they eliminate the need for training wheels when your kid graduates to a pedal bike, explains Martins. “When they’re tall enough, or when they want a pedal bike, you can actually skip training wheels completely. They literally get on the bike and pedal away.” Cherie Moore, the owner of the Colorado bike store Ready, Set, Pedal, agrees that balance bikes “have literally changed the way kids learn to ride bikes.” She says, “Kids can now learn to balance and maneuver a bike with the security of being able to put their feet down.” German brand Woom is Martins’s top choice for the smallest of riders, being recommended for kids 31 to 40 inches in height. (The company also happens to make some of our favorite kids’ bike helmets.) In addition to being “ridiculously lightweight,” Martins says that Woom’s balance bike “comes with air tires to provide additional traction and cushioning, as well as an easy-to-use hand brake.”

$249

at Woom

Buy

Best (more affordable) first kids’ bike

Strider 12 Sport Balance Bike

$140

now 7% off

From $130

Wheel size: 12-inch | Brakes and gears: None | Comfort and safety: Lightweight

For a reliable, cost-effective balance bike, Strider is the most recognized brand, Martins says. It’s also a favorite among Strategist staffers, with both writer Lauren Ro and senior editor Jen Trolio starting out their kids with Strider balance bikes. Martins describes Strider’s 12 Sport as a “well-known, quality bike” with adjustability options and an extra-long seat post that allows it to fit kids between about 18 months and 4 years old (the company says it will suit riders with a 12- to 20-inch inseam). At 6.7 pounds, it’s light enough for toddlers to move around with.

From $130

at Amazon

Buy

$120

at Target

Buy

Best first kids’ bike (with pedals)

Retrospec Koda 2 Plus 12” Kids’ Bike

$130

$130

Wheel size: 12-inch | Brakes and gears: Hand brake, coaster brakes | Comfort and safety: Chain guard, fat tires

12-inch bikes with pedals and training wheels offer a more traditional alternative to balance bikes, and kids can get started on them at around 2 to 3 years of age. Retrospec makes some of the Strategist’s favorite colorful beach cruisers for adults, and its new Koda 2 Plus kids’ bikes are similarly delightful. They also come recommended by Martins, who calls their frame quality “great for the price” and adds that they’re more reliably in stock than other brands. She particularly likes the Koda 2s for their high-quality hand brakes “that are typically not found on budget-friendly bikes.” With a stand-over height of 13 inches, the brand recommends the 12-inch Koda 2 for riders between 28 and 38 inches tall.

$130

at Retrospec

Buy

Best starter bike for slightly older kids

Woom 2

$399

now 10% off

From $360

Wheel size: 14-inch | Brakes and gears: Single-speed, hand brakes, coaster brake | Comfort and safety: Lightweight, chain guard

The kids’-cycling teachers I talked to were quick to praise Woom’s well-made, high-component bikes, which are famous for having minimalist (yet sturdy) aluminum frames. “All of the Wooms I’ve worked with have been very well made and lightweight,” says Bike Whisperer NYC instructor Andree Sanders. Varn and Sanders point out that while Woom bikes are expensive, they have a high resale value, which makes them worth the price if you can afford the initial outlay. “I’m an advocate for spending a little more,” Sanders says. “You want biking to be as easy and fun as possible for the kid, and a high-component bike will help with that.”

This 14-inch Woom 2 is particularly suited to non-toddlers who are learning to ride for the first time, says Richard Conroy, the education director of Bike NYC. That’s because, per the design, it can be ridden pedal-free as a balance bike initially. Once your kid’s confidence builds, feel free to install those pedals and let them coast.

From $360

at Woom

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Best adjustable kids’ bike

Frog 44 Bicycle

$480

Wheel size: 16-inch | Brakes and gears: Fixed gear, hand brakes | Comfort and safety: Super-lightweight, reflectors, safety bell

The British brand Frog was mentioned by several experts. For new pedalers of around 4 to 6 years, with its minimum inseam of 17 inches, Wilson and Moore recommend the Frog 44. It’s a superlight (just 14 pounds), all-aluminum bike that can be adjusted as the rider grows. It would be a great second bike for kids who are ready to learn hand braking but have no urgent need for gears. Moore likes that it comes with easy-to-install mudguards for kids who like to ride in the rain. And it must be said that the colorways and patterns are supercute — the bike even comes with a small bottle of matching paint to touch up any scratches incurred while riding.

$480

at Ready Set Pedal

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$450

at Wheelworks

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Best kids’ bike for cautious riders

Guardian Ethos 16

$289

now 14% off

$249

Wheel size: 16-inch | Brakes and gears: Fixed speed, hand brake | Comfort and safety: Lightweight, reflector panels

Several of our experts mentioned kids’-bike manufacturer Guardian, which has developed a Shark Tank–approved SureStop braking system that’s designed to prevent over-the-handlebars accidents by stopping the rear wheel from spinning before the front one does. In addition to this safety feature, Varn says Guardian’s bikes have “a very low center of gravity” that makes them a nice choice for new or cautious pedalers. The bike’s steel frame weighs just 17.5 pounds, which makes it light and maneuverable. The single-lever hand brake is easy to operate, and there’s no coaster brake to lean on, which will help kids develop adult riding habits.

This bike is recommended for riders between 40 and 46 inches tall within an approximate age range of 4 to 6. For no additional cost, you can add an optional short seat post, which gives this bike an impressive seat-height range between 18 and 25.2 inches. Guardian offers a handy online sizing tool to further determine which bike size will fit your kid and how long it will likely be until the bike needs an upgrade. Plus “it’s easy to deal with the company if something’s going wrong with the bike,” Varn says.

$249

at Guardian Bikes

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Best first geared bike for kids

Woom 4 20-Inch Bike

$499

Wheel size: 20-inch | Brakes and gears: Eight-speed, hand brakes | Comfort and safety: Lightweight

The Woom 4, at 20-inches, will suit 6- to 8-year-olds, introducing them to the concept of gears. If you’re going to spend your money on just one Woom over the course of your child’s cycling journey, it makes sense to get them a Woom 4 once they reach the appropriate height range of 45 to 51 inches tall (the bike’s stand-over height is 19.5 inches). As Sanders and our other instructors emphasized, it’s best to transition kids into adult-style riding as soon as possible, and learning how to shift gears is key. With eight speeds and a twist mechanism that’s designed for small hands, this bike will help them understand and deploy the concept.

$499

at Woom

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Best kids’ road bike

Frog Road 58 Bike

$935

Wheel size: 20-inch | Brakes and gears: Nine-speed, hand brakes | Comfort and safety: Lightweight with road tires and short-drop handlebars

Sandler laments that too few brands manufacture small-frame road bikes for kids who might want to join their families on longer tours. So he’s quick to recommend Frog’s range of well-built children’s road bikes, which are “an exception to the rule.” Moore, another fan, explains that Frog road bikes, while on the pricey side, are designed with a unique crank that reduces the bike’s “Q factor” (the distance between the pedals), allowing kids to put more power into each pedal stroke and making it easier for little legs to travel longer distances. The brand recommends the bike for kids 6 to 7 with a minimum inseam of 23 inches.

$935

at Ready Set Pedal

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Best kids’ mountain bike

Co-op Cycles REV 24 Plus Kids Bike

$439

Wheel size: 24-inch | Brakes and gears: Seven-speed, hand brakes | Comfort and safety: Lightweight, plus-size tires

For kids who are ready for the trail, REI’s REV Plus line “looks as cool as it rides,” Martins says. She loves the “plus-size tires and adult styling,” which helps this bike serve as the perfect transition into adult mountain biking. While this starter mountain bike lacks a suspension system, those wide tires add stability and help smooth out any rocky trails. Mechanical Shimano disc brakes ensure plenty of power and control, as does the intuitive hand-twist gear system. The bike has a stand-over height of 23.4 inches, meaning it will best suit riders with an inseam measurement just above that.

$439

at REI

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Best (more-advanced) kids’ mountain bike

Woom OFF 5

$899

Wheel size: 24-inch | Brakes and gears: Nine-speed, hand brakes | Comfort and safety: Very lightweight, plus-size tires

For advanced shredders, Woom’s new “OFF” range of mountain bikes come highly recommended by Varn, who says they’re “even more durable” than its original bikes “and great for families looking to explore unpaved trails.” Ultralightweight, adjustable, and maneuverable, they can even be ridden tubeless if your kid spends a lot of time on gravel. Similar to the original Wooms above, the geometry, seats, and brakes are designed specifically for small hands and bodies, which makes them extremely comfortable and fun to ride every time. This 24-inch model is suitable for kids between the ages of 7 and 11, up to 57 inches tall.

$899

at Woom

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