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How to Pick the Right Sized Kids Bike

Bicycles are one of the most traditional and popular kids' gifts for birthdays, holidays or any occasion. Kids love bikes because they're fun and versatile, while parents love bikes because they promote healthy exercise. For kids and bikes, one size doesn't fit all. If a bicycle is too large or small, it can cause frustration or even injury, according to International Bicycle Fund. Choosing the right size bike for the kids in your life can guarantee both safety and fun.

Things You'll Need

Measuring tape

Instructions

- 1
  
  Measure a pair of well-fitting pants, not clothes the child will grow into.
  
  Measure the child's inseam. Some kids will be shorter or taller than average, so don't go by age range alone. Measuring the inseam on a pair of pants will give you a better idea of how tall the child actually is. Choose a pair of pants that fit the child well, without dragging or drooping. Lay the pants on a flat surface and smooth out any creases. Placing the edge of the measuring tape against the crotch of the pants, pull the other edge down to the very bottom of the hem on one leg.
- 2
  
  Measure around the tire in a circular shape.
  
  Measure the bicycle wheels. Adult bikes are measured by frame and seat, but kids' bikes are measured by wheel diameter. Using the inseam measurement, you should be able to find a corresponding wheel size. Typically, a 14-17 inch inseam corresponds to 12-inch wheels. An 18-22 inch inseam corresponds to 16-inch wheels. A 22-25 inch inseam corresponds to 20-inch wheels. A 24-28 inch inseam corresponds to 24-inch wheels. Many stores will list the wheel diameter, but when purchasing a secondhand bike, it's wise to bring a measuring tape and measure the edge of the bike tire.
- 3
  
  Ask the child if she feels comfortable and in control when test riding the bike.
  
  Observe the child during a test ride. Watching the child as she rides the bike is the best way to identify potential problems. Many stores will let you take bikes on test rides, even up and down an aisle. While watching, focus on the following questions: when the child sits on the bike and holds the handlebars, can the balls of her feet reach the floor? When she stands over the bike, can she comfortably hold onto the handlebars without scrunching or stretching? Is it easy for her to get on and off the bike? When she rides the bike, can she steer easily? Are her knees too high as she pedals, or is it a struggle for her feet to reach the pedals at all?
- 4
  Examine the bike for age-appropriate accessories and features. In addition to size, kids' bikes often have other important design features, depending on the intended age range. Bikes with 12-inch wheels typically feature training wheels, according to International Bicycle Fund. Bikes with 16-inch wheels should have rear coaster brakes, while bikes with 20-inch wheels should have hand brakes. These features contribute to the bike's safety.

Bicycles