How to Determine What Size Bicycle to Buy a Child

With Your Child

• 1

  Take your child to the bicycle section in the store.

• 2

  Position your child on the bike. Have him straddle the top bar and stand with his feet flat on the floor. The top bar should be 1 to 3 inches lower than the inseam of his pants or a little more for a mountain bike.

• 3

  Rotate the pedals on the bicycle so one is in the lowest position.

• 4

  Hold the bicycle securely, have your child sit on the seat and put his feet on the pedals. When the pedal is at its lowest position, your child's leg should be slightly bent.

• 5

  Note the height of the seat. A bicycle with its seat in the lowest position when your child's leg is extended will take longer to outgrow.

Without Your Child

• 6

  Dress your child in pants and tennis shoes.

• 7

  Stand your child up straight with his legs shoulder-width apart.

• 8

  Use a measuring tape to measure from the inseam of his pants to the floor. Write down this measurement.

• 9

  Go to the store and choose a bicycle. Measure the bicycle from the floor to the top bar. This measurement should be 1 to 3 inches less than your child's inseam measurement, or a little more for a mountain bike.