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How to Know What Size Bicycle to Buy Children

As children grow, just as buying new shoes and clothes becomes necessary, so does buying a new bike. Bikes need to be the proper size for children, not just for their comfort, but for their safety as well. A bike that is too small or too big will be difficult for your child to maneuver, making him more likely to fall or crash. If your child is an enthusiastic bicycler, this unfortunately does mean buying a new bike every year or two as he grows.

Things You'll Need

Measuring tape

Instructions

- 1
  Bring your child with you when purchasing the bicycle. Although buying a bike as a surprise would be fun, you need your child to try it out to get the best fit.
- 2
  Have your child stand up over the seat of the bike with one foot on each side of the bike. Make sure his feet are resting flat on the floor.
- 3
  Estimate the distance from the seat to your child. A perfect fit is when there is about 1 inch of space between your child and the seat of the bike.
- 4
  Hold the bike upright while your child puts her feet on the bike pedals and hands on the handles. She should feel comfortable in this position and not have to strain to reach the pedals or handle bars. Also, her knees should be in a comfortable location and not high above the seat.
- 5
  Measure your child’s inseam. Children’s bikes are sized by wheel size. You can combine your child’s test of the bike size with the wheel size (as stated on the label or by the salesperson) to determine which is the best-fitting bike. The International Bicycle Fund recommends the following inseams and corresponding wheel sizes: 14- to 17-inch inseam for a 12-inch wheel, 16- to 20-inch inseam for a 14-inch wheel, 18- to 22-inch inseam for a 16-inch wheel, 20- to 24-inch inseam for an 18-inch wheel, 22- to 25-inch inseam for a 20-inch wheel and 24- to 28-inch inseam for a 24-inch wheel.

Bicycles