Bike size for kids: How to find the right one

In the world of bicycles, special terms and units are often used even though we rarely use them in our everyday language. For example, size is measured in inches - 1 inch is 2.54 centimetres. If this is the first time you are considering the correct size for children’s bikes, you should therefore know the following:

• Wheel size: Size specifications for kids bikes often refer to the size of the wheels (diameter in inches).
• Frame size: Frame size is less commonly used for children's bikes. It measures the distance from the center of the bottom bracket to the top of the seat tube. This is expressed in inches or centimeters, depending on the manufacturer.

In addition to wheel and frame size, the child's physical characteristics also play an important role in choosing the right children's bike.

Whether it's 18, 22 or 24 inches, here are some factors to consider when choosing the right size bike for your child:

• Age
• Body size
• Inseam length
• Coordination/balance

All beginnings are difficult, and that applies to cycling as much as anything else. But the earlier children get on a bike, the better. Once they are confident on their feet, a balance bike can help to lower the inhibition threshold when switching to a children's bike later on. And as the kids whizz around the pump track, they automatically learn the precise steering movements and train their balance for the shift onto a "real" children's bike.

At the age of 3 or 4, children usually switch to a kids’ bike. Children who have already been able to practise on a balance bike find the transition much easier. Many movements are already routine and the pedalling motion is usually mastered within a few days.

The inseam measurement follows the same procedure as for adults. The only challenge will probably be asking the kids to hold still for a moment.

1. Ask the young bikers to stand with their backs against a wall.
2. Make sure that their feet (without shoes) are shoulder-width apart and both heels are touching the wall.
3. At a right angle to the wall, you can now take a book, for example, and gently guide it up to the highest point in the crotch.
4. Then measure the correct length from the floor to the top edge of the book.

With the following size chart for children's bikes, you are now well equipped to choose the right bike. If you're still having trouble choosing the right model, our RENTertainers will be happy to help you select one on site.

Children sometimes grow faster than you can imagine. It's important to bear in mind that although children are the same age, they may develop at different rates. This can lead to a significant difference in height between two kids.

We mention this in advance because the size chart for children's bikes is always an average. When in doubt, the best decision is to let your child test ride the bike. Simply pop into a shop.

Tip: Don't buy a bike that the child has to "grow into". If it is too big, the adjustment process will take a long time, and frustration may occur as the child's bike hinders rather than encourages movement.

Once you have found the right bike, depending on age and ability, you may want to consider training wheels. It is said that children are ready to ride a bike with training wheels at the age of 4. But while some swear by them, others turn their backs on them.

Training wheels are designed to help children with their first attempts at cycling. This allows kids to concentrate on steering and pedalling at the beginning without having to think about balance. Certainly not a bad idea for the first attempts at riding.

The problem that many people have with training wheels is that they do not train coordination skills while riding. The necessary balancing movements of the upper body when pedaling are not required. They also prevent the bike from leaning when cornering.

Training wheels are helpful to get your kid used to a children's bike quickly. Especially if there is no "steering experience" yet. For children who ridden a balance bike from an early age, the "training wheel step" is usually not necessary as their balance and steering skills are already well developed.

As with adults, the contact points on the children's bike are important for kids. They guarantee safety, comfort and contribute to fun. The saddle is one of the most important points. There are three ways to adjust the saddle to the size of your child:

• Saddle height: It is particularly important for the first attempts at riding to give your youngster a lot of security. At the beginning, make sure that the saddle is adjusted so that the bottoms of both feet touch the ground. Once the kids have got used to the saddle height, it can be raised a little so that only one foot touches the ground.
• Saddle angle: Adjust the saddle horizontally if the child's bike is a hardtail (a bike without suspension). For a full suspension, tilt the tip of the saddle down a little. This will equalize the SAG (negative suspension travel) of the bike.
• Saddle offset: Choose the saddle offset so that the child's knee forms a vertical line to the pedal axle at the 3 o'clock position when sitting normally on the bike. In this position, children have the most power to pedal.

With the right size children's bike, you have successfully overcome the first hurdle. The right accessories are just as important: a suitable helmet, good clothing, protectors, pannier rack or lights are not only important for safety but also for comfort. Let our experts advise you and enjoy the luxury of traveling without a bike. In our INTERSPORT Rent shops you can get everything you need on site.

Depending on whether you need the wheel size or the frame size, you can also measure these yourself:

• To determine the frame size, take a tape measure from the centre of the bottom bracket and measure up to the highest point of the seat tube.
• To find the wheel size, measure from the lowest to the highest point of the rim, making sure that the measuring tape is in the centre of the bike hub.

In most cases, the inch indication on children's bikes refers to the diameter of the tyres. You will find all the details you need on the sidewall of the front and rear wheel. In addition to the inches, you will also find the direction of travel and further information of dimensions on the tyre casing if you want to replace it or change an inner tube.

If you are looking for the frame size, you will find it on the seat or top tube, depending on the manufacturer.

Most children can usually start cycling between the ages of 3 and 4. However, bear in mind that every child develops differently. Some will start earlier and some later. The important thing is that they start when they are really ready and the inhibition threshold is no longer too high - that way they will enjoy cycling right from the start.