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Original poster

Kids bikes - size down or size up?!

6 replies

Reluctantadult · 04/03/2022 10:17

Just looking into the confusing world of kids bikes. DS has short legs! Inside leg wise he'd need a 14" bike, but height wise he'd need 16" bike. I have a 16" bike in the shed. But I'm worried if I put him straight from a 12" to a 16" he might fall off and put himself off. He's only just learnt to ride, having come straight off a balance bike. So wwyd, would you size up or at this point in his riding would you say it's better to go with the correct fit for his short legs so that he can get his feet down easily? Even if he only has that bike for a few months?!

OP posts:
Glittertwins · 04/03/2022 16:47

Can he comfortably reach the handle bars and the brakes of the bigger bike? Is he also strong enough to handle the bigger frame?
I would go to an independent bike shop or look at Islabikes/ Frog for advice too.

HairyScaryMonster · 04/03/2022 16:52

Can you buy something second hand for a few months?

Doje · 04/03/2022 17:10

From experience, I say size down. We sized up with the rationale DS was really good, confident etc but when he got his new bike a lot of that was lost because it was slightly too big for him. The weight of the bigger bike, combined with it being too big for him wasn't a good combination. Xx

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Original poster
Reluctantadult · 04/03/2022 17:15

Thanks folks! Am looking at second hand Isla bikes or possibly frog. But the Isla bikes looks a better fit on paper. He'd need a frog 40 for the leg size but frog 44 for his height. Isla bike is more clearly fitting the cnoc 14. Not sure how long it'll last but I think given he's not confident yet it's probably sensible.

OP posts:
Original poster
Reluctantadult · 04/03/2022 17:16

Cnoc 14 large.

OP posts:
HorseInTheHouse · 04/03/2022 17:18

Wheel size might not be the main thing to look at - if you put the saddle down as far as it will go on the 16'' bike you already have, can he reach the ground with the balls of his feet while seated on the saddle? If he can, then use that. Not all 16'' bikes will have the same minimum saddle height so check the one you have.

If he can't or can only just reach with his tippy toes, it's going to be dangerous for a young child who has only just learned to ride and you damage his confidence in cycling.

Generally when it comes to bikes, a bit too small is safer and more comfortable than a bit too big.

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