How do I know what bicycle size to get?

[Flocci]

Obviously I don't want ds to try it out before the big day but how do I know what size he needs - this is his first bike? All the bikes seem to be sized 10 inch / 12 inch / 14 inch but what does this relate to?

Please don't batter me for being dim

I have a small 4 year old and she rides on a 14 inch

I remember being told once that your hip bone should be level with the seat. Hope that helps. Its like that on my bike and the kids bikes so maybe its true.

My 4.6 year old (average height, I think) is getting a 16 inch. We took him to a reputable bike shop and followed their advice, which was that he'd need a bike he could grow into.

the inch refers to the tyre diameter.

first bikes are normally 12 inch or so.

Yet depends on height of child/or rather inside leg measurement and seat height.

Take his inside leg measurement and height to a bike shop and ask advice. You do want one with room for growth, but you don't want it too big so he can't ride it (even with stabilizers they need to be able to get on and off!)

my wuss of a dd is 6.5, bit taller than average, and is getting a 16 inch bike. it's off ebay, it fab condition and will have stabilisers. it won't last her long but it will be enough for her to handle. Some kids just go for it,but my dd likes to have her feet on the ground!!

DS is small (size 3-4 clothes, bless) and has been bought a 12ins bike. I thought 14ins, but it was far too big when he actually sat on it.

there is also advice on the Halfords site too

The only way to size a bike is to get the kid on the bike.

With children they prefer a more upright riding style, so size is not so critical as on an adult bike. If in doubt get a smaller bike as it will build more confidence than one that is too large.

Best thing to do is get them out the day after Xmas

It also depends on what type of bike, bmx's are always about 20 inch irrespective of the size of the child.

exactly grimma. in toys r us, (we went for a look altho dd has no idea i have got her one)the bloke said dd needed an 18, which i did agree on. Then went on to say i should get a 20 inch one to make it last longer. I sat dd on an 18 inch one, and her feet were about 6 inches off the floor. So no way would she feel happy, as a non rider, yet. Plus it was most uncomfortable on her nethers!!

Take a look here

My dd2 is 5 and has a 16" bike. Her very first bike was 12" that was when she was 3 yo.
My eldest got a 10" bike first, but it was a waste of money tbh, she would have been better off with a 12".

hth

There are sizing websites... A 14 inch on a Specialized is larger than a Trek. It depends on the ratio of the down tube to the cross tube and the kids riding style.

If you are taking measurements to your local bike shop, then also measure arm length, angle that he is comfy leaning and the torso length.... There are about 50 measures that they take if you are getting a bespoke frame, but that is getting into the realm of trainspotting or pros.

ds2 (7) is getting a bike with 18 inch wheels, he is quite small for his age.

ooooooooooooh I love you ladies - thanks for the advice. Fully armed with measurements and top tips I went to the shop yesterday and have bought the shiniest red 14 inch bike they had. I have to say although it was just a little local shop they were fab and talked it all through and pointed out all the issues you ladies had already brought up.

Key thing turned out to be that ds is very timid so we erred on the small side. It was fairly cheap so i don't m ind if he only gets a year or so out of it - more important to get his confidence going I think.

I am totally besde myself with excitement - just hope he will be too.