How to choose the right size of children’s bike
You don’t just ‘grow into’ a bike, as you would a pair of jeans that are too big. Children need a bike that fits them properly. The key measurements to consider are inseam length or height. You can use these as a guide.
These online shops offer a wide selection of children’s mountain bikes ranging from 12 to 20 inches:
BIKE’s recommendations for children’s bikes in 16–20-inch sizes
Your first proper bike: From around the age of six and with an inseam of about 50 centimetres, the real fun begins. Your child will now fit on a 20-inch bike. There’s no need to worry about a heavy suspension fork just yet. It’s better to go for tyres that are as light and wide as possible, with low pressure. This also ensures excellent comfort off-road.
Twist-grip gear changes: Twist grips are best suited as gear levers. They are more intuitive for children to use. But be careful: not all models are easy for children’s hands to operate. Just like the grips, they mustn’t be too thick, otherwise little hands won’t be able to get a proper grip on the handlebars.
Adjustable brake levers: Lightweight V-brakes are perfectly adequate for your first forays off-road. Adjustable brake levers are far more important than maximum braking power, as they ensure that even those with short fingers can reach them easily. A V-brake also saves weight compared to a disc brake.
Canyon Offspring AL16 children’s bike
499 euros / 8.2 kilos / 16- or 18-inch wheels / SRAM Automatix gear system / SRAM Level disc brakes / 2.1-inch tyres
With the Offspring, Canyon enables little cycling heroes to get started from a height of just 98 centimetres. The 18-inch front wheel tackles obstacles with ease. At the rear, a 16-inch wheel ensures a particularly upright and child-friendly riding position. Thanks to easily accessible disc brakes, young riders always have their wild ride under control, whilst the braking force remains pleasantly low. To ensure the child can concentrate fully on the trail, Canyon has dispensed with a gear lever and fitted a SRAM Automatix gear system instead. This automatically shifts into a higher gear once a certain speed is reached, allowing the kids to really open it up.
Early Rider Hellion Trail children’s bike – BIKE TIP: Weight
699 euros / 7.13 kilos / 20-inch wheels / 9-speed gears / Tektro mechanical disc brakes / ages 6 and over
Children’s eyes light up at the sight of the Hellion Trail’s brushed aluminium frame. Fancy lifting it up? Wow, it’s so light. The new 20-inch model from Early Rider weighs just over seven kilos. Ideal for getting started off-road. The spec is well thought out, featuring nine gears and mechanical disc brakes. Instead of a suspension fork, it features a lightweight aluminium rigid fork and wide tyres. The British really do know what matters. Parts that aren’t available on the market in the right specifications are simply developed in-house. Take, for example, the 120-millimetre-short aluminium crankset and the matching pedals. The Hellion is sure to delight little trail riders with an inseam of 50 centimetres or more.
Ghost Kato R1.0 AL K children’s bike
339 euros / 9.3 kilos / 20-inch wheels / 8-speed with twist shifter / Tektro rim brakes / also available with a suspension fork for 449 euros
For just over 300 euros, and for children from around 115 centimetres tall, the Kato lets the little ones whizz around the countryside. Incidentally, the sturdy aluminium frame is also available in a smart fire-red colour. Rim brakes and a rigid fork keep the weight down to under ten kilos. Thanks to the twist-grip gear selector, even children’s hands can change the eight gears with ease. If you want a bit more comfort, simply swap out the narrow knobbly tyres. The Kato is also available with disc brakes and a fork offering 50-millimetre travel. However, with this specification, the weight rises to a hefty 11.7 kilos. We would therefore definitely recommend the rigid version.
Kubikes 20 Fat Superlight children’s bike
From 995 euros / from 9.7 kilos / 20x4.0-inch tyres, 10 or 11-speed / Tektro disc brakes / individually configurable components
With this beast, little adventurers can set off on a journey of discovery. The 4.0-inch-wide tyres roll effortlessly over any obstacle. Roots, sand or scree? No problem for the 20 Fat. The chunky tyres provide extra grip and safety. It’ll leave their mates wide-eyed. Yet the weight remains surprisingly low. Thanks to the specially developed, lightweight aluminium frame, it weighs in at just 9.7 kilos. You can customise the spec and colour on the website. Golden valve caps as a little highlight, or a leaping cheetah on the frame to motivate the little ones? At Kubikes, almost every child’s wish comes true.
Norco Fluid 2.3+ children’s bike – BIKE TIP: Trail
599 euros / 20x2.6-inch Plus tyres / 8-speed gearbox / Tektro disc brakes / SR Suntour XCT FR Plus 20 60 mm suspension fork
The Canadians know what young shredders need. That’s why they’ve fitted the Fluid not only with 60 millimetres of suspension travel, but also with 2.6-inch-wide Plus tyres. These provide extra cushioning and plenty of grip when the youngsters are carving through banked turns and balancing their way over their first Northshores. The geometry is modelled on modern trail bikes and, thanks to a short rear triangle, is particularly manoeuvrable. Wide handlebars, short stem – on the Norco, kids sit in a comfortable, upright position rather than in a sporty, stretched-out one. Hydraulic Tektro brakes with 160mm discs bring the little powerhouse to a halt, and an eight-speed gear system ensures that the youngsters don’t run out of steam straight away on the climbs.
Orbea MX20 Team children’s bike
369 euros / 9.1 kilograms / 20-inch wheels / 8-speed with Rapidfire lever / rim brakes / Kenda Small Block Eight 2.1-inch tyres
The Basques have made a name for themselves in recent years with some excellent mountain bikes, and there is also a wide range available for young riders. Weighing in at 9.1 kilos, the MX20 Team is the lightest model in the MX20 range and is suitable for children from 115 centimetres in height. The aluminium frame in a striking racing blue can be retrofitted with disc brakes if required. Eight gears and wide Kenda tyres make the MX20 ready for off-road riding. A 70-millimetre-long stem gives young riders a slightly sportier riding position. Alternatively, the MX20 models are also available with suspension forks or disc brakes. However, even in these versions, the weight quickly exceeds the 10-kilo mark.
BIKE recommendation for children’s bikes in 24–26-inch sizes
The correct crank length: For children, as indeed for adults, the crank length should be around one-tenth of their height. For practical reasons, you can also use a crank that is up to 15 millimetres longer. Incidentally, it is only with the right crank that it is possible to lower the bottom bracket effectively on a children’s frame.
Single-speed drivetrain: Single-speed bikes are usually sufficient for children’s bikes. However, for 24- or 26-inch bikes, 10 or 11 gears may be appropriate. A double drivetrain can quickly overwhelm children due to the additional lever on the handlebars and cause them to lose concentration.
Every gram counts: Alongside geometry, weight is the key factor when it comes to children’s bikes. The maths is simple. A 24-inch bike weighing seven kilos accounts for over a third of a 20-kilo rider’s body weight. That’s like a 75-kilo man riding a 25-kilo bike – without a motor.
Small ladies’ styles: For older children, a ladies’ bike can certainly be an option – as long as the frame is the right size. Size XS, or 13.5" or 15", is often suitable for children who are at least 150 centimetres tall. Most manufacturers have now moved on from floral patterns and butterflies, so even boys might take a liking to a ladies’ model.
I don’t know of any suspension forks that work well on bikes up to 24 inches. In my view, there’s no need for suspension on bikes up to 24 inches either. At that age, riders are learning the basics – and when out on a ride over rough terrain, the pace is simply a bit slower. Racing tracks, including the U9 category, do not require suspension. Dr Alexander Friedl, Federleicht Bike E.U.
Conway MS 200 Rigid children’s bike
399 euros / 9.4 kilos / 24-inch wheels / Shimano Altus 8-speed gears / eyelets for a luggage rack and mudguards
The frog-green Conway comes without any frills, but with a few well-thought-out details. The low-slung top tube offers plenty of legroom, giving you confidence when riding off-road. The sturdy aluminium frame can be fitted with mudguards and a luggage rack, transforming it into a true all-rounder for the journey to school or trail riding. At just 400 euros, the MS 200 is the perfect base for Dad’s customisation project. This allows the weight of 9.4 kilos to be reduced significantly. The Conway is also available with a suspension fork for the same price. However, it then weighs considerably more at 10.8 kilos.
Falkenjagd Tachion 24 MTB children’s bike
4,790 euros / 1.42 kg frame weight / 24-inch Tune wheels / 1x11 Shimano groupset / Tune stem and seatpost
Does your child sleep in a Ferrari-themed bed and eat their porridge with a golden spoon? Then they need this scratch-resistant children’s dream made of titanium. The Tachion from Falkenjagd is the Rolex of children’s bikes and is fitted exclusively with the finest components. The lightweight Tune wheels spin on blue-anodised King & Kong hubs. To match the colour scheme, the stem and seatpost are also from the German lightweight manufacturer. For the gear system, you can choose between Shimano XT and XTR, with the corresponding disc brakes fitted to match. And should this fine steed ever actually leave the display cabinet, it’s powered by an exclusive, feather-light crankset.
By the way: the fittings are also available in rose-pink anodised finish.
Featherlight 26-inch children’s bike – BIKE TIP: Race
3,241 euros / 7.0 kg / 26-inch wheels / 1x11 Sram X01 drivetrain / Magura MT8 disc brakes / feather-light wheels 1,276 g
The Austrians are specialists in lightweight children’s bikes and rely entirely on European manufacturing. As well as stylish and lightweight complete bikes, Federleicht also always offers customisation options. The use of a 450-gramme carbon fork, a carbon saddle and hand-spoked wheels results in a 7-kilo dream bike for children. Thanks to the compact geometry with a low front end and very short chainstays, your child can switch to the larger 26-inch wheels from a height of just 120 centimetres and benefit from the smoother ride and excellent rolling performance. Countless colour and specification options ensure there’s something to suit every taste.
Islabikes Creig 24 Pro children’s bike – BIKE TIP: Trail
1,499 pounds (1,699 euros) / 9.02 kilograms / 1x11 SRAM GX / SRAM DB5 disc brakes / Stans Notubes ZTR Crest wheels / 80 mm travel
With the Creig Pro, Islabikes has created a real trail rocket fitted with lightweight Stans tubeless wheels. With this bike, your youngster is guaranteed not to be eyeing up Dad’s speedster. The RockShox fork, with 80 millimetres of travel, has been specially tuned for the rider’s light weight and is designed to respond smoothly even at low tyre pressure. The eleven gears are changed intuitively using a twist-grip shifter. A lightweight aluminium crankset with a narrow Q-factor, stylish anodised bolts and a specially developed carbon seat post keep the weight of the Creig 24 down to nine kilos. Thanks to hydraulic disc brakes and particularly slim grips, young riders always retain full control of their rocket.
Pyrobikes Twentyfour UL children’s bike
From 749 euros / from 7.7 kilos / 24-inch wheels / 1x11 Shimano gears / Magura MT4 disc brakes / also available with a suspension fork
"We’ll do anything, as long as it’s not too hard" is the motto of the Baden-Württemberg-based brand, and they impressively back this up with the lightweight version of their 24-inch model. Weighing in at just 7.7 kilos, the scales stop right there – and that’s without having to make any compromises. The in-house crankset, featuring interchangeable chainrings and a low Q-factor, weighs just 530 grams including the bottom bracket. The Magura brake levers can be positioned particularly close to the handlebars. The Pyro frames are designed in line with the 29er philosophy, so that young riders can move up to the next wheel size at an early stage.
Ramlon Ibex Race children’s bike
2,200 euros / 8.8 kg / 26-inch wheels / 1x11 drivetrain / Magura MT4 disc brakes / Rockshox Rebal RL with 100 mm travel
The Ibex is the perfect bike for budding racers. From a height of 125 centimetres, kids can really put their foot down on the race track with this lightweight carbon bike. Large 26-inch wheels not only earn the youngsters respect on the starting line, but also ensure safe handling and good roll-over performance. For the gear system, Ramlon combines Shimano and SRAM components to achieve particularly smooth gear changes. The GX crankset is specially shortened by the manufacturer to the optimum length and fitted with a 28-tooth chainring. The anatomy of the young athletes is also the focus when it comes to the other components. The spec is rounded off by robust Magura brakes and a Reba RL fork.
Scott Scale RC Junior 24 Disc children’s bike
699 euros / 10.1 kilograms / 24-inch wheels / 1x10 SRAM GX derailleur / Tektro hydraulic disc brakes
World champion and World Cup dominator Nino Schurter has already secured numerous podium finishes on the Scale. So it’s only logical that Scott should also provide young racers with a scaled-down version of the Scale. Mini-racers sit comfortably on this 24-inch bike. The 10-speed drivetrain provides plenty of gears for both climbs and the final sprint – even if the 32-tooth chainring seems a little on the large side. To ensure you can accelerate properly right from the start, Scott has fitted low-rolling-resistance Smart Sam tyres. Hydraulic Tektro disc brakes ensure sufficient stopping power. The Scale is also available with a suspension fork or with wide Plus tyres.
BIKE Recommendation: Children’s Full-Suspension MTBs, 20–26 inches
The right frame size: For most manufacturers, the clearance height or the child’s height is the deciding factor in determining when a child can ride the bike. Dr Alexander Friedl, however, believes that height is overrated: “No child jumps forwards from the pedals onto the top tube with both feet; instead, they lean to one side. The sooner a child can switch to larger, smoother-rolling balance bikes, the better.”
Too wide? The Q-factor describes the distance between the crank arms. Some manufacturers take the easy option and simply use the Q-factor of an adult crank. This allows them to fit inexpensive standard bottom brackets. For children, however, this means their feet are too far apart, which can be painful for their knees.
Bikes that grow with your child:
A frame that grows with the child – one that can be converted from 24-inch to 26-inch wheels, for example – makes particular sense with expensive full-suspension bikes. This means that not only is the usually significantly larger investment worthwhile, but so too are any potential tuning modifications that help to offset the heavy weight of children’s full-suspension bikes.
Speaking from my own experience, I’d say that a rear suspension only becomes necessary when the descent ratio is well over 60 per cent, and only makes sense for downhill or bike park riding. Before that, tyres that are as wide as possible replace the rear suspension quite effectively. Sebastian Tegtmeier, founder of Supurb Bicycles
Commencal Supreme 20 Children’s Full-Suspension MTB
€1,699 / 11.1 kg / 20-inch wheels / single-speed drivetrain / Tektro disc brakes / Ride Alpha suspension fork with 120 mm travel
Rock ’n’ roll! Is your child a live wire, already doing somersaults in the bouncy castle at the age of five? Then it’s time for one of the smallest full-suspension bikes for children on the market. The Supreme 20 is suitable for children from 1.15 metres tall and, with its full air suspension, is perfectly equipped for those first stunts in the bike park. The Ride Alpha fork, with its 120-millimetre travel, was developed by Commençal specifically for the children’s bike range. The 66-degree head angle provides plenty of riding stability, and the 2.35-inch-wide tyres keep the little ones on track. Thanks to the single-speed drivetrain, the chain stays reliably on the chainring – though those who prefer to change gears can easily retrofit the bike.
Mondraker Factory 24 children’s full-suspension MTB – BIKE TIP: Grows with your child
1,999 euros / 11.4 kilos / 24- or 26-inch wheels / 1x10 SRAM GX derailleur / Shimano MT 500 disc brakes / RockShox suspension
The Factory 24 is an investment in the future. It can be fitted not only with 24-inch wheels, but also with 26-inch wheels. In addition, the suspension fork’s travel can be increased from 80 to 100 millimetres. The geometry is based on its bigger brother, the 27.5-inch Factor with Fast-Forward geometry. However, all the geometry data has been adapted for riders between 135 and 155 centimetres tall, and the suspension has been optimised for a weight of around 28 kilos. The perfect trail bike for the next generation, then. The spec, featuring a 1x10 drivetrain and hydraulic Shimano disc brakes, is also impressive.
Propain Yuma children’s full-suspension MTB – BIKE TIP: Park
€1,799 / 12.3 kg / 24-inch wheels / 1x11 Sram GX groupset / Formula Cura disc brakes / 140 mm suspension travel
Banked turns, drops and bumpy descents. This is where the Yuma really comes into its own. With 140 millimetres of suspension travel and downhill-oriented geometry, it’s the perfect toy for long days in the bike park. The frame is designed for kids from 1.25 metres tall. The developers at Propain have put a great deal of thought into the rear suspension. It’s designed to respond sensitively and deliver plenty of travel, even with a lightweight rider. The spec is solid and, with large brake discs, has been chosen to suit the bike’s intended use. Using the so-called ‘Grown Up’ kit, the Yuma can be converted to 26-inch wheels, making it fun even for significantly taller children.
Rocky Mountain Reaper children’s full-suspension MTB – BIKE TIP: Grows with your child
From 2,000 euros / 12.2 kilos / 24- or 26-inch wheels / Shimano disc brakes / Rockshox or Suntour fork
Another bike that grows with you: the Reaper from Rocky Mountain is available in two model variants, both of which are based on an identical frame. It is designed so that it can be ridden with either 24-inch or 26-inch wheels. The frame offers 130 millimetres of rear suspension travel and can be adjusted via the Ride-9 system on the shock absorber. Up front, riders can choose between a Suntour Epixon or a RockShox Reba, each offering 120 millimetres of suspension travel. With a head angle of 64.3 degrees in its flattest setting, the Reaper is already very much geared towards freeriding. Dad’ll have to keep up, otherwise his kids will have long since disappeared round the next bend.
Trailcraft Maxwell 24 Children’s Full-Suspension MTB
$2,999 / 12 kg / 24-inch wheels / 1x11 Shimano XT groupset / Shimano XT disc brakes / RST Sniper fork, 100 mm
Almost 2,500 euros for a children’s bike? That’s quite a sum. But in return, your child gets an exceptionally well-designed trail bike. The RST Snyper fork, with 100 millimetres of travel, has been specially developed for use on children’s bikes. The cables run concealed through the frame, and an internally routed dropper post can also be retrofitted. The stem weighs just 85 grams, the carbon handlebars 160, and even Ashima tuning brake discs have been included. The high-quality spec is rounded off by a full XT groupset and lightweight Stans Crest MK3 rims with 24 spokes. The Trailcraft cranksets can be ordered with a 26-tooth chainring.
Vpace Moritz 26 Children’s Full-Suspension MTB – BIKE TIP: Weight
Approx. 2,000 euros / 10.8 kilos / 26-inch wheels / SRAM GX1 gears / Magura MT4 disc brakes / VPace wheels weighing 1,520 grams
The young brand from Lake Constance has made the 29er concept its hallmark. With a travel of just over 120 millimetres, this 26-inch bike is designed to allow children who are at least 135 centimetres tall and weigh around 25 kilos to enjoy full-fledged off-road adventures. The final weight is said to be a surprisingly light 10.8 kilos. The frame is fitted with thru-axles on both the front and rear wheels and features a 66-degree head angle. The bike is due to be delivered from February 2018. VPace will offer various spec options with Fox or Suntour suspension and with or without a dropper seatpost. The bike is fitted with SRAM’s GX1 groupset, available with either eleven or twelve speeds.
Stefan Frey
Editor