With Christmas just around the corner, finding the perfect bike is at the top of many parents’ wish lists. Whether it’s a first children’s bike with stabilisers or a capable junior mountain bike, choosing the right size and style is key to building confidence and excitement. This year’s best kids’ bikes combine lightweight frames, reliable components and child-specific designs to make every ride fun, safe and easy to handle.
All kids’ bikes from Wheelbase are fully assembled and safety checked by expert mechanics, then delivered ready to ride with only minor assembly required, or can be collected from our stores in Staveley, Ilkley and Darlington — making Christmas morning that little bit more magical.
We’ve compiled a list of our top selling bikes of the year, these are the most talked about bikes on the shop floor this festive season.
26″ & 27.5″ Wheel Bikes – For Older Kids & Teenagers
Merida Big Seven 40 2026 – £750.00 | £850.00
- TFS V 6061 aluminium hardtail frame with trail-ready geometry
- Internal cable routing for clean, streamlined setup
- Tapered headtube and inboard disc brake mounts
- Dropper post compatible for modern trail control
- X-Fusion Migo 32 Air fork, 120mm travel, lockout
- Shimano 1×9 drivetrain with 32T chainset and 11-46t cassette
- Shimano hydraulic disc brakes for reliable stopping power
Whyte T-140 27 – £1,799.00
- 6061 aluminium SCR frame with adjustable geometry and ISCG guide mounts for versatile riding
- 140 mm RockShox Pike front suspension and 135 mm RockShox Deluxe Select+ rear shock for plush, controlled travel
- Shimano Deore 11-speed drivetrain with 32T chainring and 11–51T cassette for precise shifting across varied terrain
- KS 900I dropper seatpost with size-specific drop for optimised rider positioning
- WTB ST i30 tubeless-ready rims paired with Maxxis Minion DHF / Dissector tyres for traction and durability
- TRP Slate Evo 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes with 180 mm rotors for powerful stopping
- 27.5-inch wheels providing smooth, fast rolling and enhanced control

Trek Marlin 5 Gen 3 2026 – £625.00
- Alpha Silver aluminium frame with mounts for rack and kickstand
- SR Suntour XCT 30 suspension fork with 80–100 mm travel for smooth handling
- Shimano CUES 9-speed drivetrain for reliable shifting
- Bontrager Montrose tyres in 27.5″ or 29″ for versatile trail performance
- Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes for confident, consistent stopping
- Internal cable routing and dropper post compatibility for a clean, adjustable setup

Whyte Secta 26″ – £649.00
- Lightweight 6061 T6 aluminium frame with internally routed cables and dropper post compatibility
- SR Suntour XCR air fork with 100 mm travel, adjustable rebound, and lockout for versatile trail performance
- 26″ wheels fitted with Vee Tire Co. Crown Gem 2.25″ tyres for reliable grip on varied terrain
- Shimano 1×9 drivetrain with 30T narrow-wide chainring and 11–36T cassette for smooth, precise shifting
- Tektro HD-M275 hydraulic disc brakes with 160 mm rotors front and rear for powerful stopping
- Size-specific youth components including short cranks, junior saddle, and lock-on grips for a comfortable, controlled ride

Why choose these bikes?
Perfect for growing riders ready to take the next step, these bikes offer the right blend of control, comfort, and capability. The Whyte Secta 26″ is a brilliant choice for younger or smaller riders who need the lighter, more agile feel of 26-inch wheels. For those moving towards bigger adventures, the Trek Marlin 5 Gen 3 and Merida Big Seven 40 use 27.5-inch wheels to deliver smoother rolling and added stability on mixed terrain. For confident riders pushing further into technical trails, the Whyte T-140 27 stands out as a top-tier option, offering full-suspension performance in a size that suits developing riders. This line-up gives parents dependable choices that support progression and make every ride feel more assured.
24″ Wheel Bikes – Ideal for Ages 7–10
Orbea MX 24 XC – £399.00 | £499.00
- Lightweight Orbea MX 24 aluminium junior frame with internal cable routing
- SR Suntour XCT-JR suspension fork with 50mm travel for comfort and control
- Junior-specific alloy V-brakes with reach-adjustable levers
- Shimano Altus 7-speed gearing with SL-M315 shifters
- 24-inch alloy wheels with Kenda Booster tyres for grip and stability

Woom Explore 5 – £585.00
- Superlight 24″ children’s bike for ages 7+
- Lightweight AA 6061 aluminium frame with sporty geometry
- 8-speed microSHIFT drivetrain with child-friendly trigger shifter
- Hydraulic Promax disc brakes with ergonomic levers
- Schwalbe Billy Bonkers all-terrain tyres with reflective sidewalls
- Adjustable stem and seatpost with Woom ABC fit markers
- Available in Red and Blue

Merida Matts J.24+ (2026) – £489 | £535
- Lightweight TFS 6061 aluminium frame with replaceable dropout
- Rigid fork for reduced weight and responsive handling
- Wide 24×2.4-inch tyres for comfort, grip, and stability
- Microshift Acolyte 1×8-speed drivetrain with trigger shifter for easy operation
- Tektro hydraulic disc brakes with short-reach levers for safe, powerful braking
- Available In Green, Orange & Purple

Trek Wahoo Trail 24 (2026) – £675.00
- Lightweight Wahoo 24″ carbon fork with post-mount disc brake, ThruSkew 5 mm QR
- microSHIFT Advent 9-speed drivetrain with Quick Trigger Pro shifter
- microSHIFT Advent RD-M6195M rear derailleur, 40–46T max cog
- Alloy crank with 30T steel chainring and guard, 127 mm length
- microSHIFT Advent H093 11–42 cassette
- Tektro HD-J285 hydraulic disc brakes
Cannondale Kids Trail 24 2026 – £675.00 | £495.00
- Lightweight and durable alloy frame for easy handling
- 50mm suspension fork to smooth bumps and rough terrain
- Wide-range 8-speed gearing with child-friendly trigger shifter
- 24″ alloy rims with fast-rolling, grippy tyres for confident control

Why choose these bikes?
Perfect for adventurous riders aged 7 to 10, these 24″ wheel bikes make the transition from smaller bikes to more capable trail machines effortless. The Orbea MX 24 XC offers a lightweight aluminium frame with reliable 7-speed gearing, perfect for first-time riders tackling mixed terrain. The Woom Explore 5 stands out for its superlight design and child-friendly hydraulic brakes, making climbs and longer rides easier while keeping control intuitive. For those seeking a slightly more robust option, the Merida Matts J.24+ combines wide tyres and responsive handling with easy-to-use 8-speed gearing. The Trek Wahoo Trail 24 delivers smooth, precise shifting and hydraulic brakes in a lightweight package, ideal for kids ready to tackle more challenging trails. Finally, the Cannondale Kids Trail 24 balances durability and comfort with a suspension fork and wide-range gearing, giving young riders confidence and stability on every ride. Together, this range offers parents reliable, safe, and fun bikes that grow with their child’s skills.
20″ Wheel Bikes – For Ages 6–8
Woom Explore 4 – £535.00
- Lightweight AA 6061 aluminium frame with child-specific geometry
- 20-inch wheels, suitable for riders 115–130 cm tall (ages 6–8)
- 7-speed Shimano gearing with Revoshift twist shifter
- Powerful Promax hydraulic disc brakes with child-sized levers
- Schwalbe Billy Bonkers all-terrain tyres with reflective sidewalls
- Available in Blue and Red
Cube Numove 200 2026 – £345.00 | £449.00
- Lightweight Aluminium Lite 6061 frame and matching alloy fork for confident off-road control
- Adjustable Cube Numove stem with 540mm Cube Kids handlebar for a comfortable, youth-specific fit
- Natural Fit Kids grips designed for smaller hands
- Shimano 8-speed drivetrain with RD-M3020 rear derailleur and SL-M315 Rapidfire Plus shifter
- Wide-range Sunrace 11–34 cassette paired with an Acid Numove 30T chainset and narrow Q-factor for efficient pedalling
Merida Matts J.20+ 2026 – £449.00 | £500.00
- Lightweight TFS 6061 aluminium frame with a rigid fork for direct, confidence-boosting handling
- Wide 2.4″ tyres delivering added grip, stability, and comfort on mixed terrain
- Simple 1×8 drivetrain using Microshift trigger shifters for smooth, intuitive gear changes
- Tektro hydraulic disc brakes with short-reach levers for strong, controlled stopping power
- Flip-flop stem and adjustable spacers designed to keep pace with growing riders
- Available in Green and Red
Cannondale Kids Trail 20 Plus 2026 – £530.00
- Lightweight alloy frame for easier handling and better control
- Kid Correct disc brakes for strong, predictable stopping power
- Super-grippy 20×2.6″ plus-size tyres to absorb bumps and maximise traction
- Low-torque 7-speed twist shifter designed for smaller hands
- Wide-range gearing to tackle mixed off-road terrain
Why choose these bikes?
Perfect for riders aged 6 to 8, these 20″ wheel bikes make early trail riding safe, fun, and confidence-building. The Woom Explore 4 excels with a superlight frame, child-specific geometry, and intuitive hydraulic brakes, helping younger riders tackle varied terrain with ease. The Cube Numove 200 offers a youth-focused fit and 8-speed Shimano gearing, giving children smooth, efficient pedalling while maintaining control. For a simple, reliable option, the Merida Matts J.20+ combines wide tyres, a lightweight frame, and easy-to-use 1×8 gearing for confident handling on trails. The Cannondale Kids Trail 20 Plus takes comfort and control further with plus-size tyres and Kid Correct disc brakes, providing excellent grip and stopping power on mixed surfaces. Together, this range gives parents peace of mind while supporting children’s skill progression on the trail.
16″ Wheel Bikes – First Pedal Bikes
Frog 44 – £390.00
- Ultra-light 6.39 kg frame for effortless handling and control
- Tektro brakes with easy-reach levers for safe, responsive stopping
- Patented Frog cranks for smooth, efficient pedalling
- 16″ wheels specifically designed for 4–5-year-old riders
- Adjustable handlebar and saddle height to grow with the child

Woom GO 3 – £425.00
- Lightweight AA 6061 aluminium frame for easy manoeuvrability
- 16″ Schwalbe Little Joe tyres with reflective sidewalls for added safety
- Steering limiter and mini V-brakes with colour-coded levers for intuitive control
- Wide BMX-style handlebars for improved handling
- Quick-release seatpost for simple height adjustments
- Suitable for riders approximately 105–120 cm tall
- Available in Blue and Red

Woom GO 3 Automagic – £465.00
- Lightweight AA 6061 aluminium frame with low-entry design for stability
- 16″ ultralight wheels with Schwalbe Little Joe tyres and reflective side stripes
- Automatic two-speed hub gearing for effortless shifting
- Ergonomic, adjustable saddle and handlebars with ABC marking
- Steering limiter to prevent falls from overturned handlebars
- Mini V-brakes with ergonomic levers for small hands

Why choose these bikes?
Perfect for young riders taking their first pedal-powered adventures, these 16″ wheel bikes are designed to make learning safe, fun, and confidence-boosting. The Frog 44 stands out for its ultra-light frame and patented cranks, helping 4–5-year-olds pedal smoothly while building control. The Woom GO 3 combines a lightweight aluminium frame with child-friendly brakes and wide BMX-style handlebars, making manoeuvring and stopping intuitive for new riders. For those ready for an extra boost in simplicity, the Woom GO 3 Automagic features an automatic two-speed hub and a low-entry frame, allowing children to focus on enjoying the ride without worrying about gears. Together, these bikes offer adjustable components, safety-focused features, and easy handling, giving parents peace of mind as their little ones gain independence on two wheels.
12″ & Balance Bikes – First Steps on Two Wheels
Frog Tadpole – £230.00
- Lightweight yet sturdy frame for safe, confident riding
- 12″ wheels with soft grips for comfortable handling
- Easy-to-use Tektro rear brake with adjustable lever
- Steering limiter to help maintain control and safety
- Suitable for children aged 2–3 years with a minimum inside leg of 32 cm
- ChatGPT sad

Woom GO 1 – £235.00
- Superlight 3 kg aluminium frame for easy handling
- Low entry point and long wheelbase for enhanced stability
- Schwalbe G-One Speed tyres with reflective sidewalls for safety and smooth rolling
- V-brake with colour-coded lever for simple, effective stopping
- Wide ergonomic handlebars with slim grips for comfort and control
- Adjustable saddle to accommodate growing riders

Woom WOW Self Balance Bike – £160.00
- ChatGPT said:
- Self-balancing design that helps develop balance and natural weight-shifting skills
- Self-centring steering to enhance stability and keep young riders on line
- Lightweight aluminium frame weighing just 2.5 kg for easy manoeuvring
- High-quality, extra-wide EVA tyres for a quiet, durable and maintenance-free ride
- Toddler-specific geometry with a low frame and extended saddle length to support correct posture
Why choose these bikes?
Balance bikes are the perfect way to start cycling. They teach steering and balance naturally, making the jump to pedals seamless and stress-free.
Make This Christmas Magical & Unwrap Adventure
Wheelbase offers a full range of kids’ bikes and junior bikes in sizes from 12″ to 27.5″ wheels, all designed to inspire young riders and build confidence. Every bike is prepared by experts and can be delivered ready to ride with only minimal assembly, or collected from our stores in Staveley, Ilkley and Darlington.
With trusted brands like Trek, Cube, Woom, Merida and Frog, this year’s hottest kids’ bikes make unforgettable Christmas bike gifts that will keep children riding, exploring and smiling all year round.






