Finding the right kids’ bike for Christmas starts with fit, where your child will ride and your budget. From their first balance bike to a junior mountain bike for proper trail adventures, our Christmas picks cover a range of sizes, riding styles and prices.
We’ve selected children’s bikes we rate for their build quality, thoughtful design and suitability for young riders. You’ll find affordable favourites, lightweight options for family rides and premium mountain bikes for children developing their trail skills. Each section explains why we’d choose them, helping you find a bike that suits your child.
Every kids’ bike from Wheelbase is built and safety-checked by our mechanics before dispatch. Delivered bikes require only minimal assembly, such as fitting the pedals, turning the handlebars and setting the saddle height, depending on the model. You can also collect from our stores in Staveley, Ilkley and Darlington.
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Whyte Kids Bikes | Scott Kids Bikes | Woom Kids Bikes | Orbea Kids Bikes | Merida Kids Bikes | Marin Kids Bikes | Cube Kids Bikes | Nukeproof Kids Bikes
For Older Kids, Teenagers & Small Adults | Shop 26″ & 27.5″ Wheels
Nukeproof Tracker 275 Sport – £539
- 6061 T6 aluminium frame
- Suntour XCE28 fork XS: 80 mm travel S: 100 mm travel
- Shimano ESSA 1 x 8 drivetrain
- Shimano MT200 hydraulic brakes
- Nukeproof Tracker seatpost
- Kenda Booster 27.5 x 2.4 tyres
Orbea Kimu 27 H20 2027 – £999
- Orbea Kimu 27.5 frame with RockShox Judy Silver TK 110 Boost fork
- Alloy crankset, 30t, 155mm
- Shimano Cues SL U6050 S Reach shifter
- Shimano MT410 hydraulic disc brakes
- Shimano Cues U6000 GS Shadow rear derailleur
- KMC eGlide chain and Shimano CS LG300 11-48t 10 speed cassette
Whyte Sythe 27 – £1799
- 150 mm front and rear suspension travel
- RockShox Psylo Gold suspension fork
- RockShox Deluxe Select RT rear shock
- Lightweight precision formed aluminium frame
- 27.5 in wheels front and rear
- Schwalbe Albert Trail Radial tyres
- Shimano Cues 1×10 mechanical drivetrain
- Tektro four piston hydraulic brakes with 180 mm rotors
- TranzX dropper post with 120 mm drop
- Ready for MX conversion with 27.5 in front and 26 in rear
Trek Marlin 5 Gen 3 2026 – £625
- 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″ 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
- Available in 3 colours.
Whyte Secta 26 MX – £749
- Progressive youth trail geometry
- Lightweight 6061 T6 aluminium frame, dropper post ready
- Suntour MAG32 100 mm air fork with lockout and rebound adjustment
- Mixed wheel setup with 27.5″ in front and 26″ in rear
- WTB Trail Boss tyres, 2.4 in front and 2.25 in rear
- Shimano Essa 1×8 drivetrain with 30T chainring and 11 to 45T cassette
- Tektro hydraulic disc brakes with 160 mm rotor
The Nukeproof Tracker, Trek Marlin and Orbea Kimu are our benchmark ranges for teenagers and smaller adults looking for a capable hardtail mountain bike. Each offers a choice of builds at different price points, so you can choose the specification that suits your budget and the riding ahead. These Christmas picks are a starting point, with more options available across all three ranges.
The Whyte Secta 26 MX is our top pick for riders considering a 26-inch mountain bike. Its mixed-wheel setup pairs a 27.5-inch front wheel with a 26-inch rear, combining confidence over rough ground with agile handling. Youth-specific geometry and an adjustable air fork make it a strong choice for younger riders progressing onto trails.
For teenagers and smaller adults ready for full suspension, the Whyte Sythe 27 is our Christmas pick. Replacing the T-140 27 in Whyte’s line-up, it brings premium RockShox suspension, a dropper post and geometry suited to smaller riders. It’s a proper trail bike from a respected British mountain bike brand, with the build to support increasingly adventurous riding.
Shop our full range of 26″ and 27.5″ Wheel bikes here
Ideal for Ages 7-10 | Shop 24″ Wheel Bikes
Orbea Kimu 24 H20 2027 – £669
- Orbea Kimu 24 frame with alloy Kimu fork
- Microshift M6185 8 speed shifter
- Clarks M2 hydraulic disc brakes with kid friendly levers
- KMC X8 chain and Microshift 11-42t cassette
- Kenda Booster 24×2.20in tyres
Orbea Kimu 24 H10 TR – £1149
- Orbea Kimu 24 frame with Manitou Machete Junit Sport 100mm Boost fork
- Alloy crankset, 28t, 140mm
- Microshift M6195 9 speed shifter
- Shimano MT410 hydraulic disc brakes
- Microshift 11-42t cassette
- Schwalbe Rocket Ron Evo 24×2.35 Super Race TLE tyres
- OC Mountain Control MC22 dropper seatpost, 31.6mm
- Shimano SL MT500 dropper remote
- Orbea custom fork mudguard
Marin San Quentin JR 24 – £999
- Series 2 aluminium frame
- Manitou J Unit 100 mm air fork
- Shimano CUES 9 speed drivetrain
- Kid specific hydraulic disc brakes
- 24 inch wheel
- 2.4 inch Delium Versatile tyres
- One piece saddle and seatpost
Whyte Secta 24 – £599
- Lightweight 6061 T6 aluminium frame with Whyte custom rigid fork
- Confidence inspiring MTB geometry for stable, predictable handling
- 24″ wheels with wide 2.3in Kenda K Rad tyres for grip and comfort
- Shimano Essa 1×8 drivetrain for simple, reliable shifting
- Tektro Junior hydraulic disc brakes with 160mm rotors front and rear
Why choose these bikes?
Choosing a 24-inch bike comes down to where your child rides and how far they want to take it. The Orbea Kimu 24 H20 and Whyte Secta 24 offer straightforward hardtail mountain bike builds with rigid forks, easy-to-use gearing and hydraulic disc brakes. They’re strong choices for mixed-terrain adventures without the added complexity of suspension.
For serious little rippers, the Orbea Kimu 24 H10 TR and Marin San Quentin JR 24 are our premium trail picks. Both have 100mm air suspension forks that can be adjusted to suit lighter riders, alongside hydraulic disc brakes for control on more demanding terrain. The Kimu adds a dropper seatpost, giving young riders more room to move when descending.
Also worth a look is the Cube Acid 240, a dependable budget hardtail mountain bike with a front suspension fork. For children who prefer pavement rides, canal paths and family outings, the Woom Explore 5 is our 24-inch leisure pick. Choose the bike that suits their riding, then check the recommended height range to get the fit right.
For Ages 6–8 | Shop 20″ Wheel Bikes
Marin Bayview Trail 20 – £349
- Series 1 aluminium frame
- Shimano 1 x 7 drivetrain
- Kid specific short reach brake levers
- Mechanical disc brakes
- 20 inch wheels
- Multi surface 2 inch tyres
- Lightweight, durable components
Woom Go 4 – £485
- Lightweight aluminium frame for easy handling and greater control
- Smooth 8-speed gear system for effortless uphill and downhill riding
- Ergonomic child-specific geometry for comfort and stability
- Reliable brakes for confident stopping power
- Designed for ages 6-9, ideal for growing kids transitioning to gears
- Also available in Blue and Red
Orbea Kimu 20 H20 – £649
- Orbea Kimu 20 frame and alloy Kimu fork
- Alloy crankset, 28t, 115mm
- Microshift M6185 8 speed shifter
- Clarks M2 hydraulic disc brakes with kid specific levers
- KMC X8 chain and Microshift 11-38t cassette
- WH 2.0 alloy wheels, 20in, 36H
- Kenda Booster 20×2.20in tyres
- Available in 3 colours.
Cube Acid 200 – £399
- Lightweight 6061 aluminium frame built for confident handling on family rides
- Rigid alloy fork giving predictable steering on paths and local trails
- Shimano 1×7 drivetrain with an easy Revo Shift shifter for simple gear changes
- Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes delivering strong, controlled stopping power
- 20 inch wheels with stable Cube DB29 rims and grippy Zaffiro Pro tyres
- Child sized handlebar, stem, saddle and seatpost for comfort and control
- Replaceable derailleur hanger for added frame protection
- Available in 2 colours.
Marin Bear Valley 20 – £479
- Series 2 aluminium frame
- Aluminium rigid fork
- microSHIFT Acolyte 1 x 8 drivetrain
- Kid specific hydraulic disc brakes
- 20 inch wheels
- Kenda Booster 2.4 inch tyres
- Integrated saddle and seatpost
Marin San Quentin JR 20 – £899
- Series 2 aluminium frame
- Manitou J Unit 80 mm air fork
- microSHIFT Acolyte 8 speed drivetrain
- Kid specific hydraulic disc brakes
- 20 inch wheels
- 2.4 inch Delium Versatile tyres
- One piece saddle and seatpost
Why choose these 20″ bikes?
For young riders keen to tackle proper mountain bike trails, the Marin San Quentin JR 20 is our premium pick. Its 80mm air suspension fork can be adjusted to suit lighter riders, while hydraulic disc brakes and wide tyres complete a build for serious little rippers.
The Orbea Kimu 20 H20 offers premium build quality with children’s geometry at its heart. Short cranks, child-specific brake levers and carefully proportioned contact points put fit and control first. Its rigid alloy fork makes it a quality option for riders who want a capable mountain bike without suspension.
Our more affordable choices include the Marin Bayview Trail 20, Cube Acid 200 Disc and Marin Bear Valley 20. The Bayview provides an accessible starting point, while the Cube and Bear Valley add hydraulic disc brakes. They’re well worth considering for family adventures, mixed surfaces and first outings on trails.
For pavement rides, paths and canal towpaths, the Woom GO 4 is our leisure pick. It’s a clear choice for children progressing to gears whose riding will mainly stay on firm surfaces, rather than grass and mountain bike trails.
Shop our complete range of 20″ Wheel bikes here
First Pedal Bikes | Shop 16″ Wheel Bikes
Cube Acid 160 – £299
- Lightweight Aluminium Lite frame
- 16 inch wheels
- Child-sized V-brakes
- Single speed drivetrain
- Kid-specific contact points
- Rounded frame edges for safety
Orbea Kimu 16 – £399
- Lightweight Orbea Kimu 16 frame and fork
- Kid specific cockpit with integrated alloy bar/stem and 19 grips
- Short 90mm crankset with 28t chainring
- Clarks M2 hydraulic disc brakes with child friendly levers
- WH 1.2 alloy wheels with Schwalbe Billy Bonkers 16×2.00 tyres
- KMC single speed drivetrain with 18t cassette
- SD 0.2 saddle with integrated handle for guidance
- Orbea custom mudguard with steering limiter
- Includes second, longer seatpost for extended growth
Woom GO 3 – £425
- 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
- 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
Yomo 16 – £340
- Weight: 5.8 kg without pedals (handy to carry)
- Single-speed drivetrain
- Kenda Small Block Eight 16 x 1.50 tyres
- 130 degree steering safety mechanism
- V Brakes
- Child size touch components.
- Also available in Red.
Why choose these bikes?
The Cube Acid 160 is one of our best-selling children’s bikes ever, hitting the price and specification sweet spot for many parents. A straightforward single-speed drivetrain, child-sized brakes and a lightweight aluminium frame make it a practical choice for first pedal adventures.
For a premium build, the Orbea Kimu 16 puts children’s fit at the centre of the design. Short cranks, small-diameter grips and child-friendly hydraulic disc brakes suit little legs and hands. An integrated saddle handle helps parents guide early attempts, while the included longer seatpost provides extra adjustment as your child grows.
The woom GO 3 and GO 3 Automagic are thoughtful choices for children learning to ride. Both combine lightweight construction with brakes sized for small hands. The GO 3 keeps things simple with a single speed, while the Automagic adds automatic two-speed gearing, allowing children to pedal without learning to operate a gear shifter.
Taking over from Frog in our line-up, the Yomo 16 is our no-nonsense all-rounder. Its low weight, single-speed drivetrain and child-sized contact points make it an appealing everyday bike for learning, family outings and those first independent rides.
If you specifically came to this guide looking for an 18″ wheel bike, then the YOMO 18 would be our recomendation. It’s slightly larger than the 16 but with all the characteristics. 18″ bikes are good for children who maybe are still a little uneasy when pedalling but have outgrown the 16″ wheel.
First Steps on Two Wheels | Shop 12″ Wheels & Balance Bikes
Cube Numove 120 – £99
- Super-light full magnesium frame for strength and safety
- Smooth, curved frame design with no sharp edges
- 12-inch wheels with chunky tyres for stability and grip
- Adjustable saddle height to suit growing riders
- Lightweight aluminium fork, stem and seatpost
- Rear brake for early braking confidence
- Child-sized grips, saddle and handlebar for comfort
- Rigorous inhouse testing at Cube HQ. It’s a bike, not a toy.
Woom GO 1 – £235
- 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
- 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?
A first bike needs to feel comfortable, be manageable for small hands and legs, and cope with the inevitable tumble or two. We choose balance bikes from brands that put their designs through rigorous testing, with close attention to weight, fit and build quality.
The Cube Numove 120 is our standout value choice. Child-sized contact points and an adjustable saddle give little riders a practical introduction to two wheels at a price that’s hard to beat.
For a premium option, the woom GO 1 combines a lightweight build with a low frame that makes getting on and off easier. Its easy-to-reach brake lever also introduces a skill children will use when they progress to pedals.
The Woom WOW is our pick for the littlest rippers. Its self-balancing design, extra-wide tyres and self-centring steering help support those first scoots and weight shifts as toddlers find their confidence.
At Wheelbase, our passion for cycling is for everyone: young or old, small or tall, first-time riders or lifelong cyclists. It starts with that first balance bike and grows with every new adventure.
A good children’s bike gives both riders and parents confidence. Quality construction, a comfortable fit and reliable components help children enjoy learning, while giving parents a bike that’s easier to look after and keep riding well. Lightweight bikes are easier for children to handle and parents to carry. Grippy tyres help on loose surfaces and through corners, while suitable suspension can give adventurous riders more control over rough ground.
Fit matters just as much as specification. Setting the saddle height, handlebar position and brake lever reach correctly helps children ride comfortably, reach the controls and develop good habits from the start.
From first scoots to serious trail rides, we hope this guide helps you find the right bike for your child’s needs and your budget. If you have any questions about sizing, specifications or any bike in our range, please get in touch. We’re here to help.
We’ll Deliver Christmas. You’ll Unwrap Adventure.