Start with the rides they’ll enjoy
For a child learning to balance and steer, start with a balance bike. Once they’re ready to pedal, look for a bike they can handle comfortably when setting off, turning and stopping. As their rides get longer, gears can make hills easier; if they’re heading onto rougher tracks, tyres, brakes and the type of bike become more important.
Choose a bike they can enjoy now
A bike that feels too big can make even a familiar route hard work. Use height to narrow down the wheel size, then look at the individual bike. Can your child reach the brake levers comfortably? Can they get on and off without struggling? If they’re between sizes, the bike they can control confidently today is usually the better starting point.
Match the bike to the terrain
A bike for parks, family rides and school journeys has a different job from a mountain bike for trail centres. At 20″ and 24″ you’ll find choices for both kinds of riding. For older children and teenagers, our 26″ and 27.5″ range includes everything from first mountain bikes to bikes built for more demanding trails.
Start with a balance bike if they’re still learning to steer and balance. If they can already balance and are ready for pedals, explore our 14″ and 16″ bikes, using their height to narrow down the choice. The Cube Numove 120 is a popular this year.
Not necessarily. Think about where they ride: simple controls may be welcome on short, fairly flat rides, while gears are useful when family rides get longer or hillier. Our 20″ bikes are a good place to compare options for children making that step.
Start with the 20″ or 24″ range, depending on your child’s height. Look for a bike that feels manageable on everyday rides, with tyres and gearing suited to the paths you use most. You don’t need to choose a trail focused mountain bike unless that’s where they want to ride. Woom, Merida and Orbea would be a good place to start.
The 24″ range includes bikes for children starting to explore proper trails. For taller, more experienced riders, see our 26″ and 27.5″ mountain bikes, including hardtails and full suspension options. Choose according to the trails they ride and the bike they can handle, rather than their age alone. Orbea, Marin and Whyte would be good place to start.
Yes. Our 26″ and 27.5″ category includes youth bikes and smaller frame mountain bikes that may also suit adults. Check the size of the particular model, as two bikes with the same wheel size can feel quite different. Trek Marlin offers a price and spec point for every type of rider and Nukeproof have introduced the Tracker as a strong competitor. Both of those Model series are a great place to begin. Looking for something more premium? Marin San Quentin and Whyte Sythe 27 could be for you.
Find out the rider’s height and think about the bike they already use and where they like riding. The size guide above will take you to a likely category; our top kids’ bikes guide can then help you compare ideas across the range. If you’re choosing between two bikes, Wheelbase can help you check the fit before you order. Contact Us. If they love Matt Jones then then you start with Marin all day long.
