Kids bikes

Buying a kids bike

Finding the perfect kids' bike can feel overwhelming - there are hundreds of options out there, across a huge range of brands, sizes and budgets.

That's where Cycle Sprog comes in.

Since 2012 we've been helping families across the UK find the right bike for their child, and we've built one of the most comprehensive independent kids' bike resources on the web.

We don't sell bikes ourselves - we independently review, test and recommend them, drawing on our panel of real young riders and their parents to give you honest, practical verdicts you can trust.

We cover everything from first balance bikes for toddlers through to mountain bikes and hybrids for older children and young teens, across all budgets - including new, secondhand and lease options.

Use the sections below to find the right bike for your child's age, wheel size and riding style.

Or use our interactive kids' bike search tool to filter by age, wheel size, budget and bike type to find the perfect match for your child.

Cycle Sprog is a reader-supported website. When you buy through links on this page we may earn an affiliate commission.

What type of kids bike are you looking for?

Kids’ bikes come in a variety of types, each designed for different ages, abilities and riding styles.

If you already know what you’re after, jump straight to our recommendations using the links below.

If you’re not sure which type of bike is right for your child, our guide to types of kids bikes explained is a great place to start.

 

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B’Twin: Great kids’ bikes at prices families love

Whether your child is just starting out on two wheels or ready to tackle more adventurous rides, B'Twin has a bike to suit every stage of their cycling journey.

As Decathlon's dedicated cycling brand, B'Twin offers one of the most comprehensive and affordable kids' bike ranges available in the UK - from first balance bikes and lightweight pedal bikes through to hybrid and mountain bikes for older riders.

We recommend B'Twin time and again to families where value for money is a priority, and you'll find our full range of B'Twin kids bike reviews and buying advice gathered together below.

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Kids’ bikes by age and wheel size

Kids’ bikes are sized by wheel diameter in inches rather than the child’s age, though age is a useful starting point.

Smaller bikes with 14″ to 18″ wheels are typically suited to children aged 2 to 6 and usually come without gears, keeping things simple for younger riders.

Once your child moves up to 20″ wheels and above – generally from age 6 onwards – gears become available, making it easier to tackle hills and longer rides.

We’ve selected the best kids’ bikes at every wheel size in the buyers guides below, with new, secondhand and lease options covered across all budgets.

How to buy a kids’ bike

Buying a kids' bike involves more than just picking a size. There's budget, quality, fit, and whether to buy new or secondhand to consider too.

We've been helping families navigate these decisions since 2012, and our buying advice articles cover everything you need to know to make the right choice with confidence.

Whether you're buying your child's very first bike or upgrading to something bigger, you'll find practical, independent guidance here.

Explore kids’ bike brands

With so many kids' bike brands on the market, it can be hard to know where to start.

We've put together in-depth guides and overviews for some of the most popular brands available in the UK, covering their full range, what makes them stand out, and who they're best suited to.

Whether you're looking for an affordable first bike from a trusted high street name or a premium lightweight option from a specialist kids' bike brand, you'll find everything you need to make an informed choice right here.

Kids bike reviews

Our reviews are carried out by real children and their parents in proper everyday use - not just a quick spin around the block.

Below you'll find a selection of our most recent kids' bike reviews across a range of brands, sizes and budgets.

For our complete library of in-depth reviews covering everything from balance bikes and first pedal bikes through to mountain bikes and hybrids, visit our dedicated kids' bike reviews page.

Still not sure which bike is right for your child?

With hundreds of articles on the site covering every aspect of kids’ cycling, there’s a good chance we’ve already answered your question.

Use our kids bike search tool to find exactly what you’re looking for, or browse our full library of kids’ bike articles below.

Frog Road 61 bike - a kids drop handlebar bike with road tyres and 24 inch wheels - pictured here in read

The best road bikes for kids aged 8 and over – 24″ wheels

Does your child want a drop handlebar road bike like they ride in the Tour de France? Check these out!

Read more about The best road bikes for kids aged 8 and over – 24″ wheels
A little boy with his Early Rider Belter 14

Early Rider Belter 14 review: A premium first pedal bike to inspire little cyclists

Read our Early Rider Belter review to see how this premium 14 inch bike performs as a first pedal bike. Is it the best first pedal bike for your child?

Read more about Early Rider Belter 14 review: A premium first pedal bike to inspire little cyclists
Boy wearing white cycling helmet not wanting to ride his bike

Help! Why doesn’t my child want to ride their bike?

Is your child refusing to ride their bike? Discover common reasons why kids lose interest in cycling and get practical tips to help them regain confidence. Whether they’re struggling to learn to ride a bike or just not enjoying it, this guide will help you understand what’s holding them back—and how to support them on the journey.

Read more about Help! Why doesn’t my child want to ride their bike?
Girls riding on stabiliser bikes

Does my child need stabilisers?

Stabilisers used to be the way kids learnt to ride a bike – but it’s not usually the best way. Find out why….

Read more about Does my child need stabilisers?
woom 3 automagic kids bike - first impressions review

Small pedal bikes

If you’re looking for a first pedal bike for a child aged between 3 and 6 years this guide is packed full of advice

Read more about Small pedal bikes
a girl in a pink oneside and pink helmet is riding the kidvelo rookie 14 to review it

Best bikes for girls: Everything you need to know

If you’re searching online for bikes for girls, you’re not alone. Whether you’re buying a little girls first bike or upgrading to a bigger size, it can be overwhelming knowing where to start. At Cycle Sprog we’re dedicated to helping parents pick the best kids bikes for their children that are actually built for the…

Read more about Best bikes for girls: Everything you need to know