Bikes

A B'Twin Runride 100 in front of a blank background

B’Twin Runride 100

Decathlon’s budget-friendly balance bike offering is the Runride 100 with 10″ wheels and solid tyres, making it a good option for inside riding, though outdoors might not be so comfortable.

The steel frame has a modern design and comes in white, and has a spot for your child to rest their feet when they’ve picked up enough speed.

The handlebar height and saddle height are adjustable, so you can finetune the fit.

Read more about B’Twin Runride 100

Black Mountain HÜTTO

The Black Mountain HUTTO is a good choice if you want to save money and hassle over time. This is because it’s got a very clever “growing” frame that increases in size so it will last a lot longer than a standard bike.

Having a bike that you know is going to last will be such a relief, as you don’t have to do all this searching for a bike again for a while!

There are 7 easy to use gears, which are operated by a grip shifter (which your child twists with their right hand), which will make the transition to a “big” bike nice and easy.

Black Mountain Bikes really are targeting the top end of the quality kids bike market, with not only a very well specified bike, but also their attention to detail with their customer service and commitment to the environment (all their packaging is plastic free). We also like the fact that the warranty is transferable – a nice touch not found with other brands.

Upgrades available include mountain bike mode with disc brakes and suspension forks if you’re planning to do a lot of off road riding, or a balance bike adaptor kit if your child is not pedalling.

Read more about Black Mountain HÜTTO

Black Mountain HÜTTO Disc

Read more about Black Mountain HÜTTO Disc

Black Mountain HÜTTO Trail

The Black Mountain HUTTO Trail is a unique bike.  It uses Black Mountain’s very popular and patented “growing frame” technology, which allows the bike to quite literally grow with your child.  They’ve added to this disc brakes and a suspension fork to allow fun out on the trails.

Read more about Black Mountain HÜTTO Trail

Black Mountain KAPĒL

Black Mountain Bikes have a really clever “growing frame” which means that when your child outgrows the original frame size you can adjust the frame and the gearing to make it last much longer.

This means you get at least two bikes for your money and don’t have the hassle of having to sort out a new bike. 

The KAPĒL is their 18″ wheel offering, but taller children may want to move straight onto the 20″ wheel HUTTØ to get maximum usage.

Most 18″ wheel bike are single speed, meaning they don’t have gears.  The KAPĒL is one of the exceptions, making it ideal for those who regularly ride hills.  Do remember that not all children are ready to start using gears at this age.  

Another clever feature about these bikes is the fact that they can start out in balance bike mode if needed (you do need to buy an additional balance bike convertor kit) so your child can progress from learning to balance through to pedalling all without you needing to buy a new bike.

Read more about Black Mountain KAPĒL

Black Mountain PINTO

The Black Mountain PINTO is certainly a clever first bike! It’s got a unique “growing frame” that means the bike grows with your child, allowing maximum use.

The PINTO is fitted with 14″ wheels, but the sizing means it’s designed to replace the need for a 12″ and a 14″ wheel bike.

Age wise it’s designed to fit a tall two and a half year old, or an average 3 year old.

The PINTO can also start out in balance bike mode if your child hasn’t quite mastered that stage of learning to ride yet, so you really can get the most out of this one bike.

You can read our detailed review of the Black Mountain PINTO here

Read more about Black Mountain PINTO

Black Mountain SKØG

The Black Mountain SKØG is a really clever bike designed to grow with your child.

It’s got 16″ wheels and an innovative “growing frame” designed for smaller riders, so you can skip the hassle and the expense of buying two bikes.

The SKØG is fitted with a maintenance and oil free belt drive rather than a traditional chain, to keep things easy and clean.

Age wise it’s designed for about 4.5 years up (102cm to 121cm height range) which could be until 7 years old (depending on growth rate.)

The SKØG can also be used as a balance bike if your child hasn’t quite mastered that stage of learning to ride yet, which will help speed up the “learning to ride” phase.

Our reviewer hadn’t started pedalling when she got the SKØG – you can read our review of how quickly she became a confident cyclist here.

Read more about Black Mountain SKØG

Boardman JNR 12″ Balance

The Boardman JRN 12″ balance bike frame and fork is made from triple-butted aluminium to help keep weight low, and the single down tube construction upfront allows greater standover clearance for little legs.

Wide, fast-rolling tyres reduce bumps and vibration to build confidence, and as this grows and the speeds increase, the adjustable reach brake lever is designed for tiny hands to learn to brake (they’ll wear through their shoe soles before they reach this stage).

A carry handle in the back of the balance bike-sized saddle makes the bike easy to carry when your little one has had enough biking for one day.

Read more about Boardman JNR 12″ Balance

Boardman JNR 16″

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Boardman JNR 20″

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Boardman JNR 24″

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Boardman JNR 26″

Boardman Bikes have been, until very recently, an adult  bike brand.  In Winter 2022 they launched a range of kids bike, and the Jnr 26″ is the largest flat bar bike in the range.

They say it’s “a premium adult bike, just in a smaller size” and the lightweight aluminium frame comes equipped with cable disc brakes.  There’s mounting points for a rear rack and front and rear mudguards so you can tailor to the type of riding you’re doing.

Read more about Boardman JNR 26″

Boardman JNR ADV 26″

Boardman Bikes have a range of adult bikes built for going on two wheeled adventures called the ADV.  In winter 2022 they decided to add a smaller version – the Boardman JNR ADV 26″ – to allow smaller people to come along too.

The Boardman ADV 26” shares much of the same specification as its 700c counterparts.  They claim that a triple-butted aluminium frame and alloy fork provide a stable and confidence-inspiring ride whilst offering maximum versatility with luggage and mudguard mounts. The Vee Speedster multi-surface, mid-tread 1.5″ tyres are a fast rolling option for tarmac and light trail use, and can be swapped to something more aggressive, should your adventure demand it.

Ergonomic drop handlebars and cable disk brakes are designed with comfort and control in mind, and with a wide range ratio nine-speed cassette, the ADV 26″ is well worth considering for your bike backing and gravel riding adventures.

Read more about Boardman JNR ADV 26″

BTwin 14

The BTwin 14 is sold exclusively at Decathlon (who are huge in Europe), which probably explains the more continental style “step through” frame design, and the ability to deliver this bike at such a low price.

The frame is steel, which usually means a very heavy bike. However, the style of this one, with the low step over and lack of cross bar helps keep the weight down to 8.7kg.

This is still a lot heavier than the more expensive aluminium framed 14″ wheel bikes –  but it’s a lot less than the 10kg plus bikes you get elsewhere, and it has “proper” tyres – beware other 14″ wheel cheap bikes with foam or plastic tyres.

The very low frame itself will be easy for children to get on and off – especially important for children who would struggle to lift their leg over a higher frame. The braking system is designed specifically for smaller hands.
The bike comes with front and rear lights too, plus the 500 model has mudguards fitted, which the 100 model doesn’t.

The stabilisers unscrew easily – although if your child isn’t ready to pedal we’d recommend a balance bike instead.

Read more about BTwin 14

BTwin 16 900

It’s unusual to find a lightweight aluminium framed 16″ wheel kids bike at this price point.  B’Twin is the in-house brand for Decathlon, which explains why – they’re such a huge company they have economies of scale that many smaller brands don’t have.  This means they can deliver a great value kids bike at a cheap price.

Until recently Decathlon’s kids bikes were all heavy steel framed affairs, but they’re been upgrading their range and the B’Twin 16 900 is a great example of what they’ve managed to deliver.

The BTwin 16 weighs in at 7.3kg, which is significantly lighter than most cheap 16 inch kids bikes at this price, or lower.

Plus the bicycle is fitted with mudguards, a kickstand and a chain guard, which can be great additions if you’re riding regularly to school or around town and want your child to ride their own bike.

Read more about BTwin 16 900

BTwin 20″ Riverside 120

The BTwin 20 Riverside 120 is Decathlon’s entry level 20″ wheel geared bike, which offers great value for money.

Weighing in at a very respectable 11.2kg, the bike is considerably lighter than many other bikes in this price range.

The 6 gears are simple to operate using a Microshift twister to help with hill climbing.

The bike is supplied with a front and rear battery operated LED light, which is a great touch.

This bike will be suitable for riding on roads and leisure trails that involve some hills.

If your child isn’t quite ready for gears, or is riding on flat terrain only, then there’s a single speed version of this bike – the Riverside 100 – which is slightly cheaper.

Read more about BTwin 20″ Riverside 120

BTwin 26 Riverside 900

The BTwin 26 is a good choice if you’re looking for a lightweight aluminium framed bike but don’t want the cost of some of the more premium brands. The bike is aimed at ages 9 and over. 

This bike has many features you’d want on your child’s bike, including a single chainring for simple gear changes, child-proportioned brake levers to make stopping easier, and hybrid tyres to suit lots of terrains.

Read more about BTwin 26 Riverside 900

Btwin Riverside 20″ 900

The BTwin Riverside 900 is a lightweight aluminium bike at a great price point.

For ages Decathlon’s own brand BTwin kids bikes have been much heavier steel affairs, so we’re really pleased to see that they’re upgrading to aluminium for the frame, fork and chainset. Not only is this lighter (and therefore easier to ride) it’s also much less likely to rust.

The Btwin Riverside 900 with 20″ wheels is a great hybrid bike for ages 6 – 9 years old with a height of 120 – 135cm.

It is available in a grey/green colour and is a lightweight bike that will be great for riding both on tarmac and on the trails.

The specification on the 900 range of BTwin kids bikes includes all the things we’d expect to see at a much higher price.  This means you get things such as easy to use gears, child friendly brakes and shorter cranks for easier pedalling.

Read more about Btwin Riverside 20″ 900
BTwin Rockrider ST500 20 inch wheel

BTwin Rockrider ST 500 20″ wheel

The Rockrider ST 500 is the midrange specification bike in BTwin’s 20″ wheel kids mountain bike range. With front suspension to absorb bumps, 6 speeds and grippy tyres this is a great value bike for introducing your child to the joys of mountain biking.

Read more about BTwin Rockrider ST 500 20″ wheel

BTwin Rockrider ST 500 24″

BTwin are the in-house brand of kids bikes at Decathlon, and they come in a range of prices and specifications.

The Rockrider ST500 24 inch is one of their steel framed entry level mountain bikes, suited for gentle riding on or off road.

The gearing is 18 speed (which can be more confusing than 6 or 7 gears due to needing to use both hands to change gear).

The v-brakes should be plenty good enough for gentle off roading in fair weather, and the bike has front coil suspension to smooth out some of the bumps on the trail.

The front wheel is quick release, to help with transporting and maintenance, and the tyres are designed for gentle off roading.

Given it’s such a cheap MTB, the BTwin Rockrider offers a really good value entry level mountain bike, that should provide plenty of scope for fun during summer riding.

Read more about BTwin Rockrider ST 500 24″

BTwin Rockrider ST 500 26 inch

BTwin (who are an in-house brand of Decathlon) are going through a makeover of their kids bicycle range, with some very good value bikes arriving in stock.

The BTwin Rockrider ST500 is a 26″ wheel kids mountain bike aimed at riders around 9-12 years of age and between 135 and 150cm tall.

Featuring an aluminium frame and suspension fork at the front, the ST500 comes with a single chainring and 7 speed gearing using a thumbshifter to minimise complications (kids mountain bikes at this cheap a price usually have a lot more gears that are confusing to use and harder to maintain).

The bike is equipped with v-brakes and a set of tyres suitable for gentle off roading.

They’ve got a great video on the Decathlon website showing the types of fun you can have on these bikes.

With a price of £249.99 the BTwin Rockrider ST500 really does represent value for money and would be a great way to get a child off road and muddy!

Read more about BTwin Rockrider ST 500 26 inch

BTwin Rockrider ST 900 20″ MTB

The Rockrider ST 900 is the top specification mountain bike in BTwin’s 20″ wheel mountain bike range.

With a lightweight aluminium frame, front suspension, 6 speeds and grippy tyres this is a great value bike for introducing your child to the joys of mountain biking.

The bike is unusual in that it has a front disk brake and a rear V-brake.  The disc brake will help give some additional stopping power in the wet, and the V-brake helps to keep the price down.

The brake levers are designed for small hands (and the saddle is moulded for little bottoms).  It’s also supplied with a front and rear LED light.

Read more about BTwin Rockrider ST 900 20″ MTB
BTwin Rockrider ST900

BTwin Rockrider ST900

The BTwin Rockrider ST900 model is a generously equipped kids mountain bike with a new lightweight aluminium frame design paired with a Suntour XCT suspension fork with 50mm of travel to help cushion the lumps and bumps of forays through woods and forests.

Aimed at riders between the ages of 9 and 12, the ST900 takes the game a step further than its ST500 sibling, with the fitment of mechanical disc brakes front and rear for added stopping power, plus an 8 speed gearing system with a single chainring at the front for simplicity and operated with a Shimano Altus thumbshifter and derailleur.

The Rockrider ST900 also compares favourably with bikes carrying a higher price tag in terms of weight, coming in at 12kg including pedals.

Read more about BTwin Rockrider ST900
Rockrider ST920 kids bike

BTwin Rockrider ST920

The Rockrider ST920 kids mountain bike is a great route into the world of mountain biking for junior riders, with a lightweight aluminium frame and suspension fork. Its specification includes a Shimano Altus rear derailleur and thumb shifter for changing through the 9 speeds and comes fitted with an 11-36 cassette paired with a 36…

Read more about BTwin Rockrider ST920

Cannondale Quick 20

Cannondale is a household name in the bike industry. Established in 1971, they have a long history of quality bike design.

The Quick 20 is Cannondale’s all-rounder offering aimed at kids’ aged 7-12 years old.

The Quick features a lightweight SmartForm C2 alloy frame and fork, a Shimano Tourney 7sp drivetrain and the ever-popular Kenda Small Block 8 tyres.

This setup will be best suited to urban and light off-road use making it great for everyday usage whether it be riding to school or in the park.

Read more about Cannondale Quick 20

Cannondale Quick 24

Cannondale is one of the longest running brand names in the bike industry. Established in 1971, they have a long history of quality bike design.

The Quick 24 is Cannondale’s all-rounder offering aimed at kids’ aged 7-12 years old.

The Quick features a lightweight SmartForm C2 alloy frame and fork, a Shimano Tourney 7sp drivetrain and the ever-popular Kenda Small Block 8 tyres.

Read more about Cannondale Quick 24

Cannondale Trail 20

The Trail 20 is Cannondale’s mountain bike offering for kids’ aged 5-8 years old.

The Trail 20 features front suspension, courtesy of an SunTour XCT-JR 20, a Shimano 7sp Tourney drivetrain and the ever-popular Kenda Small Block 8 tyres.

Read more about Cannondale Trail 20

Cannondale Trail 24

Cannondale is a long established brand names in the bike industry. Since 1971 they have a history of quality bike design.

The Trail 24 weighs in at 11.8kg and features a Shimano Tourney 8sp drivetrain. This consists of a Sunrace, 12-32 cassette and 32T chainring with 130mm cranks.

This setup will be suitable for most off-road adventures, but may limit those who are looking for a little more range.

On the Trail 24, Cannondale have gone with fast-rolling Kenda Small Block 8 tyres on a Cannondale wheel-set that features sealed bearing hubs which are quick release.

Read more about Cannondale Trail 24

Cannondale Trail 24 Plus

The Cannondale Trail 24 Plus is a great bike for building skill for off-road riding. It’s made from a durable lightweight alloy frame making it easy to handle and fun to ride.

Powerful disc brakes so the rider always feels confident and in control.

The Trail 24 Plus features super grippy kids’ plus-sized wheels and tires which helps grip the off-road terrain and soaks up the bumps of the trail.

Read more about Cannondale Trail 24 Plus

Cannondale Trail 7 Ltd

The Cannondale Trail 7 features modern geometry,  a broad spread of gears and hydraulic brakes and a great specification for the price. The bike is available in green or black and is a great bike to tackle mountain terrains. 

The Cannondale trail is aimed at children with a height of 147 – 160cm. 

Read more about Cannondale Trail 7 Ltd

Carrera Cosmos 14

The Carrera Cosmos 14 is Halfords in-house pedal bike and is aimed at ages 4 to 6 years old.

The bike features an aluminium frame, Kenda tyres, child-sized alloy V-brakes and a chain guard to protect clothes and fingers.

This makes it one of the best options if you’re looking to buy your kids’ bike at Halfords, as it’s significantly lighter and better quality than other bikes.

Read more about Carrera Cosmos 14

Cube Acid 200

Cube’s entry level  20″ wheel offering is a 7 speed bike, the Cube Acid 200, which helps make the transitions to gears easier.  21 or more gears that you get on some kids bikes just confuses things – more to remember and more to go wrong!

Cube realise that kids aren’t always the most careful or thoughtful so features of this bike include a modulator on the front brake to stop them slamming on too quickly, plus an easily replaceable derailleur hanger – the bit that changes the gears that gets damaged when kids drop their bike on the floor gears side down (TOP TIP –  teach them to lay their bike down derailleur side upwards!)

We’ve reviewed a number of different Cube kids bikes over the years and have always been impressed with the quality.

Read more about Cube Acid 200

Cube Acid 200 AllRoad

With the Cube Acid 200 AllRoad they’ve taken their base Acid 200 model and added some accessories that are likely to be needed when riding on roads or (if you’re lucky) lovely safe cycle paths.

So with the Cube Acid 200 AllRoad you get dynamo-powered lights, snap-on mudguards and a kickstand, which make this a more versatile choice of bike for children who are going to be riding their bikes to school during the week and want to explore further at the weekends or holidays.

Read more about Cube Acid 200 AllRoad

Cube Acid 200 Disc

The Cube Acid 200 Disc is specified with mountain biking in mind.  They’ve upgraded their standard Acid 200 with disc brakes front and rear to make stopping easier on the trails.

A useful feature is a replaceable derailleur hanger, so that the occasional mishap doesn’t write off the entire frame.

We’ve not reviewed this particular bike, but we’ve tested a number of Cube’s larger mountain bikes and have always been very impressed with them.

Read more about Cube Acid 200 Disc

Cube Acid 240 AllRoad

The Cube Acid 240 AllRoad is Cube’s entry level mountain bike (the Cube Acid 240) with additional accessories (mudguards, LED lights and kickstand) for riding on road.

The result will be suited to children who are riding gentle off road routes at the weekend (and therefore appreciate the suspension) and who are also riding to school in the week. 

If they’re only riding on road, then a hybrid bike without suspension will be lighter and possibly quicker to ride, without the hassle of maintaining the suspension fork. 

Read more about Cube Acid 240 AllRoad
Best 26" mountain bikes for kids: A Cube Acid 260 Disc on a plain background

Cube Acid 260 Disc

The Cube Acid 260 Disc comes with a nice wide range of 24 gears, making it perfect for climbing lots of hills. In terms of componentry it comes with a coil-sprung fork with 80mm travel, and you get powerful hydraulic disc brakes, wide 2.25” tyres, and all the climbing gears they should need.

Read more about Cube Acid 260 Disc

Cube Cubie 120

The Cubie 120 has a lightweight aluminium frame and forks and comes with child sized brake levers, a chain protector and a carry handle on the rear of the saddle for when you end up having to carry it.

The rear brake on the Cubie 120 is a coaster brake, which is operated by your child pedalling backwards, whilst the front brake is a v-brake on the rim, operated by the brake lever.  Coaster brakes are very popular on the continent and in the US but are not very common in the UK.

They’re a good idea if your child isn’t ready to operate a brake lever, but they will have to learn how to do this when they move up to larger bikes.

Read more about Cube Cubie 120

Cube Cubie 120 Walk

The Cube Cubie 120 Walk balance bike is the very smallest bike in Cube’s extensive kids bike range.

A low standover height means it’s easy for little legs to get on and off and the tyres are “proper” pneumatics ones so they’re going to be grippy and comfortable for outside riding.

Cube have fitted a steering limiter to stop your little one getting into scrapes if they decide to turn the handlebars too quickly, and to help you carry the balance bike home when they’ve had enough for the day there’s a handle integrated into the seat.

We’ve not been able to review this particular bike but we’ve reviewed a number of larger Cube pedal bikes and have always been impressed with the German precision engineering and attention to detail.

Read more about Cube Cubie 120 Walk

Cube Cubie 160

The Cube Cubie 160 is styled on Cube’s adult mountain bike range, so looks a lot more grown up than some other little bikes.

It’s worth noting that this bike has a rear coaster brake, which means your child has to back pedal to stop. These brakes tend to be more popular in the US and continental Europe than the UK, but can be useful for children who aren’t yet able to operate more traditional brake levers.

The Cube Cubie 160 comes with a rear mudguard to keep off most of the dirt and a chain guard to keep things clean.

Read more about Cube Cubie 160

Cube Cubie 180 SL

The Cube Cubie 180 is inspired by Cube’s larger junior mountain bikes and is a good choice for a child who is desperate to go mountain biking, but not quite ready to move up to a 20″ wheel geared MTB.

It’s fitted with proper off road tyres and has small brake levers to help make stopping easy, and at just 7kg it’s light enough for them to ride and you to lift / carry at the end of the ride.

Read more about Cube Cubie 180 SL

Cuda Trace 16

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The Cuda Trace 16 was part of a range of good value kids bikes. Cuda used to have two ranges – a high specification, high price “Performance” range, and a budget range.

They’d taken the best bits of both (i.e good quality and low price) and merged to make the Trace range. 

The Cuda Trace 16 is a lightweight bike for easy handling and is aimed at children aged 4 and 5 years old. It’s available in Red, Blue or Purple. 

Read more about Cuda Trace 16

Cuda Trace 24

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Cuda streamlined their offering for the kids bike market by doing away with the affordable Leisure range and the higher specification Performance range and basically combining the two to create the Trace.

The Trace 24 is a respectable weight at 9.91 kg and also provides a good specification which all adds up to a bike to get out on and have fun but at a very competitive price. The Trace 24 is available in Blue, Orange & Purple and is aimed at 8 years and over. 

Read more about Cuda Trace 24

Cuda Trace 26

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The Cuda Trace 26 is a lightweight aluminium bike ideal for both on-road and venturing off-road to tackle muddy trails and comes fitted with the ever-popular Kenda small block 8 tyres. It’s aimed at ages 8 years and over and is available in Blue, Orange and purple. 

In the Trace range, Cuda placed considerable emphasis on getting the contact points right with short-reach brake levers, correctly proportioned cranks and a correctly sized saddle. 

Read more about Cuda Trace 26

Forme Black Rocks 24

If you’re in the market for a junior full-suspension mountain bike then it’s well worth a look at the brand new Forme Black Rock 24.   Price wise it sits in that mid way point between a hard tail mountain bike and the much more expensive full suspension bikes that will set you back several thousand quid.

Having hit the sweet spot in terms of pricing, Forme have taken the learnings from their adult Black Rock mountain bike range and their junior Kinder range and melded it into the Black Rock series, giving you a good entry level full suspension bike.

Read more about Forme Black Rocks 24

Forme Black Rocks 26

If you’re in the market for a junior full-suspension mountain bike then it’s well worth a look at the brand new Forme Black Rock 26.   

Price wise it sits in that mid way point between a hard tail mountain bike and the much more expensive full suspension bikes that will set you back several thousand quid.

Forme have taken the learnings from their adult Black Rocks mountain bike range and their junior Kinder range and melded it into the Black Rocks 26, giving you a good entry level full suspension bike.

Read more about Forme Black Rocks 26

Forme Calver 700

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The Forme Calver is a bike suited to cyclocross, triathlon or bike packing adventures. It features a lightweight, robust alloy frame, a 1 x 9 speed drive train with short reach levers and cable disc brakes for optimal handling in all conditions.

Weather proofed internal cabling and sealed bottom bracket keep the bike running for longer and help maintain the bikes value for when you come to sell on.

Read more about Forme Calver 700

Forme Cubley 14

The Forme Cubley 14 has all the features that you want when your child is learning to ride so they gain confidence quickly.

Weighing in at just 6.12kg the Cubley 14 is light enough for your child to pick it up and manoeuvre themselves, and not too heavy for you to carry if they suddenly decide they’ve had enough halfway through your ride.

The geometry of this bike has been designed with the youngest of riders in mind, and it comes with a size specific crankset and pedals for little legs, narrow bars, and a short reach stem. The 14″ diameter wheelset is alloy and attaches to the frame with nuts.

We were very impressed with the slightly larger Forme Cubley 18 we were sent to review.

Read more about Forme Cubley 14

Forme Cubley 16

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We’re impressed with the low weight of the Forme Cubley 16 – it tips the scales at just 6.64kg.  It’s so important to have a bike that your child can pick up and manoeuvre without struggling if they’re going to enjoy riding it (plus it’s much easier for you when you’re carrying it around).

Other features on this bike include a size specific crank set for little legs, narrow bars, short reach stem and smaller pedals, plus grippy tyres so you don’t have to worry about your Cycle Sprog riding through puddles!

We’ve reviewed the slightly larger Forme Cubley 18, and we were very impressed. The Cubley 16 is just a slightly smaller version and equally as good.

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Read more about Forme Cubley 16

Forme Cubley 18

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The Forme Cubley 18 is a great bike for all round riding, if your child isn’t quite ready to move up to a geared bike.

It’s a good value, lightweight bike with well designed child sized components and performs well on most surfaces a rider of this age is likely to want to go. [sc name="bike-club-forme-bike" bike_name="Forme Cubley 18" ][/sc] [sc name="bike-club-18-inch-deal" ][/sc]

Read more about Forme Cubley 18

Forme Hartington 14

Sadly Forme bikes went out of business in March 2023, so these bikes are now only available second hand.

If you’re looking for a secondhand city style kids bike for a child who is just starting to pedal, then the Forme Hartington 14 is worth considering. It has a low frame and easy-reach brakes, none slip pedals and a brown wicker basket.

Please note that at 9.487 kg the Forme Hartington 14 is quite a lot heavier than many light weight kids bikes now available. As a comparison, Forme’s other range of kids bikes has the Forme Cubley 14 weighing in at just 6.12kg, which is a HUGE weight difference for a child of this age.

You do need to consider whether your child has the strength to ride this bike, and move it around. For this reason it’s probably better for slightly older children who are already confident moving around and lifting up their balance bike or trike.

Read more about Forme Hartington 14

Forme Hartington 16

Forme bikes went out of business in March 2023, so these bikes are no longer available new.

If you’re looking for a Dutch city style kids bike with a basket on the front then the Forme Hartington 16 is a good option if you can find one secondhand.

It has a low frame and easy-reach brakes, non-slip pedals and a brown wicker basket.

Weighing in at over 10kg, the Forme Hartington 16 is quite a lot heavier than many other kids bikes, so is going to be suited to a more sedate style of cycling.

Read more about Forme Hartington 16

Forme Hartington 20

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On trend “heritage styling” and step through frame make this bike suited to a relaxed, urban style of cycling. The Hartington 20 has high rise handlebars for an upright riding position, easy-reach brakes, none slip pedals, wicker basket and a choice of 7 gears.

Weight wise it’s heavier than many 20″ wheel bikes, which is worth considering if you child has to carry it up steps, or you’re planning to lift onto a roof rack regularly.

Read more about Forme Hartington 20

Forme Hartington 24

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If your Cycle Sprog is looking for a city style bike that has more of a Dutch bike feel about it, then the Forme Hartington 24 could be the bike for them. 

It’s a stylish 24″ wheel bike with a step through frame and upright riding position, that is available in three pastel colour options.  It is equipped with mudguards and a kickstand as well as a basket.

The Forme Hartington is quite a lot heavier than many other 24″ wheel bikes, so is suited to a more gentle style of urban cycling. 

Read more about Forme Hartington 24

Forme Hartington Balance

Sadly Forme bikes went out of business in March 2023, so these bikes are now only available secondhand.

If your Cycle Sprog wants the stylish look of a city bike, complete with a basket on the front, then the Forme Hartington balance bike is worth considering.  It comes in a choice of two pastel shades and has bell fitted too.

It’s not the lightest balance bike out there, because it’s made from steel, so do be aware that if your child is very small they may have a bit more difficulty moving this bike around.

For this reason the Forme Hartington balance bike is probably better suited to slightly older children who have the strength to pick it up and move it around, rather than the lower age limit of an 18 month year old.

Read more about Forme Hartington Balance

Forme Kinder MX20

The Forme Kinder MX20 is a really versatile all round bike, ideal for children gaining their first experiences on a geared bike, as the rapid fire gears are really easy to use.

When we reviewed this bike we found it shines best on steady gravel tracks as well as on tarmac and where its nimble steering and agility can be used to full effect to nip around tight turns. [sc name="bike-club-forme-bike" bike_name="Forme Kinder MX20" ][/sc] [sc name="bike-club-20-inch-deal" ][/sc]

Read more about Forme Kinder MX20

Forme Kinder MX24

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The Forme Kinder MX24 is a versatile all-rounder of a bike that will be just as happy riding some trails at the weekends as it will be doing the daily school run.

It’s light weight, which is really important as your child is likely to get more adventurous with their cycling at this age, and as they ride further they’re going to have to deal with more steps, kerbs and other obstacles. [sc name="bike-club-forme-bike" bike_name="Forme Kinder MX24" ][/sc] [sc name="bike-club-24-inch-deal" ][/sc]

Read more about Forme Kinder MX24

Forme Kinder MX26

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The specification is what you’d expect from a quality kids bike brand – the Kinder MX26 is very light and fitted with easy to use gears and good all round tyres.

The Forme Kinder MX26 is a good all round option if your child is doing various types of cycling.  It’s named after the iconic Kinder Scout, which isn’t far from Forme’s HQ, but will be equally suited to riding on and off road terrain. [sc name="bike-club-woom-bikes" bike_name="Forme Kinder MX26" ][/sc] [sc name="bike-club-26-inch-deal" ][/sc]

Read more about Forme Kinder MX26

Frog 40

Frog’s smallest pedal bike is the 14″ wheel Frog 40 (Frogs are named after the shortest leg length that the bike suits – in this case 40 cm).

It’s a lightweight bike so it’s easy for a child to ride, and has all the child-sized components that give parents peace of mind that their child is riding safely.

We’ve reviewed the earlier version of Frog’s 14″ wheel bike – the slightly bigger Frog 43 – and it got a thumbs up from our reviewer. [sc name="bike-club-frog-bikes" bike_name="Frog 40" ][/sc] [sc name="bike-club-14-inch-deal" ][/sc]

Read more about Frog 40

Frog 44

Frog Bikes come with everything you expect from a quality kids bike – child specific components, a good riding position and a light weight frame which all combine to make learning to ride such great fun.

The Frog 44 is a new version of the really popular Frog 48, their previous sixteen inch wheel bike.  They’ve introduced a lower standover for the frame, meaning children can start riding it with legs 4 cm shorter than before (i.e 44cm rather than 48cm inside leg). 

We’ve reviewed a wide range of Frog Bikes over the years and they’ve always been well designed and specified. [sc name="bike-club-frog-bikes" bike_name="Frog 44" ][/sc] [sc name="bike-club-16-inch-deal" ][/sc]

Read more about Frog 44

Frog 47 First Pedal

The Frog 47 is a brand new bike for 2022. We think this single speed, easy to ride bike is going to be popular with children who are too tall for a standard 16″ wheel pedal bike, but don’t have the ability yet to move onto a bike with gears.

The Frog 47 has a minimum inside leg of 47cm and comes with all the features you’d expect from one of the best known premium kids bike brands.  This includes a lightweight aluminium frame, grippy tyres and child proportioned components.

We’ve not reviewed this particular Frog bike but we have reviewed a number of other sizes and they’ve all been great, long lasting and fun to ride.  [sc name="bike-club-frog-bikes" ][/sc]  [sc name="bike-club-18-inch-deal" ][/sc]

Read more about Frog 47 First Pedal

Frog 52

The Frog 52 has everything you’d expect to see on a quality kids bike designed for a child using gears for the first time.  It was discontinued in 2021 to be replaced by the Frog 53 so is now only available secondhand or to lease. It’s last retail price in 2021 was £400.

The gears are simple to use – there’s a single chain ring at the front so your child doesn’t have to worry about changing gear with both hands.  The 8 gears are operated by an easy to use thumb shifter designed for small hands, and the spread of gears should help them get up all but the steepest of hills. 

There’s plenty of room for growth with the Frog 52. The handlebars can be lowered or raised within a range of 54mm and it’s easy to adjust the seat height using the quick release system. 

We’ve reviewed the slightly larger 20″ wheel bike – the Frog 55 – and were very impressed with its performance and longevity. [sc name="bike-club-frog-bikes" bike_name="Frog 52" ][/sc] [sc name="bike-club-20-inch-deal" ][/sc]

Read more about Frog 52

Frog 52 (Single Speed)

If your child has an inside leg of 52cm but doesn’t need a bike with gears, then the Frog 52 Single Speed is a good option. 

You can even take the pedals off and use this bike as a balance bike, and add them back in when the time is ready. 

Note: The Frog 52 Single Speed was discontinued in 2021 so you need to look secondhand for this bike

Read more about Frog 52 (Single Speed)

Frog 53 Hybrid

Frog had a revamp of their 20″ wheel bike range, and the Frog 53 was the brand new model for 2022 that replaced the old Frog 52 and Frog 55.

Instead of having to worry about which size to buy, this new model is designed to start small and has room for growth.

For most children this will be their first time using gears on a bike, and you want it to be as easy as possible.

The Frog 53 has 8 speeds which are accessed using an easy reach thumb shifter.

The range of gears is good enough to get up most hills, and if it does get a bit too steep the bike is lightweight enough to hopefully allow your child to keep on pushing (although we can’t promise this – and if you do end up carrying it you’ll be pleased that it only weighs 8.15kg)

We reviewed one of the very first Frog 20″ wheel bikes  to be released years ago, and were very impressed by the comfort of the ride, quality of the bike and it’s longevity.

Since then Frog have continued to improve on the specification,  and we see no reason why the new Frog 53 won’t continue in that tradition, making it a great choice 20″ wheel geared bike. [sc name="bike-club-frog-bikes" ][/sc]

Read more about Frog 53 Hybrid

Frog 55

The Frog 55 was Frog Bike’s original 20″ wheel bike, which was discontinued at the end of 2021, to be replaced by the new Frog 53

The Frog 55 is a good all round bike that’s equally suited to riding trails and paths as doing the school run.  Original bikes got mudguards supplied as standard, and you can also fit a pannier rack if you’re carrying school books or camping equipment. 

For most children this will be their first experience of using gears on a bike, and Frog specified an easy to use 8 speed set up with an easy reach thumb shifter. 

We reviewed one of the very first Frog 55’s to be released years ago, and were very impressed by the comfort of the ride, quality of the bike and it’s longevity.  [sc name="bike-club-frog-bikes" bike_name="Frog 55" ][/sc] [sc name="bike-club-20-inch-deal" ][/sc]

Read more about Frog 55

Frog 62

The Frog 62 is sized for a child with a minimum 62 cm inside leg (that’s how the Frog naming convention works, which is an easy way to decide which bike your child needs).

Weighing in at 9.25kg the bike is nice and light, meaning your child will be able to easily manoeuvre it as well as lift it up and over any obstacles on the way (think steps, high kerbs or debris on a trail).  The seat post and wheels are quick-release, making adjustments and maintenance easy. [sc name="bike-club-frog-bikes" bike_name="Frog 62" ][/sc] [sc name="bike-club-24-inch-deal" ][/sc]

Read more about Frog 62

Frog 67

Frog have three 26″ wheel hybrid bikes, and the Frog 67 is the smallest, and is for children with an inside leg measurement of 63cm-76cm.

It’s a versatile bike which rides well on most terrains so is a good choice for anyone who isn’t really specialising in one particular type of cycling.

One word of warning – Frog is very much known as a kids bike brand, so if you have a shorter but older child (particularly an image conscious one in their teens) you may encounter the desire to move onto a more “adult” brand. 

Read more about Frog 67

Frog 69

The Frog 69 is no longer available and has been replaced by the Frog 67

Read more about Frog 69

Frog 73

The Frog 73 is a good all round bike which will be happy on most terrains so ideal for children who ride anywhere and aren’t specializing in any one particular kind of cycling.

It has an 8 speed Shimano gear system operated by thumb shifters and having an 11-32T cassette, which should be good for all but the steepest hills.

The larger Frog bikes have lost the childish branding of the smaller bikes, so should appeal to an older audience.  However if you have a shorter but older child in their teens don’t be surprised if you find some resistance and the desire to move onto a more “adult” brand, as Frog is very much known as a kids bike brand. [sc name="bike-club-frog-bikes" bike_name="Frog 73" ][/sc] [sc name="bike-club-26-inch-deal" ][/sc]

Read more about Frog 73

Frog 78

The Frog 78 is the largest of Frog’s three 26″ wheel bikes, and is an all round bike suitable for children (or smaller adults!) with a minimum inside leg of 78cm.   

The handlebars can be adjusted within a 54mm range and there’s a quick release seat post that makes adjusting the saddle height easy to do. Your kid should hopefully therefore get a decent amount of time on this bike, but some kids do grow very rapidly at this age. 

It’s comforting therefore to know the Frog Bikes really hold their value, so if you keep it well maintained you should be able to sell it on to fund the next bike. 

Read more about Frog 78

Frog City 53

The Frog City 53 is a good choice if your child is riding mainly on roads or paved cycle paths for commuting or gentle leisure cycling.

The upright riding position, step through frame and accessories such as kickstand, full length mudguards and pannier rack make travelling by bike easy.

The rear pannier rack can hold up to 25kg to transport bags and equipment when out and about.

The bike weighs in at 8.45kg without the accessories and 9.71kg once the mudguards, kickstand and rack are all added. 

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Read more about Frog City 53

Frog City 61

The Frog City 61 is worth considering if your child rides on roads and cycle paths for commuting or gentle leisure cycling.

The bike has an upright riding position, step through frame and accessories such as kickstand, full length mudguards and pannier rack which make daily riding easier.

The step-through aluminium frame makes mounting and dismounting the bike easier – useful if you’re wearing a skirt or tight trousers.

The rear pannier rack has a maximum load of 25kg which should be more than adequate for school books, musical instruments etc.

The bike weighs in at 9.17kg without the accessories and 10.49kg once the mudguards, kickstand and rack are all added.

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Read more about Frog City 61

Frog City 67

The Frog City 67 is a good bike to consider if your child cycles on roads and cycle paths in a town or city.

A city bike has a more upright riding position, step through frame and accessories such as kickstand, full length mudguards and pannier rack which make daily riding easier than with the hybrid style of most kids bikes.

The rear pannier rack can carry up to 25kg which should be more than enough for school books, sports kit, musical instruments etc.

The bike weighs in at 9.61kg without the accessories and 11.01kg once the mudguards, kickstand and rack are all added.

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Read more about Frog City 67

Frog MTB 62

The Frog MTB 62 has a specifically designed junior specific air suspension fork with lockout and damping control, a lightweight oversize handlebar and stem plus easy-reach junior specific hydraulic brakes.

The Shimano rapid-fire 9-speed shift lever is an easy to use way to move the chain.

When we reviewed the slightly larger Frog MTB 69 our only complaint was with the supplied tyres, but the later versions have been upgraded to have a bespoke mountain bike tyre which is much better for off road riding.

Read more about Frog MTB 62

Frog MTB 69

The Frog MBR 69 is the smaller of Frogs two 26″ wheel kids mountain bikes, designed for children with a minimum inside leg measurement of 69cm.

This is a lightweight mountain bike, with a good range of gears and grippy tyres for tackling those challenging off road trails.

Over the years Frog have been constantly tweaking these bikes to improve the ride – improving things like the tyres and the suspension to better serve their young riders.

This is the attention what you get with a brand that does nothing  but design and build kids bikes.

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Read more about Frog MTB 69

Frog MTB 72

Frog’s experience in building kids bikes shows as they are offering two 26″ wheel mountain bikes, as kids aren’t all the same size!  The Frog MTB 72  is the larger of the two bikes, suited for those older kids who have an inside leg of 72cm.

Frog Bikes have designed a lightweight frame specifically for junior riders, to increase stability whilst improving control, and the frame comes with a 5-year warranty.

The Tektro junior specific hydraulic disc brakes make it easy for smaller hands to brake whilst remaining control of the bike.

All the Frog mountain bikes come with junior specific air suspension forks, complete with lockout and damping control, to enable optimal performance for lower weight riders,  with 100mm of travel on the two 26″ wheel bikes.

Our 10 year old reviewed the Frog 69 MTB over the summer of 2018, so can you find out exactly what we thought of the early iteration of the smaller version of this bike.

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Read more about Frog MTB 72

Frog Road 58

The Frog Road 58 makes a good first drop handlebar bike for those wanting to start riding on roads, circuits or at cyclocross events.

The frame has clearance to fit both slick road tyres and more grippy cyclocross tyres, which makes this a good choice kids bike for youngsters racing in triathlons and cyclocross as well as riding on the roads.

When we reviewed the Frog Road 58, one thing our 7 year old tester really liked is that it comes with auxiliary brake levers on the handlebar tops. These are very useful if your child is not confident enough to lean forward onto the drop handlebars.   [sc name="bike-club-frog-bikes" bike_name="Frog Road 58" ][/sc]

Read more about Frog Road 58

Frog Road 67

The Frog Road 67 is drop handlebar bike suitable for a child with a minimum inside leg measurement of 67cm.

When we reviewed the Frog Road 67 our tester really liked having the auxiliary brake levers on the handlebars, as the transition to cycling entirely on the drops takes time.

The handlebars are suitably narrow for kids shoulders and the gear shifters are nice and close to the bars to make changing gear easier for small hands.

There’s cantilever brakes and enough clearance for wider tyres should you wish to use it for cyclocross / triathlon.

Read more about Frog Road 67

Frog Road 70

The Frog Road 70 is a good bike if your child is racing cyclocross or triathlon, as well riding on road, as the frame has enough clearance to fit wider cyclocross tyres as well as slick road ones.

As well as integrated short reach brake levers the Frog Road 70 is also fitted with additional levers on the tops of the handlebars.  This is useful for children who are just progressing to drop handlebars and skinny tyres, as it can be a big step to spend all (or even any) of your time on the drop handlebars.

Read more about Frog Road 70

Frog Tadpole

The Frog Tadpole balance bike is fitted with a rear brake to get your child used to the concept of braking (although they will probably still use their feet a lot to stop, especially in the early days).

The tyres are pneumatic, so good for use on a variety of terrains, and a steering lock  prevents over-steer accidents.  The quick-release seat post is useful for when your Cycle Sprog has a growth spurt.

Read more about Frog Tadpole

Frog Tadpole Mini

The 10″ wheel Frog Tadpole Mini is one of the very smallest balance bikes available and it’s suitable for children with an inside leg of just 24cm.

The Frog Tadpole Mini balance bike does have a rear brake which will allow your child to get used to braking when they are ready. However, don’t expect a very young child to use them – feet are more than adequate for stopping!

The tyres are pneumatic, which means you can take this bike outside and ride on a variety of surfaces, and there’s a quick-release seat post so the bike easily grows with your child.

Read more about Frog Tadpole Mini

Frog Tadpole Plus

The Frog Tadpole Plus is a 14″ wheel balance bike designed for taller and/or older children with a minimum inside leg of 38cm for whom a 14″ wheel pedal bike isn’t suitable.

It has a rear brake, but not a front brake, which will help ease a child into learning to brake gently if that’s appropriate.  If not, then stopping with their feet is much more fun!

The Tadpole Plus is fitted with a steering lock, which acts as a safety mechanism to prevent any serious falls and damage – to the child or the bike.

Read more about Frog Tadpole Plus

Frog Track 58

The Frog Track 58 is one of the smallest kids track bikes available. The bike is designed for riding at the velodrome or on a grass track only, and is a good way to get your child into track cycling.

The Frog Track 58 is specified with Kenda track tyres and flip-flop hubs for both free-wheel and fixed use.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:   The Frog Track 58 is designed only for TRACK use and is not supplied with brakes, a bell or reflectors. In the UK this bike is NOT road legal.

Read more about Frog Track 58

Frog Track 67

The Frog Track 67 is a 24″ wheel Track Bike for children who are racing on a grass track or at the velodrome. 

Frog say that the aerodynamic tear drop tubes combined with track specific geometry minimise drag result in a light, stiff and responsive bike. 

IMPORTANT:   The Frog Track 67 is designed for TRACK use only and is not supplied with brakes, a bell or reflectors. In the UK this bike is NOT road legal.

Read more about Frog Track 67

Frog Track 70

The 26″ wheel Frog Track 70 is a good choice for any child wanting to get into track racing – either on grass or at the velodrome.

The Frog Track 70 is fitted with flip flop hubs for both fixed and free-wheel use and Kendra track tyres.

PLEASE NOTE: This bike is designed for TRACK use only and is not supplied with brakes, a bell or reflectors. In the UK this bike is NOT road legal.

Read more about Frog Track 70

Giant ARX 16

Giant are one of the world’s biggest bike brands, and the Giant ARX 16 has everything you’d expect from a single-speed kids bike.

It’s really light (great for when you have to pick it up and carry it) and is fitted with versatile tyres for cycling on lots of different surfaces, child-sized components and comes in a range of fun, bold colours.

Read more about Giant ARX 16

Giant ARX 20

Giant are one of the world’s largest bike manufacturers so it’s not surprising that economies of scale mean they can make a decent kids bike at a reasonable price. However, up until 2019, their kids bike offerings had been rather dated in both design and specification as they’d not kept pace with how quickly the design and specification of quality children’s bikes has progressed recently.

All that changed with the launch of the ARX range.  It’s got all the style, components and quality you want from a lightweight kids bike.

The Giant ARX 20 is the smallest geared offering in the range and is a great all round bike for riding on and off road.

We were very impressed with the bike when we saw it, and our reviewer had a great time riding the Giant ARX 20 to school every day.

You can even get an ARX helmet in a complementary or clashing colour to complete the look!

Read more about Giant ARX 20

Giant ARX 24

As you’d expect from one of the worlds biggest bike brands, the Giant ARX 24 has all the features we’d expect to see on a quality 24″ wheel kids bike.

However, in a sign of how confident they are with the quality of their bikes, Giant offers a lifetime warranty on their frames, plus 10 years on forks. Your child will have grown out of the bike long before then!

We’ve reviewed the Giant ARX 20 which is the younger sibling to this bike, and were impressed with it’s quality and how it rode.

Read more about Giant ARX 24

Giant ARX 26

Giant are one of the biggest bike brands, and the Giant ARX 26 is their largest geared kids bike. It’s a good all round choice for commuting to school, riding to meet friends at the weekends and perhaps a little bit of off roading too.

Giant use a lot of their own brand components on the bike to keep the costs lower, and whilst they don’t provide weights for their bikes we know from reviewing a smaller bike in the range that it’s comparable to the competition.

Read our review of  the smaller 20″ wheel ARX.

Read more about Giant ARX 26

Giant Talon 3

The Giant Talon 3 features a lightweight ALUXX aluminium frame with a classic hardtail design. The Talon is a great choice for XC or light-trail terrain and is available in metallic black.

It’s a confident ride that’s perfect for ambitious riders who want to take their off-road skills to the next level.

Read more about Giant Talon 3

GT Stomper Ace 26

The GT Stomper Ace 26 is a great way to get your kids out on the trail. With an 8-speed drivetrain using Shimano’s Altus thumbshifter, a single 30 tooth chainset keeping things simple, and an 11-34 cassette, the GT Stomper Ace is off to a good start.

There’s a set of mechanical disc brakes fitted and it comes with Kenda’s Small Block Eight tyres which are a  good all-rounder.

Read more about GT Stomper Ace 26

Hoozar Cruz 12 Balance Bike

The Hoozar Cruz 12 balance bike is one of the lightest and best value balance bikes on the market which has a rear brake.

As well as the brake, the Cruz also features a lightweight frame, “proper” air filled pneumatic tyres, a footrest and adjustable scoop seat.

Weighing only 3.2kg the Cruz 12 is easy for young riders to manoeuvre and parents to transport. It is aimed at children from 18 months old to approximately 5 years old.

Read more about Hoozar Cruz 12 Balance Bike
Hornit AIRO balance bike

Hornit AIRO

The Hornit AIRO is one of the lightest balance bikes we’ve ever reviewed here at Cycle Sprog – in fact when it arrived we thought the box was empty it was that light!

Designed for children aged 18 months and over (depending on their size and readiness for using a balance bike), the light weight means it is very easy for a young child to move it around.

You’ll also be pleased when they get fed up riding and you’re left carrying it! You can read our full review of the Hornit AIRO here.

Read more about Hornit AIRO
Hornit AIRO 14 balance bike

Hornit AIRO 14 Balance Bike

The Hornit AIRO 14 is a balance bike designed for beginners that are too tall for a traditional 12″ wheeler.

It’s fitted with a rear brake and child sized brake lever which is useful for learning to stop before moving into a pedal bike.

Read more about Hornit AIRO 14 Balance Bike

Hornit HERO 14

PLEASE NOTE THIS BIKE IS CURRENTLY OUT OF STOCK UNTIL LATE 2023
If you want to be the talk of the town (or at least the playground) then the Hornit HERO 14 is quite possibly the bike for you.  It’s part of the newest range of kids bikes released in August 2021, plus, it’s got a belt drive rather than a traditional bike chain which will help start conversations!

The Hornit HERO is one of the lightest starter bikes around, and with a low inside leg requirement it’s ideal for younger / shorter children who are ready to start pedalling. 

We’ve reviewed the Hornit HERO 14 and were very impressed with its lightweight, good looks and ease of use.

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Read more about Hornit HERO 14

Hornit HERO 16

If you want your child to be seen on the very latest kids bike, which is sure to get everyone asking questions, then take a look at the brand new range of kids bikes from Hornit.

Not only is the HERO 16 one of the lightest kids bikes in this wheel size, tipping the scales at just 5.7kg, it also has a belt drive rather than the more traditional bike chain.

This is designed to reduce the amount of bike maintenance needed (no more rusty chains to deal with), and also helps stop dirty fingers and clothing.

We’ve reviewed the Hornit AIRO balance bike and the smaller HERO 14 and was impressed with the bike. The HERO 16 is just a bigger version of it’s smaller sibling. [sc name="hornit-deal-pedal-bikes"][/sc]

Read more about Hornit HERO 16

Hornit HERO 20

We like the Hornit HERO 20 for it’s simplicity.

With just 3 easy to use gears, your child only has to remember uphill, downhill and flat.   Much easier than the 6 plus gears most kids bikes have, and the gentle introduction to changing gear that some kids need.

This bike also has a belt drive rather than a chain.   This means it’s maintenance free so you don’t need to worry about oily or rusty chains, something we know many parents are too busy to deal with!

The lightweight frame means this bike will be easy to manoeuvre – both for your child and you (if you need to get onto roof rack etc).

We’ve reviewed the smaller Hornit HERO 14 and were very impressed.

Hornit offer payment by Klana – allowing 3 monthly installments.

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Read more about Hornit HERO 20

Hornit HERO 24

The Hornit HERO 24 is well worth considering if you’re not really into bike maintenance.

The bike has a belt drive and an internal gear hub rather than the more common bike chain and external derailleur found on kids bike in the UK.

This means there’s less to go wrong, and less oily bits to transfer onto clothing.

The three speed gears make it really easy to change gear – something many children struggle with.

We’ve not reviewed this particular bike, but we have reviewed the smaller Hornit HERO 14 and were very impressed.

Even better news is the HERO 24 is currently reduced and they now offer Klarna 0% which lets you split your purchase into 3 interest-free monthly payments.

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Read more about Hornit HERO 24

Hoy Bonaly 14

Hoy Bikes are the brain child of Sir Chris Hoy – one of the most successful Olympians ever – so expect an attention to all the details that matter on a first pedal bike.
The Hoy Bonaly 14 was only released in 2019, and then promptly went out of stock when you-know-what happened. This means there’s not that many of these bikes out there, which is great if you’re looking for something a bit different to what everyone else’s child is riding.

Sir Chris Hoy is one of the most successful professional cyclists there’s been, and since his retirement from competition has turned his hand to encouraging young children to get onto lightweight quality bikes.

We’ve not reviewed this particular bike, but the two other Hoy Bikes we’ve reviewed have both been excellent.  Not only in terms of performance and easy of ride, but also the longevity of the bike too.

Read more about Hoy Bonaly 14

Hoy Bonaly 16

Hoy Bikes are renowned as being really reliable, lightweight and fun to ride kids bikes – after all they are the brain child of Sir Chris Hoy, one of the world’s most successful competitive cyclists!

Our 5-year-old tester really enjoyed the Hoy Bonaly 16 bike – she found it easy to brake and steer – plus her parents liked the lightweight and robustness of the bike.

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Read more about Hoy Bonaly 16

Hoy Bonaly 20

The Hoy Bonaly 20 is the smallest bike with gears in the range created by the Olympic cycling legend Sir Chris Hoy.

With grippy Kenda small block tyres, the Bonaly is equally at home on road or trail.

Our 7-year-old reviewed really enjoyed riding this bike – it was easy for her to lift up and carry when needed, plus she found the gears easy to operate. Despite riding it regularly on the school run as well as at the weekend the bike remained in pristine condition. You can read the full review of the Hoy Bonaly 20 kids bike here.

Read more about Hoy Bonaly 20

Hoy Bonaly 24

The Bonaly 24 kids bike is a borderline hybrid/mountain bike, with gearing that is designed to get up steep hills!  This means the Bonaly 24 would be a good choice for children who are likely to be doing quite a lot of riding in hilly areas (either on or off road). 

It’s a really lightweight bike and doesn’t have the added weight and complications that a suspension fork brings on traditional mountain bikes. 
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Read more about Hoy Bonaly 24

Hoy Bonaly 26

The Bonaly range is definitely a subscriber to the philosophy of ‘keeping it simple’, with its rigid fork, low centre of gravity, and of course, lightweight.  It’s technically a mountain bike, but with its rigid forks, it’s suited to mixed terrain (although probably not the best choice if you’re doing lots of on-road riding).

Hoy upgraded the Bonaly range in 2019 to make it lighter and improve some of the design features. It has a fresh, modern look with a lower spoke count and a redesigned frame. We haven’t tested out this particular bike, but have been impressed with the smaller Bonaly 20 we’ve reviewed.

One of the appeals of this bike will be its disc brakes – the Shimano RT200 hydraulic discs with RT26 160mm rotors mean this bike looks and feels like a grown up bike – but with the correctly sized components for a younger rider.

The 9 gears come via a 32 toothed front chainring matched up to a Sunrace M90 9 speed 11-34T cassette, with the power transferred to ground through Kenda Small Block 8 tyres.

Read more about Hoy Bonaly 26

Hoy Napier Balance Bike

The Hoy Napier balance bike is named after the Napier school yard where Sir Chris Hoy learned to ride his first bike. I guess you can’t get much better pedigree for a first bike than that!

The Napier is lightweight thanks to the aluminium tubes, has a saddle with a grab-rail to make it easier to carry when your child has had enough riding for one day, and there’s a stopper in the headset to stop over enthusiastic steering.

All the Hoy pedal bikes we’ve tested have performed really well, although we’ve not had a chance to put the Napier through it’s paces.

Read more about Hoy Napier Balance Bike
Best balance bikes: A red Indi balance bike on a blank background

Indi balance bike

A cheap and cheerful 10″ balance bike that’s best suited for indoor riding when you’re on a tight budget.

At this very small size, the Indi balance bike is ideal for toddlers as young as 1 year old.

The foam-filled plastic tyres mean no punctures to worry about, though they’re not the most comfortable to ride outdoors.

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Islabikes Beinn 20 Large

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Islabikes had two frame sizes for their Beinn 20 – the large is suitable for slightly taller children who are looking to move onto their first geared bike.

The attention to detail on an Islabike is second to none, which is why these bikes are popular with families who are doing long-distance cycling or the daily commute to school in all weathers.

You can add pannier racks, mudguards, bottle cages – everything a serious young cyclist needs to get the miles in.

Read more about Islabikes Beinn 20 Large

Islabikes Beinn 20 Small

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The Beinn range was Islabikes’ multi-purpose, do-it-all range. Aimed at those who want to do a bit of everything. The Beinn 20 is split into two sizes, the Beinn 20 Small and Large.

The Beinn 20 Small is intended for ages 5+ and features a lightweight aluminium frame and fork, with micro reach brake levers that operate aluminium V-brakes.

The drivetrain features a 7 speed 11-34T cassette and a 32T aluminium chainring with a plastic double chain guard.

As with all Islabikes, the Beinn 20 Small features proportionately sized crank arms, in this instance 114mm.

The Beinn 20 Small weighs in at 7.4kg.

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Islabikes Beinn 24

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The gearing on the Islabikes Beinn 24 is very simple and easy to use with a Sram twist grip shifter. The Beinn comes with the usual spread of 8 gears from the  Sram 12 – 32 cassette which means it will get up all but the steepest of hills.

With the ability to fit mudguards, pannier rack and bottle cage it’s not surprising the Beinn is a popular choice for both the daily school commute and long distance bikepacking adventures.

Read more about Islabikes Beinn 24

Islabikes Beinn 26

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The Islabikes Beinn 26 is a multi purpose kids bike that is equally at home on the school run as bike packing across Europe.

The ability to easily add a pannier rack, mudguards and a bottle cage means you can tailor the bike to suit the type of riding you’re doing.

The Beinn’s come with a frame that is designed to fit a child like a glove, components are proportioned for children’s bodies.

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Islabikes Cnoc 14 Large

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The Islabikes Cnoc 14 Large is a good secondhand first pedal bike. The attention to detail on an Islabike is second to none – you get over a decade of obsession all packaged up into one bike.

There are two sizes of Islabikes Cnoc 14 so measure your child carefully to make sure you’re getting the correct version. The measurements on this page are for the Cnoc 14 Large – there is the Cnoc 14 Small if your child doesn’t quite fit.

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Islabikes Cnoc 14 Small

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The Cnoc 14 Small is a small 14″ wheel pedal bike and is suitable for children with an inside leg from just 34cm.

The attention to detail borders on the obsessive with every component carefully designed for such a young rider. The pedals, the cranks, the brakes, the frame, the saddle, the list goes on and on – every bit of this bike has been designed for the size of the child riding it.

Read more about Islabikes Cnoc 14 Small

Islabikes Cnoc 16

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The Islabikes Cnoc 16 has everything you want from a first bike in terms of child sized components, longevity and lightweight (5.6kg). Mudguards, off-road tyres and a kickstand are available for this bike.

We’ve reviewed a number of Islabikes over the years and have never failed to be impressed at the quality and attention to detail of these bikes.

Read more about Islabikes Cnoc 16

Islabikes Cnoc 20

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The Cnoc 20 was a lightweight 20″ wheeled bike (6.6kg) aimed at children who might be tall for their age, so therefore require a bigger bike, but without the added complexity of gears or older children who are a little later to riding.

The bike features a single speed setup with a 14T cog and a 25T chainring. The whole drivetrain is encapsulated in a plastic, floating chainguard that keeps inquisitive fingers away from the chain as well as keeping any clothing clean and out of harms way.

The stopping duties are taken care of with aluminium V-brakes, with micro-reach brake levers.

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Islabikes Creig 20

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The Creig 20 was the smallest mountain bike that Islabikes offered, joining the Creig 24, 26 and 27 to complete the set. The Creig 20 differs slightly to its larger-wheeled siblings in that it doesn’t feature a suspension fork. Islabikes have instead opted for a rigid aluminium, straight-bladed fork.

Featuring Stan’s No Tubes Crest rims on Islabikes own hubs, the Creig 20 is kept as lightweight as possible.

The drivetrain features a 7speed 11-34T cassette paired with a 28T chainring and Islabikes own aluminium direct mount crank.

The Creig 20 weighs in at 7.7kgs, which makes it a lightweight in its class.

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Islabikes Creig 24

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The Creig 24 was aimed at ages 8+ and features a 24″ wheel. The Creig 24 is a lot of bike for an 8 year old and is packed full of features.

Featuring a lightweight aluminium frame and a Rock Shox 30 Gold RL air sprung suspension fork. The Creig range is kitted out with Stan’s No Tubes tubeless ready rims laced to Islabikes own cartridge bearing equipped hubs. The Creig 24 features SRAM Level hydraulic disc brakes, with a 160mm rotor on the front and a 140mm rotor on the rear.

There’s plenty of gear range in the form of an 8 speed 11-40T Sun Race cassette, paired with a 26T narrow-wide chainring.

Gear selection is taken care of with a SRAM X4 rear mech and thumb shifter.

At 10.6kg the Creig 24 is hard to beat weight-wise.

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Islabikes Creig 26

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The Creig 26 was aimed at ages 9+ and features a 26″ wheel. The specification on the Creig 26 is close to what you would expect on a quality, lightweight hardtail aimed at adults.

Featuring a lightweight aluminium frame and a Rock Shox 30 Gold RL air sprung suspension fork, the Creig 26 is kept light and prepared for a wide-range of off-road riding.

At 11kg the Creig 26 is about as light as it comes.

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Islabikes Creig 27

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The Islabikes Creig 27 is a quality kids bike aimed at children aged 10-13 years of age.

The Creig 27 is a lightweight mountain bike for smaller riders who want a bike that can handle anything, from short trails to big mountain paths.

The Creig 27 features 27.5″ wheels, which are tubeless ready and feature Vee Crown Gem 27.5″ x 2.25″ tyres.

Read more about Islabikes Creig 27

Islabikes Luath 24

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The Luath 24 is the smallest drop-bar bike from the Islabikes range. It has an aluminium frame and carbon-fibre forks.

It has the same 8 speed Shimano Claris rear mech, Sun Race 11-34T cassette as its larger wheeled siblings, as well as Islabikes’ own direct mount chainring and cranks. The cranks are 140mm in length and feature a 30mm axle.

The cockpit features Islabikes’ aluminium, 340mm, short reach, shallow drop handlebar with Shimano Claris brake levers.

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Islabikes Luath 26

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The Luath 26 features an aluminium frame and carbon-fibre forks. It has Tektro flat mount, cable operated disc brakes.

The drivetrain is made up of an 8 speed Shimano Claris rear mech, Sun Race 11-34T cassette and Islabikes’ own direct mount chainring and cranks. The cranks are 150mm in length and feature a 30mm axle.

The controls are taken care of with Shimano Claris brake levers, Islabikes own proportionately sized handlebars which really help to get small hands closer to the brake levers, a neat innovation.

Read more about Islabikes Luath 26

Islabikes Luath 700L

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The Luath is Islabikes’ drop bar range of bikes, aimed at road, cyclo-cross and gravel.

The 700L (Large) is the largest children’s bike that Islabikes did and it is aimed at ages 13 years and up. It features an aluminium frame and carbon fibre fork, an 8 speed drivetrain and cable operated disc brakes.

Weighing in at 9.6kg making the Luath one of the lightest in its category.

Read more about Islabikes Luath 700L

Islabikes Luath 700S

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The Luath is Islabikes’ drop bar range of bikes, aimed at road, cyclo-cross and gravel.

The 700S (Small) was the largest children’s bike that Islabikes did and it’s aimed at ages 11 years and up. The bike is built around an aluminium frame and carbon fibre fork, an 8 speed drivetrain and cable operated disc brakes. Ideal for a budding cyclist.

Tipping the scales at 9.4kg the Luath 700 Small is one of the lightest amongst its peers at the time of release.

Read more about Islabikes Luath 700S

Islabikes Rothan 12

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The Islabikes Rothan 12 was the smallest Islabike you can buy, and is designed for children from the age of about 2 years (inside leg 30cm), there’s a larger Rothan 14 if they’re a bit taller.

Read more about Islabikes Rothan 12

Islabikes Rothan 14

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The Rothan 14 was the largest balance bike that Islabikes offer, and is a very lightweight balance bike, weighing only 3.4kg, and comes with a rear brake.

It features its own custom short-reach brake lever for a rear brake which works as a great introduction to the concept of braking.

Read more about Islabikes Rothan 14

Kids Ride Shotgun Dirt Hero

The Dirt Hero balance bike from Kids Ride Shotgun is designed for heading off the tarmac and onto the trails with your youngest rider. Chunky air-filled 2.25″ Vee tyres with a knobbly tread make it ideal for maintaining traction on varying surface types, and keeps the ride as comfy as possible.

There are several different build options available. Choose from 12″ or 14″ models, with or without a rear disc brake, depending on where your child is in their cycling journey.

Read more about Kids Ride Shotgun Dirt Hero
Kidvelo rookie 12 balance bike

Kidvelo Rookie 12

The Kidvelo Rookie 12 has been designed by some of the most experienced people in the balance bike industry.

We’ve taken a close look at this bike and were really impressed. They’ve designed Kidvelo Rookie 12 balance bike from the ground up with all the attention to detail you’d expect from people who’ve spent most of their careers working with balance bikes.
It has features such as sealed bearings on the wheels and a proper headset – bits you don’t see but really make a difference to the quality of the product. 

You can read our review of the Kidvelo Rookie 12 here for full details of this bike. 

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Rookie 14 Balance Bike side view in Pink

Kidvelo Rookie 14

The Kidvelo Rookie 14 is a great choice balance bike for children aged about 3 years and over.  Especially if you know they’re going to be learning to pedal at some stage, and may be tempted to skip the balance bike stage and get them straight onto a pedal bike (our advice – DON’T!)

This is where the Rookie 14 is such a great option – it starts in balance bike mode and you can add pedals when your child is ready.

Because the Rookie 14 designed to work effortlessly in either balance bike or pedal bike mode the switching across is simple. So if the time isn’t quite right you can go back again with minimal hassle.

We’ve reviewed the Kidvelo Rookie 12 and were really impressed with the quality and styling of this smaller balance bike.

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kidvelo rookie 14 balance to pedal bike

Kidvelo Rookie 14 Balance / Pedal Bike

The Kidvelo Rookie 14 is a great choice if your child is likely to want to start pedalling at some point soon.  The Rookie 14 starts out as a balance bike but comes with a simple-to-fit pedal conversion kit, meaning you get two bikes for the price of one.

If you decide to try your child with pedals and they’re not quite ready you can quickly revert to the balance bike for a while longer.

The Rookie 14 has been designed with the learning to ride phase in mind, with an upright riding position, lightweight frame and child sized components.

We’ve not reviewed this particular bike, but we were very impressed with the smaller Kidvelo Rookie 12 – you can read our review here.

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Kidvelo rookie 14 kids bike in pedal mode

Kidvelo Rookie 14 pedal

The Kidvelo Rookie 14 is a great choice of bike if you’re not sure whether your child is quite ready to start pedalling yet. 

Whilst the Rookie 14 is a starter pedal bike in it’s own right, you can also remove the entire pedal / chain mechanism and quickly convert it into a balance bike.

So, you’re essentially getting two bikes for the price of one, saving you the cost of buying a 14″ wheel balance bike to get your child ready to pedal.

We also think this will be a good choice for families with younger siblings coming along behind, as you don’t know whether that child is going to need a pedal bike or a balance bike.

Our reviewer has put the smaller Rookie 12 through it’s paces and were very impressed with the quality of the bike and the design features.

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Kidvelo rookie 18 in balance bike mode

Kidvelo Rookie 18

The Kidvelo Rookie 18 is a popular balance bike for older children (aged 5-8 years old) starting to cycle, or children with additional needs.

It’s a great choice if you know they’re going to be learning to pedal at some stage, and may be tempted to skip the balance bike stage and get them straight onto a pedal bike (our advice – DON’T!)

The Rookie 18 starts in balance bike mode and comes with a conversion kit so you have the option of adding pedals when your child is ready – if you’re not sure, you can take our quiz “Is my child ready to pedal?”

The conversion kit is very easy to use, so if your child decides to try pedalling by isn’t quite ready, then you can easily convert back to the balance bike mode. The Rookie 18 balance bike allows young riders not to miss out on the crucial step of learning to ride a bike – learning to balance!

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Kidvelo rookie 18 balance to pedal bike

Kidvelo Rookie 18 Balance / Pedal Bike

The Kidvelo Rookie 18 is a great bike for slightly older children who may not have learnt to ride yet and will likely start pedalling soon.

It is aimed at ages 5 to 8 years old and starts off as a large balance bike and then if and when your child is ready to try out pedals the Rookie 18 then easily converts to a pedal bike, with a simple-to-fit pedal conversion kit. So you essentially get 2 bikes for the price of one.

You can convert easily if your child needs to try pedals for a short time and then revert back to a balance bike for a while longer. It’s designed to work effortlessly in either balance bike or pedal bike mode.

The Rookie 18 balance-to-pedal bike is also a popular choice for children with additional needs who may want to learn their balance using the balance bike mode and then have the opportunity to progress to using pedals.

We’ve reviewed the Kidvelo Rookie 12, which was the first bike in their range, and were very impressed.

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Kidvelo rookie 18 in pedal bike mode

Kidvelo Rookie 18 pedal

The Kidvelo Rookie 18 is a popular kids bike for older children aged 5 – 8 years old. Although it is a starter pedal bike in its own right, it does come with a conversion kit to remove the pedals for kids who may want the option to convert to a balance bike if they’re just starting out and need to practice balancing.

The Rookie 18 is also a great choice for children with additional needs who may want to practice balancing before learning to ride with the pedals. So buying the Rookie 18, you’re essentially getting two bikes, for the price of one.

It is also a great option for families with more than one child, or a younger sibling coming along behind, as they may be at different stages and therefore benefit from either the balance mode, or the pedal mode.

We’ve not reviewed this particular bike, but we’ve put the smaller Rookie 12 through its paces and were very impressed with the quality of the bike and the design features.

Read more about Kidvelo Rookie 18 pedal

Nukeproof Cub Scout Sport 26

The Cub-Scout 26” takes inspiration from Nukeproof’s award-winning Scout adult hardtail range.

The Cub-Scout 26” has been designed as a proper mini-hardtail mountain bike aimed at children 10 years old and above.

The bike features 8-speed gears and weighs in at 12kg. The

X-Fusion RC32 Air Suspension forks and Clarkes Clout Kids Specific Hydraulic Disc Brakes are just two features of this bike, which has been designed to allow children to learn, progress and gain confidence on the trails.

Add in a pair of 2.5” Maxxis Minion DHF tyres to give grip and a smooth ride, and you’re probably going to be struggling to keep up as your offspring heads off in front of you!

Read more about Nukeproof Cub Scout Sport 26

Orbea Laufey H30

Orbea appear to have taken their adult Laufey range and shrunk it so that kids can have a blast on the trails too!

The Orbea Laufey H30 is a lightweight aluminium kids bike featuring 9-speed gears and ever-popular Kenda tyres which are perfect for the trails. 

The bike is available in black & rainbow or a sky blue & red combo. 

Read more about Orbea Laufey H30
Orbea MX 20 Dirt

Orbea MX 20 Dirt

The Orbea MX 20 Dirt is a mountain bike designed for youngsters to get out riding and have fun. Designed around a lightweight aluminium frame and specified with age appropriate components, Orbea have made comfort and control a priority.

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Orbea MX 24 Dirt 2022

A lightweight mountain bike from the Basque country that is not going to be scared of rough terrain!

The MX 24 Dirt is equipped with a good quality 7-speed drivetrain, consisting of a single 34 tooth chainring at the front to keep changes to a minimum, and a 14-34 tooth cassette to give a good spread of gears for all types of terrain. It’s definitely been designed for having a lot of fun!

Read more about Orbea MX 24 Dirt 2022

Pinnacle Ash 20

The Pinnacle Ash 20 is a kids bike aimed at ages 5 – 8 years old, featuring a lightweight aluminum frame and wheels.

The Ash 20 has child-friendly short-reach brake levers and comfortable rubber grips making is easy for your child to come to a stop. This bike is a good all-rounder, whether your child is riding to school or riding through the park on weekends, Pinnacle has made this bike to handle it all.

As well as being available new, the Pinnacle Ash 20 is a popular secondhand choice and is often available.

Read more about Pinnacle Ash 20

Pinnacle Aspen 24

The Pinnacle Aspen 24 is one of Evans Cycles best selling 24″ wheel children’s bikes, and the customer reviews of the bike speak for themselves. Parents have often upgraded to this bike from a much cheaper and heavier one, and are surprised and overjoyed at how much their child suddenly loves riding their bike.
 
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Pinnacle Kauri 26

The Kauri 26 is Pinnacle’s do everything bike, designed to be at home riding to school, as well as forays into off-road adventure.

Features such as the single chainring and wide ratio 9 speed cassette gives a good spread of gears whilst keeping things light.

With off-road exploration in mind, the Kauri 26 also comes equipped with Clarks hydraulic disc brakes which should be reliable brakes with plenty of stopping power.

Read more about Pinnacle Kauri 26

Pinnacle Koa 14

The Pinnacle Koa 14 is a great kids bike at the lower cost end of the 14″ wheel kids bike price spectrum. The lightweight aluminium frame with aluminium rims avoids this bike being too heavy. This will help your child feel more confident and in control on the bike, making it quite easy to move around.

The Koa 14 features many of the attributes we look for in a quality children’s bike. It features proportionately sized, micro-reach brake levers, handlebars and cranks.

Quality bearings in the hubs, cranks and headset make for a smooth ride, and if the reviews on the Evans website can be believed, these are a popular choice for a first pedal bike.

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Pinnacle Koto 16

The Pinnacle Koto 16 is a good value option if you’re looking for a decent 16″ wheel kids bike without the higher price tag of some of the more premium brands.

The aluminium frame with aluminium rims helps to keep this bike reasonably light, meaning it will be much easier for your 4 or 5 year old child to manoeuvre than a 16 inch wheel bike several kilos heavier.

Quality bearings in the hubs, cranks and headset make for a smooth ride.

Whilst the bike comes fitted with stabilisers, you may what to read this article about whether stabilisers are a good idea before deciding whether to fit them.

The Pinnacle Koto 16 makes a good secondhand choice – remember we always recommend buying a good quality used 16″ wheel kids bike bike cheaply, than a cheap, poor quality new bike (which won’t be anywhere as much fun to ride).

Read more about Pinnacle Koto 16
Prevelo Alpha Three

Prevelo Alpha Three

With it’s 20 inch wheels, the Prevelo Alpha Three sits smack bang in the middle of the Prevelo kids bike range.

There is an 8 speed drivetrain provided by Microshift and the frame is made from lightweight aluminium with a low top tube to make scrambling on and off the bike easy. The Prevelo Alpha Three is certain to be a blast out on the trails.

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Puky Classic 12

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Puky Classic 16

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Puky Classic 18

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Puky Cyke 16 Alu

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Puky Cyke 16 Alu F

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Puky Cyke 18 Alu

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Puky Cyke 18 Alu F

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Puky Cyke 18-3 Alu

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Puky Cyke 20-3

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Puky Cyke 20-3 Light

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Puky Cyke 20-7 Active

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Puky Cyke 24-3 Light

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Puky Cyke 24-7 Light

If you’re looking for a sturdy, continental style kids bike then it’s worth taking a look at the Puky Cyke 24-7 Light.

Puky Bikes are German, and have recently become available in the UK.  

The Cyke 24-7 Light is not the lightest 24″ wheel bike around, and is designed for everyday urban cycling rather than climbing steep hills.

The bike comes fitted with SKS mudguards as standard which is really handy for keeping clothes clean if used on the school run, plus a rack for luggage.

The bright LED headlight with automatic on/off, ensures optimal visibility at all times. The light is powered by a hub dynamo system from Shimano, which offers good visibility in low light.

The tyres have reflective strips for additional visibility and the pedals are non-slip, handy for riding in school shoes on wet days. 

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Puky Cyke 24-8 Light Active

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The Cyke 24-8 features a lightweight aluminium frame, Shimano 8-speed gearing.

An integrated lighting system using a Shimano hub dynamo with automatic LED lighting.

SKS mudguards fitted as standard, perfect for the school run.

Read more about Puky Cyke 24-8 Light Active

Puky Cyke 26-8 Active

Featuring a lightweight aluminium frame, Shimano 8-speed gearing.

An integrated hub dynamo with automatic LED lighting.

SKS mudguards fitted as standard, perfect for the school run.

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Puky Fitsch

Some toddlers are desperate to start pedalling, and are adamant they won’t use a balance bike because it doesn’t have pedals. If this is your child, then the Puky Fitsch might be the answer!

The two rear wheels provide stability whilst your child pedals and learns how to steer, although they will need to learn to balance before moving to a more traditional pedal bike.

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Puky LR 1

The Puky LR 1 is Puky’s mid-sized balance bike aimed at children 2.5 years and over, and is a popular bike as Puky are well known for building robust balance bikes.

The bike features a kickstand (which is quite unusual for balance bikes), foam tyres and a special ‘banana saddle’ providing young riders with a secure grip and allowing plenty of running movement, whilst staying stable.

The Puky LR 1 also has a low stand over height with a big platform for when kids want to put their feet up to rest when they pick up speed, which makes this different from a lot of balance bikes.

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Puky LR 1L

The Puky LR 1L is a robust balance bike for children aged 2.5 years and over who want to grow their confidence on wheels, with a bike offering excellent grip and comfort.

The pneumatic tyres are great for all surfaces, both indoors and outdoors and are quiet when in use. The sturdy frame of the LR 1L features a large, low footboard allowing kids to easily rest their legs once they’ve picked up speed.

This balance bike also features the popular Puky banana saddle to ensure young riders are comfortable and won’t slip off whilst riding.

The saddle and handlebars on the LR 1L can be easily adjusted so the bike will still fit your child as they grow. It differs from the other Puky balance bikes because this doesn’t feature a brake. 

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Puky LR 1L Br

The Puky LR 1L Br is a popular balance bike aimed at children 2.5 years and over, and is similar to the LR 1L but the BR has a brake.

It features the same banana saddle to ensure young riders are comfortable and won’t slip off the saddle, and the LR 1L BR also features the adjustable saddle and handlebars to allow the bike to grow as your child does.

The Puky LR 1L Br has pneumatic tyres which are grippy and can be used both indoors and outdoors, and is available in Red, Pink or Green/Silver.

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Puky LR Light

The Puky LR Light balance bike, is one of the light options out of the Puky range. Puky are well-known for making robust balance bikes.

The LR Light is sporty and modern and is available in Blue or Orange. The bike features an aluminium frame, and weighs only 3.6kg, meaning it is easy to transport and manoeuvrable for young riders. It also features a practical kickstand allowing the bike to stand alone and making it easier to store the bike.

The saddle and handlebars on the LR Light are both adjustable, so they can perfectly fit your child, and grow as they do.

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Puky LR Light Br

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Puky LR M

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Puky LR M Classic

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Puky LR M Plus

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Puky LR XL Br Classic

The Puky LR XL Br Classic balance bike is a popular choice for children over 3 years of age, and is the biggest of Puky’s balance bike range. It’sa more traditional style of bike; featuring a braided basket with matching saddle and handlebars.

This balance bike also features pneumatic spoke wheels, which provide maximum grip and comfort for young riders, a special balance bike saddle so children don’t slip whilst riding, and a V-brake with a child-friendly brake lever.

The LR XL Br Classic has a low entry and footboard, making it easy for kids to rest their legs when they pick up speed.

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Puky LR XL Classic

The Puky LR XL Classic is a popular balance bike aimed at children aged 3+, made by German brand Puky, who are well-known for making robust balance bikes.

This balance bike features a more classic vintage style with a traditional basket, bell and matching brown saddle and handlebars. The handlebars feature safety grips preventing injuries if your child falls.

The LR XL Classic has large pneumatic tyres which guarantees maximum grip and comfort whilst riding.

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Puky LS-Pro 16 Alu in silver and berry

Puky LS-Pro 16 Alu

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Puky LS-Pro 18 Alu in blue and silver

Puky LS-Pro 18 Alu

The new Puky LS Pro 18 is a really lightweight 18″ wheel bike that comes from a brand that is renowned on the continent for building really reliable kids bikes and balance bikes.

They’ve got the weight so low by having not only an aluminium frame but fork, crank and seat post too. The Puky LS Pro also features a chain protection which is designed to protect little fingers.

The bike has a special coating applied to the paint to make sure it doesn’t chip, so you can expect this bike to still look great when you come to sell it on when your own child has outgrown it.

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Puky LS Pro 20-7 Alu

Puky LS-Pro 20-7 Alu

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Puky LS-Pro 24-8 Alu

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Puky LS-Pro 26-8 Alu

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Puky Moto

For a younger child (aged 18 months and over) who doesn’t yet have the balance and strength needed to ride a balance bike, the Puky Moto offers a good alternative.

The larger single front wheel combined with the two smaller rear wheels start to introduce the concept of balance, whilst still providing a good level of stability to stop the bike toppling over.

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Puky Skyride 20-3

The Puky Skyride features a low step-thru aluminium frame.

Intergrated front and rear lights and 3 speed Shimano Nexus hub gears.

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Puky Skyride 24-3

This German city bike is a good choice for children who are cycling in reasonably flat urban areas.

The 3 speed gears are simple to use, and the aluminium step through frame means it’s easy to get on and off.

The Puky Skyride 24-3 is fitted with dynamo-powered LED lights, and the rear light even has a parking light which makes the rider more visible when stopped, for example at a dimly lit junction. The tyres have reflective stripes for even more visibility at night.

It also has a luggage rack and mudguards making this a good choice town bike for your child.

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Puky Skyride 24-7

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A low step-thru aluminium frame features on the Puky Skyride.

Intergrated front and rear lights.

7 speed Shimano Nexus hub gears.

Read more about Puky Skyride 24-7

Puky Skyride 26-7

Featuring an aluminium frame and low-slung step-thru design the Skyride 26-7 is at home in an urban environment.

It features integrated LED lighting both front and rear, keeping the rider visible even in poor light conditions.

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Puky Steel 12

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The Puky Steel 12 is first kids pedal bike (with an upright riding position) aimed at young riders aged 3 to 5 years old, and is available in a green or pink colour.

The Steel 12 features Puky’s well-known pneumatic tyres, providing excellent grip and comfort for the rider. The bike is stabiliser compatible, so if your child is struggling to keep their balance, stabilisers can easily be attached to give a helping hand.

Read more about Puky Steel 12

Puky Steel 16

We normally wouldn’t recommend a 16″ wheel kids bike this heavy (9.5kg) but the Puky Steel 16 is an exception to the rule.

The very low step-through frame makes this a bicycle worth considering if your child has mobility issues that mean they can’t swing their leg over the crossbar of the majority of kids bikes.

Also, Puky are a renowned German kids bike company, so whilst you’re getting a quite heavy steel frame, this bike is equipped with much better quality components than the vast majority of cheaper heavy steel framed kids bikes with 16″ wheels.

Plus the Puky Steel 16 has Puky’s own impact-resistant paint, meaning the bike will continue to look good, even in the hands of a rough child!

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Puky Steel 18

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Puky Wutsch/Woosh

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The PukyWutsch (also known as the Woosh in English) may suit taller toddlers from ages about 18 months and over, who have a more developed sense of stability. The plastic tyres with rubber coating allows quiet indoor riding with the best possible grip.

The Puky Wutsch is sized for children with an inside leg of 26cm through to 36cm (roughly equating to a height of 80cm to 95cm).

Read more about Puky Wutsch/Woosh

Puky Youke 12

The Puky Youke 12 is a lightweight and robust kids first pedal bike, aimed at young riders aged 3 to 5 years old.

The Youke 12 is available in green, pink or blue and includes a luggage carrier at the back to carry small items. The bike has a height adjustable saddle and handlebars, meaning you can get the most out of this pedal bike whilst your child grows.

The low frame entry and low overhang makes it super easy for young riders to get on and off the bike. The Youke 12 also has a child-friendly V-brake, making it easy to your child to come to a stop, or slow down when riding.

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Puky Youke 16

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Puky Youke 18

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Pukylino

The Pukylino is is a great entry rider into mobility and is suitable for children who have just learnt to walk – approximately ages 1 – 2 years old. 

The Pukylino comes in a range of bright colours and features special safety handlebar grips with large baffles. The bike also boasts plastic wheels with rubber coating meaning it is very quiet and has great grip for indoor use.

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Raleigh Pop 12

The Raleigh Pop 12 is a started kids pedal bike aimed at young riders aged 3 – 5 years old. It has an upright riding position, which some children find comforting when starting to pedal, helping them to master the basics of riding a bike.

This bike does come with stabilisers, although we recommend that if your child isn’t ready to pedal you buy them a balance bike instead and save your money for a larger pedal bike in a few months time. Read more – Does my child need stabilisers?

Read more about Raleigh Pop 12

Raleigh Pop 18

If you’re looking for an 18″ wheel bike with gears then one option is the Raleigh Pop 18. It’s available in blue and green and is aimed at ages 5 to 7 years old. 

It’s worth pointing out that the Pop is about 2 kg heavier than a lot of the other 18″ bikes, so you need to consider whether your child is a strong and confident cyclist able to cope with this additional weight and the complexity of the gears.

Read more about Raleigh Pop 18

Ridgeback Dimension 14

The Dimension range is Ridgeback’s premium kids bike offering, and comes in two striking colour schemes.

The Dimension 14 has all the features you’d expect from a bike at this price point – a lightweight aluminium frame paired with child sized components plus v-brakes front and rear. It is a great choice if you’re looking for a first pedal bike for your child.

It’s designed for children between 100cm and 105cm tall and is a great, hardwearing choice that should last several kids.

Read more about Ridgeback Dimension 14

Scott Contessa/Roxter 14

The Scott Contessa/Roxter 14 are great kids bikes suitable for young riders aged 3 to 5 years old.

The main thing to realise about the bike is that the rear brake is a coaster brake. This means that your child needs to pedal backwards to stop their bike. This will happen without them having to use the brake lever for the front brake.

Some young children struggle with brake levers and prefer the backpedalling motion, and can learn to use the single brake lever in their own time. However, do remember that they will need to learn to use two brake levers when they move onto the next sized bike.

Whilst the Scott Contessa/Roxter 14 bikes comes with stabilisers we’d recommend a balance bike instead if they’re not ready to pedal just yet. However, if your child has additional needs and cannot ride a balance bike, then the Contessa/Roxter is a great option.

Read more about Scott Contessa/Roxter 14
Best 26" kids' bikes: A green Scott Ransom 600 full suspension mountain bike on a plain background

Scott Ransom 600

The Scott Ransom 600 is an excellent option for budding downhill or enduro racers, starting at 135cm in height. The custom butted alloy frame comes equipped with a 140mm X-Fusion Slant RC suspension fork, coupled with a 130mm X-Fusion rear shock, both fine tuned specifically for a child rider.

One of the key features of the Scott Ransom is its Flip Chip technology, which allows you to swap out the 26” wheels for 24” ones, meaning you’ll get a lot more use out of it as your child grows. It also makes a great option if there’s a younger sibling who’ll benefit from it once the elder one is done with it. It also boasts a Syncros Dropper Post and 2.4” Kenda Hellkat tyres, making this a fantastic premium option for the serious rider.

Read more about Scott Ransom 600
Best 26" mountain bikes for kids: A Scott Scale 26 on a plain background

Scott Scale 26 Rigid

For the old-school mountain biking parents there’s a lot of love and nostalgia for rigid mountain bikes. Without the suspension they’ll be more in tune with the trail, and as a result they can learn some great handling skills to take into their cycling lives, both on-road and off. The Scott Scale 26 compensates for the lack of suspension with plush 2.4” tyres, so the ride will still be very comfortable. It also comes with 16-speed Shimano Tourney gearing and hydraulic disc brakes.

Read more about Scott Scale 26 Rigid

Scramblebug

The Scramblebug is a popular choice with parents who have younger children desperate to get moving on wheels, but are too young to ride a balance bike.

The Scramblebug is aimed at ages 10 months to 2 years and has 4 wheels to provide maximum stability for young riders. It’s available in 3 bright colourful designs – green, purple and red.

It’s very lightweight, and features a 3-step simple folding system meaning it’s portable so you can easily take it on your travels.  

The wheels move 360° so the rider can move around in any direction – forwards, backwards and even sideways. The Scramblebug can be used both indoors and outdoors.

Read more about Scramblebug

Scuttlebug

The Scuttlebug has a three-wheel design which is great for stability and is aimed at slightly older toddlers aged 1 to 3 years old.

Available in a range of bright, colourful designs, including bumblebee, butterfly, grasshopper and beetle.

It requires steering, so is the next stage in helping your child develop their motor skills (whilst having great fun and being active).

The Scuttlebug wheels are suitable for indoor and outdoor use and ensures a smooth, quiet ride. It folds in three simple steps meaning it’s portable and can easily be taken on your travels.

Read more about Scuttlebug

Specialized Hotwalk

The Specialized Hotwalk balance bike has a very low frame, making it easy for young children to clamber on and off of it, regardless of what they’re wearing, or how long their legs are.

There’s a little ledge for putting feet on when scooting along and picking up speed, and the frame is lightweight aluminium making it reasonably easy to carry once they’ve had enough and you’re carrying home!

Read more about Specialized Hotwalk

Specialized Hotwalk Carbon

If money is no object and you like spending it on toys for little people, then the Specialized Hotwalk Carbon balance bike is probably on your radar as one of the world’s most expensive, exclusive and lightweight balance bikes.

Specialized have taken all their experience of making really lightweight world champion winning adult bikes and dialled it all down into a tiny balance bike.

The frame, fork, handlebars and wheels on the Specialized Hotwalk Carbon balance bike are all made from carbon and there’s a handy carry handle for when your little one has had enough of riding it and someone needs to carry it home.

Read more about Specialized Hotwalk Carbon

Specialized Jett 16

The Specialized Jett 16 is the smallest bike in the Jett range. The bike is designed to be easily configured as your child grows so that they get maximum use out of it, and comes with an online app to key in your child’s measurements.

The app tells you which position to put the saddle, handlebars and pedals for the most comfortable ride and you just recheck it every time your child has a growth spurt.

We’ve reviewed the slightly larger Jett 20 and were very impressed with it’s performance in more urban settings, although it’s able to handle gentle off road riding too.

Read more about Specialized Jett 16

Specialized Jett 20

The Jett 20 has all the features you’d expect to find on a quality kids bike, but also has the addition of two positions on the crank so you can move the pedals as your child’s legs grow.

To help you size the bike for your child it comes with a nifty online Bike Fit tool. You key in your child’s measurements and it will tell you where to position the handlebars, pedals and saddle for correct riding position.

This is all part of the attempt made by Specialized to keep your child on this bike for as long as possible – they claim it should last 30 months (or 3 summers depending on when you buy it) – obviously that does depend on how fast your child grows!

You can read our review of the Specialized Jett 20 here for even more details on this great little bike.

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Specialized Jett 24

The low standover height of the Specialized Jett 24 means your child can get onto this bike sooner than many other 24″ bikes and there’s an extra hole for the pedals on the crank meaning you can extend the use of this bike as your child’s legs grow.

It also has handy markings on the seat post and handlebars making adjusting the bike easy as your child grows.  To help, Specialized also provide an online Bike Fit tool – you simply input your child’s measurements and they will tell you how to adjust the bike to fit.

Read more about Specialized Jett 24

Specialized Riprock Coaster 12

The Specialised Riprock 12″ is a small pedal bike featuring an aluminium frame and a steel fork so is reasonably lightweight. The tyres are nice and wide to give additional stability for your child.

The bike is aimed at ages 2 – 3 years old and is a good starter bike for a child who is ready to start pedaling and have already gained confidence on their balance bike. The stabilisers are easily removable, and may provide useful for children with additional needs who may not be able to use a balance bike.

The Specialized Riprock features a rear coaster brake, so your child only has to worry about learning to pedal backwards to stop (but will have to learn to use brake levers when moving up to a 14″ wheel bike at some point).

Read more about Specialized Riprock Coaster 12

Specialized Rockhopper 27.5

The Rockhopper has been an ever present model for Specialized for good reason. The Rockhopper is a great ride and has been designed to deliver toothy grins by combining value for money with a quality frame and good specification. Whatever your size, their is a suitably sized Rockhopper frame with a fork designed to match…

Read more about Specialized Rockhopper 27.5

Specialized Rockhopper Sport

The Specialized Rockhopper Sport is a lightweight alloy framed mountain bike which features hydraulic disc brakes for confident speed control. 

The Specialized Rockhopper is a name that’s definitely part of mountain biking history, with the first bike rolling out of the factory way back in 1985.

The tried and tested formula employed by Specialized of creating a good all-rounder at a decent price point still rings true for the Rockhopper Sport.
With an XS and S frame available this is a good entry level mountain bike for a teenager or tall tween who’s outgrown the kids bike range.

Read more about Specialized Rockhopper Sport

Squish 14

A fun “Squish” figure and colourful splodges make the Squish 14 an appealing bike for young children starting on their pedalling adventures.

The bike has features such as shortened crank arms, stubby stem and short reach brake levers that are designed to make it easy to ride.

And at just 5.83kg it’s light enough for you to carry home when your sprog has had enough pedalling for one day.

We’ve not tested this particular bike, but you can check out our review of the Squish 18, which is a bigger single speed bike.

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Squish 16

The Squish 16 is a lightweight starter bike specified with child-sized components and fitted with good quality Kenda tyres for confident riding on different surfaces.

We’ve not reviewed this particular bike, but we have tested out the slightly larger Squish 18. Our reviewer particularly liked the lightweight of the frame, and the ease of steering and braking. Read our review here. [sc name="bike-club-squish-bikes" bike_name="Squish 16" ][/sc] [sc name="bike-club-16-inch-deal" ][/sc]

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Squish 18

The Squish 18 is a good choice if your child isn’t quite ready to move up to a geared bike. It has a long wheelbase to give confidence and easy-to-use ‘child-sized’ brakes that are perfect for smaller hands.

The Squish 18 is fitted with lightweight components, and our 6 year old tester was impressed when she reviewed this bike for us.

Small block tyres are fitted to give good grip on a variety of surfaces, so the Squish 18 can be used for fun in the mud too.

Read more about Squish 18

Squish 20

The Squish range is a fun brand designed with children firmly in mind, whilst retaining child-sized components and a lightweight frame.

Components have been selected to offer reliable performance, low maintenance and easy access to spares and servicing if required.

The triple-butted alloy frame, custom Squish saddle, double-wall alloy rims and alloy micro-adjust seat post help keep weight to a minimum, whilst providing an enjoyable riding experience.

Whilst we’ve not reviewed the Squish 20 we’ve reviewed several other Squish kids bikes and have always been impressed with their performance. [sc name="bike-club-squish-bikes" bike_name="Squish 20" ][/sc] [sc name="bike-club-20-inch-deal" ][/sc]

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Squish 24

The Squish 24 is a good choice for a child who is doing a mix of riding on and off road, and wants a reliable bike they can ride all year around.

It has good quality components, easy to use gears and brakes plus tyres which are suited to all round general riding.

We’ve reviewed two different sized Squish Bikes in their range and our testers found them to be reliable and fun to ride. [sc name="bike-club-squish-bikes" bike_name="Squish 24" ][/sc] [sc name="bike-club-24-inch-deal" ][/sc]

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Squish 26

The Squish 26 comes with a 13″ frame for those with a minimum inside leg of 67cm, and a 15″ frame for those slightly taller (with a minimum inside leg of 70cm).  The bikes have been designed to appeal to older kids. 

The range of 8 gears should be sufficient for most lumps and bumps and the tyres will be fine for a variety of terrains, although if you’re thinking of mainly doing mountain biking Squish also do a 26″ wheel MTB.

We haven’t reviewed this particular bike, but we have tested two other Squish bikes and found them to be good quality, lightweight bikes that are great fun to ride. [sc name="bike-club-squish-bikes" bike_name="Squish 26" ][/sc] [sc name="bike-club-26-inch-deal" ][/sc]

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Squish 650B

Squish’s 650B is a 27.5″ wheeled, 13″ framed bike aimed at ages 10+. Squish have made this bike to sit as their largest wheeled bike aimed at older children, roughly 10yrs and upwards. 

This bike is also suitable for smaller adults – one of the shorter members of the Cycle Sprog team has this bike and loves it! 

The crankset is kept simple with a 38T single chainring that is sandwiched in a plastic chain guard, which helps to keep the chain in place. A 38T chainring does mean that this bike isn’t quite a low-geared as most bikes aimed at this age range. For the speedsters this means it will be fast on the flat, but if you live in a hilly area, your child might struggle. 

Read more about Squish 650B

Squish Balance Bike

The Squish 12 Balance bike is a popular choice for parents with 2-3-year-olds wanting a lightweight ride for their child. The lightweight alloy frame means the overall weight is only 3.86kg meaning it is easy to ride and manoeuvre.

The wheels on the Squish balance bike are 12″ and feature alloy rims and hubs.

The bike also features a neat carry handle on the back of the saddle which is a great help if your little cyclist gets tired.

At 3.86kg, it isn’t the lightest balance bike on the market, but it is lighter than most. At this price point, that makes it a solid choice.

Read more about Squish Balance Bike

Squish MTB 24

The Squish MTB 24 is a 24″ wheel kids mountain bike with some great features including Tektro M-280 Mechanical Disc Brakes with 160mm rotors (which are controlled by two-finger-operated easy reach levers) and SR Suntour XCR-Lo Air Suspension forks with 80mm of travel which can be adjusted to suit as the rider gains weight.

The 8 speed 11-32T cassette should be fine for gentle undulations, but it may require some out of the saddle effort to get to the top of more steep inclines.

We’ve not reviewed this particular size bike but have put the larger Squish MTB 26 through its paces.

Read more about Squish MTB 24

Squish MTB 26

The Squish MTB 26 is Squish’s 26″ wheeled mountain bike with a 13″ frame aimed at kids aged 9+.

The MTB 26 comes with a range of features now common-place on quality children’s bikes, such as, a tuneable air suspension fork, disc brakes and a lightweight, aluminium frame.

Read more about Squish MTB 26

Squish MTB 650

The Squish MTB 650 is Squish’s 27.5″ wheeled mountain bike with a 14″ frame aimed at kids aged 10+ and suitable for a minimum inside leg measurement of 72cm.

Read more about Squish MTB 650

Strider Sport Balance Bike

Built to be incredibly robust, fast and fun, Striders are used in balance bike racing the world over, as well as by children who just want to ride at a more leisurely pace.

The most popular model is the lightweight Strider Sport which is readily available here in the UK.

The Strider Sport weighs 3kg, making it easy for your child to ride and manoeuvre. It features mini-grips meaning little hands can easily take control and learn how to ride and balance on the bike.

The saddle goes as low as 28cm, which Strider claims is suitable for 18 months plus, but remember every child is different so measure them carefully.

You can read our review of the Strider Sport here.

Read more about Strider Sport Balance Bike

Toddlebike/Lena Scooter

The Lena Toddlebike is a perfect beginners ‘scooter’ (or pre-balance bike) for when a child has begun walking (usually around 18months, but it can be earlier) and has an inside leg measurement of 20cm.

The Toddlebike features two wheels at the rear, making it more stable than a balance bike if your child isn’t at that stage yet, and requires more stability.

The geometry is narrower than a traditional three-wheel trike, which enables your child to learn the balance skills needed to progress quickly onto a balance bike when they are ready.

It can be used inside and outside the house and is REALLY lightweight (less than 1kg).

Read more about Toddlebike/Lena Scooter

Trek Precaliber 12

The Trek Precaliber is suitable for children aged 3 – 4 years old, with a range of 91 – 102cm in height.

It has a useful handle on the rear of the saddle to allow you to guide your child as they ride and is available in blue and pink.

The frame is aluminium and the forks are steel, making this one of the heavier 12″ bikes we feature at 6.98kg.

However, do remember this is still hugely lighter than the majority of 12″ wheel kids bikes, which often come in well over 10kg in weight. It has a rear coaster brake, but no front rim brake and comes in two colour choices – blue and pink.

This bike has stabilisers which is useful for children who aren’t yet completely confident with balancing, or for children with additional needs who may not be able to use a balance bike. Read more here – Does my child need stabilisers?

Read more about Trek Precaliber 12
Best 26" kids' bikes: A red Van Rysel Triban 100 road bike on a plain background

Van Rysel 26″ Triban 100

The Van Rysel Triban 100 26” road bike is designed for children aged 9-12, or 135-150 cm tall.

The aluminium frame and fork is paired with a mixed Shimano and Microshift 7-speed drivetrain, providing a decent enough range of gears for most road cycling, alongside dual Tektro brake levers. This means there are two sets: one on the top of the handlebar, and another integrated into the drop bar levers. This helps riders progress from flat bar riding to drop bar riding with confidence.

The skinny 25mm B’Twin Resist 5 tyres offer efficient rolling and stability, while the bike comes complete with battery-powered lights, a bell and wheel reflectors. It’s also compatible with mudguards, a rear rack and a bottle cage, which you can add separately. A great starter road bike if all they’re interested in is riding on tarmac.

Read more about Van Rysel 26″ Triban 100

Vitus Nippy Balance Bike

The Vitus Nippy Balance Bike is really lightweight! When we first picked one up we were really amazed at how little there was to it.

At just 1.9kg and fitted with tiny 10″ wheels it’s perfect for young children who don’t have the strength to manoeuvre a heavier / larger balance bike.

The saddle height ranges from 31cm to 38cm allowing plenty of room for growth.

Read more about Vitus Nippy Balance Bike

Voodoo Nzumbi

Voodoo has developed a reputation for building good quality mountain bikes at a very reasonable price. The Nzumbi is no exception, with a good setup for the cost – it’s carefully designed to excel off-road.

The bike features a 9-speed single chainring setup with Shimano Altus shifters and rear mech and a lightweight aluminium frame, weighing 11.2kg. It is aimed at ages 9 – 12 years old. 

Read more about Voodoo Nzumbi

Whyte 203

Whyte mountain bikes are some of the most desirable bikes around at the moment – go to any trail centre and you’re bound to see loads of them.

The 203 is their 20″ wheel offering for the younger age range and is built around a lightweight aluminium frame in keeping with the current trend for long and low geometry.

The Whyte 203 is available in an olive & orange or a midnight blue & lime.

Read more about Whyte 203

Whyte 403 MTB

When the world of adult mountain bikes changed over to 27.5″ wheels, Whyte bikes invested a great deal of time and energy to create high-quality 26″ wheel mountain bikes for junior riders, and to this day they continue to cater for kids and junior bikers.

The Whyte 403 MTB features an aluminium frame and is available in a cement grey and a khaki green colour.  

Read more about Whyte 403 MTB

Wild 14

Wild Bikes are a good choice if you’re looking for a lightweight, modern looking kids bike but don’t have the budget for one of the really established names.

The Wild 14 features an upright riding position and a supportive saddle for your child to ensure they are comfortable whilst riding.

Wild Bikes have been popular with Cycle Sprog readers over the past few years as you’re getting a decently specified bike for a very good price.

The warranty is only for 12 months whereas some of the other bikes on this page come with 5 years, but these other bikes are also significantly more expensive, so you should take that into consideration.

Read more about Wild 14

Wild 16

The Wild 16 is worth considering if you’re looking for a lightweight 16″ wheel bike at a decent price, and aren’t bothered about the kudos of a bigger name.

Whilst we haven’t reviewed this bike range, we’ve seen them in use and have had positive comments from a few Cycle Sprog readers.

Read more about Wild 16

Wild 18

The Wild 18 has an upright riding position for a low centre of gravity, and narrower cranks which bring their legs closer together in line with their smaller hips, which combined with the low weight of the bike gives an enjoyable and easy riding experience.

The bike comes in a funky two-toned orange/yellow colour and is aimed at 5-year-olds. 

Read more about Wild 18

Wild 24

The Wild 24 is certainly a lot of bike for the price, with the all-important Tektro short-reach brake levers sized for children’s hands.

The gears on the Wild 24 are 8-speed (11-32T) with a single 32T chainset, which means they avoid the complications of lots of gears and a left-hand shifter you often get with cheaper kids bikes. The Wild 24 uses a thumb shifter to change through the 8-gears. It is available in 2 two-toned colours. 

This bike will be a significantly better riding experience than the hunks of steel that are sold in some of the cheaper stores.

Read more about Wild 24
Woom NOW 5

Woom Now 6

The Woom Now 6 is a unique design, sporting a 26-inch rear wheel coupled with a 20-inch front wheel, to accommodate a built-in front carrier for transporting bags, sports equipment, or whatever else your youngster might need to take with them. 

Chunky tyres make light work of Britain’s pot-holed roads, and the included wide mudguards make it practical year round. It also features a dynamo hub with lights that don’t ever need charging, disc brakes for weather-proof stopping power, and a frame-mounted bag for storing other essentials.

Read more about Woom Now 6
woom OFF 4

woom OFF 4

The woom OFF 4 is a stylishly designed mountain bike for kids aged 6 years and up. A premium package, it uses a lightweight hydroformed aluminium frame and carbon fork complemented by quality componentry.

Read more about woom OFF 4

woom OFF 5

Woom have taken their fastidious approach to kids bike building and created a range of high quality mountain bikes for those in the market for a top end product.

Here we have the woom OFF 5 which is a 24″ wheeled lightweight MTB, coming in at 8.6kg due to its specification comprising an aluminium frame matched with a quality carbon fork.

The nine speed gearing is provided by SRAM X5 shifters and rear derailleur, with an 11-34T cassette matched to a 28t chainset designed for kids so the crank arms are of an appropriate length.

Stopping won’t be a problem as the OFF 5 is fitted with Promax hydraulic discs that feature 140mm diameter disc rotors front and rear.

If the rigid fork woom OFF 5 isn’t quite what you’re looking for, this MTB can also be purchased with an air fork giving 80mm travel and which comes fitted with a 160mm front disc rotor. This version is known as the woom OFF AIR 5.

Read more about woom OFF 5

Woom OFF AIR 6

The woom OFF AIR 6 is a well designed quality kids mountain bike for juniors aged around 10-14 years.

It’s a very well equipped bike with quality air suspension forks and a super light aluminium frame with a low top tube for easy access, a long wheelbase and low centre of gravity for stability.

Gearing comes courtesy of a SRAM X5 system and 28t single chainring giving a broad range of 9 gears across an 11-36t cassette.

There are hydraulic disc brakes front and rear, a quality lightweight wheelset and the air suspension fork provides 90mm of travel.

The woom OFF AIR 6 comes in at a weight of just 11kg without pedals.

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woom Original 1

With a minimum inside leg measurement of just 26cm the woom 1 is one of the best balance bikes for shorter toddlers with little legs who are ready to move onto two wheels.

However it’s got 12cm of growth so it’s good for slightly taller children too – and with plenty of room for growth.

The woom 1 is really lightweight which means it’s easy for a younger rider to move about – plus it’s kinder for you to carry when they get fed up and decide they’ve had enough balance biking for one day!

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woom Original 1 PLUS

The woom 1 plus balance bike is sized for children aged between about three and a half to 5 years of age, with an inside leg measurement of between 36cm and 49cm, although all kids do vary in size so it’s best to measure them carefully.

This 14″ wheel balance bike comes with both front and rear brakes which is again quite unusual for balance bikes and helps with the step up to a pedal bike if and when the time is right.

One thing we like about the woom range is that they colour code the rear brake lever and the brake pads, so you can just tell your child to use the green brake. No confusing left/rights or front/backs.  This colour coding continues through their starter pedal bikes which is helpful.

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woom Original 2

If you’re looking for a first bike for your Cycle Sprog then the woom 2 is an excellent choice as it’s one of the lightest 14″ wheel bikes available.

When we reviewed this bike we were really impressed at how well it performed on the daily school run in all weathers and our tester loved how easy the bike was to ride.

One thing that’s great about the woom 2 is the different coloured brake levers, so you can tell your child to use the green brake and there’s no chance of them getting their left and rights mixed up. Clever!

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woom 3 kids bike in yellow - one of the best 16" wheel kids bikes available

woom Original 3

The woom 3 weighs in at just 5.5 kg making it one of the lightest 16″ wheel bike we’ve reviewed.   This is due to almost every part on the woom 3 being made from lightweight aluminium.

The bike can be upgraded to have a kickstand – ideal for neat storage and preventing the bike from getting thrown on the ground.

A nice touch is that the rear brake block and the rear brake lever both have green on them, so you can call out to your child to pull on the green brake – simple but effective!

Our 4 year old reviewer loved riding the woom 3 – you can read her dad’s thoughts here.

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Woom 3 automagic - the smallest kids bike with gears and 16" wheels

woom Original 3 Automagic

The woom 3 Automagic is the smallest kids bike with gears making it an excellent choice if you live in a hilly area.  The “Automagic” in the name is the best bit. The bike automatically shifts between the two gears depending on the speed it’s being ridden and the gradient your child is riding up.

This gives the benefits of gears without the hassle of having to operate them – perfect for this age group.

The bike has all the features we love about woom bikes, including colour coded brakes, kickstand and water bottle mounts and very comfortable riding position.

Our reviewer found the bike really helped her with the first couple of pedal rotations to get moving, and then ride up steep Lake District hills more easily.

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woom Original 4

The Austrian kids bike brand woom is a relative newcomer to the UK, with a range of very lightweight bikes that are proving popular with Cycle Sprog readers.

The woom 4 is their 20″ wheel offering, and at 7.7 kg it’s one of the lightest geared bikes on the market.

The woom 4 is a good choice for urban cycling, as you can add in an optional extra kickstand for ease of parking up when you’ve got where you want to go.

You can also fit the woom mudguards (which are available to buy separately) to prevent your child getting too much splashback when they’re cycling on raining days.

However, this isn’t just a bike for riding on road.  The woom 4 is fitted with Kenda Small block tyres, meaning you can confidently venture onto gravel and grass without any worries.

We’ve reviewed two single speed, smaller Woom Bikes and were very impressed – they did the daily school run throughout winter and looked as good as new at the end of it. Read our review of the woom 2 and the woom 3 review to find out more.

If you’re looking for a quality 20″ wheel bike with gears for general use then this bike is certainly worthy of consideration.

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woom Original 5

The woom 5 has a slightly more of an upright riding style than some other kids bikes and can be fitted with a kickstand and mudguards (available to buy seperately) making it good for regular commuting all year round.

However, it also has Kenda small block tyres and 8 Speed 29 T by 11-32T gearing (operated by a SRAM X4 Twist Grip) which makes it fun to ride off road too and has the gearing to get up some quite steep hills.

We’ve reviewed a couple of the smaller Woom Bikes and were incredibly impressed with the quality and attention to detail. If you think of an Austrian bike built with the same quality and attention to detail as Islabikes, then you can understand why this bike isn’t cheap, but is well worth the price tag.

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woom Original 6

The woom 6 is one of the lightest 26″ wheel kids bikes available, making it easy to manoeuvre. This is worth thinking about if your child is having to lift their bike up and down steps, or if you’re lifting onto a bike rack on a regular basis.

The gearing is well suited to riding up hills with an easy gear for climbing.

We’ve reviewed several of the smaller single speed woom bikes and were very impressed with the quality and performance – they handled the daily school run all winter and still looked as good as new. Check out our woom 2 review and woom 3 review.

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Flyte Zinc Dash balance bike on a blank background

Zinc Flyte Dash

The Zinc Flyte is a 12” wheel balance bike with solid tyres, making it more suitable to indoor riding than outdoor, as well as a well-placed footrest for when they pick up speed.
Despite the fact that it’s not ideal for cycling outside, it does come with a built-in rear mudguard, so if your little one is comfortable enough with the solid tyres on uneven surfaces, then at least it’ll keep the road spray at bay.

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