165 bikes match

Best 26″ kids bikes for kids aged 9+

Whether your child has been pedalling since their toddler days or is only just beginning their cycling journey, setting them up with one of the best 26” kids bikes can really help them develop their skills and confidence, while making each ride more enjoyable.

When buying a bike for younger children, the process is often relatively simple, as most bikes in smaller sizes follow similar designs. But once you move into the 26” wheel size, aimed at older kids and pre-teens, the range of options suddenly expands, and with it, the decision can feel a lot more complicated.

There’s no shortage of brands competing for your attention, and the best kids bikes at this size are no longer just about bright colours or cool graphics. As you start looking around, you’ll spot big differences in frame design, component quality and overall build. Naturally, better components come at a higher price.

This is also the stage where kids often start gravitating towards particular styles of cycling. Whether that’s weekend adventures, off-road trails, or riding to school, the type of bike they need might differ. So, choosing a 26” bike isn’t always as clear-cut as it used to be. We’ll guide you through the options next.

Best 26" kids bikes: a girl wearing a helmet holding up a bike and smiling

Feeling overwhelmed by all the choices? You’re not alone, but this guide is here to help. We’ll start by explaining the different types of bikes available, so you can decide what suits your child’s cycling style best. After that, we’ll highlight our top picks, with models to suit a range of budgets.

If you’d like more in-depth guidance, there’s a useful Q&A section at the bottom of the page, covering the most common queries we hear from parents.

Once you’ve chosen the perfect bike, don’t forget to check out our recommendations for the best bike helmets for kids. And since getting the right size matters, especially as they grow, we also have a step-by-step guide on how to measure your child's head for a bike helmet.

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

Quick picks: for parents in a hurry

If you haven’t got time to scroll through the entire list, then these are our picks of the best 26" kids bikes from the bunch:

Which type of bike do they need?

It might seem like choosing a bike should be as easy as matching your child’s height to a size chart and picking something that fits your budget. But if you want a bike that will keep them riding happily into their teenage years, it’s worth thinking carefully about how and where they’ll be using it.

Many 26” bikes are designed to be versatile, so if your child likes doing a bit of everything, from riding to school to weekend adventures, a hybrid or city bike could be a great fit. If they’re really into mountain biking but still need something practical, a more rugged option might be the answer.

Hybrid bikes

For kids who mostly cycle to school, ride locally, or head out on relaxed weekend trips on paths and trails, a hybrid bike is often the best all-round option.

The best 26” hybrid bikes combine some of the key features of both road bikes and mountain bikes. They usually have flat handlebars for a comfortable riding position, along with slightly wider tyres to handle different surfaces, such as gravel tracks and park paths.

This makes them perfect for children who want one bike that can handle a variety of situations.

Jump to: Hybrid bikes

Best 26" kids bikes: girl in a blue hoodie lifting the Blue Riverside 900
Best 26" kids bikes: a boy on a mountain bike in a gravel path

Mountain bikes

If your child enjoys adventurous off-road rides, exploring muddy woodland paths and tackling rocky trails, then one of the best 26” mountain bikes could be just what they need.

Mountain bikes in this category often come with suspension forks, which help soak up bumps and jolts from rough terrain, improving both comfort and control. They’re built to be tough, with powerful brakes and a wide gear range that’s designed for climbing and descending steep hills.

Expect chunky tyres with deep treads for maximum grip, flat handlebars for control, and a frame that can take a few knocks.

Jump to: Mountain bikes

Road bikes

For kids who are drawn to the thrill of speed, love a long weekend road ride, or are thinking about joining a club or entering races, a road bike is a great investment. The best kids road bikes are built for fast, smooth cycling on tarmac and other paved surfaces.

These bikes usually have drop handlebars, which allow for a more aerodynamic position. Some models also come with cross-top brake levers on the flat part of the bars, making it easier for younger riders to get used to this new riding style before fully switching to using the drops.

They also tend to have slimmer tyres for less rolling resistance and lighter frames to make climbing hills and picking up speed easier.

Jump to: Road & specialist bikes

 

Best 26" kids bikes: A girl riding an Islabikes Luath road bike in a race
Best 26" kids bikes: Three children with step-through city bikes chatting in front of a bridge

City bikes

City bikes are similar to hybrids in many ways, especially when it comes to comfort and ease of use. But while hybrids are designed to handle light trails as well as roads, city bikes are more focused on daily urban riding.

The best kids city bikes often feature a Dutch-style step-through frame, which allows for a relaxed and upright riding position. This makes them easier to get on and off, ideal for children with limited mobility or those who prefer a more casual riding experience.

These bikes can often be fitted with extras like pannier racks and mudguards. They’re also popular with kids who wear skirts, which is why they’re sometimes still seen as “girls’ bikes,” but they’re really just a practical and stylish choice for anyone.

Jump to: City bikes

 

Best 26" kids bikes: A boy cycling on grass in a cyclocross race

Specialist bikes

Although less common, there are also some specialist 26” bikes worth looking into if your child has more specific interests.

Gravel bikes are great for mixed terrain, such as towpaths and bridleways, and they’re perfect for families who enjoy bikepacking or longer-distance adventures together.

Cyclocross bikes, which are designed for muddy courses filled with twists, turns and obstacles, are ideal for young riders keen to race during the winter season.

And if your child has taken up track cycling, you can even find brakeless fixed-gear bikes made especially for use in velodromes.

Jump to: Road & specialist bikes

B’Twin Riverside 900

Best budget option

Best 26" kids' bikes: A blue B’Twin Riverside 900 hybrid bike on a plain background

  • Price: £329.99
  • Weight: 10.5kg
  • Height: 135-150cm
  • Colours: Blue

Buy if: You need a simple and affordable bike for riding in a variety of places

The B'Twin Riverside 900 is a great affordable option if you’re on a budget. At this price point you can expect a sturdy aluminium frame and fork, combined with child-specific components that are mostly unbranded but still do the job well. 

The Riverside 900 is equipped with 1.75” thick tyres for a comfortable ride on mixed surfaces, and 8-speed gearing with trigger shifters designed for small hands. Stopping power comes from V-brakes, which are simple to use and maintain at home, and included with the bike are reflectors, a bell and a battery-powered front light. It’s also compatible with mudguards, pannier rack and kickstand, which can be bought separately.

For more detail, read our B'Twin Riverside 900 review.

Squish 26

Best mid-range option

Best 26" kids' bikes - The Squish 26 bike on a blank background

  • Price: £424.00
  • Weight: 9.3kg
  • Inseam: 67-79cm
  • Colours: Blue, Green

Buy if: You need a choice of frame sizes

The Squish 26 comes with two frame size options (13" and 15") so you can choose the right size for your child's height and inseam measurement. Both options come with 26" wheels and will have the same rolling efficiency, but you can make sure the frame itself is easy for your child to mount and dismount.

A practical bike ideal for riding around town and to school, the Squish 26 features Shimano 8-speed gearing, Tektro Mini V-Brakes with thumb shifters, and mounts for a bottle cage, mudguards and rear rack.

Woom 6

Best premium option

Best 26" kids' bikes: A red Woom 6 hybrid bike on a plain background

  • Price: £579.00
  • Weight: 9.5kg
  • Inseam: 73-86cm
  • Colours: Red, Green, Blue, Grey

Buy if: You want the best quality and have money to spend

At this price point, with the woom 6 you’re getting higher quality components that will last longer before they need replacing, while also being designed specifically for children. 

The aluminium frame and fork is equipped with SRAM X4 8-speed gearing, V-brakes with easy-reach levers, and 2” Schwalbe Little Joe tyres for a plush ride on mixed surfaces.

Also included are Woom’s own ergonomic saddle, lightweight wheels, and adjustable Vario stem, which allows you to adjust the geometry as your child grows to help keep them comfortable for longer.

We've got a whole database of kids' bikes available, so if you want to keep looking, check out all the 26" hybrid bikes we'd recommend.

B’Twin Rockrider 26" EXPL500

Best budget mountain bike

Best 26" kids' bikes: An orange B’Twin Rockrider ST500 mountain bike on a plain background

  • Price: £279.99 currently £249.99
  • Weight: 14.3 kg
  • Height: 135-150cm
  • Colours: Orange

Buy if: They’re new to mountain biking and don’t need the bells and whistles

If they’re just getting started with mountain biking, or you’re on a tight budget, the B’Twin Rockrider 26" EXPL500 offers up a good bargain. What you can expect at this price point is a solid build with unbranded but still decent components. The Rockrider 26 is built around an aluminium frame and suspension fork that offers 90mm of travel to soak up the bumps of the trails. 

7-speed gearing should be sufficient for most off-road riding, and the 1-to-1 gear ratio means they’ll have a decent climbing gear for tackling all but the steepest hills. V-brakes offer simple and reliable braking, while the 2” wide knobbly tyres can help keep them upright and balanced on uneven terrain. Additional accessories you can add separately include a kickstand, bottle cage and mudguards.

Mondraker Trick 26

Best premium option

Best 26" mountain bikes for kids: A Mondraker Trick 26 mountain bike on a plain background

  • Price: £1,549.00
  • Weight: 12.5kg
  • Height: 145-165cm
  • Colours: Blue/white, grey/yellow

Buy if: They're serious riders in need of a proper hardtail

If your youngster is getting serious on the trails and wants a 'proper' grown up hardtail for the job, then the Mondraker Trick 26 is a great option. It comes with a hefty price tag, but for that you're getting a lot of bike that will last them a really long time. Mondraker has a lot of expertise when it comes to high-end mountain bike design, and they've drawn on this to make a smaller bike for young teens and small adults.

It comes fully equipped with a great spec: SRAM SX Eagle 12-speed gearing meets SRAM Level hydraulic disc brakes, offering the best possible performance, while tubeless-ready wheels come with 2.4" chunky Kenda tyres for excellent traction on a variety of surfaces. What's more it also comes with a dropper post.

Woom OFF AIR 6

Best premium option

Best 26" kids' bikes: A Woom OFF AIR 6 on a plain background

  • Price: £1,055.00
  • Weight: 11kg
  • Height: 140-165cm
  • Colours: Black, Terra Coppa

Buy if: You want a high-spec mountain bike that’s light and ready for serious trail riding.

At just 11kg, the Woom OFF AIR 6 is a lightweight, high-performance mountain bike for kids aged around 11-13. Built with a super-light aluminium frame and air suspension forks, it’s ideal for tearing up pump tracks or tackling trails in the woods.

The bike’s hydraulic disc brakes ensure powerful and reliable stopping in all conditions, while its newly designed handlebars, grips, and saddle provide comfort on longer rides.

With tubeless tyre rims and dropper seat post compatibility, the Woom OFF AIR 6 offers features often seen on adult mountain bikes, giving your child everything they need for an exhilarating ride.

We've got a whole database of kids' bikes available, so if you want to keep looking, check out all the best 26" mountain bikes we'd recommend.

Boardman ADV JNR 26

Best for the budding bikepacker

Best 26" kids' bikes: A grey Boardman ADV JNR 26 adventure bike on a plain background

  • Price: £480.00
  • Weight: 10.5kg
  • Inseam: 68–80cm
  • Colours: Blue

Buy if: You’re planning some family bikepacking trips

Bikepacking as a family has never been easier, and the Boardman ADV JNR 26 means that your youngster can load up their bags and pedal through the wilderness right alongside you.

It’s both on- and off-road capable, thanks to its lightweight triple-butted aluminium frame and fork, 1.5” Vee Rubber Speedster tyres, while the Tektro Mira cable disc brakes offer up excellent stopping power.

The Shimano 8-speed rear derailleur coupled with a Microshift shifter offers a wide range of gears for tackling a multitude of gradients. Specifically, the combination of a 32T chainring with 34t rear cog means it’s ideal for spinning up steep hills.

Meanwhile, it’s got mounts for mudguards and a rear rack, and plenty of space for bikepacking bags so you can tailor it to your family’s adventures.

Vitus Razor Disc 26

Best brand new option

Best 26" kids' bikes: A Vitus Razor Disc 26 road bike on a blank background

Buy if: You want a brand new do-it-all drop bar bike

The Vitus Razor Disc 26 is a lightweight road bike tailored to fit smaller riders, without compromising on performance. With an aluminium frame and compact geometry, it offers a responsive, comfortable ride for young cyclists.

The short-reach shifters are designed for smaller hands, while the powerful flat-mount disc brakes provide reliable stopping power on various terrains. The bike comes with 25mm tyres but has frame clearance for wider tyres if more stability or comfort is needed.

The simple 1x Microshift groupset reduces maintenance and makes gear changes easy, while the bike’s compact handlebars prevent over-reaching, helping kids handle road obstacles confidently.

Black Friday deal: Save 28% at Evans Cycles (£469.99)

Van Rysel Triban 100

Best budget option

Best 26" kids' bikes: A red Van Rysel Triban 100 road bike on a plain background

  • Price: £349.99
  • Weight: 10.2kg 
  • Height: 135-150cm
  • Colours: Red

Buy if: They’re just getting started with road cycling

The Van Rysel Triban 100 26” road bike is designed purely for paved surfaces. 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 them 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.

Frog 70 Road

Best for wannabe racers

Best 26" kids' bikes: A blue Frog Road 70 road bike on a plain background

  • Price: £720.00 (currently £648.00)
  • Weight: 9.3kg
  • Inseam: 67-84cm
  • Colours: Blue

Buy if: They're keen to try out different racing styles

The Frog 70 Road is a lightweight, race-ready bike designed for youngsters who are keen to try road cycling, triathlons or cyclocross. With a 9.3kg aluminium frame, it offers a responsive and efficient ride that’s easier to handle than an adult road bike. The narrow, short-drop handlebars and Microshift short-reach brake levers are specifically sized for smaller hands, giving them greater confidence in all riding positions.

It comes with a 10-speed drivetrain using Frog’s youth-specific FrogFit Technology, which offers smooth, reliable shifting and helps young racers maintain momentum. What sets the Frog 70 Road apart is its versatility: it’s supplied with two sets of Kenda tyres – slicks for tarmac and grippier tread for cyclocross – so kids can try different types of racing without needing to switch bikes.

Islabikes Luath 26

Best second-hand option

Best 26" kids' bikes: A grey Islabikes Luath 26 road bike on a plain background

  • Price: £varies second hand
  • Weight: 8.7kg
  • Inseam: 65-75cm
  • Colours: Grey

Buy if: You want a second hand bargain

Since it’s discontinued, the Islabikes Luath 26, once a premium option, can now be found at a much reduced price if bought second hand.

The Luath is a versatile do-it-all drop bar bike that can be used for road cycling and triathlon, as well as cyclocross and gravel if you swap out the tyres. If your youngster is keen to dabble, then the Luath is a great versatile option.

The aluminium frame and carbon fork combination makes it super lightweight, while the Tektro cable disc brakes and 8-speed Shimano Claris gearing makes for a high quality drivetrain that should last through a lot of use. Compatible accessories you can add yourself include mudguards, a rear rack, kickstand and bottle cage.

While there aren't currently many other drop bar bikes around at the moment, keep an eye on our bike database for all 26" road bikes we'd recommend.

Frog City 67

Best mid-range option

Best 26" kids' bikes: A black Frog City 67 city bike on a plain background

  • Price: £590.00 (currently £413.00)
  • Weight: 9.61kg (with pedals)
  • Inseam: 63-81 cm
  • Colours: Teal, Pink, Black

Buy if: You want a complete riding-to-school setup straight off the shelf

If you can’t bear the thought of searching for compatible accessories to make your child’s bike school run-ready, consider paying a bit more for something that’s good to go, straight off the shelf. The Frog City 67 comes set up with mudguards, a rear rack, kickstand, bell, reflectors and a chainguard. All you need to add is a pannier and some lights. As an added bonus, its step-through frame puts the rider in a comfortable upright position, perfect if you live in a relatively flat area, plus it’s skirt-friendly.

The aluminium frame and fork is combined with 8-speed Shimano Altus or Microshift Mezzo gearing and easy-use trigger shifters. Tektro V-brakes are paired with easy-reach levers, while the 1.5” Kenda City tyres deliver a smooth and comfortable ride on tarmac.

Woom Now 6

Best premium option

Woom NOW 5

  • Price: £839.00
  • Weight: 12.8kg 
  • Height: 142-167cm
  • Colours: Blue, Green

Buy if: You want a fully-equipped and practical carrier

The Woom Now 6 is a unique design among the rest of this list, 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.

 

If none of these are what you're looking for, then check out the rest of the 26" bikes listed in our bike database.

Best 26” kids’ bikes: specialist bikes

Although not as widely stocked as other types of bikes, specialist models still offer some brilliant choices for kids with more specific interests or riding goals.

We’ve highlighted the best options available – whether that’s a gravel bike for tackling gentle trails or a cyclocross bike built for weekend races. Cyclocross bikes are designed for performance in muddy and technical conditions, but both types offer a fun and fast way to enjoy riding off the beaten path.

 

Frog Track 70

Best for the budding track racer

Best 26" kids' bikes: A green Frog Track 70 track bike on a plain background

  • Price: £470.00
  • Weight: 7.77 kg (inc. pedals)
  • Inseam: 67–79cm
  • Colours: Green

Buy if: Your child is destined for the velodrome

The Frog Track 70 is a track bike for young racers aged 11-14. It’s a specialist bike designed for racing in a velodrome or outdoor track racing circuit, and as such it doesn’t come with brakes, has single speed gearing, and features a ‘flip flop’ hub, which means you can turn the rear wheel around to switch between a fixed gear or a coasting one. 

Since it’s designed for racing, the geometry of the aluminium frame and fork is track-specific, designed to minimise drag, and focused on simplicity and efficiency. Kenda K196 1” tyres deliver traction and stability without too much rolling resistance, to keep speed a priority. It comes with paint plasters and frame protection, and while it’s out of stock at the time of writing, it’s due back in the next couple of months.

If none of these are what you're looking for, then check out the rest of the 26" bikes listed in our bike database.

How to choose from the best 26” kids bikes

If you still need a bit of buying advice, here are some key considerations to make when choosing the best bike for your child.

What age range is a 26” kids bike for?

Because children grow at different speeds, it’s hard to give a definitive age range for 26” bikes. As a rough guide, they’re usually suitable for kids aged between 10 and 14.

That said, sizing a bike by age alone isn’t reliable – height and leg length are much more accurate indicators. That’s why we’ve created a detailed guide on how to choose the right size bike for your child's age, along with a step-by-step on how to easily measure your child for a new bike.

Once you’ve got their height and inseam measurements, you can use our Kids Bike Search and let it do the hard work for you!

What are the key things to look for in a kids bike?

At Cycle Sprog, we only feature bikes that we’d be happy to see our own children (or our friends’ kids) ride. You can check out our kids bike reviews for detailed insights into what makes a good-quality bike and which brands to trust.

If you’re doing your own research beyond our guides, here are some important things to look out for:

  • Weight and frame material – Aluminium is lighter and more rust-resistant than steel, making it a better choice for most children. A lighter bike is easier to ride and more fun.
  • Drivetrain quality – Look for well-known brands like Shimano, SRAM, or MicroShift, which offer smoother shifting and easier access to spare parts.
  • Sizing and fit – Make sure the bike is the right size. A poorly fitting bike can put your child off riding altogether.

If you’re considering buying secondhand, don’t miss our full guide on buying a second hand kids bike – it’s packed with advice to help you spot the good ones and avoid potential pitfalls.

How much money should I spend on a 26" kids bike?

At this wheel size, you’ll start to see more variation in price and build quality. That’s because 26” bikes are essentially smaller versions of adult bikes, with a wider choice of components, materials and designs on offer. Some brands prioritise premium features like lightweight frames and hydraulic disc brakes, while others may cut corners to keep costs lower – for example, offering good gearing but a heavier frame.

The positive news is that there are decent bikes available at a range of price points. Some brands are known for offering great value without compromising on the essentials. However, we suggest being cautious about bikes with unusually low prices – poor-quality components can affect performance and longevity.

You’ll typically need to spend at least £250 for a reliable new bike, with higher-end or specialist models running into the thousands. If that’s out of your price range, don’t worry – buying a secondhand kids bike can be a smart and budget-friendly way to get a well-built bike at a reduced cost.

Is there a difference between boys and girls bikes?

In terms of how bikes are built, there’s no real difference between boys’ and girls’ models. The key variations are usually in colour and styling – for example, some brands still market pink bikes for girls and blue for boys.

The good news is that if you’re choosing a reputable brand, the quality will be the same regardless of the colour scheme or label.

There are a few cases where frame design might matter, though. A step-through frame with a chainguard can be helpful for kids who wear skirts, or anyone who wants an easier time getting on and off the bike – especially for short rides like the school run. It’s worth remembering that this kind of frame isn’t gender-specific and can work for any child who prefers that riding position.

At the end of the day, the most important thing is that your child feels confident and happy on their bike.

If you’re still unsure which bike to choose, try our Kids Bike Search tool to browse the top options.

165 bikes match

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