Kids bikes

Buying a kids bike

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

That's where Cycle Sprog comes in.

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

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

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

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

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

Take a moment to GRAB YOUR FREE KIDS BIKE BUYING GUIDE which will help you with all the information you need to find the perfect bike for your child.

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

What type of kids bike are you looking for?

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

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

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

 

Sponsored Content: Start

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

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

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

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

Sponsored Content: End

Kids’ bikes by age and wheel size

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

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

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

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

How to buy a kids’ bike

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

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

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

Explore kids’ bike brands

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

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

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

Kids bike reviews

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

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

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

Still not sure which bike is right for your child?

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

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

Pink City Bike adam-birkett-yb-284xbTpo-unsplash

My 11 year old daughter wants an old fashioned city bike with basket

The other day I received a message via the Cycle Sprog Facebook page asking for advice on finding a step through traditional city bike for an older child.  The message came from Anthea, who wrote: “Just wondering if you could offer any advice. My 11 year old has grown out of her Frog 55 (by…

Read more about My 11 year old daughter wants an old fashioned city bike with basket
Vitus Nucleus 26 kids MTB - hardtail mountain bike for under £500

Vitus Nucleus 26 kids hardtail mountain bike – first impressions

We take a closer look at the new Vitus 26″ wheel kids MTB

Read more about Vitus Nucleus 26 kids hardtail mountain bike – first impressions

A bike – the best present you can give your child this Christmas

A bike is the best Christmas present you can give a child – we just hope Santa reads this post before he stocks up his sleigh!

Read more about A bike – the best present you can give your child this Christmas
Gifts from Kendal

Perfect gifts for cyclists of all ages – with love from Kendal

Give the gift of some Cumbrian magic with these cycling inspired gifts from the small businesses of Kendal

Read more about Perfect gifts for cyclists of all ages – with love from Kendal
Black Mountain Skog lifted up by child

Kids Bike Review: The Black Mountain SKÖG works biking magic!

What happens when a girl who usually rides a heavy bike gets her hands on one of the lightest kids bikes around

Read more about Kids Bike Review: The Black Mountain SKÖG works biking magic!
Giant ARX 20 in green

Giant ARX 20 kids bike review

Katherine and Jessica have been putting this 20″ wheel hybrid to the test – here’s how they got on

Read more about Giant ARX 20 kids bike review