Kids bikes

Buying a kids bike

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

That's where Cycle Sprog comes in.

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

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

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

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

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

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

What type of kids bike are you looking for?

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

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

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

 

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.

Cube Stereo 120 Youth

A closer look at Cube’s 2020 kids bike range

Cube Bikes have recently released their 2020 range and there are some interesting looking kids bikes in the lineup. We’ve taken a closer look and here are some of the models we thought would appeal to our readership. Cubie 120 Walk (£149) We might as well start at the beginning with Cube’s balance bike that…

Read more about A closer look at Cube’s 2020 kids bike range
Vitus 20+ kids 20" wheel mountain bike review

Vitus 20+ kids mountain bike – first impressions review

We take a closer look at this mountain bike for ages 5 and over

Read more about Vitus 20+ kids mountain bike – first impressions review
Giant ARX 20 in green

Giant ARX 20 – first impressions review of this new kids bike

Giant are the world’s largest bike manufacturer, and at long last they’ve caught up with the rest of the kids bike market – which for over a decade has been offering parents premium specification, gender neutral, lightweight kids bike ranges.  The new Giant ARX range comes in three sizes – 16″, 20″ and 24″ wheels,…

Read more about Giant ARX 20 – first impressions review of this new kids bike
Black Mountain Review - Pinto growing bike

Black Mountain Pinto and Skøg review – our first impressions

This clever bike grows from a balance bike into a pedal bike – we take a closer look!

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Black Mountain Bike Pinto and Skog balance bikes that grow with your child into a pedal bike

Black Mountain – a bike that grows with your child

A bike that grows with your child…. what’s that all about???

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Hoy Bonaly 20 in blue

Hoy Bonaly 20 – first impressions review

The Hoy Bonaly 20 has been revamped for 2018 – here’s a peek!

Read more about Hoy Bonaly 20 – first impressions review