Skip to main content

Buyer's Guide To Kids' Bicycles!

Appleton's Best Selection of Kids Bikes

It's never too early to get your kid on two wheels!Is it time to buy your child their first bicycle? Or, is your "little one," not so little anymore and ready for a bigger bike, or one without training wheels?

If it's been a while since you've bike shopped, you're in for a pleasant surprise.

Today, there are more types of children's two-wheelers available than ever before. While this means you have a better selection, it also increases the possibility of purchasing the wrong bike or one that is lesser quality or poorly designed.

Size matters
While adult bicycles are selected according to frame size, kids' bikes are sized (and referred to) according to wheel size (see our photos and chart below).

Also, fitting a bike to children is more than determining their age and height. We also (and you should) evaluate coordination and riding ability. For example, taller children lacking cycling confidence do much better on smaller bikes because they feel more comfortable and in control. And a coordinated 10-year old with long legs who has ridden smaller bicycles growing up might be ready for a full-size bike.

The most important deciding factor is safety. You want a bicycle that lets them ride easily in complete control. All our children's and young-adult bicycles are adjustable to fit as your child grows.


Sizing by age and wheel size

Running bike 
Age: 2 - 4
 Wheel size: 12-inch (or smaller)
12-inch 
Age: 2 - 4
 WS: 12-inch pedal bike (can include training wheels)
16-inch
Age: 3 - 6
 WS: 16-inch pedal bike (can include training wheels)
BMX bikeAge: 5 - 9
 WS: 20-inch
24-inch
Age: 7 - 11
 WS: 24-inch
26-inch/700c
Age: 10 - Adult
 WS: 26-inch/700c

We'll fit your child to the right bicycle and helmet!Our professional bike shop is the best place to buy
We hope that this basic information on choosing, sizing and buying a children's bicycle is helpful and that you'll come see us when it's time to share your cycling love with that eager little one. We carefully select the kid's models we carry and assemble every one by hand plus stand behind every bicycle with a full guarantee, too, should you ever have a problem. We also properly fit the bike to your child and can show you the adjustments you can make as your child grows.

We've got a full selection of accessories, too. You'll want to get them a helmet and we'll make sure that it fits right. And, if they're old enough to bike to school, you'll want them to have a quality lock and know how to use it. You might want them to have a light and bell or a rack for carrying books and clothing. We've got it all and are happy to show you.

Thanks for reading!