Parents know it too well — kids grow quickly — but that means they grow out of things quickly, too. And while we can buy t-shirts a little baggy or pants a little too long, it can be challenging when our little ones outgrow more expensive items, like bicycles.
Making sure a bike is properly fitted to your kiddo is key to a comfortable, enjoyable ride and getting as much life out of the bike as possible. But how do you do that?
Kid’s bikes come in different sizes according to wheel size, ranging from 12-24 inches. In order to determine the right size, you’ll want to measure your little one’s inseam and height. Both sizes should be taken into account and work together as a good starting point.
|
WHEEL SIZE |
AGE | INSEAM | HEIGHT |
| 12” | 2-3 years | 15-18” | 36-39” |
| 14” | 2-4 years | 15-20” | 37-44” |
| 16” | 4-6 years | 16-22” | 41-48” |
| 20” | 5-8 years | 19-25” | 45-54” |
| 24” | 8-11 years | 23-28” | 49-59” |
However, these aren’t the only factors to consider. Bikes can have the same wheel size, but a different overall size. Certain brands even offer difference size frames with the same wheel size. Use these measurements to narrow down your options and then move onto the next important step: seat height.
Depending on the age of your child, and their comfort and skill riding a bike, you will need to adjust the seat height (sometimes referred to as the saddle height). New bike riders should be able to have their feet flat on the ground when seated—to help with balance and stopping—while more bike savvy kiddos should have the seat raised enough so only their tip toes touch.
Look for a seat height that fits your child at the time of purchase, with ample room to adjust and increase over time to maximize usability.
Still can’t seem to keep up with how fast your youngsters are growing? WestShore Bicycles’s Trade-In Program for kids has you covered. Simply bring in the bike you brought at the shop and get 50% off the original purchase price of your new one. Some restrictions apply—visit the team in person for details.
Bike need a little TLC? The WestShore Bicycles team can help with that, too, with a range of tune-up packages available and free pick-up and drop-off services.
Get going, get peddling, and have a great ride. And don’t forget your helmet!