Kids
Cambridge Bicycle and Boston Bicycle carry children's bikes from Diamondback, Fuji, and Jamis.
Most kids try a two-wheeler with training wheels around age 3 years. Between ages 4 and 8 years most kids develop sufficient skill to ride without training wheels, and sufficient hand strength to safely use hand brakes instead of a coaster brake.
Adult bikes are sized by the frame (measured from the center of the bottom bracket to the top of the seat tube). Bikes for children are sized by their wheels: 12”, 16”, 20” and 24”. |
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Child's Inseam |
Approx. Age |
Wheel Diameter |
Comments |
14-17 inches |
2-4 years |
12 inches |
Most come with training heels, some are direct drive. |
18-22 inches |
5-8 years |
16 inches |
Rear coaster brake and pneumatic tires, some have front hand brake. |
22-25 inches |
7-10 years |
20 inches |
Multi-speed with hand brakes. |
24-28 inches |
9+ years |
24 inches |
Most features match those of an adult bicycle. |
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The rider should be able to dismount and comfortably straddle the bike flat-footed. And then with a slight lean of the bike, slide onto the seat, put their foot on a pedal and, when the skill is there, ride away.
The rider must not be stretched out and unable to turn the handlebars easily. At the slow speeds that kids start out riding at, steering by turning the handlebars is much more of an element of riding than at faster speeds where steering is done largely by leaning. If there are training wheels on the bike, all of the steering is done with the handlebars.
If you are interested in buying a children's bicycle for a gift, you may be unable to bring the child along. If you know their exact measurements, such as height, Cambridge Bicycle or Boston Bicycle staff will be able to help you select the perfect-size bicycle. |
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Diamondback Laser 16 boys bicycle
Jamis Hotrod 12 boys bike
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