Early Rider is here to offer you a comprehensive guide to help you find the right size for your child.
You can pretty much disregard the age of your child when it comes to choosing the right size bike: HEIGHT and INSEAM LENGTH are much more important, as kids grow at such varying rates.
FEET
When it comes to sitting your child on the bike that you’re looking to buy, you need to make sure that they can reach both feet on the ground while sitting on the saddle.
This is not only important for giving a good pedalling position, but also allows the child to stop and put their feet down when they want to.
REACH
The second element of the fit is the reach. You need to make sure that they can not only comfortably reach the handlebars with both hands, but also the brake levers – and be able to operate these easily.
Some bikes will be built with adjustable-reach brake levers, so check for these
WHAT IF YOUR CHILD IS IN BETWEEN SIZES?
Again, as tempting as it might be to size up like you might with school uniform or shoes, it’s usually best here to choose the smaller size. Why is that?
Well, a larger bike will typically be harder for a child to steer, stop and start, especially where they might need to stand on their tiptoes to reach the floor. This larger bike might feel more intimidating and less comfortable, especially for less confident riders.
As the feelings of control, security and confidence are key to an enjoyable cycling experience for kids, it’s clear to see why a smaller bike is likely to offer a better experience here if you’re unsure between sizes.
The exception to this guidance would be that if the child is really on the cusp of the larger size, it might be a better idea because they’ll be able to enjoy riding it for much longer, as well as have a more efficient pedal stroke on the larger bike.
How long until a child outgrows their bike?
Of course no two children are the same or grow at the same rates, but we suggest that their bikes last an average of one to one and a half years before it’s outgrown. This is if it’s purchased when the child fits in the lower end of the sizing bracket.
This might not seem like long at all, but thankfully our quality children’s bikes hold one of, if not the best, resale value.
We even have a dedicated Facebook page to pre-owned Early Rider bikes.
How a child’s cycling skill can affect size
Interestingly, it’s not only your child’s measurements that can dictate which size will be best for them. Their skill level also has a bearing on what size and weight of bike will be best.
A less confident or less skilled child might really benefit from a slightly smaller, more lightweight bicycle. This is because they tend to be easier for the child to handle and manoeuvre, as well as to get onto and dismount.
Having said this, the most key part will still be getting the basic fit right, again for your child’s physical size, rather than age.
SIZE CHART
CHARGER
BIGFOOT
BELTER 14
BELTER 16
BELTER 20
BELTER 24
SEEKER 14
SEEKER 16
SEEKER 16X
SEEKER 20
SEEKER 24
HELLION 16
HELLION 20
HELLION 24
HELLION X20
HELLION X24
United States
United Kingdom / International