Finding the Right Size Bike for your kids
It's simple to find the right size bike for your child; you just need to know your child's height and age. Once you've got an accurate height measurement, use the chart below to find the right size kids' bike.
If you don't have a tape measure at home, you'll find a handy height chart displayed in all our stores. Stand your child next to it, and you'll get an accurate measurement of their height.
Kids bike size chart & frame size
- Choose the smaller wheel size to build confidence in less experienced riders
- Choose the bigger wheel size if you want the bike to last longer and grow with your child
| Height (cm) | Age (Years) | Wheel Size Bikes (Inches) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 88 - 97 | First Bike | 9" - 10" Bikes + Balance | Shop now | |
| 98 - 104 | 3 - 5 | 10" - 12" Bikes | Shop now | |
| 105 - 111 | 4 - 6 | 12" - 14" Bikes | Shop now | |
| 112 - 116 | 5 - 7 | 14" - 16" Bikes | Shop now | |
| 117 - 126 | 6 - 9 | 16" - 20" Bikes | Shop now | |
| 127 - 135 | 8 - 11 | 20" - 24" Bikes | Shop now | |
| 136 - 144 | 9 - 12 | 24" - 26" Bikes | Shop now | |
| 145 - 154 | 9 - 12+ | 26" Bikes | Shop now | |
| 127 - 154 | 8 - 12+ | BMX Bikes | Shop now | |
|
For Children over please consider our range of adult bikes. Below gives
an indication of the sizes you should look for. (For accurate sizing,
check the size guide on individual bikes). Shop now |
| Frame Size (Inches) | Age (Years) | Height (Inches) | Height (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14" | 11 - 14 | 4' 10" - 5' 6" | 148 - 168 |
| 14"/17" | 12 - 15 | 5' 0" - 5' 8" | 154 - 174 |
| 17" | 13 - 16 | 5' 3" - 5' 10" | 160 - 178 |
What about wheel size?
In the past, we'd recommend selecting a child's bike based on wheel size.
Why? Because riding a bike with wheels too big or small can create problems balancing and braking.
But we found this was confusing for parents, so we now recommend using height and age as a guide. Using height and age is a simpler and more accurate way of getting the right-sized kids' bike.
My child is between age ranges. Should I go for the bigger bike or the smaller one?
When using the size chart, you may find that your child is between bike sizes. It means that both bikes should fit your child with some minor adjustments to the saddle height.
So, should you choose the smaller wheel size or the larger one? Here's a simple guide:
- Choose the bigger wheel size if you want the bike to last longer. You can adjust the saddle height as your child grows.
- Choose a smaller wheel size for a bike that's easier to handle. Perfect for less experienced riders who want to build confidence.
Prefer to visit a Halfords store?
If you're still stuck selecting a bike and would prefer some advice from one of our experts, why not visit your local Halfords store.
Our in-store bike experts can help your child to try out the different sizes to ensure they find the perfect fit. They'll also make sure the saddle height is set correctly, making riding comfortable and fun.
Our bikes are labelled on the tickets with which wheel size they are. To make it even easier, they're colour-coded with a clear explanation of what that means in-store.
Find your nearest Halfords store
What happens if my child's bike size isn't right after we've got it home and given it a test ride?
Just bring it back to the store! In most cases, the bike will probably need a couple of easy adjustments to the seat or handlebars to make things comfortable. Our in-store bike experts can sort this out for you quickly.
And don't worry, it's completely free.
Why is finding the right size bike so important?
Finding a kids' bike that fits makes cycling more fun. Your child will build confidence by pedalling comfortably, operating the brakes and gears (if they have them), and touching the floor if needed.
A bike that's too big or small may be uncomfortable to pedal or challenging to control, so they may struggle to stop or find balancing difficult.
Let Halfords look after your bike
If you're not super-confident swapping a tube or spinning a spanner, check out our CycleCare packages. Our expert technicians will keep your child's new bike in top condition for a fixed price, and the Classic plan is perfect for younger riders, with benefits to keep them riding worry-free.