When choosing a bicycle, the size is one of the most important parameters. If cycling is your hobby and you want your offspring to start it in an early age, make sure to select the correct bike size, appropriate for the age and height of the child.
Choosing the right size is particularly difficult when you are buying a bike for a child. Buy a bike too small or too large and the child will feel very uncomfortable; a particularly bad choice may even turn them off cycling for good. It’s tempting to buy a larger bike so your child can “grow into” it, but it’s a bad idea and can actually be dangerous. Make sure to buy a properly sized bike and swap it for larger models as your child grows. With children's bicycles, you can generally tell the size by looking at the bike wheel diameter.
Age | 2-4 years | 3-5 years | 4-6 years | 5-8 years | 7-11 years | 10 or more |
Wheel size | 12" | 14" | 16" | 20" | 24" | 26" |
Height | 82-100 cm | 98-106 cm | 104-122 cm | 120-130 cm | 127-142 cm | 140-158 cm |
Leg length | 30-40 cm | 36-44 cm | 40-54 cm | 52-59 cm | 57-66 cm | 64-70 cm |
Careless bike selection may cause the child to develop bad riding habits. Don’t forget the protective elements, either! Make sure to give the child the right protective equipment, such as a helmet, pads, gloves, lights and reflective elements.
When buying an adult bike, the key factors are the size and the rider’s preferences. Choose the wheel and frame size to match the terrain you generally ride on. A properly sized frame can protect you from neck pain and head, back, and limb aches.
Height | Frame height according to size |
---|---|
less than 165 cm | 15", 16", S, up to 44 cm |
160-170 cm | 17", 18", M, up to 48 cm |
170-185 cm | 19", 20", L, up to 52 cm |
185-200 cm | 21", 22", L, up to 55 cm |
over 195 cm | 23", 24" L, 58 to 60 cm |