How to choose a children's bike

The first ride on a bike is one of the important milestones in the life of every child.
A properly selected children's bike will not only ensure a safe ride, but above all will promote the joy of movement and create a positive relationship with cycling. A bicycle and riding it can then entertain a person for a lifetime.

This text will help you to get a basic understanding of the selection of a suitable children's bicycle.
If you need further information or consultation, we will be happy to advise you in our Skibi Kids stores. Skibi specialises in cycling in Prague at our Radotín branch and in Moravia at our Brno branch.

View children's bikes

How to determine the correct wheel size

Basic rules for choosing a size

  • The appropriate size of a child's bicycle should be selected primarily according to the height of the child
  • When sitting in the saddle, the child should comfortably reach the handlebars
  • for smaller children, it is important that they can reach the ground with their feet
  • The child straddles the top tube of the frame and there should be at least 5-8 cm of clearance between the crotch and the frame

Overview of children's bike sizes

The importance of the weight of a children's bike

The weight of the bike is one of the most important parameters when choosing a children's bike.
To give you an idea - if an adult weighs 80 kg and rides a 10 kg bike, the weight of the bike is 12.5% of the child's weight. But when a 20kg child rides a 10kg bike, the weight of the bike is a full 50% of their weight!

Why a lightweight children's bike is so important

  • Easier handling and manoeuvring
  • Less fatigue when riding
  • Better acceleration and braking
  • Easier learning of riding techniques
  • More fun to move

Lightweight x conventional children's bikes - weight

View lightweight children's bikes

Lightweight children's bikes in Skibi Kids

In our shop we specialise in premium brands of lightweight children's bikes:

Woom

  • Austrian brand specialized in children's bicycles
  • Thoughtful geometry for kids
  • Very light weight
  • Ergonomic controls
  • High quality components

WOOM children's bicycles

Early Rider

  • British brand with an emphasis on design
  • Premium materials and workmanship
  • Minimalist look
  • Superior rideability
  • Extremely light weight

Early Rider bikes

Rascal

  • Czech brand of lightweight children's bicycles
  • Emphasis on simplicity and functionality
  • Modern design
  • Great price/performance ratio
  • Lightweight aluminium frames

Rascal bikes

Specifics of each size

Balance bike (before the first bike) 

  • Ideal for developing balance in children aged 1.5 - 3years
  • Teaches basic movement habits
  • Natural transition to a bicycle
  • Saddle height adjustable for growth

SKIBI TIP: if a child is moving to the first 12" wheel from a bicycle, they often don't need balance wheels at all, as they already know how to balance

Children's balance bikes

Children's bikes size 14"

  • Often a child's first bike
  • More stability thanks to 14" wheel size
  • Better ground clearance
  • Handlebar height often adjustable

View bikes 14"

Children's bikes size 16"

  • Still one speed (without derailleur)
  • Child already combines torpedo braking and brake levers
  • More stability and better ground clearance thanks to 16" wheel size
  • Child can already travel longer distances on the bike

View bikes 16"

Children's bikes 20"

  • First gears thanks to derailleur - easier to ride uphill
  • Two lever brakes and no more torpedo braking (stepping backwards)
  • Suspension fork option
  • Swivel shifter on handlebars

View bikes 20"

Children's bikes size 24"

  • Full-featured equipment
  • Shifter and derailleur
  • High quality brakes
  • Suspension fork or full suspension bike
  • Suitable for longer rides

View bikes 24"

What to look for when choosing

1. Bike weight and construction

  • Lighter bike = easier to handle
  • Quality frame made of lightweight materials
  • Appropriate frame size and optimal frame geometry

2. Adjustability

  • Saddle height
  • Handlebar position
  • Brake lever reach

3. Safety features

  • Age-appropriate quality brakes
  • Safe handlebar ending
  • Chain cover
  • Reflectors and reflective elements
  • Flasher and light if ever riding in low visibility and in the evening
  • Bell

4. Other practical accessories

  • Bottle holder
  • Mudguards
  • Stand

Tips for parents when choosing a lightweight bike

What to look for
  • The total weight of the bike
  • Frame material (ideally lightweight aluminium or titanium)
  • Quality of components
  • Adjustment options
  • Warranty
Why invest in a quality lightweight bike
  • Improved safety through better handling
  • Faster learning progression
  • Longer bike life
  • Better resale value
  • Possibility of passing on to younger siblings

Don't forget about safety and maintenance

Basic equipment
  • Children's bicycle helmet (compulsory up to 18 years of age)
  • Cycling gloves
  • Bell
  • Lights (when riding in low visibility)
  • Cycling bottle
Bike maintenance
  • Regular brake check
  • Chain cleaning and lubrication
  • Check tightening of bolts
  • Correct tyre pressure

Conclusion

At Skibi Kids, we specialise in lightweight kids bikes from premium brands.

We will be happy to help you choose the right bike for your child. We offer the opportunity to try out different sizes and offer expert advice on the choice.
In Prague, our Radotín branch of Skibi Kids focuses on cycling, where you can also find a bike service, children's bike rental and a bike to try before you buy. Our Brno branch of Skibi Kids also has a large selection of bikes.

We will be happy to send you a bike via e-shop and deliver it anywhere in the Czech Republic. We send bikes already assembled and adjusted.

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