We always recommend measuring your child before buying them a new bike. Having the wrong size bike can be uncomfortable and will make learning to cycle more difficult. Age isn’t always the best indicator for a straightforward bike measurement, as children are all different sizes and grow at different rates.
Because kids come in all shapes and sizes (much like bikes), there is no “normal” leg length or height for each age category. It’s difficult to suggest the “average size bike for an 11-year-old”, or “the right bicycle size for a 9-year-old boy”, because everyone is shaped differently!
To find the right size bike, inside leg measurement is usually the easiest way to figure out fit. Here are a few super simple steps to follow to ensure accuracy when figuring out the right bike size for kids:
To measure the inseam or inside leg, stand your child up with their back against a wall.
Have them hold their legs together, and then place a book between their legs, as high as comfortably possible.
Use a pencil or tape to mark the top of the book. Move them away from the wall and measure from the top of the book to the floor.
Then, measure their height…
Stand your child in their socks against a wall.
Measure them from the floor to the top of their head.
You can then use the table above using these measurements to find the perfect size bike for your child based on their height and age. Of course, there may be some slight differences between the two - sometimes kids are tall or short for their age, which is why it's so important to take actual physical measurements.
The minimum inside leg length refers to the saddle being at its lowest setting and the maximum inside leg length is the highest setting. By choosing the minimum leg length, your child can grow with the bike and it may last a little longer in regards to fit. By ensuring you’ve got the correct sizes, your child will safely and comfortably be able to get their feet on the ground.