Kids bikes are, to put it simply, what people ride before they graduate to full-sized bikes. They range from balance bikes without pedals, through to multi-gear bikes with wheels that are fractionally smaller than normal bikes, and every kid will have slightly different needs.
This buyer's guide will help parents find the ideal bike for their kids, at the perfect price.
Kids bikes have been around almost as long as people have been pedalling around town. In fact, you could argue that they pre-date pedal bikes. The first “balance bicycle” was invented by German engineer Karl Drais, which he christened the “dandy horse.” The nickname hasn't caught on, but Drais' pedal-less invention remains a popular way for kids to learn the ropes.
Balance bikes were quickly superseded by mechanically propelled varieties in the 1840s and 50s, and cycling became a late Victorian craze. It's still a global phenomenon, with millions of cyclists taking to their saddle every day, from children aged 2 to pensioners trying to stay fit into their old age.
Kids bikes have also played a major role in popular culture. In the 1950s, they were the dominant toy for American kids, with choppers and then BMX varieties becoming a must-have item. You can tell how important bikes were to American youth by the iconic image of ET and his human friend cycling in front of the moon. Being young and riding a bike have always gone together, in both the USA and the UK.
Kids bikes and adult bikes are obviously very closely related. They have the same pedals, chain, wheels, and brakes, but they do differ in important ways as well. These are mainly due to the need to accommodate smaller bodies that aren't quite as sure of themselves on two wheels.
For one thing, kids bikes will be far smaller than adults bikes, and they tend to come with broader wheels, along with extra elements like removable stabilisers to add extra balance for novice riders.
They also tend to place quite a lot of emphasis on colour and style, which makes sense when you are appealing to a cartoon and video game-crazy market.
However, as with all bikes, there are wide variations in quality between different makes and models. With kids bikes, it's doubly important to buy a model that will last, not just one that appeals to their aesthetic instincts. If it breaks down after a couple of rides, that's not going to encourage your child to keep riding, so finding one that's reliable and well-made is a no-brainer.
Thankfully, there are plenty of great brands on the market, and separating the truly dependable bikes from shoddy imitations shouldn't be too hard.
Buying a kids bike isn't as simple as pulling an attractive model off a shelf. There are a number of types for different age groups and needs. Here's a quick look at the main varieties on offer:
Balance bikes – Designed for the very youngest learners, balance bikes have no brakes, and they have 12-inch wheels. Ideal for kids aged 2-4 years old, they also lack pedals. All they are supposed to do is provide an introduction to being in the saddle, which can be a great way to get kids used to the sensation of riding.
Upright bikes– Often based on BMX designs, these bikes ensure that kids always ride in an upright position, which is the most stable way to ride. They achieve this via a low “stand over height” (the heigh of the chain and crossbar), and relatively high handlebars, forcing riders to sit up straight.
Off-road bikes – When kids get older, they may well want to expand their cycling horizons. If they show an interest in cycling offroad, standard bikes won't cut it. In that case, go for bikes with extra suspension and high-grip wheels. By the age of 8 or 9, 20-inch wheel varieties with suspension forks can allow children to tackle beginners tracks with ease.
Tandems – If you have twins or your child shows a desire to cycle with their friends, why not consider buying a tandem? There are also models like the Follow Me that “tag-along” behind adult bikes, a little bit like a trailer. They can be a great way to cycle safely with your kids before they have the confidence and skills to tackle roads on their own.
When you come to buy your kids' first bike, there are some things that every purchaser should keep at the forefront of their minds. Here's a quick rundown of what to look for, and some suggestions about minimum specifications for a high-quality bike.
Weight – Weight is a key consideration when buying a children's bike. For starters, you'll need to carry it around quite a bit, so it shouldn't be cumbersome, but it also has to be easy to manipulate for your child. Small differences in weight can make a huge difference in the way bikes feel. When you only weigh 20kg, a kilogram here or there is easy to feel when you take the wheel, so try to go for lighter models if possible.
Lights – Ensuring that the bike you buy for your child has the correct bike light is essential for their safety and wellbeing. This is even more true if they're planning to use their bike to get to school. If the model you've bought is missing front, back or wheel lights, you can find a good deal out our bike lights listings.
Saddle comfort – The way a bike “feels” when your child is sitting in the saddle can determine how much they enjoy the experience. Good saddles aren't just soft and comfortable, though. They are also designed with safety in mind. Look for concave varieties that prevent children from slipping while they ride, and ensure that the height of the saddle can be easily adjusted. After all, kids tend to grow, and you probably aren't keen to shell out hundreds of pounds for a new bike every birthday.
Brakes – Not all kids bikes need powerful brakes. For very young children, brakes probably aren't quite at their level, but as kids grow older and their grip strengthens, being able to stop quickly and reliably is essential. Try the brakes on any bike you buy for a youngster and imagine being 5 years old. It may feel easy for an adult to press, but would a child be able to stop instantly? Not all brakes have the same sensitivity, and it's vital to find ones that children can use.
Tyres – The best children's bikes will have pneumatic tyres, which offer greater comfort, handle bumps and hollows more easily, and don't weigh as much. Look for tyres that have been tested to ISO 203 level – an indication that they have been given a clean bill of health by regulators.
Safety features – Some manufacturers will include special safety elements to keep youngsters' hands and feet safe from sharp bike parts. So if you're worried about cuts and grazes, go for designs with features like chain guards.
Gears – As a general rule, the number of gears rises as kids get older. Understanding which gear to use and when isn't necessarily a simple task (and people can get sidetracked by offers for bikes with 5-speed gears when kids rarely ever use them.) By and large, a 3-speed gear system is all kids will need, even up to the age of 12. After that, it's up to them to decide.
These considerations are all really important, but the size is probably the biggest challenge when picking the perfect kids bike. So how can parents select a bike that isn't just usable right now, but will last for the next few years as well?
For one thing, you need to be aware of how kids bikes are sold. They tend to be categorised by their wheel size – from 12-inches to 24-inches (which is just a shade smaller than the wheels on adult bikes). The size of the wheel will largely determine how high the handlebars and saddle are, so it's a good measure of overall bike size.
If you have the chance, try to get your child in the saddle of the bikes you are interested in. Ask them if they feel comfortable, and make sure they can easily reach the handlebars. Their toes should also touch the floor with room to spare (remember, they will routinely use the soles of their shoes to brake – it's an instinctive thing).
However, don't be too conservative here. Yes, kids feet need to be able to touch the floor, but kids grow. If you have a toss-up between a 12-inch and a 14-inch wheel, go for the 14-inch variety, as your child will grow into it before you know it.
If you can't visit a bike store, or you're desperate to keep the purchase a secret, there are other ways to arrive at the perfect size. Here's a quick table to give you an idea:
2-4 year olds – Go for “balance” wheels, and bikes that are 2' 11-inches to 3' 5-inches tall (88-105cm)
3-5 year-olds – Go for 12-inch wheels, and bikes that measure 3' 3-inches to 3' 8-inches tall (98-112cm)
4-6 year-olds – Go for 14-inch wheels, and bikes that are 3' 5-inches to 3' 10-inches tall (105-117cm)
5-7 year-olds – Go for 16 or 18-inch wheels, and bikes that are 3' 8-inches to 4' 2-inches tall (112-127cm)
7-9 year-olds – Go for 20-inch wheels and bikes that measure 3' 10-inches to 4' 6-inches tall (117-136cm)
8-11 year-olds – Go for 24-inch wheels, and bikes that are 4'2-inches to 4'9-inches tall (127-145cm)
That's a rough size guide, but it gives a handy indication of how to narrow your search. Another good idea is to take your child's measurements into shops like Halford's and ask the staff for their advice. They will always be fielding similar requests and may have specialist information to think about. But don't buy there and then. Use the info they provide to inform your purchase via the cheapest retailers you can find.
If you're buying for a girl, you may be wondering if there is anything special that you need to consider before your purchase. Our answer: not really. Boys and girls tend to be roughly the same size when they're younger, meaning models designed for boys of a certain age range are likely to fit girls just as well.
The only major difference between boys and girls bikes is the overall livery and colour they have. This is a consideration that will be more relevant when buying for very young girls, with designs available from the likes of Disney, Barbie or Dora the Explorer. Older girls tend to want to more "adult" bikes, so we advise against getting your 12-year-old a Frozen bike for Christmas.
You can also buy bike accessories more suited for girls, such as helmets and basket. The same rule applies here - you only really need to worry about getting "girly" accessories if you're buying for a very young girl.
The kids cycling market in the UK is a jungle, with plenty of inferior brands, and some excellent (and little known) options that are well worth seeking out. As we've discussed, high-quality engineering really matters with kids bikes, so focus on the best brands when searching for cheap children's bikes at hotukdeals. Here are some to look out for:
Islabikes – One of the best specialist UK kids bike manufacturers, Islabike's models range from snazzy brightly coloured balance bikes, through to starter bikes and bikes for older kids that are almost indistinguishable from the real thing. They have racer-style and cross-country bikes, while the Islabike Pro Series is a premium range of ultra-lightweight models that commands a higher price, but offers major performance benefits.
Saracen – Famous for their adult offroad and mountain bikes, Saracen also stock a range of very impressive Premium Junior models. If you intend to take your kids cycling in the great outdoors, their products are the best around.
Raleigh – The grandfather of all UK bike brands, Raleigh have plenty of bikes for boys and girls to enjoy, including their popular Dash, Atom, Strider, and Songbird collections.
Kiddimoto – Specialists in balance bikes, Kiddimoto offer colourful and attention-grabbing models that also safe and comfortable to ride.
Muddyfox – Another company that focuses on all-terrain cycling, Muddyfox is the make of the Anarchy – one of the most rugged bikes around designed for kids aged 10 and over. The 6-speed Shimano gears will be too much for city riding, but for budding Kings of the Mountain, they will allow riders to get used to hills and gear shifts before moving onto adult varieties.
Having the right blend of accessories can make cycling safer and more enjoyable for kids, so here's a brief rundown of items you may want to buy from hotukdeals cycling merchants:
Baskets – Kids love to take their toys and accessories with them when they cycle, and woven baskets let them do so in style. You'll find cheaper woven plastic varieties at hotukdeals merchants like Halfords which clip onto all standard bike frames, as well as front-mounted metal baskets with a little more sturdiness. And there are also artisan-made wicker baskets from brands like PedalPro which bring a touch of tradition to learning how to ride.
Helmets – It doesn't matter whether kids are riding on paths in the park or around the garden, wearing a helmet should be non-negotiable (and also sets up good habits for riding in the future). It always pays to take some time over finding the right fit, as uncomfortable helmets can make riding really unpleasant, and they won't absorb impacts as efficiently either.
Bells – Kids love to ring bike bells, but they have a serious purpose too, alerting parents when there are any issues. You'll find branded bells featuring popular cartoon characters, simple “ping” bells, and horns as well. Try to sample them first to ensure that the noise isn't too piercing, as bystanders don't always appreciate constant bell ringing.
Kids bikes don't come cheap, at least not if you buy a safe, high-quality brand and model. In fact, with good models selling for upwards of £400 at face value, it always makes sense to hunt for kids bike deals wherever they can be found.
Firstly, try to visit a bike store and find a bike (and helmet) that fits your child. See what's on offer, and consider all the angles. When you've made a shortlist of possible models, go back home and log onto hotukdeals. Now you can think about making a purchase.
Type the brand and model you're interested in into the hotukdeals search, and you'll be presented with a comprehensive list of children's bike deals from retailers like Halfords, Argos, Sainsbury's, Wiggle, John Lewis, and Amazon. At almost any time of year, our listings offer the best chance of finding a cheap balance bike or offroad beast – usually with big savings compared to the listed prices.
Some times of year are also better than others for bargain hunting. For instance, cheap children's bikes are always easier to come by around Black Friday in mid-November, when retailers gear up for Christmas. It's definitely a good time to put your foot on the pedal and snap up any short-term deals that arise.
Cycling is one of those skills that everyone should learn as early as possible. Not only is it great exercise, it's also a fun sociable activity that parents and kids can share. So if you want to introduce your child to the joys of pedal power, now's a great time to do so. Just whizz over to the hotukdeals kids bike listings and make a purchase today.
