The Largest Selection of the Coolest Bikes in Town!

Getting the right bike for a child is much like it is for an adult. Proper size, fit, etc. play an important role in getting a bike that is comfortable and safe for your child. At BikeSource we have the expertise, bikes and accessories to help you find the right bike for your child. Plus we have the largest selection.

Important information to consider when shopping for a child’s bike:

Size.
Note that "size" and "fit" are not necessarily the same thing. In sales literature kids' bike sizes are recorded based on wheel size, but frame design plays a big part in the fit of a bike. BMX frames, for example, can fit different size kids than traditional frames, since the top bar of a BMX frame sits lower.

Gears.
Kids seem to be happy with fewer gears than adults. Although some advanced mountain bikes have twenty-one gears, the typical kid's mountain bike has six gears. BMX models have no gears.

Shifters.
Grip shifters are considered better than trigger shifters, for two reasons: first, they require much less dexterity to shift from one gear to another; and second, they're a lot more durable.

Graphics and colors.
This seemingly frivolous consideration is actually so important that it's sometimes the defining element, at least as far as kids are concerned. BikeSource carries a variety of bikes with the coolest colors and graphics. Same is true for helmets, clothing and accessories. If it looks good, kids are more likely to wear it!

Training wheels.
Most 12-inch and 16-inch models come standard with training wheels. Make sure that the wheels are removable, so a child can have a good two-wheeler once he/she has mastered the balance required for biking.

Guide to Kid Bike Sizes:
Children's bike sizes are determined by wheel diameter, not seat height and frame size as is the case with adult bicycles. The chart below should help you narrow your search, but it is not a substitute for an expert helping you find a bike that is most suitable. A critical factor is the brakes. Coaster brakes tend to be easier for young kids to use but they become less common as the bikes get bigger. It can be a conundrum and dangerous when kids who are tall for their age fit bigger bikes with hand brakes that they can't operate well.  After kids outgrow children's bikes they'll move into small-framed adult bikes with 26 inch, 27 inch or 700c wheels, which are sized by the length of the seat tube.

Children vary greatly by size, weight and height. Age is not the best way to determine the proper size bike for your child. Always put safety first. The experts at BikeSource can fit your child with a bike that is the right size and is built to last.