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When it comes to children’s bikes, the right size is particularly important. Your child must feel safe on the bike and be able to reach the ground with both feet.
Children’s bikes: Determining the size based on inseam length
The inseam length is crucial for determining the size of a children’s bike. Your child’s size is related to their inseam length, which allows you to determine the correct saddle height more accurately.
- Take a book and have your child hold it between their legs and carefully push it up as far as possible.
- Now use a tape measure to measure the distance from the top edge of the book to the floor. This is your child’s inseam.
Determine saddle height and rim diameter
Once you have determined the inseam length, you can start looking for the right bike size. However, your child should only ride a bike if their inseam length is at least 40 centimeters. Before that, a balance bike is the safer option.
- You can use the measured inside leg length to determine the maximum saddle height in centimeters and the rim diameter in inches.
- This refers to the saddle height when the saddle is set all the way down. This allows you to adjust the saddle even further as your child grows.
- The bigger your child gets, the bigger their feet get. This makes it easier for them to reach the ground and the saddle height can be set higher.
- The table (image) shows you the saddle height and rim size your child needs.
- However, the distance between the handlebars and the saddle, the angle between the saddle and the pedals, and the frame shape are also important. Before buying a bike, your child should test whether they can sit safely on it.
