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If you were your kid, choosing a bicycle would be simple. You'd walk into the nearest toy store, pick out the most colorful, coolest looking set of wheels in the place, throw down your piggy bank money and ride out the front door. Fortunately – for everyone involved – you are not your kid. You're an adult and have to concern yourself with adult things like your child's health and safety.
So, with safety firmly in mind, how do you find the right bike for your child? There are so many factors to consider, but the most important one is proper fit. And how do you know that the bike you're considering is the proper fit for your youngster? Here's our look at what you need to know for choosing the bike that best fits your kid's current stage of growth.
A kids bike size chart is your starting point. Bike size charts are easy to find. They're available at bike shops, toy stores, discount warehouses – pretty much anywhere bikes are sold. But you don't have to get in the car and drive to the store to get one. We've got you covered:
The most common sizing chart. That's your child's height, by the way. Not the bike's.
Age Child's Height Wheel Size 2–3 years old 2'10"–3'4"Another sizing method, this one based on your child's inside leg length.
Age Inseam Wheel Size 2–3 years old 14–17"Age: Age figures here are only an approximation related to typical height and inseam figures for kids in that age range.
Kids bikes come in sizes measured by wheel diameter, as opposed to adult bikes which are measured by frame size and seat height. Common wheel diameters for children's bikes are 12, 16, 20, and 24 inches. By comparison, adult mountain bike wheel sizes typically start at 26 inches. Note that not all brands make bikes in all of these sizes. In additon, you may run into a few manufacturers offering models with 14- or 18-inch wheels.
Types of bikes commonly available:
According to the International Bicycle Fund, most children first experiment with a two-wheeler around the age of three. For those kids, a balance bike with 12-inch wheels is the typical first choice. Balance bikes are pedaless and may or may not come with a brake. Your child propels the bike by scooting along with her feet on the ground and stops by simply planting her feet.
Balance bikes are great for building a toddler's confidence, independence and, of course, sense of balance. They're very popular today as an alternative to tricycles or pedal bikes with training wheels.
Small wheelers are your basic first pedal bikes. Basic is a key word here, meaning that most bikes in this category come with few features found on bigger bikes, like handbrakes and freewheel hubs. But as a transition from a balance bike or tricycle, it's a good idea to keep things simple. Consider a model with coaster brakes, which require less manual dexterity and coordination.
Small wheelers typically come with 14-inch wheels, but there are also lots of models available with 12- or 16-inch wheels. This is important. Remember: It's all about proper fit.
I'm calling the bikes in this category "middle wheelers," although you probably won't find that term when you're out shopping. Usually, they're just described by wheel size, with 16-inches the most common in this group. Middle wheelers typically, but not always, come with hand brakes and may have a gear set. Some feature a freewheel hub that allows the rider to pedal backwards. Other common features include frames made of steel or aluminum.
With middle wheelers, kids pick up some real speed when riding and so it's essential that your child has developed the necessary coordination and dexterity for balance, steering and working the hand brakes.
Gear sets, hand brakes and suspension systems start showing up a lot more with 20-inch models. You'll also start seeing terms like "road bike," "mountain bike" and "cruiser". In other words, specialization starts creeping in at this level, bringing with it a variety of styles and features.
What all of this means is that you and your youngster will have to put some thinking into the type of riding he intends to do: on road, off road, racing, jumping, etc. A good bike isn't cheap and if you're not careful, you may end up with a model that doesn't fit his needs.
There's another style of bike in the 20-inch realm that you might hear your kid begging you for. BMX bikes were born out of the motocross motorcycle world and were originally all about dirt racing on tracks with jumps and banked turns. Today, they have a much broader appeal, mostly because of their durability and looks. BMX bikes typically come with one gear, lightweight frames and knobby tires. 20-inch wheels are common, but you can find models in almost any wheel size. Quality BMX models are ridden hard and built tough, so if you've got a kid like that, a BMX bike may be your choice.
24-inch wheel bikes can be thought of as transition-to-adult bikes mainly because they come with adult bike features (transmissions with up to 36 gears, front suspension, etc.) Road bike, mountain bike, the minimally-featured cruiser style, and BMX models are all available in this category. Advanced features, such as hub brakes, can also be found.
Extra features usually mean higher prices and the chance for more to go wrong. The simpler, the better is good advice. But let's face it, at this point, the choice may be your kid's, not yours.
Height: Have your child stand against the wall, without shoes on and with her feet slightly less than shoulder length apart. Use a measuring tape or yardstick to measure from the ground to the top of her head. Record the result in inches or centimeters, whichever is appropriate.
Inseam: Have your child stand against the wall, without shoes and with his feet slightly less than shoulder length apart. Place a book between his legs, book spine up, and against the wall. Slide the book up to where the spine firmly meets your child's crotch. Have your child move away. Use a pencil to mark where the book's spine meets the wall and then measure from the ground to the pencil mark. Record the result in inches or centimeters, whichever is appropriate.
So, you've measured your child and checked the charts. Ready to go buy a bike? Not so fast. As we said, kids bike size charts are your starting point, but they're only that. You've still got some work to do.
Your child is an individual, unique to every other one out there. That's what parents believe and they're right. Parents are also prideful, and sometimes that pride will lead them believe that their child is more mature than she really is. And that can be dangerous. The fact is that, regardless of age or height, or what a kids bike size chart says, your child may simply not be ready, in terms of maturity or physical ability, to move up to a bigger ride.
Well, that's not exactly true. Your youngster may have grown to a height that makes her ready for a bike with bigger wheels, but not for handling the more sophisticated features – such as hand brakes – typically found on bigger bike models.
So, how do you assess your kid's abilities when it comes to a new bike? First of all, no one knows your child better than you do, and you've seen how she does when compared to other kids of the same age. In other words, you probably have a pretty good instinct for where your child stands in terms of maturity and coordination. Trust that instinct, for starters anyway. You're also going to have her take a test ride before you buy.
Nothing's more fun on Christmas or a birthday than surprising your little one with a brand-new shiny bicycle, one that he'll want to immediately take outside and show off to the neighborhood. Here's an important piece of advice: forget it. That is unless you're prepared to tear your youngster off of that new bike and return it for a full refund.
When shopping for your child's new bike, here's your first rule: Take your kid with you. Going to the store with just your child's measurements and a kids bike size chart is a big mistake. In order to find the perfect bike for your perfectly unique child, you have to actually put him on the bike and check the fit, and then take him outside for a test ride.
Here's your second bike shopping rule: Be sure that the bike you are putting your child on is the exact same model as the one you are considering to buy. In fact, it's better to put your child on the exact bike you're thinking of buying, and if the exact bike or model is not available, come back another day. Or go somewhere else.
And remember to bring your child's bike helmet with you on your shopping trip. It's for the test ride. If your kid doesn't have one, you know what your first purchase will be.
You know the options: sporting goods and toy stores, big box and discount warehouses. But your best bet may just be your good old neighborhood bike shop. That's where you are most liable to find a knowledgeable and experienced salesperson. And expert advice is important in choosing the right bike. Other issues, like assembly and maintenance, are also likely to be best met in a bike shop. That's not to say you can't get quality advice and service elsewhere. But if you're not comfortable with the level of expertise offered at one store, it's best to move on to another.
Have your child sit on the bicycle's seat and grasp the handlebars. If you're trying out a balance bike or a first pedal bike, your kid should be able to place the balls of both feet comfortably on the ground. For second and subsequent pedal bikes, you want your child on her tippy toes when seated in the seat.
Next, ask your child to straddle the top bar, if there is one. According to Consumer Reports, there should be a 1- to 2-inch space between her crotch and the bar. No more, no less.
Have your child walk the bike outside the store and, wearing his helmet, climb on and take the bike for a ride. Check for a safe riding area first, of course. Observe your child's fit, balance, comfort and confidence while riding. Have him pedal, steer, turn and brake. If he does well and likes riding the bike, you may have found your winner. Don't hesitate to try out other models, though. As much as your youngster may like the first bike he rides, he may prefer another one more.
Now you've reached the point where it's almost time to pay up and take your kid and her new bike home. One more point first. Many parents are reluctant to spend a lot of money on a kid's bike that will likely be discarded in a couple of years. If that's your thinking, consider this: Going for a cheaper bike can be a mistake. More expensive bikes are often higher quality and feature lighter weight, greater durability and better control.
Remember your biggest "adult" concern: your child's health and safety.
With so many different kids bikes on the market, it can be confusing to figure out which ones are best. You want a bicycle for your child (or grandchild) that will be easy to learn to pedal on, durable enough to be handed down, and lightweight enough to make biking fun.
The bad news is that there are a lot of awful, heavy bikes out there. The good news is that we’ve spent years testing and reviewing 12 inch and 14 inch kids bikes to help you find the best ones.
The best 14 inch bike is the Woom 2. We recommend it for it’s extremely lightweight build, high quality components, and confidence inspiring riding position. It’s the perfect bike to learn to ride on.
Looking for more options? We’ve compiled a list of the 10 best bikes for your 3 or 4 year old (i.e. 12 inch and 14 inch bicycles).
Why trust us? These are bikes we’ve tested and reviewed ourselves. They are also ones that are recommended time and time again by other bike parents. We’re avid cyclists and parents trying to help other families have as much fun on bikes as we have.
We’ve also created a guide to help you know WHY these bikes are the best bikes and what to look for to make sure you are picking the best bike for YOUR individual child.
Note: These bikes are best for 3 year olds, with the intent that they will be able to ride them for a year or two. If your child is closer to 4 than to 3, you might also want to check out our list of the best 16″ bikes. Learn more about picking the right size bicycle for your child below.
We’re about to give you a list of all the good bikes on the market, but how do you know which one is best for your child? Consider these factors, and then use the comparison chart above to help you choose.
Each child is different. For instance, my son and his cousin who are only a few months apart are nearly six inches apart in height. Therefore, it is really very important to measure your child before buying a bike. What may fit one child at 3 years old may not fit another until 4.
For details on how to measure your child and pick the right size bike, read our Kids Bike Size Guide.
For maximum comfort and stability, I recommend that your child’s inseam be at least as long as the minimum seat height. While technically their inseam can be slightly shorter than the minimum seat height (it will fit on their tippy-toes), kids this young who are just learning to ride do best if they can put their feet flat on the ground.
Of the bikes on this list, the Prevelo Alpha Two and the Cleary Gecko are the smallest. These are great options for kiddos who are ready to move from a balance bike to a pedal bike at a very young age. On the other side of the spectrum, the Pello is a little bigger so is a good choice for little one’s with longer legs but not quite ready for 16 inch wheels.
This chart shows the minimum seat post height of our top picks.
After ensuring a bike is the right size, the next most important thing to consider is the weight. When comparing two bikes, I will *almost* always pick the lightest one.
It makes a huge difference in a child’s enjoyment level and in how long they can ride. Look for a bike that is no more than 30% of your child’s body weight (tough isn’t it)?
Of all the bikes on my list, the Cleary Gecko is the lightest 12″ bike and Woom 2 is the lightest 14″ bike. These were also my son’s favorites—I don’t think that’s a coincidence.
The chart below shows how all of the bikes we’ve included here rate in terms of weight.
The plus of the 12 inch bikes on this list (the Cleary Gecko and the Specialized Hotrock) is that they fit really young riders (as young as 2.5 years old). If your child has been on a balance bike since a super early age and is ready to graduate to a pedal bike earlier than most, go for a 12 inch bike for sure.
On the other hand, if your kiddo is 3.5+, I would recommend choosing a bike with 14 inch wheels instead. Why?
The larger wheel size makes it significantly easier to roll over obstacles—cracks in the sidewalk, rocks and bumps at the bike park, etc. I’ve seen firsthand my son do much better on a 14 inch bike compared to a 12 inch bike.
To understand kids bike sizing and wheel size a little better, read our post on kids bike sizes.
Unfortunately, just like most things in life, the more you spend on a bike the better quality it is going to be. Buy a cheaper bike from a big box store and it will be heavy and fall apart quickly.
The good news is that when you buy a high-quality bike, like any of those at the top of our list, it will last thru several children. This makes it a good investment if you have younger kids it can be passed on to or to sell on Craiglist.
Similarly, brands like Woom and Prevelo offer trade-up programs. When your child outgrows their first bike, you can trade it in for the next size and a significant discount.
While we do believe that you should invest in a good point, there is a tipping point in terms of value. In the following chart you can see how these bikes stack up in terms of price vs. overall score. While the Spawn, Frog, and Early Rider bikes are all fantastic bikes, they are overpriced when compared to offerings from Prevelo, Pello, Woom, and Cleary.
A lot of kids bikes are poorly designed. The bikes on our list of best kids bikes below have been specifically designed to have stable and child appropriate geometry.
This means that they have a longer wheelbase, narrower Q-factor (the distance between the pedals), and a lower center of gravity when compared to most kids bikes. All of this equates to a more stable and comfortable ride.
The other thing to consider when it comes to bike geometry is how aggressive the child’s position on the bike is. For most young kids just learning to ride, we prefer a bike with relaxed, upright geometry. This instills confidence and provides easier handling.
Still, there may be some kids who are athletic and confident on a bike right off the bat. If that’s your child, you can consider a bike with more aggressive geometry.
The Woom 2 (left) has more upright and relaxed geometry than the more aggressive Cleary Gecko (right).
Finally, you’ll want to pay attention to both the stand over height and the minimum seatpost height. Not all 14 inch bikes are sized the same!
The lower the stand over and minimum seatpost height are, the smaller the child that will fit on the bike. (And similarly, the less room your child will have to grow with the bike). Choose a bike that’s the right size for where your child is NOW with some room to grow.
I’m a huge proponent of teaching children to use hand brakes and bypassing coaster brakes. I’m at a point now where I won’t even put my son on a bike with a coaster brake, or teach another child to ride using one.
Why? When kids are learning to pedal, they naturally tend to backpedal as well. With a coaster brake, a back pedal causes a sudden stop. This is incredibly frustrating for little ones. (There are other reasons to skip a coaster brake, chief amongst them is the weight).
The tough thing is that in the U.S., manufacturers are required by law to put a coaster brake on all bikes with wheels that are 20 inches or less. This isn’t a thing in the rest of the world.
Fortunately, the law only applies to manufacturers, so parents can modify the bike if they choose. Brands (like those that sell or favorite bikes below) have after market modification kits that allow you to put a wheel with a freehub on your child’s bike. This is easy to do.
To decide whether a freewheel or coaster brake set-up is best for you, and more about both options, read our article on coaster brakes vs. handbrakes.
A child’s bike outfitted with a coaster brake only.If you do choose to skip a bike with a coaster brake, you need to make sure the handbrakes are easy to pull and easy to operate. This is soooo important for young kids just learning to ride.
Our favorite brake levers are the color coded levers on the Woom 2 (listed #1 in our list below). They are easy to operate and fit small hands well. The color coding also helps kids learn the difference between their right (rear) and left (front) brakes.
Training wheels? Just don’t do it!
If your child hasn’t mastered a balance bike yet, start there and then transition to a pedal bike later. (You can also remove the pedals from a pedal bike and have your child use it like a balance bike).
You can find out more about why we don’t recommend training wheels in this article:
This little bike tester has removed the pedals from her Spawn Yogi and is using it like a balance bike. She had the pedals back on and was riding in no time.
You’ll notice that all of our favorite kids bikes listed below don’t even offer training wheels. If you MUST have training wheels, here are some of our faves. You can also use the comparison table toward the end of this article to find the bikes that offer them.
This is a highly personal choice—some people have a clear preference for aluminum or steel. I don’t personally. Aluminum is the lighter material, and we all know how important saving weight is on kids bikes, but steel is super durable (and classic).
A high level of customer service might be important to you, or it might not. The more mechanically inclined and bike-savvy you are, the more you’ll be able to deal with issues that arise on your own.
If you aren’t as great with bikes, look for a company that has good customer service. They will make sure that your bike is assembled correctly and double and triple checked before shipping. They will help you with replacement parts when and if you need them.
If you made it to here, you probably have all the information you need to pick a great first pedal bike for your child. That said, if you really like to geek out over all the nitty-gritty, you can find even MORE things you should consider before buying in our guide to choosing a kids bike.
Overall Score: 99
Weight10/10Quality Of Components10/10Child Appropriate Geometry / Ease Of Riding10/10Customer Service10/10Aesthetics9/10Weight: 12.3 lbs (with coaster) I Minimum seatpost height: 15.7″ I Freehub option: yes
The Woom 2 was without a doubt my son’s favorite bike when he was learning to ride, and we aren’t afraid to call it THE BEST 14 inch kids bike on the market.
While the price tag is a bit higher than many parents may prefer to pay, the quality of the bike is worth every penny. No detail has been overlooked—from the color-coded brake levers to the upright geometry and featherlight weight, the Woom 2 is perfection.
Our kiddo also preferred the 14-inch wheels of the Woom 2 (compared to a bike with 12 inch wheels) as they allowed him to roll over bigger obstacles.
Make sure to order the freewheel kit ($19) if you prefer that to a coaster brake. (We highly recommend it). It also shaves the weight down by another pound or so.
Read Our Review: Woom 2
Price: $399
Buy at Woom.com*Weight: 12 lbs (with freewheel) I Minimum seatpost height: 15.4″ I Freehub option: yes
Oh, how I love this little bike. The Cleary Gecko‘s small frame makes it the perfect first pedal bike for early balance bike graduates, and the easy-to-pull Tektro brake levers make learning to operate handbrakes possible even for the youngest riders.
This is a great bike for athletic riders thanks to the aggressive geometry and beefy Kenda tires. If your little one is going to be riding off-road or off curbs, this bike is worth a look.
On the flip side, the more aggressive leaned-over geometry may be too much for more timid riders. We also wish that the bike came with a quick release seatpost collar to make it easier to raise and lower the seat quickly.
Read Review: Cleary Gecko
Price: $370
Buy at ClearyBikes.comWeight: 13.2 lbs (with coaster) I Minimum seatpost height: 14.5″ I Freehub option: yes
The Prevelo Alpha One is a bike we recommend for new riders time and time again thanks to its child-appropriate geometry. Your child will be pedaling in no time on this bike.
The Alpha One can be fitted with an optional–and highly recommended–freewheel kit. The rest of the bike is built up with high-quality components including Kenda tires and easy-to-operate Tektro v-brakes.
The bike has also recently been redesigned in order to have a super low seatpost height–the lowest of all the bikes on our list–but also a long seatpost so it can grow. This makes the Alpha One a solid investment and a bike that will last a while.
Is there anything negative to say about the bike? We wish that it had a steering limiter (helpful when kids are just learning to ride). It also lacks some of the “extras” that other bikes come with–bells, kickstand, etc.
Read Review: Prevelo Alpha One
Price: $379
Buy at PreveloBIkes.comWeight: 13.8 lbs (with coaster) I Minimum seatpost height: 17.5″ I Freehub option: yes
This 14″ beauty is one of our favorites due to the beefy mountain bike style tires. Whatever terrain your child is riding–pavement, gravel, grass, or dirt–the Pello Romper can handle it.
The paint job (orange, pink, or teal) is gorgeous and the components are brand-name. They include a Cane Creek headset, Kenda tires, and an aluminum Ahead stem. These are the same parts we’d look for on an adult bike.
The Pello Romper has recently been upgraded so that it had dual front and rear handbrakes, which we love.
The only thing to be aware of with the Romper is that it’s a little heavier and the seatpost is a little higher than bikes like the Woom or Prevelo, so it’s a better fit for bigger and more athletic kiddos.
Read Review: Pello Romper
Price: $359
Buy at PelloBikes.comWeight: 14.2 lbs (with freewheel) I Minimum seatpost height: 15.7″ I Freehub option: yes
This brand new offering from Frog Bikes deserves a spot on our best of list. The Frog 40 is one of the smallest and lightest 14″ bikes available.
It is durable and well-made so expect to hand it down to multiple kids. The bike comes with a freewheel installed, has dual Tektro handbrakes, and a bevy of other impressive components and specs.
The bike is also one of the snazziest looking kids bikes around. It comes in bright colors and fun designs, and includes fun extras–fenders and a bell–that most brands are charging extra for.
Like the Cleary Gecko, the geometry on the Frog 40 is a bit more aggressive. That’s fine for athletic kiddos, but can make learning to ride harder for kids who need a little extra confidence boost.
Read Review: Frog 40
Price: $419
Buy at ReadySetPedal.comWeight: 12.4 lbs (with freewheel) I Minimum seatpost height: 15.7″ I Freehub option: yes
The Early Rider Belter 14 is an exceptional (albeit pricey) bike. The most unique thing about the bike is that it has a belt drive (rather than a chain). This makes it a great choice for young kids who often leave their bikes outside, and for families who live in rainy or humid conditions.
The brushed aluminum frame is gorgeous, as is the faux leather saddle. But the bike isn’t just pretty. It’s lightweight (12 pounds) and has top of the line components (Tektro brakes, wide Vee Tire Co tires).
There’s not much bad to say about the Early Rider Belter 14 other than that it doesn’t have a quick release seatpost collar. That, and the price can be off-putting. It’s a beautiful bike, but not worth the extra cash compared to the Woom 1–in our opinion.
Price: $459
Buy at ReadySetPedal.comWeight: 13 lbs (with freewheel) I Minimum seatpost height: 16″ I Freehub option: yes
If you are a mountain biking family (like we are!), the Spawn Yoji should definitely be on your shortlist. It’s a bit pricey (like all good mountain bikes are), but the high-quality components and low weight make it worth the price.
The Yoji has real off-road tires, Tektro brakes, and is built up to weight a mere 13 pounds.
While this is a fantastic little bike, the high price (ouch!) may be off putting. Additionally, we found assembly and brake setup was more challenging than many of the bikes on this list that are basically ready to roll right out of the box. We’ve also had many parents complain about the customer service (or lack thereof) from Spawn.
Read Our Review: Spawn Yoji
Price: $475
Buy at SpawnCycles.comWeight: 14.1 lbs (with freewheel) I Minimum seatpost height: 16″ I Freehub option: yes
Looking for a deal? The Vitus 14 is it. We consider this bike the “best bang for your buck.”
This little ride has brand-name components like Kenda tires and Tektro handbrakes. It’s also reasonably light, coming in at only 14 pounds. At this pricepoint, we don’t know any other bike coming close to the quality.
The one bummer with this bike is that it’s not as carefully built prior to shipping as a Woom or Guardian bike, for example. You may need some mechanical skills to check over the brakes, headset, etc before riding.
Unfortunately, Chain Reaction is no longer shipping this bike to N. America. We’re leaving the bike on here for those fortunate enough to be in the E.U. or to find one used.
Price: $235
Buy at ChainReactionCycles.comWeight: 16 lbs (with freewheel) I Minimum seatpost height: 16.1″ I Freehub option: yes
For under $270, the Guardian 14 is a great pick. It’s big differentiating feature is the proprietary SureStop braking system that helps prevent over-the-bars accidents. For kids just learning to ride a bike, in particular, we love this design.
The bike comes sans coaster brake, sans training wheels, and with child-appropriate geometry. It also has features usually only found on higher end bikes like internal cable routing and a removable steering limiter.
Our only complaints about the Guardian 14 are the weight (heavier than the more expensive bikes on this list) and the exposed axle bolts.
Read Our Review: Guardian 14
Price: $269
Buy at GuardianBikes.comWeight: 15.8 lbs (with freewheel) I Minimum seatpost height: 16.5″ I Freehub option: yes
Forth Bikes set out to make great kids bikes (like some of the kids bike brands listed at the top of our list) but at a more approachable price point. And they have succeeded.
The Forth Park 14 has child appropriate geometry, dual hand brakes, and a respectable weight for about $100 less than the competition. So where does it fall short?
The components aren’t quite as high end as the bikes higher up on the list, and it weighs a couple pounds more, but for the price, it’s pretty hard to beat.
Price: $235
Buy at ForthBikes.comWeight: 18 lbs (with freewheel) I Minimum seatpost height: 16″ I Freehub option: no
The Batch Bicycles 12 was developed with the belief that you shouldn’t have to spend a fortune to get a decent bike, and we agree! It’s available only from local bike shops, which is nice if you want to go take it for a spin before buying.
The bike has a high-quality aluminum frame, threadless headset, and nice wide tires that provide plenty of traction. Unfortunately, like the other “budget” bikes on this list, though, it’s awfully heavy (18 lbs). Unless your child is super athletic, they will probably struggle to ride it without the training wheels.
This is a bike we’d recommend only to those would are determined to stay under $200, but who would prefer buying a durable bike as opposed to one that will end up in a landfill.
Read Review: Batch Kids Bicycle
Price: $189
Find a Local DealerWhile these bikes aren’t in our top 10 list, they are good quality bikes that deserve a look.
Unlike many of the big bike manufacturers, Commencal is killing it with their kids bikes. Known for their adult mountain bikes, the brand has created a 14″ bike that looks cool enough to hang with the grown-ups.
Luckily, the Commencal Ramones 14 doesn’t just look good, it rides well also. The Commencal Ramones 14 offers dual Tektro handbrakes and no coaster, a comfortable saddle, and Vee tires. Best of all, it’s far more affordable than most of the bikes out there with a freewheel.
Read Review: Commencal Ramones 14
Price: $380
Buy at ReadySetPedal.comAs of fall 2018, Islabikes has discontinued sales in the U.S. If you are lucky enough to live in a market where they are still sold or if you can find one used, the Islabikes Cnoc 14 is a top pick.
This 14” bike is a cult favorite among parents in the know, and if you are looking for a bike with good resale value, this bike is it. The bike is lightweight, fast, and durable.
Read Review: Islabikes Cnoc 14
Most of the bikes on this list are only sold online and aren’t available at your local bike shop. Specialized, on the other hand, sells only thru local bike shops which means the Specialized Riprock 12 is an easy bike to find locally and your child can try it on for size prior to purchasing.
While this is a solid first bike (literally, it’s super durable), it is not quite as nice as some of the other bikes on this list. It also comes with training wheels, so we recommend taking those off.
Read Review: Specialized Riprock 12
Price: $275
Buy at Specialized.comWhile this company is popular in their home country of Australia, it’s not as common to see a Byk in the U.S.
Child appropriate geometry and 14” wheels for rolling over obstacles make the Byk E-250 a decent choice. That said, the lack of a freewheel option and the hard-to-pull brake levers puts this bike lower on my list of faves.
Price:$249
Buy at ReadySetPedal.comNorco makes rad adult mountain bikes, and the Norco Coaster 12 looks like a mini version. While we like the quality and durability of the bike, we don’t love the coaster brake or the heavier weight (when compared to the bikes on our top 5 list).
It does come with a rear v-brake which is nice and we appreciate the large grippy pedals.
Price: $259
Buy at Norco.comWhile the Trek Precaliber 12 is far from our favorite 12 inch bike, we do understand that there are a lot of families who would like to support their local bike shop and Trek is an easy-to-find LBS brand. (They also sell direct to consumer on their website if that’s more your jam).
What we do like about the Precaliber is that it is durable. This isn’t a bike that will fall apart within a few months (or even years of use). At 15 pounds, it’s also relatively lightweight, and if you remove the training pounds you’ll save a bit more weight.
Price: $279
Buy at Trek.comNot sure which of these bikes is best for YOUR child? Here’s how they stack up.
BikeSizeMinimum Seat HeightWeightFreewheel ?Dual handbrakes?Training wheels?Frame Material Woom 214"15.7"12.3 lbsYesYesNoAluminum Islabikes Cnoc14"18.5"12.4 lbsNoYesNoAluminum Spawn Yoji14"16"13 lbsYesYesNoAluminum Cleary Gecko12"15.4"12 lbsYesYesNoAluminum Prevelo Alpha One14"14.5"13.2 lbsYesYesNoAluminum Frog 4014"15.7"14.2 lbsYesYesNoAluminum Pello Romper14"17.5"13.8 lbsNoNoNoAluminum Specialized Riprock12"17"15 lbsNoNoYesSteel Byk E-25014"15.7"14.4 lbsNoYesYesAluminum Commencal Ramones 1414"18"15.4 lbsYesYesYesAluminum Norco Coaster 1212"15"15 lbsNoNoYesAluminum Vitus 1414"16"14.1 lbsYesYesNoAluminum Co-Op Cycles REV 1212"16 lbsNoNoYesAluminum Batch Bicycles 1212"18 lbsNoNoYesAluminum Forth Park 14We first started testing kids bikes 8 years ago when our son was 2 years old! We’ve tested and reviewed a ton of bikes in that time, and experienced even more out and about riding with other families.
The bikes here are those that we have first hand experience with and can whole-heartedly recommend to other parents. There’s not a bad bike on the list–although we like some better than others!
We rode them! Well no, we’re too big for that. We had our kids and our friend’s kids and our neighbor’s kids ride the bikes for us.
These bikes have been ridden how they were most often intended to be ridden, but also ridden down trails, off ramps, and through the snow. We live to bike and bike year round, so bikes get used and abused.
In addition to first hand testing, we also listen to our community. We get soooo many emails from y’all. We have a Facebook group. We talk to parents in real life at the pump track. You all tell us all kinds of things about your children’s experiences on bikes and your experiences with the companies that sell them. This feedback counts too.
Putting a numeric score to a bike is a tough thing; although it helps make our ratings more accurate, it’s still subjective. We urge you not to spend too much time belaboring these scores, and instead look for a bike that seems like it would be a good fit for YOUR child.
All that said, here is what we were looking for when ranking the bikes.
The best bike for a 3 year old is the Woom 2. It is lightweight, has high quality components, and is easy to learn to pedal on. The pedals can also be removed to be used as a balance bike at first, if needed.
Most 3 year olds will fit best on a 14 inch bike. Very small children may fit better on a 12 inch bike, but the larger wheels on a 14 inch will help kids ride more easily over obstacles.
You may also want to check out our kids bike size chart to make sure you’re getting the best size bike for your child.
No, a 3 year old should not ride a tricycle. Unless the tricycle is purely for fun, your child will be better suited by a balance bike or a pedal bike without training wheels. These bikes will help develop gross motor skills and set your child up for a lifetime of loving bicycles.
A 14 inch bike is typically a best fit for a 3 year old. That will provide plenty of room to grow for a year or two.
Still need help making your decision? Here are a couple articles to help. Also, sign up below to receive your free, printable bike buying cheat sheet to help you when shopping.
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Built with ConvertKitThe Rascals are a family of three. Kristen (mom), Blair (dad), and Parker (kiddo). We started Rascal Rides when Parker was born and we didn’t want to give up our passion for biking. As we learned, we shared. Over the years, we’ve tested hundreds of kids bikes, helmets, bike trailers, and more.
Kristen is a USA Cycling certified coach and loves to share her passion for biking with other families. Blair is a bike geek, mechanic, and mountain bike junkie. Parker is our resident tester and inspiration.
If you see us out on the trail, make sure to say hi!
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