Types of Kids Bikes
Balance bike – An ideal first bike
Balance bikes are the best way for toddlers to tackle two wheels. There are no gears or pedals to worry about; you simply jump on and ride. Kids use their legs to push themselves along and stop.
You can tell a kid is ready for a balance bike when they're tall enough to climb on and keep two feet on the floor. They'll need to be able to reach the handlebars, the strength to steer, and the confidence to give it a go!
Balance bikes are all about teaching them how to manage on two wheels. They're simple, slow and stable, making them an ideal place to start. In time, your kid will develop the skills and gain the confidence they need to take their feet off the floor and balance.
Kids bikes – Your kid's first pedal-powered bike
Stabilisers provide additional support for young riders, stopping the cycle from toppling over (and them from taking a tumble). Bikes with stabilisers help young riders build confidence and improve riding skills.
Your kid may have grown out of their balance bike or prefer the safety of stabilisers while they get used to riding a pedal bike. When they've got the hang of riding, you can take the stabilisers off and give them complete control.
Stabiliser bikes are suitable for kids 3-7 years of age.
Junior Bikes – Your kid's gateway to Freedom
Junior bikes are suitable for cyclists who can ride with care and confidence. You'll find a range of models, from trail-ready mountain bikes for adventurous boys and girls to BMX bikes for those ready to tackle some tricks. Junior bikes are essentially smaller versions of their adult counterparts, with similar gears and brakes but smaller wheels and frames.
Junior bikes are suitable for kids 6 years and older.
Junior bike types
When your kid is ready to ride a junior bike, you have a range of options to choose from, including hybrid bikes, mountain bikes and BMX bikes. Here's what they are, what makes them different and why your kid might want one:
Hybrid bikes
Hybrid bikes feature all the best bits of a road bike and a mountain bike! Most feature relaxed frame geometry and flat handlebars, which provide a comfortable upright riding position that provides extra visibility, essential for riding through traffic. Add to that a sturdy frame, a great selection of gears and performance brakes, and it’s easy to see why hybrids are an ideal bike choice for commuters.
Mountain bikes
Mountain bikes are built for off-road adventure. They come with thick knobbly tyres to grip the mud and rocks and rigid frames to deal with the lumps, bumps, dips, and damage. Most mountain bikes will come with suspension at the front (known as a hardtail) or at the front and back (a full suspension mountain bike). Mountain bikes will have a range of gears to enable any rider to tackle the toughest of trails.
BMX
Built for style, not speed, BMX bikes have smaller frames, sturdy wheels and low-slung saddles that make it easy to flick around and do tricks. Suitable for trips to the skate park or the school gates, a BMX is as cool today as it was in the 80s.