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. 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. However, its been my experience with several kids that a freewheel bike sometimes gives smaller children a false expectation that if theyre pedaling (even backwards) the bike will still go. Should I get the woom 2 or woom 3? I lean towards the Woom 2 because I like the upright riding style and it has a higher seat height range so it should last him longer (and its lighter), but his inseam is currently only 15.6 so the Woom 2 is just a tad high whereas the Alpha One seems like the perfect height. I am glad we found it! Hi Kristen, read our article on coaster brakes vs. handbrakes. Sounds like its one we might need to do a review on! Due to their upright geometry, the Woom bikes make a great bike to use first as a balance bike (with no pedals) and then as a pedal bike. As for not being able to use the FollowMeTandem, you could always try a Tow-Whee; thats what we use in our family. Of course I dont want to go with the 14 and have her quickly outgrow it but I dont want to buy something that is too big either. Thanks!

It doesnt look like theyre sold here in N. America. I would definitely go for the freewheel, not coaster, version. Still need help making your decision? And they have succeeded. Hope your son loves his new bike. Cheers, My other concern would be the weight. Im a huge proponent of teaching children to use hand brakes and bypassing coaster brakes.

Hope that helps! Aluminum is the lighter material, and we all know how important saving weight is on kids bikes, but steel is super durable (and classic). We also appreciate that it has upright geometry that provides a comfortable riding position and helps build kids confidence. Choose a bike thats the right size for where your child is NOW with some room to grow. KB. As we learned, we shared. The Prevelo Alpha One is a bike we recommend for new riders time and time again thanks to its child-appropriate geometry. Hi Tatiana, They do not provide as much support when compared to screw-on stabilisers however and can detach if your child goes over a bump or if they hit a pothole. The paint job (orange or pink) is gorgeous and the components are brand-name. Do you think this bike would work for him? When you have a child who is learning to ride a bike for the very first time, stabilisers are a must-have. The Strider 14x doesnt have handbrake which I prefer. The rear wheel is harder to remove. Hi Justin, I wish Id done more research. This is easy to do. All of this equates to a more stable and comfortable ride. We have no pavement around us so no use for the training wheels. While this is a solid first bike (literally, its super durable), it is not quite as nice as some of the other bikes on this list. This video sums up the info in the post below. It will be his first bike, so I want to take the pedals off and start off using it as a balance bike. Well said another Amanda. That said, I would still prefer one of the bikes on this list and just temporarily remove the pedals. At 17 lbs it will be challenging for the most petite kids to handle, but is still significantly lighter than many budget bikes. Universal stabilisers are usually white in color with a black tyre rim, with the tyre being made out of hard durable plastic instead of rubber. With a coaster brake, a back pedal causes a sudden stop. When comparing two bikes, I will *almost* always pick the lightest one. By clicking on them, Rascal Rides gets a small commission on any sale. I see how well my son does on single track trails and the distance he rides on his push bike this tells me that paying $300 dollars is worth every penny for a family that rides a lot, but I do understand it to be a lot for a family that doesnt ride often together! Hell outgrow the Woom 2 way too fast. My daughter learned just fine on a Strider 14x, and for the price, you really cant go wrong under $200. He has short legs and only a 16 inseam, which eliminates several bikes on this list. The Woom 2 (left) has more upright and relaxed geometry than the more aggressive Cleary Gecko (right). (And similarly, the less room your child will have to grow with the bike). Hes had the balance bike over a year, before that the pewi Ybike, which he flew around the house on before he could walk. Hi Stephane, Note: These bikes are best for 3-year-olds, with the intent that they will be able to ride them for a few years. This and the article on BMX bikes are excellent and really informative- just wish I had read them a year ago before we wasted time with training wheels! If you were choosing based on all of this info, would you recommend getting him a Woom 2 or Prevelo Alpha One? It will allow her to place both feet flat on the ground and will weigh a little less. Im hoping that Canyon will choose to offer these bikes in the USA sooner than later. The components arent quite as high end as the bikes on our Top 5 list, and it weighs a couple pounds more, but for the price, its pretty hard to beat. KB. Weve 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. Unless your child is super athletic, they will probably struggle to ride it without the training wheels. But I cannot find any information in the brand Serious. Hi Ivette, 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. View cart for details. If you are a mountain biking family (like we are! 2000-2022 Home Depot. Thanks in advance. Something went wrong. Local store prices may vary from those displayed. Are you in the EU? Still, there may be some kids who are athletic and confident on a bike right off the bat. He has mastered the balance bike. She is 34 and her inseam is 16.5. I am not the sort of person who resist change or is scared of change. Its lightweight (12 pounds) and has top of the line components (Tektro brakes, wide Vee Tire Co tires). Unfortunately, just like most things in life, the more you spend on a bike the better quality it is going to be. More of an audio learner than a reader? If hes already figured out how to ride it without training wheels and is having fun, it doesnt matter much! I love this list and will likely choose one from your review! ), the Spawn Yoji should definitely be on your shortlist. Blair is a bike geek, mechanic, and mountain bike junkie. (You can also remove the pedals from a pedal bike and have your child use it like a balance bike). Hi Brynn, I havent personally tested the Norco 14 but I know a lot of parents like it, especially the fact that it can be purchased at a local bike shop. Peony Pink Girls' Bike, 16 in. By clicking on them, Rascal Rides gets a small commission on any sale. It makes a huge difference in a childs enjoyment level and in how long they can ride. If she is a really athletic kid that picks things up quickly, you could go with a pedal bike (Woom) right away and just remove the pedals until she gets the hang of balancing. {"modules":["unloadOptimization","bandwidthDetection"],"unloadOptimization":{"browsers":{"Firefox":true,"Chrome":true}},"bandwidthDetection":{"url":"https://ir.ebaystatic.com/cr/v/c1/thirtysevens.jpg","maxViews":4,"imgSize":37,"expiry":300000,"timeout":250}}, CyclingDeal Adjustable Adult Bicycle Training Wheels Fits 20" to 29" (SM-906), Kids Bike Training Wheels Anti-slip Bicycle Stabilizer Kit for 12 14 16 18 20 in, Bell Training Wheels Flip-up Spotter 500 Instructions Kit Fits up 20" Bike, HED Big Aluminum Deal 80mm Clincher Rim 26 32h Black for Fat Bike, Little World Training Wheels Heavy Duty Rear Wheel Bicycle Stabilizers Mounted 1, Specialized Hotrock Training Wheels and Knob Kit Black - 20", Panaracer Schrader-presta Valve Nut Fits on Presta Stem Bag of 10, Wald 1216 Bicycle Training Wheels (12 to 16-Inch Wheels), DT Swiss 3-pawl Service Kit 3 Pawls Spring and Grease.

I am looking for a bike that can last say 2 years, as a starter.

This 14 beauty is one of our favorites due to the beefy mountain bike style tires. Park Cycles set out to make great kids bikes (like some of the kids bike brands listed in our top 5) but at a more approachable price point. Disney Princess Hot Pink/Indigo Girls' Bike with Bubble-Maker, 12 in. Do you know anything about it? All Rights Reserved. You can find out more about why we dont recommend training wheels in this article: Youll notice that all of our favorite kids bikes listed below dont even offer training wheels. I just dont think a 4 year old needs $200+ bike to learn how to ride. They are easy to operate and fit small hands well. We respect your privacy. Kristen Another, Amanda. She is on a balance bike now, so not a confident pedaler yet. If shes still just learning to ride, stick with the smaller size bike. The Yoji has real off-road tires, Tektro brakes, and is built up to weight a mere 13 pounds. While these bikes arent in my Top 5, they are good quality bikes that deserve a look. At this pricepoint, we dont know any other bike coming close to the quality. Have a question: my daughter is 3 on a woom2 we love woom but find its not a good sand/trail bike; we live in AZ and are often on them what would you recommend for an upgrade? We are so excited to get him his first big boy bike. But I already have trouble paying my mortgage and do not see and bike companies with discount programs. While we like the quality and durability of the bike, we dont love the coaster brake or the heavier weight (when compared to the bikes on our top 5 list). For under $100, your best bet is to look for used bikes on Craigslist/Facebook marketplace, etc. Both are great bikes! The Woom 2 is was without a doubt my sons favorite bike, and we arent afraid to call it THE BEST 14 inchkids bike on the market. Thanks for following up and for the thoughtful recommendation. Parker is our resident tester and inspiration.

This is a great bike for athletic riders thanks to the aggressive geometry and beefy Kenda tires. They attach via a screw and a bracket. The bike has a high-quality aluminum frame, threadless headset, and nice wide tires that provide plenty of traction.

Ive compiled a list of the best bikes for your 3 to 4-year-old (i.e.

Bike stabilisers are available in a huge range of different sizes and they are also available in different colors. 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. While 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. We dont do pavement, its mostly packed dirt with some rocks and a bit of crushed rocks, pine needles and tree roots here and there. Unsubscribe at anytime. With so many different kids bikes on the market, it can be confusing to figure out which ones are best. The front wheel can be removed easily (with allen wrench). A lot of kids bikes are poorly designed. It has coaster brakes and weighs l8 pounds. Hard to tell which is smaller for my tiny rider. Cheers, I just wonder : did you have the opportunity to test the Canyon Offspring Al 16 ? If shes already riding a pedal bike (and is fairly confident), then I would probably go with bigger bike. They include a Cane Creek headset, Kenda tires, and an aluminum Ahead stem. Hi Stephane, Not sure which of these bikes is best for YOUR child? He can ride it and gets excited to ride his big boy bike but wed still love to get him a quality bike as he has really taken to riding. So where does it fall short? Please call us at: 1-800-HOME-DEPOT (1-800-466-3337), Please enter in your email address in the following format: you@domain.com. Im afraid Im not familiar with the brand at all.

For maximum comfort and stability, I recommend that your childs inseam be at least as long as the minimum seat height. It also comes with training wheels, so we recommend taking those off. A friend also told me its been a great bike for her 4 year old. The brushed aluminum frame is gorgeous, as is the faux leather saddle. Without knowing your daughers inseam, I cant say which model (Woom 2 vs Woom 3) would be best for her, but just make sure that you pick a bike where the minimum seatpost height is at least as low as your daugherts inseam length. Clip-on stabilisers can be attached in a matter of seconds and they can also be taken off with ease as well. So what is the point in buying an expensive bike if the goal can be accomplished by buying something more economical? The main use will be our paved street neighborhoods and a flat rail trail. This brand new offering from Frog Bikes deserves a spot on our Top 5 list. The Early Rider Belter 14 is an exceptional (albeit pricey) bike. This is a highly personal choicesome people have a clear preference for aluminum or steel. 9 Best Kids Fat Bikes (Plus Mid-Fat and Plus-Sized Kids Bikes), https://rascalrides.com/best-convertible-balance-bikes/. I have found a bike called Serious Superlite 14 which seems great, very light and reasonably priced.

Cheers, (There are other reasons to skip a coaster brake, chief amongst them is the weight). In a nutshell, dont fear a coaster brake. 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. Why? do I go about buying a bike for him I know he had a smaller bike but has out grown it, any suggestions on what to buy him?? Unfortunately, I have not had the opportunity to test any of the Canyon kids bikes, as they arent offered (yet) in the U.S. market. KB. It only takes around 10 minutes to fit them and they're angled to provide support for the bike. We ride most days so want to get the best option. The Raleigh Jazzi (girls version) and Raleigh MXR (boys version) are superior picks for the price. Stabilisers are a great way to get an idea of riding a bike but in a completely safe way. Need Help? I am considering purchasing this bike for my son, but would like to know before buying. Hi there,

Just pay attention when ordering, as most of them you have to add the freewheel as an option at checkout. Which one do you recommend? Hi Jean, A little heavy for young children but its ok. Consider these factors, and then use the comparison chart at the end of this article to help you choose. Unlike many of the big bike manufacturers, Commencal is killing it with their kids bikes. If you made it to here, you probably have all the information you need to pick a great first pedal bike for your child. With a vertical bar stabiliser set, you can insert the screw anywhere up the bar and when fastened in place, it will provide you with the stability you need. Hi Kat, These are denoted with an *. The good news is that when you buy a high-quality bike, like any of those on our Top 5 list, it will last thru several children. The bike is also one of the snazziest looking kids bikes around.

Oh, how I love this little bike. Disney Pixar Raya and The Last Dragon Girls' Bike in Green, 12 in. Im shopping for a bike for my newly turned 3yo son. Though when he grows out of it and you upgrade him, his skills will probably take off even more. its a weird, beautiful (expensive) bike that fits childrens between 98 and 110 cm, so in the range of the bikes you compare on this page, but has 16 rear wheel and 18 front wheel ! What we do like about the Precaliber is that it is durable. What may fit one child at 3 years old may not fit another until 4. Unfortunately, like the other budget bikes on this list, though, its awfully heavy (18 lbs). Its also my sons favoriteI dont think thats a coincidence. I appreciate your advice! 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. Its a beautiful bike. Fortunately, the law only applies to manufacturers, so parents can modify the bike if they choose. At 15 pounds, its also relatively lightweight, and if you remove the training pounds youll save a bit more weight. Most of the bikes on this list are only sold online and arent available at your local bike shop. Many of these bikes we have tested and reviewed; some of them we havent but they are so universally known as a great purchase, Ive included them as well. (Last updated: 2022-07-15 at 10:09 More Info). We were also considering the Cleary Gecko, but my husband thinks the low handlebars would be difficult for him as a complete beginner. The Alpha One can be fitted with an optionaland highly recommendedfreewheel kit. And then how fast and far they are able to ride once theyre pedaling. She seems to be at the top range for the 14 and just below the bottom size requirements for the 16. Hi Allison, I see that space is left blank in the chart. The lower the stand over and minimum seatpost height are, the smaller the child that will fit on the bike. Also, sign up below to receive your free, printable bike buying cheat sheet to help you when shopping. The Commencal Ramones 14 offers dual Tektro handbrakes and no coaster, a comfortable saddle, and Vee tires. (Though their adult bikes are). Were trying to decide between a Woom 2 and a Prevelo Alpha One. Hi, what is the minimum seat height for the Vitus 14? The Cleary Geckos 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. He figured out how to do the pedals in the store. Please note that many of the links on our site are affiliate links. Therefore, it is really very important to measure your child before buying a bike. Also, any thoughts on sizing up to a Spawn Yoji 16 ( I was told that would be a good fit for him ) but seems like a big bike for a small kid. No real mountain bike trails in the immediate future.

Kids can learn to ride (and have fun) on any bikeheavy, clunky, whatever. I didnt see it mentioned in this great blog post of yours, but maybe its because the Strider was not on the market yet. I would ask the bike shop to put it on a scale and weigh it for you before buying..If you end up getting it and like it, let us know.

Its sized best for the under 3 crowd and works well off-road. Best info out there! Hi Jeff, It wont end up in the landfill next month.

Over the summer we knew he was ready for his first pedal bike, but most quality bikes were sold out so we bought him a cheapie Joystar Totem and immediately removed the training wheels. It also has features usually only found on higher end bikes like internal cable routing and a removable steering limiter.

In any case, what Ive seen of them makes them look super attractive.We have tested several bikes with the SRAM Automatix hub and really like it. I understand these bikes may make it easier for the kids, but they will still learn on cheaper bikes. If you see us out on the trail, make sure to say hi! Hi Heather, My son is turning 3 years old and has done amazing on his push bike! Any thoughts on which I should go with? For instance, my son and his cousin who are only a few months apart are nearly six inches apart in height. Products shown as available are normally stocked but inventory levels cannot be guaranteed, For screen reader problems with this website, please call 1-800-430-3376 or text 38698 (standard carrier rates apply to texts), So Sweet 16 in. This little ride has brand-name components like Kenda tires and Tektro handbrakes. While the price tag is a bit higher than many parents may prefer to pay, the quality of the bike is worth every penny. I found your article very insightful, but I am having trouble understanding how 30+ years ago kids were able to learn to ride bikes on heavier clunkier and cheaper versions. Shes still young enough that shell get plenty of use out of it. They are made to provide support and they are incredibly long-lasting. This isnt a thing in the rest of the world. The big front wheel is nice, the bike is very stable. Cheers, *Amazon prices were updated 2022-07-15 at 11:19 More Info, Looking for a deal? Our son is 2.5 but hes taking big hills and jumps and flying down the trails and getting air on the strider, daily in season (we live in Montana and go hiking every day) and at the bike park so when he started telling us he wanted a pedal bike we said yes. This is soooo important for young kids just learning to ride. Its hard for me to see when the sram automatix goes to the 2nd speed but i think i managed to see it sometimes. But there is no doubt a lightweight, well-designed, high-quality bike makes a huge difference in how young and how easily kids are able to learn to ride. Just a quick look at their website makes me curiousthey seem like they could be nice! 35 product ratings - Bike USA Inc Refurbished Original Adult Stabilizer Wheels Kit, 6 product ratings - CyclingDeal Adjustable Adult Bicycle Bike Training Wheels Fits 20" to 29", 4 product ratings - GD Heavy Duty All Metal 14" 16" 18" 20" Bicycle Training Wheels CP, 15 product ratings - Panaracer Schrader/Presta Valve Nut Fits on Presta Valve Stem Bag/10, 2 product ratings - Kids Bicycle Training Wheel Set for 12"/16"/20" Inch Single Speed Bikes Pink New, 1 product ratings - Bell Sports Training Wheels Riderz Street Trainerz Speed Freak #7046439 Sealed, 7 product ratings - Sunlite Heavy Duty Adult Adjustable Training Wheels, 1 product ratings - M-Wave Bicycle Training Wheels, 8 product ratings - Bell Sports Adjustable Spotter 500 Training Wheels Fits 12 to 20 Wheel New. Yes, kids can have fun on any bike. It sounds like you made a good choice. I assume youre talking about the Strider 14x. They make more sense to children cognitively: Back = stop, Forward = go. Have you compared the Frog 40 to the Spawn Yoji 14? Why? This instills confidence and provides easier handling. Just wondering what you think of the strider 14x? For details on how to measure your child and pick the right size bike, read our Kids Bike Size Guide. Norco makes rad adult mountain bikes, and the Norco Coaster 12 looks like a mini version. Hes also not very heavy, only around 33 lbs right now so we need something very light. Have they changed the specs since this article was written? Over the years, weve tested hundreds of kids bikes, helmets, bike trailers, and more. Im measuring him as 16 inches inseam and 41 inches tall. Happily, They can be moved a little. Kristen (mom), Blair (dad), and Parker (kiddo). Im at a point now where I wont even put my son on a bike with a coaster brake, or teach another child to ride using one. The Batch Bicycles 12 was developed with the belief that you shouldnt have to spend a fortune to get a decent bike, and we agree! There seems to be a problem serving the request at this time. (Id also like to stay under $300.) 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. With the Woom, you get handbrakes, a freewheel (no coaster), better geometry, and much higher quality quality components. I would love to be in a position to buy my nephews those, but they are triplets , age 9, and still need to learn to ride a bike, my niece age 4 can do a balance bike well, but is outgrowing it. Clip-on stabilisers are ideal if you want to give your child the support they need when they are outside. I havent measure it myself, but a friend with the bike said its 16. The other thing to consider when it comes to bike geometry is how aggressive the childs position on the bike is. When I search for the Woom on Amazon, this is the comparable bike that comes up. While we strongly recommend one of our Top 5 bikes above, if you are on a tighter budget, check out one of these top picks. (They also sell direct to consumer on their website if thats more your jam). So i read a lot of reviews, articles, and so on. Look for a bike that is no more than 30% of your childs body weight (tough isnt it)? She never had balance bike and didnt express much interest in riding push bike a year ago either. Id go with the Woom 2 (hell be tall enough for it almost immediately). Known for their adult mountain bikes, the brand has created a 14 bike that looks cool enough to hang with the grown-ups. Different stabilisers are available for different sizes of bike, however, the universal size is 12-20. The follow me cannot be used and not all of the bike racks can handle it. and I cant invest that much. Whatever terrain your child is ridingpavement, gravel, grass, or dirtthe Pello Romper can handle it.

The Vitus 14 is it. The rest of the bike is built up with high-quality components including Kenda tires and easy-to-operate Tektro v-brakes. Finally, the part youve been waiting for! Due to the weird frame and disk brakes, the bike is no so easy to transport. On his balance bike I have his seat around 16 and he can still touch the ground. Im suprised thought that Canyon is offering the Automatix hubas far as I know its been discontinued in both the US and Europe, so they might be using old stock?.Let us know if you end up getting one and what you think; always looking for guest reviews too!

I almost eliminated the Woom 2, but then I noticed that on their website the minimum seat height is listed as 15.94 which should work, I think. It comes in bright colors and fun designs, and includes fun extrasfenders and a bellthat most brands are charging extra for. Either way it will get handed down to her little brother at some point. Buy a cheaper bike from a big box store and it will be heavy and fall apart quickly. They help to keep the bike from tipping over and as the name suggests, stabilize the bike. KB. Each child is different. Here are a couple articles to help. The Frog 40 is one of the smallest and lightest 14 bikes available. 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. Her inseam is about 16, so shes still a bit short for a lot of the bikes, but I dont want to invest in a 12 that wont last long. Here are our five top picks. Should I return it? If your little one is going to be riding off-road or off curbs, this bike is worth a look. Hi Amanda, Kristen is a USA Cycling certified coach and loves to share her passion for biking with other families. You should be able to find a pretty nice bike for under $100 by looking used.