Best children's bikes
Get your kids on two wheels and go on a cycling adventure
Islabikes Rothan 12 balance bike
When getting on two wheels for the first time, a balance bike undoubtedly trumps stabilisers – assuming you're prioritising the best transition to a pedal bike, rather than a "quick win". Ideal from around the age of two – or even earlier – this bike from reputed brand Islabikes is a great choice. Weighing just 3.1kg, and equipped with 12in wheels, it's both easy for your little one to scoot and steer themselves, plus when you inevitably have to carry it back from the park it makes the task less arduous. Very well built, using good components, it'll be good for siblings, and should you want to sell it on, they hold their value very well. Available in three really lovely colours. £199.99; islabikes.co.uk
Frog 40
They may not be cheap, but kids specific bike brand Frog makes some of the highest quality options – equipped with the best components – so it should last you years, passed from sibling to sibling, or sell on easily. Once the balance bike has been mastered, this model is ideal as a first pedal bike. It is lightweight (just 6.5kg), is equipped with kiddy specific components and has thoughtful ergonomics – they may even be up and happily pedalling on their first go. With 14in wheels, it's the smallest of the "first pedal bike" sizes – good for the ages of three to four, so lifespan will be shorter as your little one grows quickly – and is available in six eye-catching colours, including a fun spotty version. £380; frogbikes.one
Halfords Carrera Cosmos Kids Bike – 16" Wheel
If you're able to prolong the balance bike phase, your little one could skip the 14in wheeled options and go straight to the larger 16in wheel models (which have larger frames, too) – a good move if you want to get your money's worth from each bike. Compared to many of the other top brands, Halfords' own Carrera represents really good value while still being a great bike. The ace up its sleeve is weight – it's up there with the best at around 6.8kg – so easy to get around for both child and parent. Components may be a notch down from other pricier brands, however, it will more than suffice for most, and accommodate ages from around three and a half to six or seven years old. £200; halfords.com
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Specialized Jett 20
Reputed for its adult bikes, Specialized's kids specific "Jett" range is available in three sizes; the 16, 20 and 24 (the number corresponding to each model's wheel size in inches). This one is good from around the age of six or seven, and thanks to some thoughtful design – two-hole position cranks, adjustable handlebars and long adjustable seatpost – it is particularly accommodating to your child's growth, helping give it a long life. It's equipped with a seven-speed drivetrain which combined with the larger wheels – as well as wider tyres for some off-roading – will more than quench your little one's thirst for speed, and the 8.7kg weight is more than respectable. £310; specialized.com
Hornit Hero 24
This great looking bike – particularly in the "Snapper Red" colour – is distinctive with its thin tubes. But what really sets it apart from nearly all others is its belt drive system; maintenance free it avoids grease, oil or chance for rust. This size is suited for around eight- to 10-year-olds (Hornit has smaller models, too), and it's the perfect introduction to gears: having just three they won't be overwhelmed or lose track of what gear they're in. Once again, there's no shortcut on components here either, the gears are high quality Shimano, plus they're all housed in an internal hub meaning there's no moving parts to break or any maintenance required. Weighing in at just 8.7kg, it is also very light for this size of bike. £409; hornit.com
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Geoff Capes obituary: shot-putter who became the World’s Strongest Man
In the Spotlight The 'mighty figure' was a two-time Commonwealth Champion and world-record holder
By The Week UK Published
-
Israel attacks Iran: a 'limited' retaliation
Talking Point Iran's humiliated leaders must decide how to respond to Netanyahu's measured strike
By The Week UK Published
-
Crossword: November 2, 2024
The Week's daily crossword puzzle
By The Week Staff Published
-
Stay sharp with the country's best knife shops
The Week Recommends A dull knife is a kitchen's worst nightmare
By Scott Hocker, The Week US Published
-
6 impressive toiletry bags for six different kinds of travelers
The Week Recommends These cases offer form and function. Ready to load 'em up with all those lotions and potions?
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
5 impressive noise-canceling headphones to enjoy the silence
The Week Recommends Block out the rest of the world
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
Kris Kristofferson, singer-songwriter, is dead at 88
Speed Read The musician wrote hit songs for Janis Joplin and Johnny Cash before starring in Hollywood movies
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
10 concert tours to see this fall
The Week Recommends Rake in the changing of the leaves with a series of autumn shows
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
5 travel safety devices for peace of mind on the go
The Week Recommends These tools provide extra protection
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
Why it's getting harder and harder to leave shopping centres
Under The Radar Expert says escalators are positioned to 'disorientate' shoppers and make them spend more
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Trigger warnings on screen spark dissent
Talking Point Are they a measure of sensitivity or just unnecessary posturing?
By Anya Jaremko-Greenwold, The Week US Published