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
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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
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Fergus Scholes is a freelance journalist covering adventure and the great outdoors, with a focus on travel, gear, automotive, and health and fitness. A contributing editor at the Financial Times’ HTSI, he also writes for The Week, The Independent, The Standard, easyJet’s magazine and T3.com. His writing is driven by a passion for endurance; Fergus has rowed the Atlantic Ocean, completed multiple 250km-plus multiday ultra-marathons and regularly takes on ultra-distance cycling challenges, with training part of his daily life. Based in London, he’s a father of three with a particular affinity for Switzerland, where he spends summers and winters exploring the mountains with his family.