bike sizes for children

[Shannow]

Two children, 8, and 6, both with 16"er at the moment.

8yo girl had a growth spurt, and is firing on her bike, so she's due an upgrade for Birthday in January.

20" looks good on her, but still single gear rear pedal brakes...catalogues sort of make 10 the upper age for a 20.

What's the general consensus on size versue age ?

She's after a beach cruiser type.

 

[JOD]

If she's average height for her age, I'd probably go w/a 24". Girl's cruisers typically have very low stand-over height, and big wheels want to stay upright; after the first couple of pedal strokes, it'll be easier to ride than a 20", and she won't grow out of it in a year.

The only consideration is the gearing. You may want to consider a small front (or bigger rear) sprocket if it's hilly where you live, since she may be lacking a bit in strength.

 

[NYEngineer]

My son is 7 and 52" tall. He's starting to look too big on his 20" wheeled bike so I'm building him a 24" wheeled bike. It should be perfect for him in the spring.

 

[Shannow]

Got the 20, and she was given it on her 9th Birthday (at the big 4 caravan park at Nelligen, NSW).

Fits her well, and if we need to upgrade in 2 years time, then so be it.