What Size Bike For 6 Year Old Boy Or Girl (Detailed Guide)

When it comes to selecting the right bike size for your 6-year-old, the task can seem a little daunting as there are a plethora of sizes and variants that cater to the kids’ bike segment.

So it’s natural that parents can sometimes end up going for a size too big or too small which can result in a not-so-good biking experience for the kid.

To add fuel to the confusion is the fact that kids are always growing and by the time you have your information and facts lined up, the kid would have grown a little bit taller.

What Size Bike Does A 6-Year-Old Boy Or Girl Need?

We recommend an 18 or 20-inch bike for a 6-year-old kid.

Keep in mind that age is only a general guideline while selecting the size.

The height of the child is a better gauge when it comes to bike sizing.

That is because kids of the same age can vary very much in terms of their size and height.

A 20-inch bike generally is a good fit for a child who is between 43 and 55 inches tall, also factoring in their growth spurts.

You can also go for an 18-inch bike as the size difference is not that much and your kid might find it to be a better fit.

However, 18-inch bikes are not that common a size, unlike other wheel sizes, and you may not find many brands that cater to this segment.

This is a new segment that is trying to bridge the gap between a 16 inch bike and a 20-inch one. So, check out an 18-incher and see how that works out.

Factors To Look For When Sizing Bikes For 6-Year-Olds:

Weight: Probably the most important factor when it comes to kids’ bikes – the weight of the bicycle can make or break a kid’s interest in biking, especially when they are very young.

This is because a kid’s body is not developed enough to push around an object that can be very heavy in proportion to their body weight.

This is also an aspect that many tend to overlook.

So a bike that has a lot of aluminum that can lower the weight of the bike will go a long way in ensuring that the kid enjoys biking and will continue to do so.

Fit: The fit of the bike is the other aspect that can impact the biking experience for a kid.

Also, there are several sub-aspects to this that need to work together to provide the best experience.

Standover Height: This is the measurement of the height when the kid stands over the bike while not moving.

The gap between the top tube of the bike (the tube that connects the saddle to the fork in the front) and the crotch should be at least 5 inches for the child to have optimum comfort and confidence.

For this, first, measure the inseam height of the child. This is not the inseam length of the pants though.

Have your child stand against a wall without shoes.

Place a hardcover book between the legs and measure the distance from the crotch to the floor.

This length is what should be used as a gauge of the fit of the bike to the child.

Geometry:

Top tube length: The length of the top tube plays a role in how confident the kid would be in handling the bike.

If it is too short and the area between the knees and the handlebars is cramped, especially during the top of the stroke, the kid will have to exert more to move the bike forward.

Likewise, if the distance is too much, then control and handling can be an issue.

Q – Factor: The Q factor is the measurement of the distance between the two pedals.

Ideally, this should not be too wide as it can result in splaying of the legs and swaying of the body while pedaling resulting in overexertion by the child to move the bike. 

Is A 20-inch Bike Too Big For A 6-Year-Old?

A 20-inch bike would be an ideal size for a 6-year-old girl or boy who is between 43 and 55 inches tall.

You can also try an 18 inch bike that is comparable to a 20 inch bike if the fit is good.

If your kid is shorter than an average 6-year-old, then check out a 16-inch bike that could work out for the child. 

A 16-inch is a recommended bike size for 5-year-old boys and girls.

What Size Bike Frame For 6 Year Old?

Kids’ bikes are sized based on the size of the wheels and not by frame size.

Frame size measurements are used for adult bikes and not for kids’ bikes.

For a 6-year-old, a 20-inch bike would be a good fit which is also a recommended bike size for 7-year-olds.

20 inches here refers to the diameter of the wheels and not the size of the frame.

What Size Bike For A 6-Year-Old In UK Or Australia?

Irrespective of the region that you are from, kids’ bikes are sized based on the diameter of the wheels.

So the best way to size the bike for your kid is to look at the height of your child and then match that with the bike.

So a 6-year-old in the UK or Australia who are between 43 and 55 inches tall will find a 20-inch bike to be a good fit.