A step-by-step guide to buying the best kids' bike:
So, you've narrowed down the size and decided on a style, it's time to choose the best bike for your child. Here's how:
Focus on feel: Ensure your child feels comfortable in the saddle, their feet can reach the handlebars, and their feet can touch the pedals. It's OK if they're stretching a little as they're growing quickly (and it's easy to make minor adjustments), but if they're straining, go for a smaller size.
Grab the brakes: Being able to safely stop a bike is critical, so ensure your child can reach and operate both brakes.
Climb on/off:Check your child can easily climb on and off the bike and handle the weight. Bigger bikes weigh more, so sticking with a smaller size may be safer.
Frame material:Steel frames are hardwearing, but they are heavier. Aluminium or alloy frames are lighter. Check your child can lift or carry a bike before buying.
Gears: Does the bike come with gears, and if so, are they enough? Check your child can safely operate the gears (and understand how they work!)
Do they like the look of it: You want your child to love the look of a bike, so ask them what they think about it. We stock bikes in different colours, finishes, and styles, so they're sure to find something they like to look at and love to ride.
At Halfords, our staff are highly trained and can help your child find a frame and a bike that fits. If you're struggling to select a bike, ask for their help. They'll be able to guide you to find a bike that fits correctly and looks cool too. For more about sizing click here.
Why should I buy my child a bike?
A bike is a gateway to the great outdoors, providing endless hours of fun and freedom. From tiny toddlers on balance bikes to big kids on mountain bikes, anyone and everyone can experience the benefits of riding a bike.
Learning to ride a bike is a rite of passage and an opportunity to experience independence. Whether it's a potter around the park, a family cycle ride, or a quicker commute to school, a bike makes every journey better.
Plus, with the rising cost of living, a bike ride or outdoor adventure is a great way to save money on a day out, while still having fun and getting active.
Kids bike types: which one should I choose?
At Halfords, we've got the UK's largest range of children's bikes in stock and ready to ride. But how do you know which bike is right for your child?
This section describes the different types of kids’ bikes, explaining what they are and who they're for.
Balance bike – An ideal first bike
Balance bikes are the best way for toddlers to tackle two wheels. There are no gears or pedals to worry about; you simply jump on and ride. Kids use their legs to push themselves along and stop.
You can tell a child is ready for a balance bike when they're tall enough to climb on and keep two feet on the floor. They'll need to be able to reach the handlebars, the strength to steer, and the confidence to give it a go!
>Balance bikes are all about teaching them how to manage on two wheels. They're simple, slow and stable, making them an ideal place to start. In time, your child will develop the skills and gain the confidence they need to take their feet off the floor and balance.
Balance bikes are an ideal first bike
Shop balance bikes
Kids' bikes – Your child's first pedal-powered bike
Stabilisers provide additional support for young riders, stopping the cycle from toppling over (and them from taking a tumble). Bikes with stabilisers help young riders build confidence and improve riding skills.
Your child may have grown out of their balance bike or prefer the safety of stabilisers while they get used to riding a pedal bike. When they've got the hang of riding, you can take the stabilisers off and give them complete control.
Stabiliser bikes are suitable for children 3 - 7 years of age.
Shop kids' stabiliser bikes
Junior bikes – Your child's gateway to freedom
Junior bikes are suitable for cyclists who can ride with care and confidence. You'll find a range of models, from trail-ready mountain bikes for adventurous boys and girls to BMX bikes for those ready to tackle some tricks. Junior bikes are essentially smaller versions of their adult counterparts, with similar gears and brakes but smaller wheels and frames.
Junior bikes are suitable for children 6 years and older.
Shop junior bikes
Junior bike types
When your child is ready to ride a junior bike, you have a range of options to choose from, including hybrid bikes, mountain bikes and BMX bikes. Here's what they are, what makes them different and why your child might want one:
Hybrid bikes:
When your child is ready to ride a junior bike, you have a range of options to choose from, including hybrid bikes, mountain bikes and BMX bikes. Here's what they are, what makes them different and why your child might want one:
Mountain bikes:
Mountain bikes are built for off-road adventure. They come with thick knobbly tyres to grip the mud and rocks and rigid frames to deal with the lumps, bumps, dips, and damage. Most mountain bikes will come with suspension at the front (known as a hardtail) or at the front and back (a full suspension mountain bike). Mountain bikes will have a range of gears to enable any rider to tackle the toughest of trails.
BMX:
Built for style, not speed, BMX bikes have smaller frames, sturdy wheels and low-slung saddles that make it easy to flick around and do tricks. Suitable for trips to the skate park or the school gates, a BMX is as cool today as it was in the 80s.
Safer cycling for kids
At Halfords, we want everyone to enjoy safer cycling. As well as a bike, every rider of any age should wear protective equipment, including a helmet. We stock a wide range of cycling accessories for riders of all ages, including helmets and more, in a selection of fun and fashionable designs.
Here's a run-down of the cycling safety essentials we think every rider needs:
Helmet
Helmets can prevent serious head injuries, and they'll go a long way to avoiding nasty cuts and bruises too. Your child's helmet should fit securely and not move when it's in place. Invest in an adjustable helmet, and it'll last for several years.
At Halfords, kids' cycling helmets don't have to be boring. We've got a huge range of child's cycling helmets, including sporty designs, cool skate styles, pretty patterns and even their favourite Disney characters.
Shop kids' helmets
Protective pads and gloves
Knees and elbows can often take the impact when falling, so protect them with pads. A set of cycling gloves can also protect your child's hands, as well as offering extra grip while they're riding.
Shop knee and elbow pads
Learning to ride accessories
It’s a challenge to ride a bike, but our accessories can help make it easier. Our suspension stabilisers provide extra comfort that helps young riders grasp biking basics. Little ones will love the support and stability they get from the Halfords balance bike handle. If you want an affordable solution, our must-have learner accessory packs have everything a young rider needs at an incredibly low price. Each pack contains a helmet, arm and knee pads, a lock, lights and stabilisers. It's everything any rider needs, and all available online or to collect in store.
Lights and reflectors
Anything that can improve visibility is vital, so add a set of lights to your bike. You'll find reflector fitted as standard on all kids' bikes, but it's cheap to add a set of lights that can ensure they're safe and seen day or night. If they're planning on riding in the dark, lights are a legal requirement.
Shop bike lights and reflectors
Hi-vis clothing and accessories
Hi-vis clothing can ensure your child is safe and seen on the road and off it. A reflective wristband and hi-vis jacket include fluorescent strips and surfaces that reflect light. They're cheap, lightweight and effective, even on the darkest of nights.
Shop hi vis clothing and accessories
Bell
Hi-vis clothing can ensure your child is safe and seen on the road and off it. A reflective wristband and hi-vis jacket include fluorescent strips and surfaces that reflect light. They're cheap, lightweight and effective, even on the darkest of nights.
Shop bells
Bike building service
we
Fit
Buy a bike at Halfords, and we'll build it for you. Our bike building service won't just save you time; we'll ensure your bike is safe to ride. Every nut, bolt and moving part is tightened, checked and verified to ensure it's in tip-top condition for your tiny one.
Bike building is free for any bike over £250. If it’s under £250, it’ll cost just £10.
Just select the 'bike build' option at the online checkout or ask a Halfords team member at the till.
Kids' bike maintenance and repair
we
Service
|
we
Repair
At Halfords, we offer a free bike health check for all our bikes and Kids' Bike CycleCare for 1 Year for just £15. You can sign-up in-store or online when you buy your new kids’ bike. You’ll need to book a bike check online. This annual plan includes unlimited 10% off bike accessories, 2x puncture repairs per year (worth £28), bike checks with tyre inflation and unlimited bike accessory fitting.
Kids' Bike CycleCare is available on any new Halfords kids' or junior bike up to and including our 26" wheel bikes. Just ask a Halfords bike expert in-store or book the service online.
