Are you searching for the perfect bike size and style for your child but feeling a bit overwhelmed? I completely understand! As a mom of four, we’ve purchased and assembled our fair share of bikes over the years. But choosing the best bikes for kids doesn’t have to be daunting!
Here’s the problem: Kids grow quickly and bikes are expensive, but kids can be tough on bikes, and they absolutely have to be sturdy and safe. As a parent, you want to know if the bike is high-quality and built to last, plus whether it’s the right size and style for your child.
Let’s break it down and make it easy!
I recently had the opportunity to test out three different models of Retrospec bikes for kids. They provided the bikes for review purposes, and this post is part of a sponsored collaboration. All opinions and observations are my own from our family’s honest experiences with the bikes. This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you purchase through my links. It doesn’t cost you any extra at all but helps out my family! Thanks!
How to Choose the Best Bikes for Kids: Size, Experience & Style
Choosing the best bike for kids starts with three basic considerations:
- Choosing the right bike size
- Considering your child’s biking experience and abilities
- Thinking through your child’s riding plans
Start With the Right Kids’ Bike Size, Not Just Age
Many bike companies correlate wheel sizes with recommended age ranges. These are general guidelines to help you get started when shopping for a children’s bike.
Kids’ Bike Size Chart by Age
| Wheel Size | Recommended Age |
|---|---|
| 12-inch wheel | Ages 2–3 |
| 16-inch wheel | Ages 4–6 |
| 20-inch wheel | Ages 6–8 (some models accommodate ages 6–11) |
| 24-inch wheel | Ages 8–11 |
| 26-inch wheel | Ages 12 to adult, depending on the bike |
However, age and wheel size aren’t the only things to consider when choosing the right bike for your child!
Ask yourself:
- Can your child stand comfortably over the bike frame?
- Can they comfortably reach the handlebars and brake levers?
- Are they coordinated enough to steer?
- Are they still learning to start and stop?
- Do they still need training wheels?
A properly fitted bike makes riding easier and more enjoyable. Don’t be tempted to purchase a bike that’s too big simply because your child will eventually grow into it. You want to make sure it fits them well enough to be safe in this moment. Check the manufacturer’s height, inseam, and seat-height recommendations before purchasing.
Consider Your Child’s Riding Experience
Beginner bikes for ages 4–6 usually target kids who are just learning to pedal and steer. These are often new skills that take some time to master!
Bikes for beginners often include training wheels, so kids can focus on steering and pedaling and add the balancing component a bit later when they’re ready.
Children who are already confident on two wheels may be ready for bikes that offer a bit more power, hand brakes, multiple speeds, or wider tires for moving beyond the sidewalk.
The best bike for a new learner may not be the best bike choice for an older, experienced child, even if the bikes have similar features.
Kids grow and gain skills at different paces. They master riding without training wheels or using gears at different ages and stages, depending on the child. My four kids haven’t all tracked the same in learning to pedal or ride a bike without training wheels!
It’s important to know your child and consider their abilities and skills before choosing a new bike.
Think About Where Your Child Will Ride
Finally, you want to consider how the bike will be used.
Some bikes are designed for driveways and sidewalks in flat areas. These bikes work well for neighborhood streets and simple, paved trails.
If your child likes going off-pavement and exploring grassy areas, you may need a bike with thicker tires or gears. The same is true if your neighborhood is hilly or includes inclines.
The riding environment will help you determine which bike features are useful for your child.
Retrospec Bikes for Different Ages & Stages
Now that you’ve thought through the size and style of bike you’re looking for, let’s take a closer look at three Retrospec bikes and how they’re designed for different stages of childhood.
| Bike | Age Range | Wheel size | Best starting point for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retrospec Koda | Ages 4–6 | 16 inches | Parents shopping for a younger rider |
| Retrospec Dart | Ages 6–8 | 20 inches | Parents considering a bike for a growing child |
| Retrospec Chatham Beach Cruiser | Ages 13+ | 26 inches | Parents shopping for an older child or teen |
1. Retrospec Koda 16-Inch Kids’ Bike: The Perfect Beginner Bike for Ages 4–6
Who is it for?
The Retrospec Koda 16-inch kids’ bike is designed for children ages 4–6 and is absolutely perfect for beginners and young riders!
Key Features:
- Low-profile frame
- Chain guard
- Bike bell
- Built-in handle on the seat so parents can easily push or carry
- Training wheels for new learners
- Two ways to brake: a child-sized hand brake and pedal brakes
- Sturdy and stable design
- Lightweight construction
- Hand stops so little hands won’t slide off the handlebars
Our Personal Experience with the Retrospec Koda 16
This bike is so cute, sturdy, and easy to ride! It’s a great beginner bike for new learners just beginning to pedal and ready for training wheels. Here are some of the things we loved about this 16-inch kids’ bike.
Super-Easy Assembly & Setup
I was pleasantly surprised by how easy the Retrospec Koda 16 was to put together. We’ve had some hours-long doozies trying to put together other bikes from boxes, but this one was a cinch!
Start to finish, it only took about 20 minutes. The instructions included were clear, simple, and easy to follow. That’s a win!
The Handle on the Seat – and other extras!
As a mom, I personally loved some of the little extras on this 16-inch kids’ bike, like the little bike bell on the handlebars was such a fun surprise. I also greatly valued the handlebar stops at the end that helped small sweaty hands not slide off the handlebars. But my favorite?
The built-in handle on the seat.
Having already taught a handful of kids how to ride a bike, this little addition made it so easy! I’d never seen anything like this before!
Kids love to ride, but get tired easily, so the seat-handle made it easy to scoop the bike up and move it quickly. The handle also makes a great place for parents to push during those very first attempts when the training wheels are removed! Super cool feature.
Easy Adjustments for Growing Kids
I narrowed in on the Retrospec Koda 16 as the best bike for a 4-year-old, but our little guy who tried it out was a smidge taller than the average 4-year-old.
I was initially concerned about whether it would still fit my tall guy correctly, but I shouldn’t have worried. I was thrilled to see how simple it was to raise the seat (no tools needed) and make a small tool adjustment to raise the handlebars as well.
I really love how this line of Retrospec bikes can adjust and grow with a child for several years, making it one of the best bikes for kids ages 4–6. It easily accommodates growth spurts!
Our Overall Experience
For my little tester, this was his very first time ever to pedal. He had experience with a balance bike but had never ridden a pedal bike before!
The Retrospec Koda was the perfect first bike! Easy on, easy off, smooth to pedal, and quick to brake. It only took a few minutes to learn, and then he was ready to ride around the neighborhood with the big kids (with training wheels!). We picked the blue bolt color, but it comes in several options to fit your child’s style.
What an exciting day!
2. Retrospec Dart Plus 20-Inch Kids’ Bike: For Growing Riders
Who is it for?
The Retrospec Dart Plus 20-inch kids’ bike is designed for ages 6–8 who no longer need training wheels and are beginning to develop confidence on longer rides.
This bike is sleek and made for adventure!
Key Features:
- Seven-speed drivetrain
- Revoshift gear shifter – kids can shift gears without changing their grip
- Adjustable child-sized hand brakes
- Strong, sturdy quality
- Adjustable seat height
- Thick, grippy tires for off-roading
- Lightweight, rust-free aluminum frame
- Adjustable seat, handlebars, and brake levers
- Front and rear Tektro mechanical disc brakes
- Study kickstand that actually keeps the bike from falling over
Our Personal Experience With the Retrospec Dart Plus 20-Inch Bike
This bike was so sturdy and such great quality! It offers the perfect blend of big-kid features with seven speeds and hand brakes but adds just the right comfort features, including wide tires for added fun.
Here are some of the things we loved about the Dart Plus!
Easy Assembly
Generally, I shy away from assembling bikes myself. (Oh, hubby, can you please put this bike together for me?)
But my husband and teen son were both busy, so I tackled this one on my own and was delighted that I was able to completely assemble it by myself in about 20 minutes. The instructions were clear and easy to follow.
Hand Brakes
Many 20-inch kids’ bikes still rely on pedal brakes, but the Retrospec Dart Plus gives kids greater control with dual hand brakes that can easily be adjusted on the go without tools.
It took my little girl a few minutes to adjust to using the hand brakes, but then she loved it! And I was thrilled knowing she was already gaining experience with hand brakes like those used on many adult bikes.
Wide Tires for More Adventure
The tires on the Dart Plus are wider than average and specially grooved and grippy so kids can explore off the sidewalk.
My daughter immediately went darting through the grass, and the Dart Plus handled it flawlessly!
These tires make for a smooth and stable ride on different surfaces, making this a fun bike for adventurous kiddos.
Functional Kickstand
In our house, we’ve had trouble with bikes that fall over easily. Not the Dart Plus! It’s a small thing that makes a big difference – but this kickstand is strong and does its job. My girl is quick to jump off her bike and run off – resulting in bikes of the past getting all scraped up and busting the handlebars. This kickstand is quick and easy to put down but holds the bike up – even at a fast child’s pace!
Adjustable for Growing Kids
I really liked how adjustable this bike is to accommodate growing kids! Bikes are expensive and kids grow quickly! It’s nice to purchase a bike knowing it can last a child for several years.
The adjustable seat height on the Dart Plus can extend from 21.9 inches up to 28 inches to adjust with kids as they grow, making it a great choice for a 6-year-old and hopefully lasting for a while!
Our Overall Experience
You can see the quality immediately when you first assemble this bike. We opted for the pink color called “fairy floss”, but it also comes in other colors.
The lightweight aluminum frame of this 20-inch kids’ bike is sturdy, strong, and easy to pedal. It was easy to steer, lightweight at only 27 pounds, and good quality. I was impressed!
My daughter was also excited that it came with stickers to personalize the bike!
3. Retrospec Chatham 26-Inch Beach Cruiser: The Best Bike for Older Kids, Teens & Moms!
Who is it for?
The Retrospec Chatham 26-inch Beach Cruiser Single Speed is a beautiful, sleek bike for casual neighborhood rides, paved paths, or recreational use.
This bike is the perfect bike for teens, or even moms!
Key Features:
- Classic cruiser-style frame
- Wide, grippy 26-inch tires
- Comfortable saddle
- Low step-through frame style
- Allows for an upright, comfortable riding position
- Simple coaster brakes
Our Personal Experience With the Retrospec Chatham Beach Cruiser Bike 26-Inch Single-Speed
We love this bike! The Retrospec Chatham is a classic beach cruiser model built for comfort and smooth riding!
It is sleek, pretty, and the perfect teen or mom beach cruiser. Here are some of the things we loved!
Straightforward Assembly
Like the others, this Retrospec bike was also super easy to assemble. The instructions were straightforward and easy to follow.
If worry over assembly has been holding you back from ordering a bike online, don’t let that deter you! It’s a cinch.
Beauty & Style
For teen girls, the look of the bike is important. This bike is really pretty and trendy, but built to last with classic cruiser beauty.
It comes in several really great colors like eggshell white, seafoam, blue, and a couple of shades of orangey-pinks. My daughter picked the matcha green, and it is gorgeous! It’s a classic, clean, and stylish ride that should last her many years.
Comfortable Riding
For teens, we were looking for a casual, comfortable ride for cruising the neighborhood, and the Retrospec Chatham delivered!
My daughter loved the large, comfortable saddle seat and how easy it was to get on and off. It pedals smoothly, brakes quickly, and provides an easy, comfortable ride.
Adjustable Seat & Handlebars
I loved how the seat and handlebars are adjustable for a variety of sizes, making this a great bike for both teens and adults.
When we put the handlebars and saddle at the lowest setting, my 12-year-old could easily ride the bike. But her older sister (as tall as Mom!) could also ride it with no problem – and it would’ve fit even better if we had taken the time to pop up the seat just a bit.
That makes this a bike that can last for years and years into adulthood. What an awesome gift for a teen girl!
More Retrospec Chatham Beach Cruiser Options
For those wanting just a little more out of their cruiser, I really like how Retrospec offers the classic Chatham beach cruiser in several options, including a boys’ beach cruiser version:
- The Chatham Plus: Wider tires, stainless steel spokes, sealed cartridge bottom bracket, and aluminum frame.
- The 3-Speed: A three-speed drivetrain adds versatility for gentle hills.
- The 7-Speed: A seven-speed drivetrain for steeper inclines.
- The Chatham Cruiser for Guys: A classic cruiser option for boys and men.
Our Overall Experience
The 26-inch Chatham Beach Cruiser is a fabulous welcome-to-teenagerhood bike for young teen girls and will easily grow with them through the adolescent years and into adulthood.
My 12-year-old daughter and my older teen both rode this one comfortably.
And this bike even makes a fabulous mom-bike for keeping up with the kids on family neighborhood bike rides! At 26 inches, it’s the perfect height for many adult females. It is just right for casual, smooth, stress-free riding!
Which Retrospec Bike Is the best bike for kids?
With so many bikes on the market, it can be really tough to decide which bike is right for your kids, and the answer may vary from child to child.
Here’s a quick breakdown to help you choose!
Shopping for a younger child or new learner?
Start by exploring the Koda 16-inch. It’s great for ages 4–6 and includes little extras just right for new learners such as training wheels, a bike bell, and a handle for picking it up easily.
Looking for a larger kids’ bike for adventurous go-getters?
The Dart Plus is sturdier, with wider tires for exploring beyond the sidewalk, and introduces experienced riders to hand brakes and shifting gears. The Dart Plus 20-inch is designed for ages 6–8, with lots of growing room and adjustability.
Shopping for a teen, or even Mom?
The casual Chatham Beach Cruiser is the perfect option. With adjustable seat height and handlebars, it can grow with your girl through her teen years into adulthood and offers a smooth, relaxed ride. This one makes a great mom bike, too, besides being one of the best bikes for kids!
What to Know Before Buying a Kids’ Bike Online
Buying a kids’ bike involves more than just choosing your child’s favorite color. There’s lots to consider to get it right!
Here are a few practical things to consider before ordering a children’s bike online.
- Check the fit: Start with wheel height, but review the manufacturer’s height, inseam, and seat-height guidance, not just the recommended age. Your kiddo may be taller or shorter than average.
- Consider the weight: A bike that is heavy relative to a child’s size may be more challenging to handle. Check the actual weight of each model. Retrospec’s aluminum frames make some of their models lighter and easier to handle.
- Consider assembly requirements: Some bikes are a pain to assemble! Having put together some that take 3+ hours to assemble, I was thrilled – absolutely delighted – that each of the three Retrospec bikes we assembled took only about 20–30 minutes tops.
- Check the brakes and controls: Some bikes use pedal brakes while others offer hand brakes. Be intentional about what’s the best fit for your child based on their age, coordination, and riding experience.
- Don’t forget a properly fitted helmet: Every child should wear a properly fitted bike helmet when riding. It’s a small but important part of getting ready for those neighborhood adventures! Our bikes arrived before I had a chance to buy the right helmet for our 4-year old. Oops! We’ll fix that ASAP.
Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing a Kids’ Bike
What size bike should I buy for my child?
The first step in choosing the right size bike for your child is considering the wheel size. Here are the general guidelines, but keep in mind that kids can measure tall or short for their age and may need a different size.
- 12-inch wheel: Ages 2–3
- 16-inch wheel: Ages 4–6
- 20-inch wheel: Ages 6–8 (some models accommodate ages 6–11)
- 24-inch wheel: Ages 8–11
- 26-inch wheel: Ages 12 to adult, depending on the bike
Always measure your child’s height and inseam then check manufacturer’s recommendations to find the best fit.
What is the best bike for a 4-year-old?
A 16-inch kids’ bike is a common starting point for children ages 4–6. Look for a lightweight bike, easy-to-reach controls, and training wheels if your child is still learning to pedal and balance.
The Retrospec Koda 16 is designed for ages 4–6 and offers training wheels, pedal brakes, and a child-sized hand brake.
What is the best bike for a 6-year-old?
Many 6-year-olds fit a 16-inch or 20-inch bike, depending on their height, inseam, and riding experience.
A 20-inch kids’ bike like the Retrospec Dart Plus is a good option for a child who has outgrown training wheels and is ready for hand brakes and multiple speeds. Just be sure to check the manufacturer’s fit recommendations first!
What should I look for in a beginner’s bike?
A good beginner’s bike should have a low center of gravity and be lightweight, making it easier to maneuver.
Training wheels are also really important if your child is new to riding, and simple back-pedal bike brakes can make learning easy. The best bikes for kids also offer a smooth ride and easy pedaling.
The Retrospec Koda also has a handle on the back of the bike seat, making it quick and easy for parents to pick up and carry or move around.
Are beach cruiser bikes good for older kids and teens?
Yes! Beach cruisers make fabulous bikes for casual neighborhood riding and flat, paved terrain.
They offer extreme comfort and a more upright riding position. Beach cruisers are good for day-to-day residential riding and also make good campus bikes for college students.
The 26-inch Retrospec Chatham fits older kids from their teen years into adulthood, making it a great teen or mom bike.
What should I know before buying a bike online?
The biggest consideration when purchasing a bike online is knowing that you will be required to assemble it yourself.
However, with the Retrospec line of bikes, this is easier than you think! The instructions were clear and straightforward, and we were able to assemble all three of our bikes in approximately 20–30 minutes each. Plus, all the needed tools were included. Bonus!
Finding the Right Bike for Your Family
There’s nothing sweeter than finding the perfect bike for your child! No excitement matches the light in their eyes when they unwrap a brand-new bike on Christmas morning or help pick one out online and anxiously wait for its arrival.
In our modern age of too much screen time, getting kids outside and active has never been more important, and riding bikes is the absolute best way to achieve that! Riding gets kids moving, exercising, and growing in confidence and independence. Plus, it’s a great way to foster opportunities for fun family and learning together.
And while it can be overwhelming as parents to know which bike to choose, understanding how to choose the right size and matching the needed features to how your child will use the bike makes it easier than ever to choose the best bikes for kids.
As for our family, we were incredibly impressed with the Retrospec line of bikes. The different models offered versatility to accommodate growing kids and their different stages and needs – from beginners to adventurers to cruisers. We could see the quality in each model and look forward to enjoying the bikes for years to come!
Ready to find your child’s next bike? Explore the Retrospec Koda, Dart Plus, and Chatham Beach Cruiser to compare the sizes, styles, and features!
