Choosing The Best Kids' Bikes For Christmas

Determining the correct size for your child's bike is vital to ensure it's both safe and comfortable for sustained use. While there's no substitute for trying the bike out in person (simply pop into your nearest Decathlon store for a test ride), you only need one measurement to find the right bike size for your young one.

The key measurements to consider are your child's height and age. If you don’t have a tape measure to hand, don't worry: we have height charts displayed in every Decathlon store, allowing you to take measurements there and then. Consult our children's bike size chart below to see which wheel size is the best fit based on height.

There are a few additional checks you can make to ensure the children's bike you're considering offers the right fit in terms of feel, reach, and comfort.

The most crucial aspect of your child's experience on the bike is comfort. Your child should feel at ease in the saddle and be able to do the following without straining:

• Reach the handlebars with their hands
• Touch the pedals with their feet
• Grip the brakes
• Operate the gears swiftly and effortlessly.

While children's bikes are designed considering a child's capability to manage the weight, it's vital to ensure your child can handle the weight of the Christmas bike you're contemplating. This is particularly crucial when they're climbing on and off the bike.

If your child finds it challenging to lift the bike from a lying position, it might be wise to consider a smaller size or opt for aluminium or alloy frames instead of steel ones. While steel frames are robust and long-lasting, they are heavier. Lighter frames might not be as durable, but they'll be more manageable if your child finds the weight of steel frames burdensome.

When it comes to choosing the ideal children's bike, much depends on your child's age and whether they're newcomers to cycling. Maybe you're after an upgrade for a child who already rides with confidence; in which case, your considerations will differ from those buying for a novice. Or perhaps your youngster has been awed by the stunts they've seen at skate parks? Below is a brief overview of the primary categories of children's bikes available.

The balance bike is designed to acquaint your child with the basics of two-wheel mobility. It's the ideal first bike, offering a straightforward introduction to cycling. With no gears or pedals, its simplicity ensures your toddler merely hops on and propels themselves using their legs.

It’s no surprise that safety should be a key consideration before your kids set off to sail on their dedicated Christmas bike. While there is no legal requirement when it comes to kids and safety gear when riding a bike, we strongly recommend stocking up on a kid's bike helmet to prevent any serious mishaps – after all, falling off your bike is a fundamental part of learning to ride a bike!

Kids' Bike Helmet
A kid's bike helmet will help minimise the potential for serious head injuries, including cuts and bruises. The helmet should offer a snug fit and not move around when adjusted securely.

You can also find extra protective gear, including protective pads and gloves for a safer riding experience.

High-vis
Make sure you’re ready for your kids to jump on their brand new Christmas bike at first unwrapping and kit them out with high-vis gear for extra visibility. This is especially important during the winter months when it gets darker earlier, and your kids are likely to spend time riding in less than-optimal visibility.

We have a wide range of hi-vis clothing and accessories for you to check out, including reflective wristbands, jackets, strips and more.

You can read our guide on How to Wrap a Bike for easy and digestible step-by-step instructions. Below you’ll find a few alternative shortcuts on how to wrap a kid’s bike for Christmas:

• If your bike arrived in a box, wrap it using the original packaging.
• Drape a blanket over the bike for a playful reveal!
• Consider buying a bike gift bag.
• Attach a bow to the handlebar for a simple, classic touch.

Bear in mind that if you opt to use wrapping paper, the process can be surprisingly time-consuming, so ensure you allocate ample time to get the job done!

A child's bike isn't the only option; we also offer a wide range of other outdoor and sporty alternatives, including skate park-friendly scooters and skateboards for children.

Skateboarding Christmas Presents are a favourite among children, and for good reason. They provide an opportunity for young ones to show off their skills at the local skate park, all while riding one of the most stylish two-wheelers available. When it comes to skateboard sizing, there are specific size charts to follow, similar to those for children's scooters and bikes. All you need are your child's height and shoe size to determine the ideal Christmas skateboard for them.

We offer a broad range of skateboarding Christmas presents, including various skateboarding accessories for you to delve into.