Buying a child’s bike is about much more than choosing their favourite colour. The right size bike helps build confidence, improves control and makes riding safer and far more enjoyable. A bike that’s too big can feel intimidating, while one that’s too small can quickly become uncomfortable and difficult to ride.
At Chevin Cycles, our team knows exactly how to find that perfect bike that’s going to keep them safe and having fun for years to come.
We’ve been fitting children’s bikes for years, helping thousands of families choose the right bike for everything from first pedals to mountain bike adventures. Whether you’re buying a balance bike, their very first pedal bike or upgrading as they grow, we’re here to make the process simple and stress-free.
You’ve probably been told your child needs a 16” wheelsize, But what does that actually mean?
Unlike adult bikes, often children’s bikes are sized by wheel diameter, not by the frame size. So when you hear someone talk about a 12″, 16″ or 24″ bike, they’re referring to the size of the wheels rather than the overall size of the bike.
While wheel size gives us a great starting point, it’s only part of the story.
Every child grows differently. Two children of the same age might be completely different heights, have different leg lengths and varying levels of confidence on a bike. That’s why we never recommend choosing a bike based on age alone.
When you visit us, we’ll take the time to make sure your child is matched with the right bike.
Our team has extensive knowladge on what to look for when sizing up a kids bike. We understand what kids want and what they will need to be able to grow into a bike.
Most importantly, we encourage every child to have a ride.
A quick test ride tells us far more than any measurement alone. It allows us to see how confident they feel, whether they can start and stop comfortably, and whether they’re in control of the bike.
The summer holidays are the perfect time to introduce little ones to cycling. The Hoy Weee! 12″ Balance Bike is designed to help young riders develop balance and coordination naturally, making the transition to pedals much easier. With its lightweight frame and child-friendly geometry, it’s the ideal first bike for building confidence from day one.
If they’re ready for their first proper pedal bike, the Frog 38 is a fantastic choice. Specifically designed for children aged 3–4 years, it features a lightweight aluminium frame, child-specific components and easy-to-use brakes with smaller levers, making riding safer, more comfortable and more enjoyable throughout the summer holidays.
A new bike is only part of the equation – a properly fitting helmet is just as important. Whether your child is learning to balance on their very first bike or tackling trails on a mountain bike, a correctly fitted helmet provides the protection they need every time they ride.
Finding the right helmet isn’t just about choosing the correct size. A helmet that’s too loose or incorrectly positioned won’t offer the protection it’s designed to provide; likewise, it needs to be something your child actually wants to wear
At Chevin Cycles, our experienced team are experts in helmet fitting. We’ll help you choose the right size and make sure it’s adjusted correctly for your child, giving you complete peace of mind before they head off on their next adventure. With a wide range of children’s helmets available in a variety of colours and styles, we’ll make sure your child stays safe while finding a helmet they’ll be excited to wear. See all our kids’ helmets here.
The Orbea Kimu 16 is built to make learning to ride as easy and enjoyable as possible. Its lightweight aluminium frame, stable handling and carefully chosen child-specific components help young riders gain confidence quickly, while the distinctive Acid Gum finish ensures it stands out on every family adventure.
What’s even better? The Kimu has an optional balance bike setup, meaning that you can remove the pedals and swap it for a platform a kid can stand on, meaning if they aren’t as confident with a pedal bike, they can learn to ride without you having to get another bike.
Designed around one simple idea – keeping the bike as light as possible – the Squish 18 helps children ride further with less effort. The lightweight aluminium frame, junior-specific geometry and confidence-inspiring handling make it an excellent option for riders progressing their skills over the school holidays.
We have lots of different designs and colourways with Squish; click here to see our full range so you can pick out the perfect one for your child.
The Trek Wahoo 20 is made for young adventurers who are ready to explore further. Its lightweight Alpha Silver Aluminium frame, quality components and versatile tyres make it equally at home on family bike rides, cycle paths and light trails, giving children a bike that can grow with their confidence.
The Wahoo can come in a path or trail setup, catering the bike to what your child loves wether that be off-road or tarmac riding. The range also goes up to 26″, so if you love the Wahoo platform, you can stick to it.
The best kids’ bikes are designed around the rider, not just scaled-down versions of adult bikes. Lightweight frames, child-specific geometry, easy-to-use gears, and brake levers that fit smaller hands all make a huge difference to how confident and comfortable a child feels on two wheels. These features make bikes easier to control, less tiring to ride, and far more enjoyable, helping young riders build skills and a love of cycling from an early age.
The improved ride quality, durability, and movability for your little one will transform riding form a chore to something that they love. At Chevin we understand this. The bikes we offer can tick all the boxes, from choosing a bike your kid actually likes to sizing them up and helping them on there first ride. We are with you every step of the way.
For young riders who are ready to take mountain biking seriously, the Whyte T-140 27 Junior delivers true trail bike performance without compromise. Rather than simply scaling down an adult bike, Whyte has engineered the T-140 specifically for junior riders, combining modern geometry with carefully selected components to create a bike that inspires confidence on challenging terrain.
With 140mm of front and rear suspension travel, the T-140 is built to smooth out rough descents, absorb technical trail features and provide exceptional control when the trails get demanding.
A lightweight aluminium frame keeps the bike responsive and manageable, while premium suspension and reliable drivetrain components ensure consistent performance whether riding local woodland trails, bike parks or trail centres. The 27.5-inch wheels strike the perfect balance between rollover capability and manoeuvrability, giving developing riders the confidence to tackle bigger obstacles with ease.
If your child is passionate about mountain biking and looking for a bike that can keep up as their skills progress, the Whyte T-140 27 Junior is built to unlock their potential and make every ride this summer an unforgettable adventure.
Whether your child is just starting out on a balance bike or progressing to a trail-ready mountain bike, choosing the right bike can make all the difference to their confidence and enjoyment. At Chevin Cycles, we’re passionate about helping families find the perfect fit, with a wide range of kids’ bikes from leading brands, expert advice from experienced cyclists, and professional bike setup to ensure every rider gets the best possible start.
Visit us in-store to see the range for yourself, speak to our knowledgeable team, or browse online to find the perfect bike for this summer’s adventures. With school out and plenty of miles waiting to be ridden, there’s never been a better time to get your child out exploring on two wheels.
The Showrooms, Gay Lane
Otley, LS21 1BR
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