The Definitive Christmas Kids Bike Buying Guide

There's something magical about a child's first bike. A bike propped up against the Christmas tree represents freedom, adventure, and a major childhood milestone. But standing in a bike shop (or scrolling online) faced with dozens of options can be overwhelming if you're not sure what you're actually looking for.

Buying a bike for a child doesn't need to be complicated, but there are some key decisions to make beyond just picking one that looks good. Here's what you need to think about to get it right this Christmas.

Starting Points: Balance Bikes vs Pedal Bikes

The first big question is what type of bike actually makes sense for your child's age and ability.

For very young children (2 to 4 years old), a kids balance bike is often the perfect starting point. These lightweight kids' bikes let toddlers learn balance and steering without the complexity of pedalling, and because they're easy to push along and control, kids build confidence quickly. If your toddler can walk confidently and has decent coordination, they're probably ready for a balance bike.

Balance bikes are lightweight, low to the ground, and help build confidence quickly. Kids who start on balance bikes often transition to pedal bikes without needing training wheels at all.

For kids around 4 to 6 years old who've mastered a balance bike or are starting fresh on pedals, a small pedal bike (usually one with 12 or 16-inch wheels) makes sense. Some kids at this age will need removable training wheels temporarily, others won't. It depends on their confidence and balance. There's no shame in training wheels if they help your child feel secure while they're learning.

Older kids (6 to 8 years) who are getting their first bike or upgrading will typically move straight to pedal bikes without training wheels. By this age, most children have the coordination and strength to learn fairly quickly, especially if they've had experience on scooters or balance bikes.

The key question is: does your child seem excited and confident about riding, or nervous and reluctant? A child who's eager and ready will progress quickly, whereas a child who's anxious might need more time, a smaller bike, or to start with something less intimidating, like a balance bike, even if they're older.

Matching the Bike to How They'll Actually Ride

Once you know they're ready for a pedal bike, think about what they'll actually be doing on it.

For neighbourhood riding and getting around

Most kids just want a bike to ride around the street, to a friend's place, or down to the local park. For this, a general kids' bike is the most practical choice. They're the bread and butter of kids' bikes, with no gears or fancy features, and they work beautifully for everyday riding. These simple bikes typically come with coaster brakes (where you pedal backwards to stop), which are easier for young cyclists to master than hand brakes.

For adventurous kids who want to explore trails

If you've got bush tracks nearby or plan on family rides through parks and rougher terrain, a kids' mountain bike gives them more capability. These bikes feature gears, wider tyres with better grip, and stronger frames built for bumps and jumps. Brands like Trek, Specialized, and Cannondale make excellent kids' mountain bikes that handle trails properly rather than just looking the part.

Many quality kids' mountain bikes feature hand brakes, with higher-end models featuring hydraulic disc brakes for better stopping power on longer rides. Geared bikes like these give older kids more versatility across different terrain. For kids who want to ride at skate parks or do tricks

Kids' BMX bikes are sturdy, single-speed bikes designed for jumps, tricks, and riding around with mates at the skate park. They're tough, simple, and perfect for children who want to mess around and learn stunts. BMX bikes like those from Mongoose are built to take a beating, which makes them ideal for rough play.

Don't overthink this decision. Most young kids (especially first-time riders) just need a simple, reliable bike for getting around. You can always upgrade to something more specialised later if they develop specific interests.

The Helmet Conversation

If you're buying a bike for Christmas, you're also buying a helmet. This isn't optional, and it shouldn't be something you deal with later. Teaching kids that the helmet goes on before they ride, every single time, is just as important as getting the right bike.

A properly fitted helmet is the single most important piece of safety equipment for any young rider. Make sure it sits level on their head (not tilted back), fits snugly without pinching, and doesn't move around when they shake their head. Australian standards require helmets to meet AS/NZS 2063 certification, so check for that label.

Budget for a helmet when you're planning the bike purchase. Youths helmets costs between $40 and $100, depending on brand and features. This isn't the place to cheap out. A properly certified helmet from a reputable brand is worth every dollar.

Beyond helmets, knee guards and elbow guards can be worthwhile for very young or nervous riders who are still learning. They're not essential for every child, but they do provide extra confidence and protection during the wobbly early stages.

What You'll Actually Spend

Kids' bikes range widely in price, from under $200 for basic models to $500+ for quality branded bikes with better components.

For very young children on balance bikes or first pedal bikes, you don't need to spend a fortune, as they'll outgrow it relatively quickly, regardless of quality. A mid-range bike from a reputable brand will serve you well without breaking the bank. Cheap kids' bikes from discount stores are often poorly assembled and come with components that don't last, so it's worth spending a bit more for something reliable.

For older kids (6 to 8 years) on larger bikes, investing in slightly better quality makes more sense. Better components mean smoother gears, more reliable brakes, and a bike that's more enjoyable to ride. Brands like Trek, Specialized, and Cannondale offer excellent value in the kids' bike market. Quality bikes often have lightweight aluminium frames that make them easier for children to handle and control, whereas a cheap bike with a heavy steel frame can be harder work to ride.

Bike weight does matter, particularly for younger or smaller children. A lighter bike is easier to control and less tiring on longer rides, which helps them enjoy cycling more and contributes to a smoother ride overall.

The Second-Hand Question

Second-hand bikes can be a smart choice and save you significant money, especially for younger children who'll outgrow them quickly.

If you're buying used, check these basics:

• The tyres have decent tread and hold air
• The Brakes work properly and aren't worn down
• The chain isn't rusty or stretched
• The frame has no cracks or serious damage
• The seat and handlebars adjust properly and easily

Avoid bikes with bent wheels, damaged frames, or brakes that don't work well. Safety components need to be in good condition, not just "good enough."

You can find decent used kids' bikes through Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, or local buy/sell groups. Just be sure to inspect them thoroughly before you hand over money, and don't be afraid to walk away if something seems off.

However, buying a new bike from a local bike shop means you get a bike that has been properly assembled, comes with a warranty, and you have support from the shop staff if anything needs adjusting. At On Two Wheels, we stock quality kids' bikes from brands like Trek, Specialized, and Cannondale, all set up properly and ready to ride.

A Quick Guide to Sizing

Bike sizing for kids is based on wheel size (measured in inches), not frame size like adult bikes. Unlike adult bikes, kids' bikes don't use complicated geometry charts. Here's a rough guide to size kids' bike purchases:

• Balance bikes: Usually suit kids roughly 85cm to 105cm tall (ages 2 to 4)
• 12-inch wheels: Kids roughly 90cm to 105cm tall (ages 3 to 5)
• 16-inch wheels: Kids roughly 100cm to 120cm tall (ages 4 to 6)
• 20-inch wheels: Kids roughly 115cm to 135cm tall (ages 5 to 8)
• 24-inch wheels: Kids roughly 125cm to 145cm tall (ages 7 to 10)

These are just starting points. Every child is different, and leg length matters more than overall height. The most important thing is that your child can comfortably reach the ground with their feet while sitting on the seat. For bikes with removable training wheels, make sure the seat height still allows proper ground contact even after the training wheels come off. Taking an inside leg measurement gives you the most accurate sizing information.

For detailed guidance on measurements and getting the fit exactly right, have a look at our guide on fitting a kid for a push bike. It covers how to measure your child properly and what those measurements actually mean for bike sizing.

If you're planning a surprise and can't bring your child in for a proper fitting, those rough guidelines above will get you close. If it's not a surprise, bringing them into our Gledswood Hills shop means we can fit them properly and make sure they're on the right-sized bike from day one.

Choose On Two Wheels for Your Christmas Shopping

Choosing your child's first bike (or their next bike up) doesn't need to be stressful. If you're working through these decisions and want some guidance, we're happy to help.

At On Two Wheels, we stock a range of kids' bikes suitable for different ages and riding styles. From balance bikes and E-Balance bikes for toddlers to proper pedal bikes for primary school kids, we can show you what's available and help you work out what suits your child best.

Give us a call on (02) 4625 7518 or drop into our Sydney shop at Gledwood Hills with your questions (and your child if it's not a surprise), and we'll make sure you walk out with the perfect kids' bike for your child's age, size, and riding style. Christmas is coming up quickly, so if you're planning a bike under the tree, now's the time to start sorting it out.