By the time kids are ready for a 20 inch bike (around 6 years old), they have a heightened sense of interest and ability when it comes to cycling. Suddenly, they can bike longer distances–faster! And if they’ve been biking for a while, they might be ready for their first bicycle with gears.
Cycling becomes even more fun than it was before, but having the right bike for your child (or grandchild) is key to their continued enjoyment and success.
We’ve tested and reviewed dozens of 20 inch kids bikes to help you weed through the noise, and find the best bike for your child.
Our top pick is the Woom Go 4. It’s lightweight, has high-quality components, and child-appropriate geometry.
If you’re on a budget, go with the Guardian 20. It it is durable and comes with the proprietary SureStop braking system.
If your child is more interested in mountain biking than recreational around-town riding, check out our list of the best 20″ mountain bikes instead. You might also want read our reviews of the best kids bike helmets.
Best Kids 20 Inch Bikes
| What We Love About It | Price (MSRP) | |
| BEST OVERALL | ||
| Woom Go 4 | Lightweight, child-appropriate geometry | $639 |
| Prevelo Alpha Three | Low standover height, great customer service | $759 |
| Early Rider Belter 20 | Belt drive, brushed aluminum frame | $699 |
| BUDGET | ||
| Belsize 20 | Belt drive, very lightweight | $399 |
| Guardian 20 | SureStop braking system | $289 / $319 |
| Priority Start 20 | Belt drive, internally geared hub | $319 |
Woom Go 4
Price: $639
Pros:
✅ Lightweight, child-appropriate geometry
✅ Adjustable handlebar
✅ Good resale value
✅ Lots of extras available
Cons:
❌ Grip shifter rather than trigger
Woom makes great bikes that are lightweight, have components that match the size of little bodies and boast a sleek aesthetic that appeals even to parents. The Woom Go 4 is no exception.
The Woom 4 is the lightest bike on this list, making it fun to ride and easy to maneuver. Handling is also helped by the upright geometry and unique adjustable handlebars. The dual handbrakes are some of the easiest around to pull and operate.
We also appreciate that Woom 4 has nearly endless customization options. Want fenders? A rack? Matching helmet? Those are all options.
And while it’s not cheap, the Woom Go is NOT the most expensive bike on this list despite it being our favorite. Think it’s still too expensive? Consider that Woom offers an trade-in program, and that these are probably the most in-demand bikes on the used market.
My only complaint is that it has a grip shifter rather than a trigger shifter. While it’s intuitive to learn, it can be hard for small hands to operate.
While the Woom Go 4 is the 20 inch bike that will best suit the vast majority of kids, Woom also offers the Woom Explore and the Woom OFF in 20″ sizes if you’re family is more adventurous.
Read Review: Woom Go 4
Prevelo Alpha 3
Price: $759
Pros:
✅ Low minimum seat height and standover height
✅ Durable components
✅ Correct sized, custom made cranks
✅ Tackles a variety of terrain
Cons:
❌ Mid-range components
Prevelo makes gorgeous bikes with top-notch components and kid-specific geometry that makes the ride comfortable and fun. The Prevelo Alpha Three offers a low standover height, narrow q-factor, custom cranks, and lightweight build.
Durable components include the Microshift drivetrain and Tektro v-brakes. These are good quality, functional parts BUT are not as high end as the brand name components on the Early Rider, for example. Considering this is one of the higher-priced bikes on the list, that’s something to consider.
Compared to the Woom, the geometry is a bit more traditional and has a less upright riding position. This makes it a better option for kids who already ride well and are ready for hopping curbs and taking it up a notch. It’s not a mountain bike like its brother, the Prevelo Zulu Three, but it does a reasonably good job of handling some mellow off-road terrain.
Like Woom, Prevelo also offers a trade-in program, which helps take the bite out of the high price.
Read Review: Prevelo Alpha 3
Early Rider Belter 20
Price: $699
Pros:
✅ Beautiful bike
✅ Low maintenance design
✅ Brand name components
Cons:
❌ Expensive
This is a seriously snazzy bike. The Early Rider Belter 20″ has a brushed-aluminum frame, belt drive, sealed bearings, and an internally-geared 4-speed hub.
All this makes it an ideal bike for sitting in the rain at school, being thrown on the ground, and otherwise being abused as only a 7-year-old can manage. The one caveat to this are the cables which are routed externally rather than keeping them protected inside the frame.
Compared to the other bikes on this list, the Early Rider has the most agressive and leaned over geometry, so pick this one for kids who are into riding far and fast.
Also, you probably already did a double-take on the price. This is the priciest bike on our list, which may make it hard to stomach.
Read Review: Early Rider Belter
Guardian Bikes 20
Price: $289 (small), $319 (large)
Pros:
✅ SureStop braking system
✅ Comes in two sizes (small and large)
✅ Durable build
Cons:
❌ Heavier
The Guardian 20 comes with the proprietary SureStop braking system. This unique brake setup helps prevent over-the-bars accidents, and is the only bike around with it. If you’re kid hasn’t quite mastered their braking skills yet, this is a good choice.
We also like that Guardian offers the 20″ in both a small and large frame size, and provide the RideSizer tool to help make sure you get the perfect sized bike for your child. The price is a good deal, and the bike is durable enough to last through a few kids.
The bike is heavier than the more expensive bikes on this list, and the components aren’t quite as nice, BUT for the average family who just wants a decent bike for their kid to roll around on, Guardian is a great choice.
Read Our Review: Guardian 20
Belsize 20
Price: $399
Pros:
✅ Excellent bang for your buck
✅ Low maintenance
✅ Lightweight
Cons:
❌ Customer service is questionable
❌ No gears
There aren’t many bikes that can compete with the Belsize 20 on price alone. It offers a ton of features not normally seen at this price point including a rust-proof belt drive and beautiful brushed aluminum frame.
The bike is crazy lightweight at a mere 14.8 pounds. This means that it is fast rolling and easy to handle.
The bike does NOT have gears so that may be a deal breaker for some, but is great for kiddos that live in flatter areas or that simply aren’t ready to add that extra complication.
Also, unlike most of the bikes on this list that come from small businesses with excellent customer service, Belsize is owned by a big Chinese sports manufacturer, so don’t expect the same level of personalized support.
Read Review: Belsize
Priority Start 20
Price: $379
Pros:
✅ Belt-drive is clean and maintenance-free
✅ 3-speed internally-geared hub simplifies shifting
✅ Attractive paint job
✅ Comfortable, relaxed geometry ideal for around-town riding
✅ Excellent value for the price
Cons:
❌ Brake levers aren’t as high-end as Tektro brakes found on other bikes
❌ Lacks quick-release skewers on wheels
If you’re looking for the perfect kid commuter, the Priority Start 20 might be it. This bike stands out from the crowd with its unique belt-drive system that replaces a traditional chain. This is a huge advantage for kids (and parents!). No more greasy chains to maintain, rust, or get pants caught in.
The most interesting feature of the Priority Start 20 is the combination of the Gates belt drive and the 3-speed internally-geared Shimano Nexus hub. Unlike traditional drivetrains with rear derailleurs, this system is much simpler. There’s no derailleur to get bent or misaligned, making it incredibly low-maintenance.
For kids just learning to use gears, the 3-speed grip shifter provides a gentle introduction to shifting without overwhelming them with too many options. The grip shifter is easy to operate, though my son did point out that the number system is a bit counterintuitive (3 is easiest and 1 is hardest).
The bike looks great too. The sleek paint job is sure to turn heads, and Priority thoughtfully includes touch-up paint for those inevitable scratches and dings that come with kids biking adventures.
In terms of geometry, the Priority Start 20 hits a sweet spot for around-town riding. Kids sit in a semi-upright position that offers stability and confidence, without being too upright to handle longer distances.
While we love almost everything about this bike, the brakes are adequate but not exceptional. They’re perfectly safe, but not quite as nice as the Tektro v-brakes found on most high-end kids bikes. We also wish it had quick-release skewers on the wheels.
Read Review: Priority Start 20
Let Us Help You Find The Perfect Bike For YOUR Child!
You’ve been reading all the articles and doing all the research. But there are things that make YOUR child and your family’s situation unique.
That’s why we offer 1:1 help. Fill out our FREE “bike help” form, and we will hand pick a bike that would be a good fit for your child (and your budget).
More European Options
There are a couple of FANTASTIC bikes we’ve reviewed that are no longer sold in North America. Our loss. But if you’re in Europe, definitely consider these.
- Islabikes Beinn 20 – This is a cult classic and one of the best bikes we’ve ever tested.
- Frog 55 – Quality bike with bright colors and plenty of available accessories.
How The Bikes Stack Up & Tips For Choosing
Not sure how all these bikes compare? Or, what you should be considering when choosing the best bike for YOUR child? Here are some things to keep in mind.
Price
When shopping for a kids bike, I always urge parents to spend as much as they can afford. Like all things in life (sadly!), the more you spend the nicer bike that you’ll get.
That said, there are still some good budget options on this list. When buying new, expect to pay at least $300. If you spend less, you can expect the bike will be heavy and have cheap, low-quality components that won’t last long.
If you can’t afford to spend that much, don’t despair. Buying a kids bike used is a great option. Check out our tips on how to find a quality used kids bike.
Of the bikes on our list, the best bikes in terms of bang for your buck are the Guardian 20, Belsize 20, and Priority Start 20.
Age Range
The age range for 20-inch bikes is generally 6 to 8 years old. Even then, each bike is designed a little bit differently.
My 5-year-old, for instance, fits nicely on the Prevelo Alpha Three as well as the Pello Reddi. For this reason, I urge parents to make sure you measure your child’s inseam before shopping for a bike and compare it to the minimum seat height and/or minimum standover height for the specific bike you are considering.
It might be tempting to buy up a size, but the extra size and weight can easily frustrate your child and even be downright dangerous.
The chart below shows the minimum seatpost height for each of the bikes on our list.
Weight
Although weight isn’t quite as important for a 7-year-old as it is for a 3-year-old, for instance, it’s still pretty important. Many big box store bikes can weigh up to 50% of your child’s body weight. Yikes!
The lighter a bike is, the easier it will be for your child to maneuver, the easier to pedal up hills, and the more enjoyable for your child to ride long distances. Unfortunately, the lighter the bike is generally the more expensive it is, so this is usually a trade-off between weight and budget. Choose the lightest bike you can possibly afford.
The chart below shows how the bikes on our list stack up in terms of weight. The Belsize is the lightest overall, but keep in mind that a lot of the weight savings has to due with the fact that it is a singlespeed (no gears). This is also true of the next several bikes. The lightest bike with a derailleur and gears is the Woom 4. The heaviest are the Guardian bikes.
Brakes
When it comes to 20-inch children’s bicycles, most bikes have v-brakes (rim brakes) rather than a coaster brake. We think this is a good thing since coaster brakes tend to be dangerous and don’t have the same kind of modulation and control that a handbrake has.
Still, you might find a few bikes (such as the Specialized Riprock) that include a coaster. Unless you have a good reason for doing so, or fondly remember your coaster brake days, we recommend avoiding the coaster brake.
For bikes that have hand brakes, you’ll find that most of them are v-brakes. Some more expensive bicycles will have disc brakes which provide increased stopping power. We recommend going with disc brakes if you live in a particularly wet, rainy climate or if you live in a city with lots of steep hills.
Tires
Consider the type of riding your child is going to be doing. If they will be riding 100% of the time on pavement, you want to look for a bike with slick, fast-rolling tires. If they’re going to be spending time riding dirt, gravel, grass, mud, etc, you want to make sure the tire is a little wider and has some extra tread.
Even if the bike you are considering doesn’t have the best tires for your child’s preferred type of riding, you can always swap out tires later.
The knobby tires on the Woom (left) are better suited for all-terrain riding (gravel, dirt, etc), while the slick tires on the Guardian (right) are faster-rolling on pavement.
Drivetrain and Gearing
Whether or not your child is ready for a bike with gears is largely a matter of how confident they already are on a bicycle. If your kiddo has been on a pedal bike (without training wheels) since 3 or 4, they’re probably ready for gears.
On the other hand, if your child is still using training wheels or is simply a timid rider, wait to introduce a new element to the mix. There is nothing wrong with keeping things simple and having a singlespeed bike, especially if you live in an area without many hills.
There are several bikes on this list that do not have any gears. For those that do, there are two kinds: bikes with traditional drivetrains and those with an internally-geared hub.
The Pello Rover (left) has a traditional drivetrain with a rear derailleur. The Priority Start 20 (right) has an internally geared hub which may be a better option for parents who don’t want to do much bike maintenance.
The internally geared hub usually has just a few gears to keep things simple, and there is no derraileur. This is also nice for parents who don’t want to do much bike maintenance. The more traditional drivetrain includes a rear derailleur and cassette that might have 5 or 7 or 9 gears. At this age, a few gears are usually plenty.
On bikes with gears, you also want to consider the shifter. There are two different types of shifters that you’ll encounter on 20 inch bikes: grip shifters and trigger shifters.
In general, we prefer trigger shifters as they are easier to operate and make cleaner shifts. That said, grip shifters are usually easier and quicker for kids to pick up on and learn. If you know your child is prone to frustration and might struggle with the concept of a trigger shifter, then stick with a grip shifter.
Grip shifters (left) are easier to learn to operate than trigger shifters. Trigger shifters (right) are a bit tougher to learn but are easier for small hands to operate and make cleaner shifts.
Fork
For recreational around-town (and even mellow trail riding) pick a bike with a rigid (not a suspension fork). Yes, a suspension fork LOOKS cool and we know lots of parents that pick a suspension fork because that’s what their kids want.
The bad news is that most suspension forks are HEAVY and don’t work very well. In other words, you’re adding a bunch of weight for no performance benefit.
If your kiddo really is doing mountain biking and riding mountain bike trails (or playing around at the bike skills park), then you’ll want to invest in a REAL mountain bike with a higher quality (but more expensive) air-sprung suspension fork.
If that’s what you are looking for, check out this list instead: Best 20 Inch Mountain Bikes For Kids.
Girls 20 Inch Bikes vs Boys 20 Inch Bikes
Don’t buy into the hype! There is no difference between a “girls 20 inch bike” or a “boys 20 inch bike.” Unlike adult bikes, girls bikes don’t have any unique components making them different.
That said, some girls may want a “girly” bike with feminine colors and accessories like a basket. We totally get that!
Most of the bikes on this list are offered in both feminine and masculine colors, so both girls and boys should be happy with these bikes.
If you are still looking for specific recommendations, check out our post on the best 20-inch girls bicycles. You’ll also find suggestions on how to accessorize the bikes to make them more girly.
More Reading To Help You Make The Best Choice
About Us
The Rascals are a family of three. Kristen (mom), Blair (dad), and Parker (kiddo). We started Rascal Rides when Parker was born and we didn’t want to give up our passion for biking. As we learned, we shared. Over the years, we’ve tested hundreds of kids bikes, helmets, bike trailers, and more.
Kristen is a USA Cycling certified coach and loves to share her passion for biking with other families. Blair is a bike geek, mechanic, and mountain bike junkie. Parker is our resident tester and inspiration.
If you see us out on the trail, make sure to say hi!
This is a great list. As times change and if you have the time to update, definitely consider adding the Orbea MX20 team disc. We bought one for our daughter and it’s an amazing setup and a good deal.
Hi Adam, thanks for the input. The Orbea MX20 team disc is a nice bike. I have it on my list of 20″ mountain bikes since it is a bit more off-road specific but it could certainly work for an all-arounder too.
Internal gear hubs don’t shift on their own (except for things like SRAM automatix). They just put the gears inside the hub instead of outside. They shift in the same manner as external geared drivetrains.
Hi Neil,
Yes I’m referring to hubs like the SRAM Automatix (which sadly, is no longer made but was used on quite a few kids bikes until around a year ago). I suppose I should update the post to clarify.
Cheers,
KB
The Archer hubs with internal gears, are extremely annoying! They never stop clicking!
Is the 20 in Woom ok for a boy who doesn’t know how to ride yet. He is having a very hard time learning. I’m worried about the gear shifts. Or do you have any recommendations on what would be good for him to learn on?
Hi Juli,
Yes, the Woom would be a perfect choice. It is light and has good geometry. As far as the gears go, you can just put it in an easier gear and leave it there until he’s got the pedaling down and is ready to learn how to shift as well.
Just make sure his inseam is long enough that he is able to place his feet flat on the ground (or close to it). You might also want to initially take off the pedals and just let him scoot on it, like you would with a balance bike.
Good luck!
KB
Thank you for all of this information. I’ve used your site to get a balance bike for my toddler.
My question is…my almost seven year old daughter has never wanted to learn or showed interest in cycling until recently. She’s always been a scooter type of gal. What bike would you suggest that can help her with gaining confidence and then transition in to riding with pedals? She is almost seventy pounds and tall for her age. Thank you!
Hi Angela,
If you can afford it, I’d highly recommend a Woom, but obviously I’d recommend any of the bikes on this list ….
When you say she’s tall I’m not sure HOW tall, so make sure to measure her inseam and compare it to the minimum seatpost height of any bike you’re considering. She’ll want to be able to put her feet flat on the ground to learn to ride.
Initially, just remove the pedals and have her practice scooting and gliding. The good news is that scootering helps develop balance also, so it probably won’t take too long until she gets the pedaling thing down.
Hope that helps a little!
Cheers,
KB
Thank you for the list, I was trying some of your links for bikes that I am interested in for my 6 year old. Specifically the Vitus 20, which I can not add to cart, and the Raleigh Rowdy 20 which doesn’t come up. Thank you for any help you can give me in this matter.
Hi Antonio,
Unfortunately, there’s been a huge boom in kids bike sales this last month, and a lot of bikes are currently out of stock–including both the Vitus 20 and Raleigh Rowdy 20. The Raleigh Lily 20 (girl’s version) is still available if that’s interesting to you. Here’s the link: https://www.raleighusa.com/kids
Let me know if I can do anything else to help.
Cheers,
KB
No mention at all of Giant Bicycles. We have had great success with them. Is therevsomething you do not like about them?
Howdy, Kristen. Thanks for the great reviews and for keeping this list updated. I’ve been searching on and off for months for my six year old’s next bike, without much luck–this darned Zombie Apocalypse is unbalancing in ways both great & small. So… I ran across a company, Priority Bicycles, that appears to make a reasonable product that I could pre-order for October. I wondered if you had evaluated it? I’m reticent to buy anything that isn’t vetted and well reviewed. It’s a lot of money for us–Sebastian has been on a series of heavy freebies, this far–and I want to know that we’ll need investing in a good experience and able to parlay resale value into his next bike. Please advise on the Priority Start 20″.
It’s a great bike. I reviewed it here: https://rascalrides.com/priority-start-20-review/
[Never mind; I found your review. I’ve been at this for so long that I’ve forgotten some of the things I knew and/or ruled out in June.]
Howdy, Kristen. Thanks for the great reviews and for keeping this list updated. I’ve been searching on and off for months for my six year old’s next bike, without much luck–this darned Zombie Apocalypse is unbalancing in ways both great & small. So… I ran across a company, Priority Bicycles, that appears to make a reasonable product that I could pre-order for October. I wondered if you had evaluated it? I’m reticent to buy anything that isn’t vetted and well reviewed. It’s a lot of money for us–Sebastian has been on a series of heavy freebies, this far–and I want to know that we’ll be investing in a good experience and able to parlay resale value into his next bike. Please advise on the Priority Start 20″.
I’m having such a hard time making a decision for my son’s next bike. He has always been on the smaller side. My son started with a Prevelo Alpha 1 at the age of 3.5. He loved it & started riding it without any problems. At age 5, we got him a Guardian Etho 16inch because he was an experienced rider and we didn’t feel the need to spend the extra money on a lighter bike like the Woom or Prevelo. But it feels like he has already outgrown it and it hasn’t even been a year. He still “fits” the bike according to Guardian’s inseam range but we want him to be able to ride further distances without peddling so much. His current inseam (with shoes) is 19.5 and his height is 43.5 inches. I guess I’m worried to buy the Guardian small 20 inch bike and it only last a year like his other bikes but he doesn’t quite fit the 20 inch (large.) Do you have another suggestion that might last longer? It’s like his small body size doesn’t match his bike-riding ability if that makes sense.
Hi Hailee,
I’d say go with the Guardian large. Kids who are already really good riders and who aren’t too petite, can usually get away with sizing up a little. I’d be more concerned if he was a new pedaler, a timid rider, smaller in stature, etc.
Cheers,
KB
I’m having such a hard time making a decision for my son’s next bike. He has always been on the smaller side.
Hi, I was wondering why you recommend skipping the Trek Precaliber 20? I noticed you liked the SPECIALIZED RIPROCK CSTR 20 and the 2020 CANNONDALE KIDS QUICK 20, even thought they are about the same weight as the Trek Precaliber 20. Of these three the trek is the most affordable. It is also available at my local bike shop. I can travel further for one of the other two bikes, but they are more expensive and still heavy if not heavier. I’m trying not to spend more than $600 total for both bikes. I’m planning to get 20 in bikes with training wheels.
For context, I haven’t ridden a bike in about 15 years. So I’m not much of a bike person. My daughter is 7 and 48 inches tall with 20 in inseam. My son is 5 years old 46 inches tall with an 18 in inseam. Niether can ride a bike. I bought my son a 16 in balance bike. Neither kid enjoys riding it. Instead they take turns on an old 12 in hand-me-down bike with training wheels in the backyard on a decomposed granite path. They don’t use it that much, it is old and doesn’t work that well.
I’m planning to get them both pedal bikes with training wheels, because I think they are more likely to want to ride, and I will still have the 16 in balance bike they can use to practice balance. Which of these options do you recommend?
I prefer to buy from a shop so I don’t need to put it together. If you think that is a mistake and I should buy online and pay someone to put it together let me know. I am incredibly NOT handy, though I did put my son’s balance bike together.
I would love your advice!
Em
Hi Em,
I should probably add it. My only rationale for not adding it was that I already listed the Trek Wahoo–which is the nicer of the two bikes, but it’s getting discontinued for 2021 anyways. Of the bikes you listed, I would go with the Trek Precaliber (the version without a supsension fork) or the Cannondale Quick 20. Skip a bike with a coaster.
And yes, it makes a ton of sense to buy from a local bike shop if you’re not bike-savvy. They can help with bike maintenance in the future as you need it as well..
Cheers,
KB
Thanks Kristen. Yeah we just got a Precaliber 20 and I immediately want to return. Good GOD this thing his heavy. And joke’s on me for getting it home before realizing its not even a freewheel – it’s a coaster so the thing doesn’t spin well. The LBS is like – it’s good for a kid – and I’m like no – not when the kid is already used to a two-brake freewheel single speed (woom3).
I just came here from the 16″ bike comparison page, and I noticed this page doesn’t list minimum seat post height! My son is on the shorter side so that would have been extremely helpful since that is the most important measurement in choosing a bike. Please consider adding it, or pointing me in the direction of a few 20″ wheel options with shorter seat post heights (16-18 inches). Thanks.
Not all kids are ready for a handbrake, which is why this bike not only comes with the front handbrake but also with the rear coaster brakes as well. This gives you the different options to teach your child how to brake depending on their skills.
I’m having such a hard time choosing a bike. My daughter is 7, but only stands 42″ tall and weighs 44lbs, she’s tiny! I’d categorize her as an experienced rider since she’s been peddling and two-wheeler since age 4. Her current bike is a heavy 16″ single-speed with coaster brakes. I want to upgrade her to a high-quality bike that she wont grow out of in a year. I like the idea that the Specialized Jett comes with a multilength crankshaft, the Woom comes with adjustable handlebars, and the Prevelo alpha three has a super low standover. She is currently getting into triathlon racing so I’d like for it to have a high gain ratio. Any bike suggestions for us?
My daughter is 5 and 43 inches so a 16inch bike fits her but she’s been riding since she was 3 and is super intrepid. She’s outgrown a single speed bike and is frustrated she can’t do bigger rides. Are there any 16-inch geared bikes. I haven’t been able to find any.