A bike is a great way to get your children of any age active and exploring the world around them. Most of us can remember our first bike and the sense of adventure it brought us, and the memories we make on two wheels will stay with us for a lifetime.
However, buying a bike can be tricky. Bikes are size-specific and it can be frustrating to make a significant investment into a bike, only to see them grow out of it in no time at all. While it may be tempting to purchase a bigger bike that they’ll ‘grow into eventually’, it can lead to a very uncomfortable riding position which can put them off using their bike, defeating the purpose of buying it in the first place.
At Giant, we’ve designed our kids’ bikes to accompany as wide a size range as possible, while still making the bikes easy and fun to ride, so they start their cycling adventures on the right path.
When choosing a bike, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, if your child cannot touch the ground when standing over the top tube or cannot comfortably reach the handlebars or brakes, then the bike is not safe for them to ride. He or she will not be able to adequately control, stop and steer the bike.
Likewise, if a bike is too small for your child you will notice they are hitting their knees on their handlebars and look ‘scrunched up’ in their riding position. A bike that is too small can seem out-of-control and unbalanced as it doesn’t have enough of a stable platform to pedal from.
We’ve laid out the kids’ bike range below and the recommended sizing guide for their age and height, however, we cannot stress enough the importance of checking the bike fits correctly before letting them ride. For this, your local Giant retailer will be able to assist with more accurate sizing advice as they can measure up in-store to provide the exact recommendation.
ARX 16”
Our new range of ARX kids bike is designed to be as light as possible – in fact, they are amongst the lightest in their class across the top brands, so they’re agile and fun to ride. The range starts at 16” and features a lightweight aluminium frame in a low standover design, along with versatile tyres that can handle rough roads, paths and even some dirt, so they can ride where they want without worry.
16” model: perfect for 4-6 years OR 19-23” inseam
ARX 20”
One size up from the 16” is the ARX 20” – aside from the bigger wheel size, there are a couple of changes to adapt the bike to make it better to ride. The gearing changes from a single speed into a 1×8 setup with a wide 32 tooth cassette. This allows the bike to be ridden on steeper terrain, letting them tackle new challenges now they are getting older.
Cycling Weekly was so impressed with the 20” version, they awarded the bike a perfect 10/10 and claimed that “Giant has upped the stakes by making a good-quality, well-specced kids bike that’s lighter than the competitors and very competitively priced”. So you can be sure that your child will be getting the best of the best!
20” model: Perfect for – 5-7 years OR 22-25” inseam
ARX 24”
As the ARX moves up to the 24” size, the bike remains largely the same as the 20” version, however, some of the components are slightly modified to accompany the larger wheel size. For just £325, they’ll still benefit from the lightweight frame and fork, low bottom bracket for a better centre of gravity and versatile tyres.
24” wheel perfect for – 7-9 years OR 24-28” inseam
ARX 26”
With its youth-specific drop handlebars and smaller diameter 26” wheels, the ARX 26” is a perfect first bike for young adult riders as it allows them to go anywhere, road or off-road. The lightweight ALUXX aluminium frame is designed with a low stand-over height that’s ideal for teenagers between 4”10 and 5”3. The short-reach handlebars are made to fit smaller hands, and a specially designed Giant saddle helps keep young riders comfortable as they begin to tackle longer rides.
26” wheel Perfect for – Riders above 4”10
Helmets
Although bike helmets aren’t compulsory, we would always strongly advise any young riders to wear one while on the bike, as they are proven to increase safety. It’s important that kids cycling helmets cover three main points – lightweight, well fitted and secure.
To accompany the ARX range, the Hoot ARX and Compel ARX kids helmets are designed to meet all the key points, while also having six bold colours to choose from so they can clash or complement their bike colour choice. Starting at just £29.99, they are an essential accompaniment for any kid’s bike choice.
So there we have it – while it’s impossible to be exact as not all kids have the same body proportions, the guides above should be sufficient to get the correct size bike. If you are still unsure, you can visit one of our 370+ retailers who will be more than happy to help guide you through the process of finding the ideal bike. You can find your nearest Giant retailer using our search function.
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So what are you waiting for? Get your kids out on the roads and trails and let them explore the world around them!
From the moment you take your very first pedal strokes, Giant Bicycles UK can help you and your EZ Ride Bike share the joy of the ride. Designed to be the best choice for kids starting out two-wheeled adventures, Giant kids bikes deliver a special combination of quality, style and versatility.
The Giant kids range has something for everyone. From the lightweight and carefree balance bikes to the thrill-seeking 20″ mountain bike, each model in the range is designed and built with the same attention to detail as the adult range. An all-round smooth ride is ensured by the lightweight ALUXX aluminium frames and the sensitive SPRING suspension suspensions manufactured to the highest standards, giving Giant Bicycles UK the confidence to offer a lifetime warranty on these frames.
The range also boasts a selection of features designed to enhance your child’s cycling experience:
• Safe:To ensure maximum safety, each bike includes top quality Tektro disc brakes for reliable stopping power and puncture-proof tyres for added protection against the elements.
• Fun:Ready-to-ride bikes come with a range of fully integrated components, including customised ergonomics, saddle and handlebar adjustability and an intuitive 6-speed Shimano Twist-Shift gear system to suit all ages, heights and stages.
• Quality:Ready to roll, these bikes provide a real choice for those who want quality and value. Each bike is built to last so you can be sure your child’s Giant Bike is going to outlive the latest fashion trend.
From beginner bikes to full-on mountain bikes, Giant Bicycles UK has a comprehensive range of kids bikes that can unlock your child’s joy of cycling. Why not start discovering the joy of riding today?