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Looking to buy your kid’s first bike? Or maybe that first bike has been outgrown, and it’s time to size up? We know that this isn’t always as easy as it can be, which is why the following information will get you ready and educated for choosing the best SCOTT bike for your children.

Throughout this whole process, there is one important factor to keep in mind – riding bikes is fun. We want to make sure that you get the right bike for just that, keeping things fun for your kid and family.

Right, let’s get started.

What to consider when choosing your kid’s bike?

How to determine my kid’s bike size?

Why choose a SCOTT kid’s bike?

What type of bike is best for your kid?

1- What to consider when choosing your kid’s bike?

First and foremost, your child’s height is a determining factor. Their skill level on a bike is also important. Beginners will be more confident on a slightly smaller, lighter bike, for example.

Also, from 20” wheels bikes and up, you’ll find groupsets with gears, suspension forks, disc brakes etc. The more experience your children have on a bike, the easier it will be for them to get used to shifting gears or riding with a suspension fork.

Ultimately, biking should be fun and it’s important for your kids to be comfortable on a bike that they like and enjoy riding. Part of that is down to looks, which is why at SCOTT we have designed bikes with graphics and colors that can please riders of all ages. You must have a bike that looks cool to ride to school, right?

2- How to determine my kid’s bike size?

An important fact to remember when determining the right size of bike is that age isn’t a defining factor, height is. So, when starting to look for a bike, have your kid’s height handy to simplify your search. We have a very useful size chart on each product page that can help you along.

At SCOTT, the number next to a kid’s bike model name refers to wheel size. So, for example, a Roxter 20 has 20” wheels. So, the bigger the number, the bigger the wheels, the bigger the bike.

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Check Foot Position

If it’s your kid’s first pedal bike, we suggest choosing a size where both of their feet can touch the ground while seated on the saddle. This will give them a good pedaling position, but it will also make it easier to stop by putting their feet down whenever they want. Concerning the saddle height (which is measured from the ground to the saddle) it should be the same as your kids’ inseam.

Calculating inseam is easy – just take a pair of your kid's pants, check inseam length and you’re all set!

If your kid is already confident on the bike, you can choose a bike on which your kid is able to touch the ground with just the tip of their toes. It will allow more leg extension for better pedaling efficiency.

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Check Knee Position

Knee position will change depending on the saddle height. If your kid is a beginner, we recommend lowering the saddle to have a stronger bend in the knee and to also be able to easily put their feet on the ground when they stop. For more confident children, you can raise the saddle until the knee is almost fully extended when pedaling. With this position it will bring more power when pedaling which means more speed.

If your kid’s knees are almost touching their elbow when they're pedaling while sitting down, then it’s time to size up!

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Handlebar Reach

Lastly, it’s important to check if your kid can easily reach the handlebars with both hands and even more importantly reach the brake levers.

3- Why choose a SCOTT Kid’s bike

Not only do our kids’ bikes look good, but they were also built with little ripper anatomies in mind!

Optimized grips: Grips are optimized for kids which means they are narrower to perfectly fit smaller hands.

Handlebar width: Depending on the wheel size we adapt the length of the handlebar to better match the position on the bike.

Pedal size: We’ve specifically selected pedals to better fit kids’ feet and to help them to be more precise.

Crank length: Depending on the wheel size, we have adapted crank length. This leads to better pedaling movement for the little riders.

A specific seat position: Our bikes have a forward leaning saddle position. This helps kids control the front wheel more easily by putting additional weight on the handlebar which leads to a position that favors the front of the bike.

4- What type of bike is best for your kid?

Our smaller bikes that feature from 12’’ to 16’’ wheels are perfect for teaching your kids’ fundamentals, growing confidence, and discovering their passion for riding.

When your child is tall enough to go onto 20’’ wheel bikes and beyond, you’ll find more options. Keep in mind that for 2 different bikes of the same size, the main difference will be component based. Some bikes will have suspension, some bikes will be lighter etc.

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Hybrid Bikes

These bikes are made for kids who ride on tarmac, sometimes on gravel, or sometimes off road. Those are the perfect bikes for everyday riding, and for going on adventures after school.

The Roxter 20 is a great example. With 8 speeds, it’s the perfect bike to master gear shifting. Its disc brakes offer better and more consistent braking power. If you’re going to go fast, you’ve got to be able to slow down.

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Mountain Bikes

These bikes are perfect if your kids veer off the road onto trail at every opportunity. Maybe they’re interested in riding some trails that point downhill and are looking to take the next step.

With the Contessa 26 Disc bike, your kid will be able to hit the trails, be confident on them, and learn new skills.

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Future Pro bikes

At SCOTT we make sure to build the best bikes possible not only for adults, but also for kids. That’s why we created our Future Pro bike range. These bikes are meant for kids who are starting to take their cycling seriously, and who might be the next Nino Schurter or Marine Cabirou.

The Scale RC 400 is the perfect bike for kids who are already confident on bikes. With its Shimano Disc brakes, and its Shimano Deore 11 speed groupset this bike has nothing to envy about the adult version.

Now that you’re ready to choose the best bike for your kids, let’s have a look at our collection.