Youth Bikes for Sale in Chicago

Start your child out right for an active and fit lifestyle on a quality, safe bike from Earth Rider Cycling. As a women-owned bike shop we want to help all ages enjoy riding a bike in the city of Chicago and we recommend you start your child out early on a well made bike that they will enjoy riding. We sell youth bikes from the top brands such as Haro and Reid that will enable them to be active and foster independence. Since children grow at different rates and are of different sizes, we will help identify the correct size for your child that will allow them to grow into and last as long as possible but will be safe to ride. Browse our current inventory on our website or stop in our bike shop in Chicago to see all we have to offer, get a free bike fitting for your child and take a test ride. We have many sizes, styles, and colors in stock.

Tips for Buying a Bike for a Child

1. Know how kid's bikes are sized - unlike bicycles for adults, children's bike are not sized by the frame size, instead they come in sizes based on wheel size. If a child is just starting out with their first bike, a sizing chart is a good place to start:

Wheel size of 12 in, age 1-4 years
Wheel size of 16 in, age 3-5 years
Wheel size of 18 in, age 5-7 years
Wheel size of 20 in, age 6-8 years
Wheel size of 24 in, age 8-12 years

Children who are larger or smaller for their age should move up or down in wheel size. If the child already has a bike and has outgrown it, then you would look for a bike the next wheel size larger. Once a child is over 4 ft 10 inches, they can ride an adult sized bike with a 26 inch, 27 inch, or 700c wheel starting out with a small frame.

2. Select the largest size they can safety ride - since children are still growing, it is smart to buy a bike in the largest size they can ride, but be careful not to buy one too large. There is a little adjustability in a bike by raising or lowering the saddle but in general the child should be able to touch the ground when standing over the bike and reach the handlebars and brakes. If a bike is too large, they might not be able to start, stop and control the steering and will not have fun riding. It might be better to get a smaller size and hand it down or sell it when they outgrow it.

3. Involve the child in the bike purchase - while it might be fun to surprise a child with a gift of a new bike, having them involved in the selection and be able to do test rides is a good idea to make sure the bike is a good fit for them. Instead of making the decision for them, why not wrap up a new helmet or bell and announce that you are taking them to the bike shop to pick out a new bike?