159 bikes match

Best 26″ kids’ bikes for kids aged 9+

Whether your child has been cycling since their toddler years or is just getting started, choosing one of the best 26” kids’ bikes is a great way to support their development and ensure they get the most from their rides.

Purchasing bikes for younger kids tends to be a more straightforward process, as the options available are usually quite similar. However, when it comes to larger bikes for older children, the choices can become overwhelming.

With numerous brands competing, the best kids’ bikes now come with more than just an appealing paint job. As you move into this size range, you’ll notice significant differences in build quality and components across manufacturers. Bikes with higher-end features naturally come with a higher price tag.

Additionally, at this stage, children may start exploring different types of cycling, so choosing a 26” bike isn’t as straightforward as it once was. You’ll need to consider which style of bike best suits their needs. We’ll explain more about that next.

Best 26" kids' bikes: a girl wearing a helmet holding up a bike and smiling

If you’re feeling swamped by the sheer number of bikes available, this guide is here to make things easier. We’ll help you figure out which type of bike is the best match for your child’s riding habits, and then share our top recommendations, with options to suit various price points.

If you’re looking for more detailed buying advice, there’s a helpful Q&A section at the end of this article that addresses the most frequently asked questions.

After selecting the right bike, be sure to gear them up with one of the best bike helmets for kids. And since kids grow fast, don’t forget to check out our guide on how to measure your child's head for a bike helmet so you get the perfect fit.

Cycle Sprog is a reader-supported website. When you buy through links on this page we may earn an affiliate commission.

Quick picks: for parents in a hurry

If you haven’t got time to scroll through the entire list, then these are our top picks from the bunch:

Which type of bike do they need?

It would be great if choosing a bike was as simple as measuring your child and picking one within your budget. But if they’re going to keep cycling into their teenage years, it’s important to find a bike that suits the type of riding they enjoy and that they’ll love for years to come.

Keep in mind that many of these bikes can be versatile. If your child enjoys a bit of everything, an urban or hybrid bike could be ideal. On the other hand, if they’re passionate about mountain biking but also need a bike for school runs, a mountain bike can handle both.

Hybrid bikes

For kids who mainly use their bikes for getting around—whether that’s riding to school, weekend leisure rides on mixed terrain like gravel paths and traffic-free routes—and aren’t focused on racing, a hybrid bike might be the best fit.

The best 26” hybrid bikes combine the features of both road and mountain bikes, offering flat handlebars and slightly wider tyres, giving them great versatility on a variety of surfaces.

Jump to: Hybrid bikes

Best 26" kids' bikes: girl in a blue hoodie lifting the Blue Riverside 900
Best 26" kids' bikes: a boy on a mountain bike in a gravel path

Mountain bikes

If your child loves tearing through muddy, uneven woodland trails, one of the best 26” mountain bikes is the way to go.

These bikes typically feature suspension forks that absorb shocks from rough terrain, making for a smoother and safer ride. They’re usually equipped with reliable brakes and a broad range of gears to handle steep climbs and descents.

Expect flat handlebars and thick, air-filled tyres with knobbly treads for maximum grip in the mud.

Jump to: Mountain bikes

Road bikes

For kids keen on weekend club rides, interested in racing, or simply drawn to speeding along smooth tarmac, it’s worth considering one of the best kids’ road bikes. 

These bikes are built for efficiency on paved roads and typically come with drop handlebars, positioning the rider for better aerodynamics. The brake and gear systems differ from those found on flat-handlebar bikes, but many 26" road bikes offer cross-top brake levers on the flat bar section, giving younger riders an easier transition before fully using the drop bar levers.

With thinner tyres for faster speeds and a lighter frame, road bikes are all about performance and speed.

Jump to: Road & specialist bikes

 

Best 26" kids' bikes: A girl riding an Islabikes Luath road bike in a race
Best 26" kids' bikes: Three children with step-through city bikes chatting in front of a bridge

City bikes

City bikes are quite similar to hybrids, as they’re designed mainly for practical use on paved roads. However, unlike hybrids, which can handle a bit of off-road riding, city bikes are built more specifically for urban commuting. They’re generally less rugged but can still be equipped with mudguards and racks. One of the key differences is the frame design.

The best kids' city bikes often feature a Dutch-style step-through frame, providing a relaxed, upright riding position. While this makes the bike easy to mount and dismount, especially for kids with mobility challenges, it’s not the best for tackling steep hills. They’re also great for wearing skirts, which is why they’re sometimes thought of as "girls’ bikes", but they’re suitable for anyone who prefers this style.

Jump to: City bikes

 

Best 26" kids' bikes: A boy cycling on grass in a cyclocross race

Specialist bikes

While not as common, there are some specialist bikes worth considering.

Gravel bikes, for instance, are a great choice for light trails and towpath riding and are perfect for families who enjoy bikepacking adventures together.

Cyclocross bikes, available with 26” wheels, are ideal for young racers who love navigating muddy courses and obstacles on weekends.

For the indoor cycling enthusiasts, there are even brakeless fixed-gear track bikes designed for the velodrome.

Jump to: Road & specialist bikes

Best 26” kids’ bikes: hybrid bikes

Hybrid bikes are fantastic all-rounders, perfect for everyday riding on a variety of surfaces. They combine the strengths of road and mountain bikes, offering a comfortable and versatile ride.

Below are some of the best 26" hybrid bikes, which are a great choice if your child enjoys a mix of activities or if they’re just getting into cycling and haven’t yet decided what type of riding they love most.

B’Twin Riverside 900

Best budget option

Best 26" kids' bikes: A blue B’Twin Riverside 900 hybrid bike on a plain background

  • Price: £329.99
  • Weight: 10.5kg
  • Height: 135-150cm
  • Colours: Blue

Buy if: You need a simple and affordable bike for riding in a variety of places

The B'Twin Riverside 900 is a great affordable option if you’re on a budget. At this price point you can expect a sturdy aluminium frame and fork, combined with child-specific components that are mostly unbranded but still do the job well. 

The Riverside 900 is equipped with 1.75” thick tyres for a comfortable ride on mixed surfaces, and 8-speed gearing with trigger shifters designed for small hands. Stopping power comes from V-brakes, which are simple to use and maintain at home, and included with the bike are reflectors, a bell and a battery-powered front light. It’s also compatible with mudguards, pannier rack and kickstand, which can be bought separately.

For more detail, read our B'Twin Riverside 900 review.

Squish 26

Best mid-range option

Best 26" kids' bikes - The Squish 26 bike on a blank background

  • Price: £424.00
  • Weight: 9.3kg
  • Inseam: 67-79cm
  • Colours: Blue, Green

Buy if: You need a choice of frame sizes

The Squish 26 comes with two frame size options (13" and 15") so you can choose the right size for your child's height and inseam measurement. Both options come with 26" wheels and will have the same rolling efficiency, but you can make sure the frame itself is easy for your child to mount and dismount.

A practical bike ideal for riding around town and to school, the Squish 26 features Shimano 8-speed gearing, Tektro Mini V-Brakes with thumb shifters, and mounts for a bottle cage, mudguards and rear rack.

Woom 6

Best premium option

Best 26" kids' bikes: A red Woom 6 hybrid bike on a plain background

  • Price: £579.00
  • Weight: 9.5kg
  • Inseam: 73-86cm
  • Colours: Red, Green, Blue, Grey

Buy if: You want the best quality and have money to spend

At this price point, with the woom 6 you’re getting higher quality components that will last longer before they need replacing, while also being designed specifically for children. 

The aluminium frame and fork is equipped with SRAM X4 8-speed gearing, V-brakes with easy-reach levers, and 2” Schwalbe Little Joe tyres for a plush ride on mixed surfaces.

Also included are Woom’s own ergonomic saddle, lightweight wheels, and adjustable Vario stem, which allows you to adjust the geometry as your child grows to help keep them comfortable for longer.

We've got a whole database of kids' bikes available, so if you want to keep looking, check out all the 26" hybrid bikes we'd recommend.

Best 26” kids’ bikes: mountain bikes

For kids who love the thrill of muddy, bumpy trails, mountain bikes are the ideal choice. They’re built to handle rough terrain, keeping the ride safe and comfortable.

Unless your child is already very experienced, a hardtail mountain bike (with suspension forks only in the front) is a great option.

If you’re looking for more options, check out our larger guide to the best 26” mountain bikes.

When they’re ready for an upgrade, we also have a guide to the best kids’ full suspension mountain bikes.

B’Twin Rockrider 26

Best budget option

Best 26" kids' bikes: An orange B’Twin Rockrider ST500 mountain bike on a plain background

  • Price: £279.99
  • Weight: 14.3 kg
  • Height: 135-150cm
  • Colours: Orange

Buy if: They’re new to mountain biking and don’t need the bells and whistles

If they’re just getting started with mountain biking, or you’re on a tight budget, the B’Twin Rockrider 26 offers up a good bargain. What you can expect at this price point is a solid build with unbranded but still decent components. The Rockrider 26 is built around an aluminium frame and suspension fork that offers 90mm of travel to soak up the bumps of the trails. 

7-speed gearing should be sufficient for most off-road riding, and the 1-to-1 gear ratio means they’ll have a decent climbing gear for tackling all but the steepest hills. V-brakes offer simple and reliable braking, while the 2” wide knobbly tyres can help keep them upright and balanced on uneven terrain. Additional accessories you can add separately include a kickstand, bottle cage and mudguards.

Voodoo Nzumbi 26

Best mid-range option

Best 26" kids' bikes: A Voodoo Nzumbi on a plain background

  • Price: £450.00
  • Weight: 14kg
  • Inseam: TBC
  • Colours: Black

Buy if: They’re getting more serious on the trails

The Voodoo Nzumbi 26 is designed for kids aged 9 and over, providing a real mountain biking experience with a junior-specific frame inspired by Voodoo’s adult range. The lightweight aluminium frame is robust enough to handle knocks and scrapes, with modern geometry that scales down perfectly from adult bikes.

Equipped with a Shimano 1x drivetrain, the Nzumbi offers intuitive and low-maintenance gear shifting, giving your child enough range to tackle even the steepest hills. Hydraulic disc brakes ensure confident stopping power in all conditions, while high-volume performance tyres and a Suntour suspension fork with lockout make the bike adaptable for trails and smooth riding on flatter terrain.

The cool colour scheme is an added bonus, making this bike look just as good as it performs.

Woom OFF AIR 6

Best premium option

Best 26" kids' bikes: A Woom OFF AIR 6 on a plain background

  • Price: £1,049.00
  • Weight: 11kg
  • Height: 140-165cm
  • Colours: Black, Terra Coppa

Buy if: You want a high-spec mountain bike that’s light and ready for serious trail riding.

At just 11kg, the Woom OFF AIR 6 is a lightweight, high-performance mountain bike for kids aged around 11-13. Built with a super-light aluminium frame and air suspension forks, it’s ideal for tearing up pump tracks or tackling trails in the woods.

The bike’s hydraulic disc brakes ensure powerful and reliable stopping in all conditions, while its newly designed handlebars, grips, and saddle provide comfort on longer rides.

With tubeless tyre rims and dropper seat post compatibility, the Woom OFF AIR 6 offers features often seen on adult mountain bikes, giving your child everything they need for an exhilarating ride.

We've got a whole database of kids' bikes available, so if you want to keep looking, check out all the best 26" mountain bikes we'd recommend.

Best 26” kids’ bikes: road & specialist bikes

Streamlined and built for speed, the best kids’ road bikes are perfect for children who love fast-paced rides on tarmac.

While there aren’t as many road bikes available as there are mountain bikes, there are still excellent models to choose from, designed to provide a smooth and efficient ride.

Specialist bikes, also not as widely available, offer some great options for young riders too. Whether you’re after a gravel bike for fun off-road adventures or a cyclocross bike for weekend racing, both can provide an exciting off-road experience.

Boardman ADV JNR 26

Best for the budding bikepacker

Best 26" kids' bikes: A grey Boardman ADV JNR 26 adventure bike on a plain background

  • Price: £480.00
  • Weight: 10.5kg
  • Inseam: 68–80cm
  • Colours: Blue

Buy if: You’re planning some family bikepacking trips

Bikepacking as a family has never been easier, and the Boardman ADV JNR 26 means that your youngster can load up their bags and pedal through the wilderness right alongside you.

It’s both on- and off-road capable, thanks to its lightweight triple-butted aluminium frame and fork, 1.5” Vee Rubber Speedster tyres, while the Tektro Mira cable disc brakes offer up excellent stopping power.

The Shimano 8-speed rear derailleur coupled with a Microshift shifter offers a wide range of gears for tackling a multitude of gradients. Specifically, the combination of a 32T chainring with 34t rear cog means it’s ideal for spinning up steep hills.

Meanwhile, it’s got mounts for mudguards and a rear rack, and plenty of space for bikepacking bags so you can tailor it to your family’s adventures.

Vitus Razor Disc 26

Best brand new option

Best 26" kids' bikes: A Vitus Razor Disc 26 road bike on a blank background

Buy if: You want a brand new do-it-all drop bar bike

The Vitus Razor Disc 26 is a lightweight road bike tailored to fit smaller riders, without compromising on performance. With an aluminium frame and compact geometry, it offers a responsive, comfortable ride for young cyclists.

The short-reach shifters are designed for smaller hands, while the powerful flat-mount disc brakes provide reliable stopping power on various terrains. The bike comes with 25mm tyres but has frame clearance for wider tyres if more stability or comfort is needed.

The simple 1x Microshift groupset reduces maintenance and makes gear changes easy, while the bike’s compact handlebars prevent over-reaching, helping kids handle road obstacles confidently.

Black Friday deal: Save 28% at Evans Cycles (£469.99)

Van Rysel Triban 100

Best budget option

Best 26" kids' bikes: A red Van Rysel Triban 100 road bike on a plain background

  • Price: £349.99
  • Weight: 10.2kg 
  • Height: 135-150cm
  • Colours: Red

Buy if: They’re just getting started with road cycling

The Van Rysel Triban 100 26” road bike is designed purely for paved surfaces. The aluminium frame and fork is paired with a mixed Shimano and Microshift 7-speed drivetrain, providing a decent enough range of gears for most road cycling, alongside dual Tektro brake levers. This means there are two sets: one on the top of the handlebar, and another integrated into the drop bar levers. This helps them progress from flat bar riding to drop bar riding with confidence.
The skinny 25mm B’Twin Resist 5 tyres offer efficient rolling and stability, while the bike comes complete with battery-powered lights, a bell and wheel reflectors. It’s also compatible with mudguards, a rear rack and a bottle cage, which you can add separately.

Islabikes Luath 26

Best second-hand option

Best 26" kids' bikes: A grey Islabikes Luath 26 road bike on a plain background

  • Price: £varies second hand
  • Weight: 8.7kg
  • Inseam: 65-75cm
  • Colours: Grey

Buy if: You want a second hand bargain

Since it’s discontinued, the Islabikes Luath 26, once a premium option, can now be found at a much reduced price if bought second hand.

The Luath is a versatile do-it-all drop bar bike that can be used for road cycling and triathlon, as well as cyclocross and gravel if you swap out the tyres. If your youngster is keen to dabble, then the Luath is a great versatile option.

The aluminium frame and carbon fork combination makes it super lightweight, while the Tektro cable disc brakes and 8-speed Shimano Claris gearing makes for a high quality drivetrain that should last through a lot of use. Compatible accessories you can add yourself include mudguards, a rear rack, kickstand and bottle cage.

While there aren't currently many other drop bar bikes around at the moment, keep an eye on our bike database for all 26" road bikes we'd recommend.

Best 26” kids’ bikes: city bikes

Like hybrid bikes, city bikes are mainly designed for practical commuting. They can be fitted with racks and mudguards, making them perfect for school runs or navigating around town. The defining feature is their step-through frame, which provides an upright, comfortable riding position and makes them easy to ride in skirts. Despite the misconception that they’re "girls’ bikes", city bikes are a great choice for anyone who prefers a comfortable, practical design.

 

Frog City 67

Best mid-range option

Best 26" kids' bikes: A black Frog City 67 city bike on a plain background

  • Price: £590.00
  • Weight: 9.61kg (with pedals)
  • Inseam: 63-81 cm
  • Colours: Teal, Pink, Black

Buy if: You want a complete riding-to-school setup straight off the shelf

If you can’t bear the thought of searching for compatible accessories to make your child’s bike school run-ready, consider paying a bit more for something that’s good to go, straight off the shelf. The Frog City 67 comes set up with mudguards, a rear rack, kickstand, bell, reflectors and a chainguard. All you need to add is a pannier and some lights. As an added bonus, its step-through frame puts the rider in a comfortable upright position, perfect if you live in a relatively flat area, plus it’s skirt-friendly.

The aluminium frame and fork is combined with 8-speed Shimano Altus or Microshift Mezzo gearing and easy-use trigger shifters. Tektro V-brakes are paired with easy-reach levers, while the 1.5” Kenda City tyres deliver a smooth and comfortable ride on tarmac.

Get a free helmet when you buy from Wheelbase and use the promo code CYCLESPROG!

Woom Now 6

Best premium option

Woom NOW 5

  • Price: £839.00
  • Weight: 12.8kg 
  • Height: 142-167cm
  • Colours: Blue, Green

Buy if: You want a fully-equipped and practical carrier

The Woom Now 6 is a unique design among the rest of this list, sporting a 26-inch rear wheel coupled with a 20-inch front wheel, to accommodate a built-in front carrier for transporting bags, sports equipment, or whatever else your youngster might need to take with them. 

Chunky tyres make light work of Britain's pot-holed roads, and the included wide mudguards make it practical year round. It also features a dynamo hub with lights that don't ever need charging, disc brakes for weather-proof stopping power, and a frame-mounted bag for storing other essentials.

 

If none of these are what you're looking for, then check out the rest of the 26" bikes listed in our bike database.

Best 26” kids’ bikes: specialist bikes

Specialist bikes, though not as widely available, still offer some great options for young riders. We’ve done the research to find the best choices, whether you’re after a gravel bike for fun off-road adventures or a cyclocross bike for weekend racing. While cyclocross bikes are designed for competition, both types can provide an exciting and fast off-road experience.

 

Frog Track 70

Best for the budding track racer

Best 26" kids' bikes: A green Frog Track 70 track bike on a plain background

  • Price: £470.00
  • Weight: 7.77 kg (inc. pedals)
  • Inseam: 67–79cm
  • Colours: Green

Buy if: Your child is destined for the velodrome

The Frog Track 70 is a track bike for young racers aged 11-14. It’s a specialist bike designed for racing in a velodrome or outdoor track racing circuit, and as such it doesn’t come with brakes, has single speed gearing, and features a ‘flip flop’ hub, which means you can turn the rear wheel around to switch between a fixed gear or a coasting one. 

Since it’s designed for racing, the geometry of the aluminium frame and fork is track-specific, designed to minimise drag, and focused on simplicity and efficiency. Kenda K196 1” tyres deliver traction and stability without too much rolling resistance, to keep speed a priority. It comes with paint plasters and frame protection, and while it’s out of stock at the time of writing, it’s due back in the next couple of months.

If none of these are what you're looking for, then check out the rest of the 26" bikes listed in our bike database.

How to choose from the best 26” kids’ bikes

If you still need a bit of buying advice, here are some key considerations to make when choosing the best bike for your child.

How much money should I spend on a 26" kids’ bike?

When it comes to 26” kids’ bikes, the variety in builds and price points increases. These bikes are essentially small adult bikes, so you’ll find a wider range of components and designs. Some brands focus on higher-quality parts, while others might compromise in one area to keep the cost down, such as offering excellent brakes but a heavier frame.

The good news is that there are bikes available for different budgets, with some brands offering great value for money. However, we recommend avoiding bikes with prices that seem too low to be true, as the quality often suffers. If you want your child to enjoy cycling long-term, investing in a good-quality bike is key.

In terms of cost, you can expect to spend at least £250 on a new bike, though prices can go into the thousands for more specialist models. If your budget is tight, consider buying a secondhand kids' bike, as you can often find well-made bikes at a fraction of the original price.

What are the key things to look for in a kids’ bike?

At Cycle Sprog, we only recommend bikes that we’d be happy for our own kids (or nieces and nephews) to ride, and we’ve got plenty of kids' bike reviews to back that up. The bikes in our guides come from trusted brands known for quality builds and good customer support. So, if you’re feeling unsure, you can rely on our recommendations.

But if you’re still exploring options we haven’t covered, here are some key factors to look for in a good-quality kids’ bike.

First, check the frame material and overall weight. Steel frames are heavier, while aluminium offers a lighter and more durable alternative.

Next, make sure the drivetrain components come from reputable brands like Shimano, SRAM, or MicroShift, as this ensures that replacement parts will be easy to find when needed.

If you’re considering a secondhand bike, don’t forget to consult our guide on buying a second hand kids’ bike to help you make a smart purchase and avoid costly repairs.

What age range is a 26” kids’ bike for?

Since children grow at different rates, it’s hard to give a one-size-fits-all answer, which is why we've got a dedicated guide about how to choose the right size bike for your child's age.

Generally, a 26” kids’ bike is suitable for children aged around 10 to 14, but the best way to be sure is to take their measurements. We have a handy guide on how to easily measure your child for a new bike to help you find the right fit.

Once you’ve got their height and inseam measurements, you can use our Kids' Bike Search and let it do the hard work for you!

Is there a difference between boys’ and girls’ bikes?

For the most part, no. There’s little difference in how boys’ and girls’ bikes are built, though some brands still use gendered colours, like pink for girls and blue for boys.

Regardless of the bike’s colour, you can be confident that if you’re buying from a trusted brand, the quality will be there for both boys and girls.

However, there are times when specific designs can be useful. For example, girls wearing skirts might find a step-through frame with a chainguard more practical for their school commute. That said, step-through frames aren’t just for girls; they can work for anyone who prefers that style.

The most important thing is that your child loves the bike they’re riding, no matter their gender.

If you’re still unsure which bike to choose, try our Kids' Bike Search tool to browse the top options.

159 bikes match

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