Measuring your child before you buy them a new bike is really important to help make sure you're buying a bike that will fit them and they'll love riding.  A properly sized kids bike is crucial to the safety and enjoyment of cycling - buy one that's too big and they'll be nervous and won't want to ride it.  Buy too small and they'll grow out of it in no time!

Measuring your child accurately and buying a bike that they're at the lower end of the range will ensure they get maximum use out of it and can start riding it immediately.

How to easily measure your child for a new bike

Most quality kids bikes will provide you with an inside leg measurement range, and others will also give you height guidelines, so these are the two measurements you need to know before you start shopping for a new bike for your child.

How to measure your child's inside leg for a new bike:

Inside leg is a crucial measurement to ensure the bicycle you're buying is the correct size.

Most quality kids bike manufacturers will give you an inside leg measurement range, others will just supply a minimum measurement.

Note on American bikes this may be called the inseam.

It is VERY important that you don't buy a bike that is too big as they won't be able to ride it. Aim for a bike where your child's measurement is towards the lower end of the manufacturer's stated range, to give plenty of room for growth, but do not go below it, or the bike will be too big.

For example, if your child's inside leg is 49cm don't be tempted to buy a bike that says a minimum inside leg of 52cm as they will struggle to get their feet onto the ground. You're better off getting one with a minimum inside leg of 48cm (or slightly lower) as the seat post on a quality kids bike can be raised to allow plenty of room for growth.

Note - inside leg measurement means you are measuring the distance from the floor to their groin - not the width around their leg!

How to measure your child's height for a new bike

Many bike manufacturers will give a height range for their bikes - this takes into account leg and body position on their bikes.

1. Stand the child with their back against the wall in socks (no shoes).
2. Make sure they are standing straight, no going on tiptoes or bending the knees.
3. Place the straight edge across the top of the head, parallel to the floor.  You can use a book, like this image on the right.
   CYCLE SPROG TOP TIP:  If you're worried your book isn't level, then use a very thick hardbacked book or a cereal box instead.  The side of the box against the wall will ensure that it's at 90º meaning you measure to the correct point.
4. Mark your child's height on the wall, making sure to mark where the bottom edge of the book/box contacting the wall.
5. Measure from the ground up to mark on the wall, make a note of it.

Other posts you might be interested in:

• 5 questions YOU should answer before teaching your child to ride a bike
• Easy mistakes to make when measuring your child for their new bike
• Choosing the best balance bike for your child
• What's the best age to teach a child to ride a bike?
• The best balance bikes as recommended by parents
• How does the Bike Club work?