BTWIN kids’ bikes: a comprehensive range overview

BTWIN bikes: understanding the range

Before we get to the individual bike models, it’s important to understand how the range is set out and labelled. 

Decathlon’s BTWIN bikes are divided into three core ranges: 100, 500, and 900. You’ll see these numbers in the model names, so it should be clear which range they belong to. In some cases the numbers might vary (like with the Rockrider  EXPL 120, for example), but this still belongs to the 100 range. 

These core ranges cover everything from first balance bikes to more advanced hybrid and mountain bikes for older kids and young teens. 

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

• BTWIN 100 series – The entry-level range with a focus on affordability. Bikes in this series are typically heavier with more basic components. While they work as a budget-friendly option, it’s worth noting that the extra weight can make riding feel harder, especially for younger or less confident riders.
• BTWIN 500 series – A noticeable step up. These bikes are lighter and better equipped, which can really help children ride further and enjoy cycling more. If your child is gaining confidence or tackling more varied routes, the 500 series will make the experience smoother and more enjoyable.
• BTWIN 900 series – The lightest and best-equipped bikes in the range. These are fantastic for young riders because the reduced weight makes handling easier and riding far more fun — especially for younger children, where every kilo makes a difference. While the 900 series sits at the top of the BTWIN range, it’s still significantly more affordable than many other premium, lightweight kids’ bike brands, making it a great option for families looking for top performance without the premium price tag.

Alongside these, Decathlon offers specific bike models under different names:

• Runride – Balance bikes designed to help toddlers learn key balance skills before progressing to pedalling.
• Riverside – Hybrid bikes designed for both urban and light off-road use.
• Rockrider – Kids' mountain bikes built for off-road adventures and trails.
  

Each of these ranges caters to different types of young riders, so whether your child is learning to pedal for the first time or exploring rougher terrain, there’s a BTWIN bike to match their needs. In the next sections, we’ll take a closer look at individual models, their features, and what makes them stand out.

BTWIN kids' bikes: range overview

Ride-ons and balance bikes

At the very start of their cycling journey, children as young as one can use ride-ons and balance bikes to develop key motor skills that will set them up for a lifetime of cycling. The Convertible 2-in-1 Ride-On to Balance Bike starts out with four small wheels, and then becomes a two-wheel precursor to a balance bike. 

Once they’ve mastered the ride-on, they should be ready for a 12-inch BTWIN Runride balance bike. The Runride 100 is the most basic model for use at home, the Runride 500 is a better option if they’re making short trips with you down the road, as it comes with bearings for a smoother ride, and the Runride 900 is the lightweight aluminium offering that also comes with 12” pneumatic tyres for more grip and comfort on pavements and uneven terrain.

If they’re learning at a later stage or are tall for their age, BTWIN has two 14” 2-in-1 balance bike options on offer, which function exactly like the Runride, but are bigger and can be converted to a pedal bike. The 14” 2-in-1 Discover 500 is the more affordable steel-framed (and therefore slightly heavier) option, while the 14” 2-in-1 Discover 900 has an aluminium frame and weighs a kilo less. Both bikes can be switched between balance and pedal mode in 10 seconds without tools, and feature Stop Easy brake levers for small hands.

Small pedal bikes

While the 14” Discover 100 bike technically sits in at the lower end of the 2-in-1 Discover range featured above, we’ve put it here because it doesn’t convert from a balance to pedal bike. It’s ideal for a 3-5 year-old who’s ready to start pedalling. 

The next stage up is the 16” Discover range, designed to help pedallers find their confidence. The 16” Discover 100 is the entry level model that’s extremely affordable and offers renewed Stop Easy V2 brakes. At the top of the range, the aluminium 16” Discover 900 is incredibly lightweight at 6.6kg, offering exceptional value for money. Take a look at our BTWIN 16” Discover 900 first impressions review to see it in more detail.

Riverside hybrid bikes

The BTWIN Riverside range is the brand’s hybrid bike offering. These bikes are designed for all-round use for almost all occasions, combining paved routes with a little bit of light off-road. It covers 20-26” wheel sizes and is suitable for kids between the ages of 6 and 12.

The single speed 20” Riverside 100 is the entry-level model in the 20” range, with only one gear so it’s nice and simple to use, and perfect for riding in flat areas. It has the same V-brake that comes with the mid-range 20” Riverside 500, while this step up has 6-speed gearing. For a lighter weight and more premium option, the 20” Riverside 900 is 2kg lighter thanks to the aluminium frame, and has 8 gears for climbing hills.

In the 24” wheel range, there’s the 24” Riverside 100 at the entry point, with a 6-speed twist shifter and V-brakes. Meanwhile, the top-range 24” Riverside 500 is a great option for riding to school, as it comes fully equipped with a front light and a kickstand, and a more comfortable saddle. Finally, once they’re big enough, there’s the top-end 26” Riverside 900, which is built around a very lightweight aluminium frame, has 8-speed trigger shifting, a Selle Royal saddle for comfort, and bigger 26-inch wheels for fast and efficient rolling. Check out our BTWIN 26” Riverside 900 review for more information on this particular bike.

Rockrider mountain bikes

The BTWIN Rockrider MTB range covers 20-26” wheel sizes and kids aged between 6 and 12 years old. The 6-speed 20” EXPL 120 is a rigid off-road explorer, ideal for beginners who want to try venturing off road. The 20” EXPL 500 introduces a suspension fork for a proper taste of mountain biking, while the 20” EXPL 900R maximises value for money, offering a lightweight aluminium frame and rigid fork, as well as mechanical disc brakes.

The next size up is the 24” mountain bike range, and there are two to choose from: the EXPL, geared towards exploration, and the ST, a cross-country racer designed to go fast.

At the entry level, the 7-speed 24” EXPL 500 comes with V-brakes, a Suntour XCT suspension fork and a slightly heavier steel frame, while the 24” EXPL 900 has 9 speeds, a lightweight aluminium frame, and hydraulic disc brakes.

Meanwhile, the racier 8-speed 24” ST 900 is built around a lightweight aluminium frame, a Suntour XCT coil suspension fork, and mechanical disc brakes. 

For the older kids and younger teens, there’s a similar range with 26” wheels. Once again there are two models to choose from: the exploratory EXPL and the race-ready ST. Starting with the EXPL range, the 26” EXPL 500 is a 7-speed aluminium mountain bike with V-brakes and 2-inch wide tyres for a firm grip. The 26” EXPL 900, at the higher level, introduces hydraulic braking and comes with 9 speeds. For young cross-country racers, the more affordable 26” ST 500 offers 7 speeds, V-brakes and a lightweight aluminium frame.

Kids’ City Bikes

If you live in a relatively flat region, or even if your child just enjoys the city bike aesthetic, Decathlon has some very stylish kids’ city bike options with 20” and 24” wheels. The Elops range has a classic Dutch style, with a low standover frame, an upright riding position, and a basket on the front. The 20” Kids’ City Bike 500 and 24” Kids’ City Bike 500 are both designed for leisure cycling on paved and light gravel paths. Both bikes are fully equipped with mudguards to keep them dry, and have 6-speed gearing. 

BTWIN family cargo bike

It’s not a kids’ bike, but we had to include the Cargo Bike R500E in this range overview, because any family who cycles together should know about a good quality cargo bike that’s also affordable. It’s designed to be flexible and adaptable to your lifestyle, and comes with an ecosystem of compatible accessories, including a baby carrier, cushion, box, and luggage carriers.

Available in three colours: black, green and yellow, the Cargo Bike R500E is a sub-£3,000 electric longtail cargo bike with a built in front basket, a double kickstand, and a total carrying capacity of 208kg.

Take a look at our Decathlon R500E Cargo Bike review for an in-depth look at how it rides.

If you're curious to get yourself one of the best cargo bike for families, but don't have a huge budget, then this is a great option.

BTWIN kids’ helmets and clothing

There’s a really wide range of kids’ cycling accessories on offer at Decathlon, including BTWIN clothing and helmets. The clothing range includes everything from summer mitts and winter gloves, to jerseys, shorts, and waterproof jackets. Take a look at the full clothing range to kit your child out for their riding adventures.

Meanwhile if you’re on the lookout for an affordable bike helmet, there’s a good selection from BTWIN, as well as MTB-specific Rockrider helmets. Check out their full range of kids’ bike helmets.

If you’re cycling with a very little one on board and would like to keep their head safe, you’ll be glad to hear that BTWIN produces what we think is one of the best bike helmets for babies and toddlers, and it’s super affordable. We've recently reviewed the BTWIN 500 Baby helmet, and our testers love it!