Should I get my daughter a 20 inch or 24 inch bike?

Should I get my daughter a 20 inch or 24 inch bike?

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Discussion

mike80

Original Poster:

2,277 posts

222 months

Saturday 29th October 2022
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She's nearly 7 and 130cm tall. She sat on a 24 inch bike today and it seemed OK, then had a go on her friends which had 20 inch wheels, and it seemed to fit it well. But ideally I'd like to get something that will last a few years!

It will probably be a Christmas present, and won't see that much use until early Spring next year, so she will be a bit taller by then.

fat80b

2,431 posts

227 months

Saturday 29th October 2022
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I’m assuming that she already has a bike (ie this is not a first bike).

My experience has been that it’s best to buy second hand bikes at this age as they grow out of them so fast.

If she’s already a decent cyclist, I’d go for the 24 to last a bit longer. If not, the smaller one is probably a bit easier to get confident on but it’ll only last a year or so.

Tom1312

1,032 posts

152 months

Saturday 29th October 2022
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My young lad has a 20 Virus and loves it, he would have fit on the 24 but I felt the extra control and confidence was probably worth the extra eventual outlay for a bigger bike down the road.

If she's hugely confident go for the 24 now.

Also, just a recommendation for Vitus bikes, we've had 3 and all have been faultless and used very heavily.


mike9009

7,451 posts

249 months

Saturday 29th October 2022
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Our kids grow out of bikes so quickly, but we do gentle trails and cycle tracks. I get the largest they can fit on.

If she can cycle confidently and you are going on tracks etc. ( Not proper off road) I would get the 24 inch bike.

My nine year old got a 26 inch wheel mountain bike which will hopefully last a few years after the 24 inch lasted two years.....

Also, I generally go for second hand bikes - there are so many little used kids bikes out there.....

mike80

Original Poster:

2,277 posts

222 months

Saturday 29th October 2022
quotequote all
fat80b said:
I’m assuming that she already has a bike (ie this is not a first bike).

My experience has been that it’s best to buy second hand bikes at this age as they grow out of them so fast.

If she’s already a decent cyclist, I’d go for the 24 to last a bit longer. If not, the smaller one is probably a bit easier to get confident on but it’ll only last a year or so.
Yes, current one is rapidly getting far too small, but she's a pretty confident rider.

Secondhand is tempting, but as it's likely to be a Christmas present as new looking as possible would be good!

Miocene

1,439 posts

163 months

Saturday 29th October 2022
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We got our daughter this when she turned 7. Tyres are unbranded, but it's a kids bike. The intention was to get her the 20 inch, but she is a confident rider and could fit on this with the saddle right down.

This will last her a couple of years, whereas the 20 inch might have lasted a year.

Not sure how tall she was then, but she's 8 now and 132 or so.

New bike, £229 and weighs the same as the Isla:

https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/15907233/wild-bikes-w...

PomBstard

7,040 posts

248 months

Saturday 29th October 2022
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fat80b said:
If she’s already a decent cyclist, I’d go for the 24 to last a bit longer. If not, the smaller one is probably a bit easier to get confident on but it’ll only last a year or so.
This ^

All our three were capable cyclists by age 7 and all were on a 24” bike at that age. Lasts about 2 years, then into a secondhand 26” until they figure what they like or want to do.

As usual, a lighter bike will be perhaps more fun to ride but we’ve found that if they’re out with mates, they really don’t care and just get on with it. Some will always have better bikes than others - as long as it’s fun biggrin

mike80

Original Poster:

2,277 posts

222 months

Sunday 30th October 2022
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Cool, thanks for the replies - I will take a look at 24 inch options.

mike80

Original Poster:

2,277 posts

222 months

Tuesday 1st November 2022
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Had a look at this one today, going to take her tomorrow and see if she fits on it!

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/24-inch-kids-hybrid-...