We tested over 30 Bikes for kids!
Table of Contents
A 20 inch bike is usually the right fit for kids around 6 or 7 years old, but with so many options in size, price, and features, finding the perfect one can be challenging.
To help you navigate the choices, we’ve tested over fifty 20 inch bikes, ranging from $50 to $900. Our hands-on experience ensures that you find the ideal bike for your child’s riding style and your budget. Not sure about sizing? Check out our Kids-Bike Finder Tool or our kids-bike sizes article.
Our Top 20 Inch kids Bike
SINGLE SPEED NEIGHBORHOOD BIKES
Should I get a single-speed bike or a geared bike?
Single-speed bikes tend to be more affordable than geared bikes, but cost isn’t the only consideration. Many kids aren’t yet ready for the added complexity that comes with shifting gears, even when they’re tall enough to ride a 20-inch bike.
Gears add an extra layer of challenge to biking—learning when and how to shift can be tricky, even for adults. Plus, the shifters and derailleurs on geared bikes can be finicky and often require costly maintenance.
If your child doesn’t need gears for tackling hills or covering longer distances, a single-speed bike is a simpler, more budget-friendly, and low-maintenance option.
kids-bike: Retrospec Koda and Koda Plus
$199, $279 (Plus Model)
SEAT HEIGHT: 21.5″ – 27.5”, 22.5” – 28” (Plus)
WEIGHT: 23.7 lb., 19.8 lb. (Plus)
HIGHLIGHTS: Dual hand brakes and no coaster brake
Why We Love the Retrospec Koda and Koda Plus
The Retrospec Koda 20″ and Koda Plus 20″ are great choices for kids ready to move up to a quality 20-inch bike without breaking the bank. With dual hand brakes and no coaster brake, both bikes offer proper control and a more grown-up riding experience—without the limitations of a backpedal brake.
The main differences the Plus and non-Plus come down to frame material and components. The Koda Plus features a lightweight aluminum frame, making it about 4 pounds lighter than the steel-framed Koda. It also comes with a more durable threadless headset and upgraded, tool-free adjustable brake levers for easier adjustments as your child grows.
If you’re looking to keep costs down, the Koda 20″ delivers solid performance with the essentials. But if you want a lighter ride and a few key upgrades for long-term use, the Koda Plus 20″ is a great value.
Note: While the brakes work great once adjusted, we did have to adjust the front brake on the non-Plus model before it worked properly.
kids bike: Guardian/Hufy 20 Inch
SEAT HEIGHT: 21.3″ – 26.8″
WEIGHT: 20.7 lb.
GAIN RATIO: 3.96
HIGHLIGHTS: Guardian’s patented SureStop braking system allows kids to brake faster with less effort
What We Love About the Guardian
From their low-center-of-gravity designs and lightweight frames to their impressive SureStop braking system, Guardian’s bikes offer a unique and fun riding experience. Guardian’s patented braking system not only makes braking safer, it also makes it more fun!
The SureStop braking system works by preventing the child from accidentally activating just the front brake (which can cause the front tire to stop too quickly and buck the child off the bike). Think of SureStop as anti-lock brakes for bikes!
As an added bonus, Hufy Bikes are great quality, easy to assemble, and offer fun and colorful designs that kid’s love.
The Guardian 20″ small is only offered as a single speed, and is slightly smaller than teh geared Guardian’s 20″ large bike (22.5″ – 28.5″ seat height).
kids bike: BIKY AIR 20
$449
SEAT HEIGHT: 23” – 28″
WEIGHT: 15.3 lb.
GAIN RATIO: 4.5
HIGHLIGHTS: Exceptionally lightweight, fully enclosed gain guard, responsive brakes
Retrospec Koda Plus replaces BIKY AIR 20
What We Love About the BIKY
The BIKY AIR 20 is an exceptional choice for young riders—whether they’re just starting their pedal bike journey or are experienced riders looking for a fast, efficient ride. Every feature of the BIKY 20, from its wide seat height range to its narrow q-factor (the bike’s width), is designed to fit a child’s body seamlessly.
Weighing just 15.3 lbs, the BIKY 20 is lighter than many 12” and 16” bikes, making it incredibly nimble and easy for kid’s to maneuver. Timid riders especially will appreciate how this bike works with them, not against them, boosting confidence with every ride.
GEARED NEIGHBORHOOD BIKES
What We Look for in a Neighborhood Bike
For kid’s who primarily ride around the neighborhood, the ideal bike is lightweight, easy to handle, and offers a comfortable riding position. At this stage, most riders don’t need multiple gears, suspension, or other extras that add weight and require maintenance.
Simplicity is key—a dependable, durable bike makes for enjoyable neighborhood adventures. Do they need gears? In most cases, no. Many kid’s won’t use them, so unless your rides frequently involve hills, a geared bike is a nice option but not essential.
kids bike: Guardian 20 Inch Large
$329
SEAT HEIGHT: 22.5″ – 28.5″
WEIGHT: 22.9 lb.
GAIN RATIO: 2.36 – 4.71 (6 speeds)
HIGHLIGHTS: Proprietary braking systems help kid’s brake with more control
Retrospec Koda Plus replaces Guardian 20 Inch Large
What We Love About the Guardian
Shark-Tank-funded Guardian Bikes come with a proprietary braking system called SureStop that prevents unsafe braking. When braking with just the front hand brake while at high speeds, bikes can tilt forward and buck a child off the bike and over the handlebars.
SureStop on Guardian bikes prevents this by having only one brake lever engage the front and rear brakes. Not only it is the safest system on the market, but it’s also much easier to use than most traditional dual-hand brakes.
These 20″ bikes offer incredible quality and riding experience for a price that really can’t be beat, and are offered in several kid-friendly colors and designs. The 20″ Large is only offered with 6-speeds, and is slightly larger than the single-speed 20″ Small.
kids bike: Priority Start 20
SEAT HEIGHT: 22.5″ – 28.5″
WEIGHT: 19.5 lb.
GEARS: 3/Internally-geared Shimano Nexus Hub
HIGHLIGHTS: 3 gears for an easy intro to shifting, low-maintenance belt drive
RoyalBaby Kids Bike instead of Priority Start 20
What We Love About the Priority Start
Staying true to their innovative beginnings, the Priority Start 20″ offers the simplicity and easy maintenance of a single-speed but with the gearing options of a traditional geared bike.
With just three-gears housed in an innovative, internally-geared hub, the Priority Start 20 has gears, but without the traditional bulky and finicky derailleur. It’s also a much simpler introduction to shifting on a child’s first geared bike!
Combined with a lightweight frame and grease-free belt drive, the Start 20 is the perfect “Goldilocks” bike for the average everyday rider – not too basic, not too complex, but just right.
kids bike: Specialized Jett
$450
GAIN RATIO: 2.0 – 6.3
HIGHLIGHTS: Comfortable saddle, wider tires provide a smooth ride, kid-friendly trigger shifters
Schwinn Koen replaced Specialized Jett
Why We Love About the Specialized Jett
The Jett is a vast improvement on Specialized’s original neighborhood bike series for kids – the Hotrock. Exceptionally built to offer a comfortable riding experience, mostly everything about the Jett is an upgrade from earlier days.
The Jett’s smooth rolling tires have extra width to provide extra cushion, and the padded saddle has been a surprise hit with our kid testers.
The gearing system was designed with a nice range for climbing hills or gaining speed on flat ground, and features easy-to-use trigger shifters that make changing gears a breeze. To top it all off, the Jett’s responsive handbrakes stop on a dime, and there is NO coaster brake!
kids bike: woom 4
SEAT HEIGHT: 22.1″ – 28″
WEIGHT: 17.9 lb.
GAIN RATIO: 2.3 – 5.9 (7-speed)
HIGHLIGHTS: Wide gain ratio range, very lightweight, comfortable rider position
What We Love About the woom 4
With mid-range 1.4″ tires, grip shifters, and weighing in under 18 lb., the woom 4 is well-suited for anything from longer rides on paved bike trails to cruising dirt roads.
Easy to ride and easy to handle, the woom 4 places kid’s in a comfortable rider position (not too leaned forward or too straight up) that helps kids feel stable and confident as they ride. The woom 4’s unique handlebar design allows the handlebars to be raised or lowered for a better fit as kids grow.
As the lightest 20 inch bike we’ve ever tested, our timid testers have all raved about the woom 4. For those riders ready for more action, the woom features a wide gain ratio (gearing) range of 2.3 to 5.9 making it suitable for flying down flat paved trails or climbing rolling hills.
If your child is extra adventurous and will be doing a fair amount of off-roading or trail riding, check out woom’s new EXPLORE line.
GEARED BIKES FOR ADVENTEROUS RIDERS
What We Look for in a Multi-Use Bike
Multi-use bikes are perfect for adventurous kids seeking versatility. These bikes can handle neighborhood rides, longer paved routes, compact dirt trails, and even basic single-track.
Most kids on 20-inch bikes are just beginning to explore new kinds of bike adventures, so having a bike ready for different terrains is a big advantage.
For adventerous riders, we recommend gears, a lightweight frame, and high-quality dual-hand brakes. However, for kids who might find shifting gears confusing, a single-speed bike may be a better fit.
kid’s bike: Prevelo Alpha Three
$599
SEAT HEIGHT: 21″ – 26″
WEIGHT: 18.4 lb.
GAIN RATIO: 2.7 – 5.3 (7-speed)
HIGHLIGHTS: Lightweight and nimble, trigger shifters for aggressive riders
RoyalBaby Kids Bike instead Prevelo Alpha Three
Why We Love the Prevelo Alpha Three
For those young groms craving a lightweight, nimble bike that can easily take them from grand neighborhood adventures to basic trails, the Prevelo Alpha Three is the ultimate ride.
Built to help develop the budding cyclist, the Prevelo comes equipped with kid-friendly Microshift trigger shifters, a narrow drivetrain to optimize pedal efficiency, a wide 8-speed gear range, as well as short-reach Tektro hand brakes.
When it’s time to hit the trails, the Alpha Three’s knobby Kenda Small Block 8 tires provide plenty of grip and traction. For those young shredders ready to take on more challenging terrain, the Alpha Three is able to run up to 2.1″ wide tires.
kid’s bike: woom EXPLORE 4
$749
SEAT HEIGHT: 22” – 28.3″
WEIGHT: 17.9 lb.
GAIN RATIO: 2.3 – 5.9 (7-speed)
HIGHLIGHTS: Lightweight and nimble, very comfortable geometry and ergonomics, wide range of adjustability, disc brakes
Why We Love the woom EXPLORE 4
The woom 4 EXPLORE is a more advanced and rugged version of the standard woom 4—designed for confident riders who are ready for adventure. While both bikes share the same frame size and excellent adjustability, the EXPLORE comes with key upgrades that make it better suited for adventurous riding.
Compared to the standard woom 4, the EXPLORE features wider, more grippy tires, hydraulic disc brakes for improved stopping power, and a redesigned grip shifter that’s significantly easier to use than the original. It also trades in bright colors and white accents for a sleeker matte paint finish with bold black detailing.
Due its upgraded components, the EXPLORE is a bit heavier than the standard woom 4, but that added weight comes with increased versatility and performance. The woom 4 remains a better choice for beginner riders just getting comfortable with gears, while the EXPLORE is built for kid’s who ride harder, explore further, and need a bike that can keep up.
Both versions feature woom’s proprietary adjustable stem, allowing the handlebars to grow in both reach and height—making either bike a long-lasting fit as your child progresses.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
We’ve tested dozens of 20″ bikes over the years, so not all of them can make our top favorites list. Here are a few more that you may want to consider.
kids bike: Pello Rover
$589
SEAT HEIGHT: 22.5″ – 27.5″
WEIGHT: 20.3 lb.
GAIN RATIO: 2.02 to 5.3 (8-speed)
HIGHLIGHTS: Mechanical disc brakes, wide tires with flat knobs suitable for both trail and pavement
Retrospec Koda Plus replace Pello Rover
What We Love About the Rover
The Pello Rover is the ideal riding machine for young riders ready to tackle gears and trails (paved and dirt) for the first time. Featuring wider, high-end Kenda Small Block 8 tires (20 x 1.95), the Pello has the extra grip to tackle rough terrain, while still allowing for smooth rolling on paved surfaces.
With superior stopping power from mechanical disc brakes, Rapidfire trigger shifters, and a lightweight build, the Rover stands ready to take on whatever your young ripper can throw at it.
kids bike: Pello Reddi
$469
SEAT HEIGHT: 21.25″ – 26″
WEIGHT: 17 lb.
GAIN RATIO: 4.11 (single speed)
HIGHLIGHTS: Comfortable, upright positioning, high gain ratio for higher speeds
Retrospec Koda Plus replace Pello Rover
What We Love About the Pello Reddi
Pello Bikes are the dream-child of a dad simply looking for a great bike at a great price. He succeeded! The Pello Reddi is the perfect bike for everyday neighborhood riders looking for a steady ride with a comfortable upright position, and the simplicity of just a single gear.
With the highest gain ratio of the single-speed bikes, it takes slightly more effort than the others to get started, but can reach faster speeds and travel farther with each pedal stroke. This makes it a fantastic choice for longer rides with the family.
kids bike: REI Co-Op REV 20
$469
SEAT HEIGHT: 21.9″ – 27″
WEIGHT: 22 lb.
GEARS: Single speed
HIGHLIGHTS: Lightweight bike offering great quality for the price
Retrospec Koda Plus replace REI Co-Op REV 20
What We Love About the REV 20
The REI Co-Op REV single-speed is a great choice for neighborhood riders in the mid-range price point. Significantly lighter than other bikes in its price range and without the complexity of gears, the REV single speed offers a lightweight aluminum frame backed by REI’s bullet-proof warranty. With narrower street tires with minimal tread, the REV is not suitable for non-paved trails.
The updated 2022 model features a riser handlebar that can be rotated towards or away from the rider to more accurately fit smaller and taller kids. As a result, it’s a much better fit than the previous model of this bike. Be aware that like most kids’ bikes in the $200 price range, the REV does have a coaster brake, but it also has a good-quality rear Tektro handbrake that works quite well.
kids bike: Decathlon Btwin Rockrider
$149 (single speed), $179 (geared)
SEAT HEIGHT: 23.25″ – 30.25″
WEIGHT: 24.3 lb. (single speed)
GAIN RATIO: 3.6 (single speed)
HIGHLIGHTS: Quality build for the price, exceptional brakes for a budget bike
What We Love About the Btwin Rockrider
**NOTE: Decathlon has discontinued these models in the US, as a result, there are no returns or exchanges. Shipping is also free, which makes these bikes a killer deal.**
Decathlon’s Btwin Rockrider ST100 and ST120 bikes offer a high quality of build and overall performance with a budget-friendly price tag. From their smooth handling and responsive handbrakes (that rarely need adjusting!), to their lifetime warranty on the frames, Decathlon’s bikes are more like mid-range bikes masquerading as budget bikes.
The Rockrider bike models have a traditional mountain bike style frame and come complete with knobby air tires and dual-hand brakes with no coaster brake. The base ST100 model (shown above) is single-speed, while the higher-end ST120 is geared.
kids bike: Polygon Premier Ultralight
$299 (Bike appears to no longer be available)
SEAT HEIGHT: 21.25″ – 27.25″
WEIGHT: 20.75 lb.
GAIN RATIO: 2.7 – 5.3 (6 speeds)
HIGHLIGHTS: Great build for a pretty great price, Kenda multi-terrain tires, Shimano 7-Speed grip shifter, lightweight
JOYSTAR BMX Kids Bike Replacement of Polygon Premier Ultralight
Why We Love About the Polygon Premier
Polygon Kids bikes are newer to the US, and the Polygon Premiere will certainly impress you from the moment you take it out of the box. From its brightly colored graphics to its kid-friendly geometry and solid-quality components, the Polygon Premiere is everything a great kid’s bike should be, at a price tag parents will love.
While the Polygon isn’t quite as light as other bikes on our list and doesn’t have as high-end components, what you get for the price is impressive. If you have less than $300 to spend and are looking for a geared 20″ bike, you won’t get a better bike than the Polygon.
kids bike: Polygon Ultralight MTB
$319 (Bike appears to no longer be available)
SEAT HEIGHT: 22″ – 27.5″
WEIGHT: 22.7 lb.
GAIN RATIO: 2.7 – 5.3 (7-speed)
HIGHLIGHTS: 2.1″ wide knobby Kenda tires, 40mm Suntour suspension fork, cushioned saddle
Retrospec Koda Plus replaces Polygon Ultralight MTB
What We Love About the Ultralight MTB
With the look of a true mountain bike, but without the expense, the Polygon Ultralight is the perfect bike for young riders with the desire to hit the dirt trails (or who just want to look like they’re going to 😜). Coming standard with a 40mm suspension fork, 7 speeds, wide and knobby tires, and powerful brakes, this Polygon certainly isn’t just for show and is plenty capable of conquering basic dirt trails.
Another standout feature of the Polygon is its light weight. Although 22.7 lb. isn’t as light as other bikes on this list (but still lighter than the REI), it is very light considering its lower price point as well as its suspension fork. Since young riders are lightweight themselves, it’s important to provide them a bike that is nimble enough to work with them, versus working against them due to heavy weight.
Compared to the Prevelo, the Polygon isn’t as fine-tuned. While Prevelo only has one more gear than the Polygon, it has a much wider gear range better suited for climbing hills or picking up speed on straightaways. The Prevelo also has a higher-end drivetrain with kid-specific Microshift components.
How to Choose the Best 20 inch Bike
Here’s a quick guide to help you select the best bike for child. For more detailed information about specific brands, check out our article “Best Kids Bikes Brands: The Authoritative Buying Guide.”
If you’re interested in bikes specifically for dirt trails and singletrack, our 9 Best 20 Inch Mountain Bikes article will be more helpful to you.
Size – Pay attention to seat height!
A 20-inch bike is usually the best fit for 6 and 7-year-olds. If your child is already 8 or a very tall 7-year-old, you might also consider a 24-inch bike to allow more room for growth. Most kids who start on a 20-inch bike at 6 or 7 can continue riding it until they’re 8.
Besides wheel size, pay close attention to the minimum and maximum seat heights, as these can vary significantly between brands. For example, the Prevelo Alpha Three has a 21″ minimum seat height, while the Raleigh Rowdy starts at 25.25″. Choose a bike that fits well now but also allows room for growth.
Not sure how high your child’s bike seat should be? If they’re a confident rider, set the seat 2-3 inches above their inseam, so they can touch the ground with their tiptoes. For more timid riders, a lower seat allows them to touch the ground more easily with their feet.
Weight – Lighter is better
How to Choose the Best 20-Inch Bike
Here’s a quick guide to help you select the best bike for your 6 or 7-year-old. For more detailed information, check out our article “Best Kids Bikes: The Authoritative Buying Guide.” If you’re specifically looking for bikes suited to dirt trails and singletrack, our “9 Best 20-Inch Mountain Bikes” article will be more useful.
Size: Pay Attention to Seat Height
A 20-inch bike is usually the best fit for 6 and 7-year-olds. If your child is 8 or a very tall 7-year-old, you might also consider a 24-inch bike to allow more room for growth. Most kids who start on a 20-inch bike at 6 or 7 can continue riding it until they’re 8.
Besides wheel size, pay close attention to the minimum and maximum seat heights, as these can vary significantly between brands. For example, the Prevelo Alpha Three has a 21″ minimum seat height, while the Raleigh Rowdy starts at 25.25″. Choose a bike that fits well now but also allows room for growth.
Not sure how high your child’s bike seat should be? If they’re a confident rider, set the seat 2-3 inches above their inseam, so they can touch the ground with their tiptoes. For more timid riders, a lower seat allows them to touch the ground more easily with their feet.
Weight: Lighter is Better
Ideally, your child’s bike should weigh less than 30% of their body weight. The lighter the bike, the easier it is to ride—especially for petite kids.
Bike with gears can add weight to a bike, and unnecessary features like vanity suspension forks can make it significantly heavier. Avoid suspension unless your child will be riding aggressive single-track trails.
Frame Design – Upright vs. leaned in
The frame design of a 20-inch bike can vary depending on its intended use. A neighborhood bike typically positions the rider upright for comfort, while a bike designed for more aggressive riding will have a leaned-forward position. There’s no single best bike for 6 or 7-year-olds; the right choice depends on the rider’s style and the terrain they’ll be riding on.
Aggressive vs. Neighborhood Bike
Brakes – Handbrakes are best
By age 6, most kids are coordinated enough to use handbrakes effectively. Good quality handbrakes are more efficient and offer better stopping power than coaster brakes. We strongly prefer bikes with dual handbrakes and no coaster brake. Coaster brakes aren’t necessary and can hinder a child’s ability to pedal backward to regain balance.
Gearing – Geared or single-speed?
A 20-inch bike is the first size where you have the option to buy a bike with gears. For some 6 or 7-year-olds, gears may be too much to handle, especially for less coordinated or timid riders. In these cases, a single-speed bike might be a better choice.
However, many kids welcome the addition of gears. Some take to them quickly, while others need time to learn when and how to shift. Often, age plays a role—6-year-olds might enjoy experimenting with gears, while by 7, they’re more likely to use them intentionally.
When choosing a single-speed, be sure to take note of the gain ratio of the bike.
Low gain ratio (2 to 3.5): Easier to pedal from the start, but reaches a lower maximum speed. Best for ambitious riders who want to power up hills or obstacles. Not ideal for use on long, flat rides.
High gain ratio (3.5 to 5): Harder to pedal from the start, but can reach a higher maximum speed. Ideal for longer rides (or racing friends!) as the bike gains more distance with every pedal stroke.
Price – What does a more expensive bike get me?
Good bikes are not cheap, and as bikes get larger, they get more expensive. Every bike on this list is significantly better than a bike you’ll find at Walmart, but they also cost a lot more. Why? Building lightweight, quality bikes isn’t easy. There’s a reason why some adult bikes can cost more than cars!
More expensive bikes are lighter, have higher-end components, and feature frame designs that make them easier to ride. Adding gears also increases the cost. High-end bikes are investments with a high resale value.
After testing over 50 different 20-inch bikes, we can confidently say that high-end bikes are almost always easier for kids to ride than those from big-box stores.
What About 18 Inch Bikes?
Major kids’ bike brands don’t offer 18-inch bikes because the size difference between 16-inch and 20-inch bikes is minimal. As a result, most 18-inch bikes are heavy, mass-produced, and poorly designed. If you’re shopping for an 18-inch bike, we highly recommend opting for a 20-inch bike instead.
Why trust us? The kids riding bikes in the pictures in this article are our kids (as well as some neighborhood kids). We put bikes to the test – we don’t just rate them based on what others have said about them. Plus, with 13 years of bike testing under our belt, we’ve personally met and consulted with many top brands in the industry including woom, Guardian, Strider, Prevelo, and Retrospec.
