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20" Kids Bikes (6-8 yrs)

Q: What size bike is best for 6 to 8 year olds?

Kids bikes at retrospec are sized and grouped by age and wheel size. For children aged 6 to 8 years old, 20-inch bikes are the best size. This means the bike’s wheel is 20 inches in diameter. For the most accurate fit, measure your child's inseam. A 20-inch bike is generally suitable for children with an inseam of anywhere from 19 to 25 inches.

They don't need training wheels to have a good time – our stylish 20" kids bikes will help them find their balance and keep them rolling all day long.

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Chatham 20" Kids Beach Cruiser Bike (6-8 yrs)

$229.99

Dart 20” Kids’ Bike 7-Speed (6-8 years) | Blue Tang

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Dart 20” Kids Bike 7 Speed (6-8 years)

$199.99 $239.99

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Koda 20" Kids Bike (6-8 yrs) (Legacy)

$144.99 $159.99

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Koda 20" Kids Bike (6-8 yrs)

$179.99 $199.99

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Sesh 20” Youth BMX Bike (6-11 years)

$199.99 $279.99

Koda 7-Speed 20” Kids’ Bike (6-8 years) | White and Teal

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Koda 7 Speed 20” Kids Bike (6-8 yrs)

$199.99 $219.99

Matte black kids' Koda Plus 20" Bike with black chain guard and black saddle on a white background.

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Koda Plus 20" Kids Bike (6-8 yrs)

$279.99

The Dart Plus 20" Kids' Bike in Matte Black Mamba color with neon green branded "retrospec" and "Dart Plus" logos on the frame, and thick black tires isolated on a white background.

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Dart Plus 20” Kids Bike 7 Speed (6-8 years)

$329.99 $379.99

From our gear experts

What size bike is best for 6 to 8 year olds?

Kids bikes at retrospec are sized and grouped by age and wheel size. For children aged 6 to 8 years old, 20-inch bikes are the best size. This means the bike’s wheel is 20 inches in diameter. For the most accurate fit, measure your child's inseam. A 20-inch bike is generally suitable for children with an inseam of anywhere from 19 to 25 inches.

How do I know if a bike is too big for my child?

The easiest way to know if a bike is too big for your child is the ‘standing test.’ When your child stands over their bike with their feet flat on the ground, there should be at least 1-2 inches of space between their groin and the top tube of the bike frame. If there’s less than that, and certainly if they cannot stand with their feet flat, the bike is too big. On that note, if there’s more than 2-3 inches of clearance, then the bike may be too small. Another sign that a bike is too small for your child is if their knees are bent even when the pedals are at the bottom of their rotation, or if your child’s elbows are excessively bent and their posture seems cramped when riding.

My child is moving from a 16-inch bike. What's the biggest difference?

The biggest difference when moving from a 16-inch to a 20-inch bike is the significant leap in features and required skills. This is the kids bike size where hand brakes start to replace coaster brakes, and gears are introduced for the first time (though simpler single-speed models without gears are also available, like our Chatham Kids Beach Cruiser). Because these bikes are also physically larger, faster, and have a higher center of gravity, have your child practice in a safe, open area before going on a longer ride. A few minutes spent getting comfortable with the feel of the hand brakes and the basics of shifting will give your child the confidence they need to handle their new bike.

Can a 20-inch bike have training wheels?

No, 20-inch bikes are not designed for training wheels, and we strongly advise against trying to fit training wheels onto a 20-inch bike. While it might be physically possible on some frames, the size, weight, and potential speed of these bikes make training wheels both unstable and unsafe.

What if my child is the right size for a 20-inch bike, but hasn’t learned to ride?

If your child is tall enough for a 20-inch bike but hasn't learned to ride, the most effective method is to teach them balance completely separate from pedaling. You can do this on a 20-inch bike, but it can also be helpful to use a smaller bike, like a 16-inch model, so they can sit with their feet flat on the ground for maximum confidence. By temporarily removing the pedals, you effectively turn this bike into a balance bike, allowing your child to focus solely on scooting with their feet and learning to glide without any other distractions. Once they can consistently lift their feet and glide for several seconds, they’ve mastered the most difficult part. Then, you can re-attach the pedals to that smaller bike, and because they can already balance, they will likely learn the motion of pedaling in just a few minutes. After they’re comfortable pedaling around, they’ll have all the skills and confidence needed to move up to their 20-inch bike.

Do 20-inch kids bikes have gears?

Yes! The 20-inch bike is a transitional size, so this is the kids bike size where you’ll begin to find both single-speed and geared options. These bikes are intended for children 6 to 8 years, which is typically when kids are coordinated enough to learn how to shift. Single-speed models, like Chatham Kids Beach Cruiser, are cheaper and easier to maintain, and great for riding on flat sidewalks and parks. Geared models, like Dart, help kids tackle hills and keep up on longer family rides.

Should 20-inch kids bikes have coaster brakes or hand brakes?

Some simple 20-inch kids bikes, like beach cruiser models, do have coaster brakes, but 20 inches is the size where hand brakes become the standard and are the highly recommended option. By the time a child is ready for a 20-inch bike (typically ages 6-8), they have developed the necessary hand strength and coordination to use lever-operated brakes effectively. Learning to use hand brakes is a fundamental skill that will be used on every larger bike they own for the rest of their lives.

Do 20-inch kids bikes need front suspension?

For the vast majority of young riders, front suspension is unnecessary, as it will merely add extra weight and cost to a bike. The only time front suspension becomes a beneficial feature is if your child will be consistently riding on trails, over rocks, roots, and bumps. In that specific scenario, a quality suspension fork, like that on our Dart Plus 20”, will absorb impacts, improve control, and reduce fatigue in your child's hands and arms. But unless you plan to make trail riding a regular family activity, the benefits of a lighter, simpler, and more affordable bike without suspension will serve your child better for all-around fun.

How heavy are 20-inch kids bikes?

Our 20-inch kids bikes are available in a variety of styles, so weight will vary, but you can expect these bikes to weigh around 25 to 27 pounds. A good guideline is that a child's bike should weigh no more than 40% of their own body weight. This ensures they can comfortably handle, maneuver, and pick up the bike on their own.

What is the weight limit on a 20-inch bike?

Most 20-inch kids bikes will have a recommended weight limit of 150 pounds, but different kids bike styles may have different recommended weights. Check your bike’s “Specifications” at the bottom of its product page to be sure.

Are knobby tires or smooth tires better for a 20-inch bike?

The best tire depends on where your child will be riding. Knobby tires, like those on our Dart mountain bikes, have chunky tread that provides excellent grip on dirt, grass, and gravel trails. Smoother tires, like those on our Chatham cruisers, have less tread and are designed for riding on paved surfaces like sidewalks and bike paths, where they offer a faster, more efficient ride. For all-around use, a tire with a smooth center and some light tread on the sides offers a great balance.

Do 20-inch kids bikes come assembled?

Our kids bikes arrive mostly assembled in the box to make shipping safe and efficient. You will need to complete the final assembly steps, including attaching the front wheel, saddle, and pedals. All the necessary tools are included. Check out your bike’s assembly manual—found at the bottom of its product page—for more information.

How do I adjust the bike as my child grows?

To accommodate growth spurts, you can easily adjust the seat height and handlebar height. Use a wrench to loosen the seat post clamp, raise the saddle to the correct height (your child’s leg should have a slight bend when the pedal is at its lowest point), and retighten the clamp securely. Be sure not to raise the seat post beyond the “minimum insertion” line. On many kids bikes, the handlebars can be raised in a similar fashion. Regular adjustments will ensure the bike remains comfortable and safe for your child to ride.

Should I buy a new or used 20-inch bike?

While we’re obviously biased here at retrospec, a new bike does offer several concrete advantages over a used one. You get the benefit of a full warranty, the assurance that all parts are in perfect, safe working condition, and the latest safety features. With a used bike, you run the risk of hidden damage or worn-out components that could compromise your child's safety.

How can I store my kid’s bike when they're not using it?

Keep your child’s bike dry and store it indoors if possible. Always hang a bike up or use a stand, as opposed to laying it on the ground. Popular options include wall-mounted hooks or vertical racks, freestanding bike stands, ceiling-mounted hoists or pulleys, or a dedicated bike storage shed. If you're storing your bike outside, be sure to lock it up with abike lock to prevent theft. If the bike is exposed to the elements, you may want to cover it with a bike cover to protect it from rain, sun, and snow.

How to keep my child’s bike in good condition?

Proper storage is the best way to keep bikes in good condition (see above). Beyond that, be sure to clean your bikes regularly, washing away visible dirt and grime after a ride to prevent rust, and lubricate the chain monthly to prevent undue wear and tear. Finally, before each ride, perform a quick check of basic components, like the bike’s tire pressure, treads, brakes, and chain.

Where should I take my child to ride their bike safely?

There are many places where you can take your child to ride their bike safely, including sidewalks, city parks, multi-use trails, greenways, schoolyards, and empty parking lots. Make sure your child wears a properly fitted bike helmet every time they ride, and teach them about traffic safety rules, such as stopping at stop signs and red lights and yielding to pedestrians. Always ride with your child until they are comfortable riding on their own, and let them know that it's okay to walk their bike on terrain where they don't feel safe riding.

How can I make cycling more fun for my kid?

There are many ways to make cycling more fun for kids. You can set fun end-of-ride destinations like playgrounds or ice cream shops, decorate bikes together for personalization, pack snacks, and celebrate with rewards after rides. You can also create mini-adventures involving bike rides, like scavenger hunts or obstacle courses. Avoid riding on the same routes, too. You want to keep things fresh by exploring new trails and upgrading your child’s bike as they grow. Most importantly, show your own cycling enthusiasm when you ride! If your child sees you having fun on two wheels, they’re far more likely to enjoy it themselves.

How to encourage kids to wear a helmet when riding bikes?

It’s not always easy to get kids to wear a bike helmet, but it’s extremely important. You can make them more excited by letting them choose their own helmet in a color or design they love. It's also crucial to lead by example—always wear your own helmet when you ride. If they have questions, be sure to explain how helmets protect their brain. Praise their helmet use, but above all else, be firm. No helmet = no ride. Make them understand that it’s simply a basic requirement when riding a bike, just like wearing pants or shoes when you go outside!

Besides a helmet, what other gear should I consider?

Safety and fun are top priorities! While a properly fitted helmet is non-negotiable, we also highly recommend knee and elbow pads, especially when kids are first learning to ride without training wheels. They don’t just protect against physical injuries, they also provide a great confidence boost for little riders.

What are some tips for teaching road safety to kids?

When teaching road safety to kids, it helps to start simple. Focus on basics like holding hands near roads and stopping at crossings. It’s also good to make the learning process fun. Sing songs, play games, read stories about road safety, and use catchy phrases like “Stop, Look, Listen, Think” before crossing or “Look Left, Right, Left Again.” Above all else, be a good role model. Always follow pedestrian rules yourself and wear a helmet when cycling. If your kids see you practicing safe cycling, they’ll be encouraged to do so as well.

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20" Kids Bikes (6-8 yrs)

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