What's the right bike size for tall 6 year old boy?

My son learned how to ride a 2-wheeler and now wants a bike. He is turning 6 in a couple of weeks, and is pretty tall for his age. I tried googling bike sizes and it looks like he would need either a 16'' or 18''. Is it better to get the bigger one? Or will it be too big for him?

Thanks!

Go to. Store and try the sizes out

Gold Member Joined: Aug 20 2007 Posts: 1308

Like the another above me said, you should go to a store. There's a lot to getting a proper bike fit; height, arm length, and leg length/proportion are all part of finding a bike and seat position that fit. The sales people at a good bike shop should be able to do this for you. They could also give you advice on which bike would keep working as he grows, for example having enough room to keep raising the seat.

Gold Member Joined: Aug 20 2007 Posts: 1308

Like the another above me said, you should go to a store. There's a lot to getting a proper bike fit; height, arm length, and leg length/proportion are all part of finding a bike and seat position that fit. The sales people at a good bike shop should be able to do this for you. They could also give you advice on which bike would keep working as he grows, for example having enough room to keep raising the seat.

Executive Member Joined: Jun 20 2012 Posts: 361

He should be able to touch the floor on tip-toes with the seat at the lowest position. If his feet do not reach, it's too big, or if he can put his feet flat on the floor the bike is too small.

Active Poster Joined: Jul 03 2012 Posts: 61

Have him stand over the frame with both feet flat on the ground. A properly-sized bike frame will give an inch or two clearance between the top tube of the frame and the crotch. If you are worried about him falling on said crotch you can get a girls or mountain bike which has a curved top tube and a lower top tube respectivly.

Moderator Joined: Mar 29 2005 Posts: 18290

Get a 16". 18" is very hard to find.
Most kids that age are fine with a 16" at a higher position. In a store, the seat might not be at the right place, so if you're trying it out in a store, try it out where the bike salesmen actually will help fit you, and not Walmart.

My short 7 yo is on a 16" with the seat very low. He has plenty of room to grow, and I think a 16" is standard at your son's age. Most kids go from a high setting there to a low setting on a 20" which is way too big for him, without actually ever using an 18" making 18" bikes sparser.
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Thanks everyone. I actually found a bike on craiglist that's 18'' (for $15!!!) - HY you think it would be too big?

Active Poster Joined: Sep 01 2009 Posts: 97

my son is 6 1/2, and we bought him a 21 inch bike
18' is just right, I think 16' is too small and soon you'll have to buy a new one

Gold Member Joined: Jul 07 2009 Posts: 1723

my 6 yr old, avg height has an 18"
16 would be too small if your son is tall.
21 I would think is too high.
you said you got one on craigslist. how'd it work out?

Moderator Joined: Mar 29 2005 Posts: 18290

Thanks HY and rayfamily. I am hoping to pick up the bike tomorrow - I will let you know. For $15, it's too good of a deal to pass up, so I am hoping it will "fit" my son. Smile