The Complete Kids' Bike Buying Checklist

Print this one before you shop. Ten checks, five minutes each, and you will come home with a bike that fits instead of a bike that looked good online.

Fit checks: (1) standover clearance of 1–2 inches, (2) flat feet on the ground when seated for beginners, (3) knee slightly bent at the pedal's lowest point, (4) hands can pull both brake levers fully. Build checks: (5) lift it — under 40% of the child's weight, (6) spin the wheels — no wobble, (7) squeeze the levers — crisp stop.

Two minutes of checks prevents two years of struggles.

Safety checks: (8) certified helmet that fits today, like the XJD Adjustable Toddler Bike Helmet – Light Purple, XS (46–51 cm), (9) reflectors or lights if riding at dusk, (10) a place to store it indoors — a bike left in the rain rusts into an excuse. If a bike passes all ten, buy it regardless of brand.