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Mongoose Missygoose Kids Bike

16"-18" Kids Bikes (Ages 4-7)

(30 products)

16-inch bikes are also known as 40cm bikes. They use either aluminium (lighter) or steel frames (cheaper).

These bikes are recommended for kids aged 4-6 years old.

We've also included 18-inch bikes (45cm bikes) in this category too. These are great for 5 year olds who can sometimes be a little big for a 16-inch bike but not big enough for a 20-inch bike.

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Sizing 16-inch bikes

When we quote 16-inch (40cm) or 18-inch (45cm), we are referring to the diameter of the wheels.

However, another component of sizing is the frame.

Some brands do a smaller frame size and other frames are slightly bigger.

For example:

The Giant Animator 16/Liv Adore 16 and Mongoose Mitygoose 16/Missygoose 16 are both examples of 16-inch bikes.

So both bikes have the same wheel size but the frame size is different.

Taller riders will be better on the Mongoose bikes; the frames are slightly taller and longer than the Giant/Liv.

Situations where you would consider the Animator 16/Adore 16 are if your child is:

About to get off training wheels. The lower frame will help them place their feet on the ground.

A tall 3 year old. The lower frame and shorter reach will make it easier to handle.

Frame material used for 16-inch bikes

are made from too. Are they steel or alloy?

Components are parts like hubs, rims, handlebars, cranks and seat post. Essentially all the stuff that isn't the frame.

What this means:

Although bikes can be made from alloy, if one bike has more alloy components then this will obviously be lighter overall.

Examples of alloy 16-inch bikes are:

Giant Animator 16/Liv Adore 16
Mongoose Mitygoose 16/Missygoose 16
GT Grunge 16/Siren 16
Malvern Star Cruisestar 16

Benefits of an 18-inch bike

If your young rider is tall enough to fit an 18-inch kids bike (like the ByK E-350 range), there are numerous benefits (compared to a 16-inch bike):

Larger diameter wheels cover more distance per rotation. This means, young riders won't fatigue as quickly.

Once the wheels are rolling, they hold momentum and speed better. Less effort is needed to pedal the bike because the wheels just keep rolling.

Larger wheels don't like to fall over or change directions quickly.

This is perfect for kids who are learning to steer. It calms the steering response down. And delivers more control over the bike.

Choosing the right size - 16-inch bike or 18-inch?

If you want to know that the 18-inch size will work, place your child on the bike.

Step 1:

With the seat all the way down, does your young rider have a slight knee bend?

If yes, that's the right seat height.

Step 2:

When they're grabbing hold of the handlebars, is their back rounded with locked elbows?

If yes, the bike is too long and you need to downsize to a 16-inch bike.

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