15% off Bike Lights >

Need Gift Ideas for Father's Day?

20 Inch Girls Bikes

The jump to a 20 inch girls bike is the point where most children really start riding on their own. Longer rides to school, loops around the park with friends and the beginnings of proper trail riding all become possible at this wheel size. Most girls make this move somewhere between 6 and 9, but height is the better guide. Riders between roughly 110cm and 130cm tall usually sit at the right height range for a 20 inch frame.

Here at Ivanhoe Cycles, we’ve been matching families with the right kids bikes for nearly 40 years. Our team fits children to bikes every single day, and the 20 inch girls bike category is one we know really well. The bikes here come fully assembled and safety-checked before pickup, whether you purchase online or visit one of our three Melbourne stores.

 

View as

Picking the Right Style: Classic Everyday or Trail-Ready?

Neighbourhood everyday models are made for flat suburban paths, school runs and easy weekend rides. You’ll usually find run single-speed drivetrains with a coaster rear brake and a front hand brake, often with a swept-back handlebar for an upright riding position. Some models - like the Mongoose Ladygoose and Malvern Star Roxy - come with classic accessories already fitted; think items like mudguards, chain guards and baskets. These bikes keep things simple and look great, which matters a whole lot to young riders.

Trail and hybrid bikes are built for more active riding. Models like the BYK E-450 and Apollo Neo bring lightweight aluminium frames, proper hand brakes on both wheels and 6 to 8 speed drivetrains into a 20 inch package. If your young rider is more adventurous and wants to get out beyond smooth paths, this is the way to go.

Read more Read less

See the Whole Range at Ivanhoe Cycles

Ivanhoe Cycles stocks a huge selection of 20 inch girls bikes for pretty much any riding style, with options from Mongoose, Malvern Star, BYK, Apollo, Radius and more.

For the everyday rider, the Mongoose Ladygoose is a firm favourite. It comes with a practical basket, colour-matched mudguards and a low step-through frame that makes mounting and dismounting easy. The Malvern Star Roxy follows a similar pattern with its own colour palette and accessories.

If we move more towards the performance-oriented end, the BYK E-450 is one of the lightest 20 inch bikes in the category. There’s an alloy frame, internal cable routing and a clean, low-gravity design which is great for younger and shorter riders. 

Looking for both trail capability and everyday-ready cycling? There are crossover models in the range that offer wider tyres and better ground clearance, without going full suspension.

Matching Every 20 Inch Girls Bike to Every Rider

A well-fitted 20 inch bike is a completely different experience from one that’s the wrong size. Standover height should be the first thing to check. Riders should be able to straddle the frame with both feet flat on the ground. Low step-through frames (like those on the Mongoose Ladygoose) make this really easy and is a great way to give as much confidence as possible to younger riders.

Reach and handlebar height matter just as much. A swept-back riser bar puts the hands in a natural, comfortable position for young riders and helps with upright visibility. On models with hand brakes, check that the levers can be reached properly with the fingers. Most bikes in our range include adjustable lever reach, and our team sets these before collection.

Keeping Your Bike in the Best Possible Shape

Just a few simple habits keep your 20 inch girls bike running well and looking good. Chain care is up there with the most important maintenance task. Apply a light coat of chain lube every couple of weeks and after wet rides, wiping off the excess before it picks up dirt. A clean chain protects the drivetrain on multi-speed bikes considerably.

If the bike has a chain guard, make sure it’s secure and not rubbing against the chain or crank. A loose chain guard rattles and can interfere with pedalling. Tyre pressure is also an easy thing to check, but it’s also easy to forget. A properly inflated tyre rolls faster and it’s less likely to pinch flat on a hard bump or kerb. You’ll find the correct range printed on the tyre sidewall.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I buy a fully assembled bike from Ivanhoe rather than a boxed department store option?

Girls bikes from proper brands are built with matched components made to work together. The team here assembles and safety-checks all bikes before they’re picked up, covering brakes, gears and structural bolts. Department store bikes can be poorly assembled, made from heavier materials and lack proper after-sales support.

Which models offer a classic step-through frame compared to a straight top tube?

The Mongoose Ladygoose, Malvern Star Roxy and Radius Starstruck all use low step-through frame designs. The BYK E-450 uses a lower-drop frame that is easier to mount than a straight top tube but does not have the traditional everyday rider profile.

How does a 3-speed internal gear hub compare to a standard rear derailleur for kids?

An internal gear hub keeps the gearing enclosed and protected, which means less maintenance and no exposed derailleur to damage in a fall. The trade-off is a slightly heavier wheel. For casual riding on mostly flat terrain, an internal hub is a solid low-maintenance option.

Can baskets, mudguards and chain guards be removed if my daughter wants a sportier look?

Yes, most accessories on cruiser-style bikes are removable. Baskets typically bolt onto a front rack or directly to the fork crown, and mudguards use standard bolt fittings. Chain guards are usually held on by the chainring bolts and are straightforward to remove.

How do I know if my daughter should stick with a coaster brake or move to hand levers?

Most children are ready for hand brakes once they can reach the lever with their fingers and apply consistent pressure. If a child is still stomping the pedals backwards to brake, a coaster brake model is usually a better fit. Our team can check lever reach in store if you are unsure.

When is a child ready to move up from a 16 inch to a 20 inch girls bike?

The clearest sign a 16 inch girls bike is too small is when they can no longer raise the seat high enough for a comfortable leg extension. Height is the better guide than age: once a child reaches around 110cm to 115cm, it is usually time to move up.

Back to top

Compare /4