Arriving in time to top Santa’s wish list, Australia’s largest and favourite bike retailer 99 Bikes has dropped their ‘Top 10 Kids’ Bikes List’ perfect for Aussie kids and tweens – whether they’re first-time ‘PEDAL-ers’ or boundary-pushing stunt seekers.
Priced between $99 to $549, 99 Bikes’ Kids Bikes Manager Tyrone Wertheim and his team of experts have curated a stellar list including 12″ ‘inflation-buster’ sleek and safe balance bikes for toddlers, through to premium BMX and mountain bikes ideal for 10+ year olds soaring over pump or dirt tracks. These bikes offer exceptional value without compromising on quality, designed to endure every adventure and challenge your child seeks out.
Brands include Pedal, Silverback and Merida – and the list comes as recent insights found 742 of 2853 customers were parent buyers eager to gift the joy of riding for their kids, but often found the process overwhelming choosing the best dream ride.
“More and more parents are desperate to avoid another screen-related gift for our kids this Christmas – and knowing riding is invaluable for exercise, guided risk taking, joy, and building confident, resilient kids – it’s no wonder we’re seeing uptake sales, up 32%,” Tyrone said.
“But our recent research also showed many parents found the process overwhelming knowing what to buy – with so many on the market. While we do recommend going into a bike store and talking directly with the experts about your child’s needs like ours at 99 – we’ve also pulled our ‘Top 10 Kids Bikes’ to help make the process even easier for you!”
The Top 10 Aussie Kids Riders 2024 Wishlist
‘Little Ones’ toddlers – Balance Bikes
The balance bike is the only set of wheels little one’s need for guaranteed success. Balance bikes are two wheeled bikes without pedals that allow your little one to sit and coast, helping them develop the balance and skills required to ride a bicycle. Balance bikes all come in a 12-inch wheel size and are suitable for kids up to 2 years old.
Pedal Glide 2 Balance Bike in Metallic Blue and Pink ($99)*
- Lightweight alloy frame and step-through design – easy to mount and dismount
- EVA airless tyres
- Soft foam saddle and rolling hubs provide comfortable and smooth riding experience
‘Busy Kiddies’ Ages 2-4 years or 78-94cm – 12” kids’ bike
If your child is between 2 and 4 years old, the 12-inch kid’s bikes will be a great fit. These bikes come with training wheels, allowing your busy little one to freely ride with confidence. Some also feature a push steerer so your child can be assisted or directed where needed. Comes with ‘coaster’ brakes (pedal backwards to brake).
Top pick:
Pedal Sprout 12” ($149)*
Range of colours including Purple/Blue Flowers and Green/Silver
- Lightweight yet sturdy frame
- Rear coaster brake
- Single speed
‘Adventure Seekers’ Ages 3-6 years or 84-112cm – 16” kids’ bike
16-inch bikes are generally suitable for kids aged three to six-years-old. Bikes this size usually will have training wheels and no gears, with rear ‘coaster brakes (pedal backwards to brake) and front hand brakes. Around this age your child may not have developed a lot of the strength required for riding, so remember to consider the bike’s weight. For older children you can even think about a 16” BMX for a stronger, heavier duty bike.
Top picks:
Pedal Hoot 16inch ($249)*
Range of colours including Red/Black and Pink/White
- Lightweight alloy frame
- Kid-friendly features: soft foam saddle, easy-to-use coaster and front brake, and tool-free removable training wheels
- Front race plate and a rear fender
‘Confident cruisers’ Ages 5-8 years or 108-129cm – 20” kids’ bike
20-inch kids’ bikes are best suited for kids aged between 6 to 10 years old. They’re designed as a mountain bike style, so they’re easier to ride and lighter. Some also come with gears making them great options if your child is more experienced and wants to build on their riding skills.
Top picks:
Pedal Strike 20inch ($249)*
Range of colours including Silver Green and Blue Aqua
- BMX-inspired design
- Single speed: easy to ride for first timers
- Chainguard keeps clothes and skin safe
- Wide EZ Roll Tyres for all-terrain riding
- Front calliper and rear coaster brake
Pedal Hornet 2 20inch Matte Black ($299)*
Street-style bike: tough and reliable
- Durable steel frame and Hi-Ten steel fork
- Single-speed drivetrain
- BMX riser handlebars
- Two stunt pegs included
Pedal Zap 20inch ($349)*
Range of colours including Pink/White and Red/Grey
- Lightweight alloy frame
- Shimano 7-speed gears
- Kid-specific features: alloy levers and soft grips
- 2.35″ all-terrain tyres provide extra stability
- Quick release seat clamp for on-the-go seat height adjustment.
‘Skill chasers’ Ages 8-11 years or 125-148cm – 24” kid’s bikes
24-inch bikes are best if your child is between 8 and 11 years old, designed in a mountain bike style with features like gears and suspension forks. These bikes often come with more advanced features like better tyres, gears and suspensions forks but still feature a low standover height so children can easily reach the ground while riding.
Top picks:
Merida 22 Matts J24 ($449)*
Range of colours including Pink Barbie Blue/Grey and Dark Blue/Red/Blue • Lightweight alloy frame
- Kid-friendly features: lower standover height
- Durable suspension fork and alloy rims built to handle the bumps kids may encounter
Pedal Jackal 24inch ($499)*
Range of colours including Red Charcoal Fade and Berry Black Fade • Mountain bike perfect for your young adventurer
- Lightweight alloy frame
- 8-speed gears, ensuring smooth gear shifts and versatile riding capabilities. • 24″ all-terrain tyres.
Silverback24 Spyke 24D Xenon ($549)*
Range of colours including Xenon Grey Orange and Mulberry Purple Silver
- Easy-to-use MICROshift/Sunrace 1×7 speed gears
- Low standover frame design
- Disc brakes
- Integrated kickstand.
No tools, no stress! 99 Bikes kids’ bikes come fully assembled, leaving you more time to relax this Christmas Eve.
