The Best 20 Inch Bikes for 6 and 7 Year Olds

After years of real-world testing with hundreds of kids, we’ve identified the best 20 inch bikes across every price point. Our recommendations combine hands-on testing with data from our comprehensive 60+ point rubric. Whether you need a simple single-speed for neighborhood cruising or an adventure-ready bike for varied terrain, we’ll help you find the perfect match for your child.

One truth we’ve learned: quality bikes cost more, but the difference is real. A $650 bike isn’t just twice the price of a $325 bike—it’s measurably lighter (often 8-10 pounds), more durable, and dramatically more enjoyable to ride. The good news? Excellent bikes exist at every price point. If premium prices make you wince, don’t worry, we’ve also tested some outstanding lower priced options as well.

Our Top 20 Inch Bikes

20 Inch Bike Rubric vs. MSRP

This chart plots rubric scores against price to help you spot the best values. Higher scores mean better performance across 60+ data points including weight, components, brakes, and fit. Click any bike for full specs and review links. A complete rubric breakdown for each bike can be found on its individual review page linked to below.

Important: Compare bikes within the same category (single speed, city, or multi-use)—not across categories, since each type serves different riding needs.

SINGLE SPEED NEIGHBORHOOD BIKES

Single-speed bikes tend to be more affordable than geared bikes, but cost isn’t the only consideration. Many kids aren’t yet ready for the added complexity that comes with shifting gears, even when they’re tall enough to ride a 20-inch bike.

Gears add an extra layer of challenge to biking—learning when and how to shift can be tricky, even for adults. Plus, the shifters and derailleurs on geared bikes can be finicky and often require costly maintenance. 

If your child doesn’t need gears for tackling hills or covering longer distances, a single-speed bike is a simpler, more budget-friendly, and low-maintenance option.

Why We Love the Retrospec Koda and Koda Plus

The Retrospec Koda 20″ and Koda Plus 20″ are great choices for kids ready to move up to a quality 20-inch bike without breaking the bank. With dual hand brakes and no coaster brake, both bikes offer proper control and a more grown-up riding experience—without the limitations of a backpedal brake.

The main differences the Plus and non-Plus come down to frame material and components. The Koda Plus features a lightweight aluminum frame, making it about 4 pounds lighter than the steel-framed Koda. It also comes with a more durable threadless headset and upgraded, tool-free adjustable brake levers for easier adjustments as your child grows.

If you’re looking to keep costs down, the Koda 20″ delivers solid performance with the essentials. But if you want a lighter ride and a few key upgrades for long-term use, the Koda Plus 20″ is a great value.

Note: While the brakes work great once adjusted, we did have to adjust the front brake on the non-Plus model before it worked properly.

Why We Love the Huffy GRM 20″

The Huffy GRM 20″ is one of the best budget bikes in its wheel size, delivering smart frame geometry and dual hand brakes (with no coaster). Free shipping through Huffy.com stretches that value even further, and Huffy’s MoveUp program means that once you register your bike, you’ll receive 25% off the next GRM wheel size when your child is ready to grow into it. No trade-in required.

The main tradeoff compared to the similarly priced Retrospec Koda 20″ is weight. The GRM is heavier, which more timid or smaller riders will notice. That said, the GRM’s lower handlebar height gives it an edge for more playful kids who want to lean into turns or get a little air over small jumps, a riding style the more upright Koda doesn’t encourage as naturally.

If you’re looking for the lightest option at this price, the Retrospec Koda is the stronger choice. But if your child is an adventurous rider and you want to maximize value without sacrificing rideability, the GRM 20″ is well worth a look.

What We Love About the Guardian

From their low-center-of-gravity designs and lightweight frames to their easy-to-use SureStop braking system, Guardian bikes give kids a smooth and confidence-building riding experience.

SureStop uses just one hand lever to engage both the rear and front brakes in sequence. This setup helps simplify braking for young riders and makes it easier for them to build good habits from the start without the confusion of managing two separate levers.

Guardian bikes are known for their bold, colorful designs that kids get excited about choosing. Parents also appreciate that they are easy to assemble and get kids exciting about riding bikes!

For sizing, the Guardian 20″ small comes as a single-speed bike and is a bit more compact than the geared Guardian 20″ large (22.5″–28.5″ seat height).

What We Love About the Biky

The Biky Air 20 is an exceptional choice for young riders, whether they’re just starting their pedal bike journey or are experienced riders looking for a fast, efficient ride. Every feature of the Biky Air 20, from its wide seat height range to its narrow q-factor (the bike’s width), is designed to fit a child’s body seamlessly.

Weighing just 15.3 lbs, the Biky Air 20 is lighter than many 12” and 16” bikes, making it incredibly nimble and easy for kids to maneuver. Timid riders especially will appreciate how this bike works with them, not against them, boosting confidence with every ride.

GEARED NEIGHBORHOOD BIKES

What We Look for in a Neighborhood Bike

For kids who primarily ride around the neighborhood, the ideal bike is lightweight, easy to handle, and offers a comfortable riding position. At this stage, most riders don’t need multiple gears, suspension, or other extras that add weight and require maintenance.

Simplicity is key as a dependable, durable bike makes for enjoyable neighborhood adventures. Do they need gears? In most cases, no. Many kids won’t use them, so unless your rides frequently involve hills, a geared bike is a nice option but not essential.

What We Love About the Retrospec Dart 20

If you’re ready to introduce your child to gears without breaking the bank, the Retrospec Dart 20 is a solid option. It delivers a well-built frame at a budget-friendly price and comes equipped with 7 speeds, giving young riders the ability to tackle mild hills and pick up speed on long, flat paths. The roomy geometry also provides plenty of room for growth, and with five color options, there’s something for every rider.

As with most bikes in this price range, the Dart is on the heavier side for younger or more timid riders. The brake levers can also be hard to reach for small hands, so be sure to adjust them inward prior to heading out on their first ride. For a deeper dive into its performance and features, as well as how to adjust the brakes, be sure to check out our full review.

What We Love About the Priority Start

The Priority Start 20″ stands out for delivering remarkable quality and innovation at a very reasonable price. With its lightweight aluminum frame, dual hand brakes, and maintenance-free belt drive, it’s a high-performance package that defies its price point.

At the heart of its innovation is a three-speed internally geared hub which offers the benefits of multiple gears without the often clunky, high-maintenance derailleur system. It’s an ideal first geared bike for kids, giving them just enough range for fast an fun neighborhood riding without overwhelming complexity.

Add in the grease-free belt drive that never rusts or requires lubrication, and you’ve got a bike that’s not only built to last, but also refreshingly easy to maintain. For everyday riding around the neighborhood or to school, the Start 20 strikes the perfect balance between simplicity, capability, and long-term value.

What We Love About the Biky 20 Air S7

The Biky Air 20 S7 is one of the most approachable first geared bikes we’ve tested and at just 16.4 lb., it’s also one of the lightest. For kids who are nervous about moving up to a 20″ bike, intimidated by gears, or both, the S7 makes both transitions feel far less daunting than they often are.

The same narrow, confidence-inspiring frame that makes the single-speed Air 20 so beloved carries over to the S7. Its slim build and low 21.75″ minimum seat height mean even smaller riders can get on a 20″ bike comfortably, and the light weight makes the bike easy to maneuver, balance, and pick up when stopped, all things that matter to a hesitant rider.

The 7-speed MicroShift grip shifter with a built-in viewing window with a small illustrated rider that tilts when you shift, making it intuitive for kids using gears for the first time. The gain ratio range (2.23 to 5.2) handles everything from mild hills to flat-out speed, and quality Tektro brakes with adjustable reach give parents and kids alike confidence in stopping power.

If your child is ready for gears but you want a bike that won’t overwhelm them in size, weight, or complexity, the Biky Air 20 S7 belongs at the top of your list.

What We Love About the woom GO 4

The woom GO 4 is our favorite first geared bike for young riders. With its lightweight frame, upright geometry, and thoughtfully designed components, the GO 4 makes the jump to a 20” bike feel seamless—even for more hesitant riders.

At under 18 pounds, it’s the lightest 20” geared bike we’ve tested, giving kids better control and reducing the intimidation factor that often comes with bigger bikes. The slightly upright riding position, ergonomic grips, and cushioned saddle all contribute to a ride that feels stable, comfortable, and confidence-boosting from the first pedal stroke.

The intuitive 7-speed grip shifter and narrow-wide chainring help keep things smooth and frustration-free, while the wide gearing range (2.3 to 5.9 gain ratio) gives plenty of flexibility for longer rides, light hills, or picking up speed on the flats.

If your child is more aggressive or planning to ride on mixed terrain, the woom EXPLORE 4 is worth a look—with hydraulic disc brakes, wider tires, and a more performance-focused setup. But for everyday neighborhood cruising and building early riding confidence, the GO 4 is tough to beat.

What We Love About the Early Rider Belter 20 Auto

Most kids riding 20-inch bikes could benefit from gears, but many still struggle with understanding how and when to shift. That’s where the Early Rider Belter 20 Auto stands out. Its 2-speed internally geared rear hub automatically switches to a higher gear once a child reaches a faster pedal cadence. The shift is quick, seamless and smooth so that most kids won’t even notice it happened. What they will notice is how much easier it is to keep up speed without having to spin their legs at lightning pace.

With gain ratios of 3.15 and 4.32, the jump between the starting gear and the higher gear is useful without an uncomfortable big jump.

Beyond the auto-shifting hub, the Belter 20 Auto is exceptionally built with high-end components, including Tektro brakes, a Shimano internal rear hub and Schwalbe tires . Its carbon belt drive is another standout feature. The belt replaces the chain and is clean, quiet, low-maintenance, and completely grease-free. No grease stained clothes or no greasy fingers to worry about!

GEARED BIKES FOR ADVENTUROUS RIDERS

What We Look for in a Multi-Use Bike

Multi-use bikes are perfect for adventurous kids seeking versatility. These bikes can handle neighborhood rides, longer paved routes, compact dirt trails, and even basic single-track.

Most kids on 20-inch bikes are just beginning to explore new kinds of bike adventures, so having a bike ready for different terrains is a big advantage.

For adventerous riders, we recommend gears, a lightweight frame, and high-quality dual-hand brakes. However, for kids who might find shifting gears confusing, a single-speed bike may be a better fit.

Why We Love the Prevelo Alpha Three

Freshly updated for 2025, the Prevelo Alpha Three is now lighter than ever and packed with high-performance upgrades including hydraulic disc brakes, double wall tubeless-compatible rims, and an wide gear range (1.78 to 6.12 gain ratio), making it the most capable 20” bike in its class.

Built for adventurous young riders who are ready to go beyond the neighborhood, the Alpha Three’s 8-speed drivetrain offers the range needed to power up steep climbs and accelerate on flats. While most 20” bikes max out at 6 or 7 speeds the Alpha’s expanded range opens the door for bigger adventures.

The lightweight aluminum frame, aggressive geometry, and kid-sized Microshift trigger shifters give confident riders the tools to tackle twisty trails or long-distance rides. Powerful new hydraulic disc brakes provide precise stopping power, while short-reach levers keep things manageable for smaller hands.

From paved paths to packed dirt, the Alpha’s stock Kenda Small Block 8 tires grip well and with clearance for up to 2.1” tires, this bike is trail-ready right out of the box.

Why We Love the woom EXPLORE 4

The woom EXPLORE 4 is ideal for confident riders ready to go beyond the neighborhood. While it shares the same lightweight frame as the GO 4, it comes equipped with key upgrades including wider all-terrain tires, hydraulic disc brakes, and an easier-to-use Shimano grip shifter. As a result, the EXPLORE is suitable for a wide range of riding including gravel paths, rolling hills, and longer rides.

Its matte paint finish and blacked-out components also give it a more mature look our testers loved. The EXPLORE is also unique as its rotating stem allows the handlebars to easier raise to allow for a comfortable extended fit range for growing riders.

While the EXPLORE doesn’t have quite as wide a gear range as the Prevelo Alpha Three, it offers a better fit over time and more versatility than most 20” bikes. Slightly heavier than the GO 4, it’s still a top choice for kids who ride farther, faster, and with more confidence.

COMPARISON CHART OF OUR TOP PICKS

Bike	Seat Height	Weight	Our Score
Retrospec Koda 20″	21.5” – 27.5″	23.7 lb.	57
Retrospec Koda 20” Plus	22.5” – 28″	19.8 lb.	78.1
Guardian 20 Small	21.3” – 26.8″	20.7 lb.	65.8
Biky Air 20	23” – 28″	15.3 lb.	91
Biky Air 20 S7	21.8″ – 28.5″	16.4 lb.	94
Guardian 20 Large	22.5” – 28.5″	22.9 lb.	62
Priority Start 20	20.5” – 27″	19.5 lb.	90.1
woom GO 4	22.1” – 28″	17.2 lb.	96.0
Early Rider Belter 20 Auto	22.5″ – 27.5″	17.1 lb.	90.4
Prevelo Alpha Three	21.2” – 26.4″	16.9 lb.	95.7
woom EXPLORE 4	22” – 28.3″	17.9 lb.	95.2

How to Choose the Best 20 inch Bike

Here’s a quick guide to help you select the best bike for child. For more detailed information about specific brands, check out our Best Kids Bikes Brands or The Hidden Costs of Cheap Kids’ Bikes articles.

If you’re interested in bikes specifically for dirt trails and singletrack, our 9 Best 20 Inch Mountain Bikes article will be more helpful to you.

Size – Differences in seat height!

A 20-inch bike is usually the best fit for 6 and 7-year-olds. If your child is already 8 or a very tall 7-year-old, you might also consider a 24-inch bike to allow more room for growth. Most kids who start on a 20-inch bike at 6 or 7 can continue riding it until they’re 8.

Besides wheel size, pay close attention to the minimum and maximum seat heights, as these can vary significantly between brands. For example, the Prevelo Alpha Three has a 21″ minimum seat height, while the Raleigh Rowdy starts at 25.25″. Choose a bike that fits well now but also allows room for growth.

Not sure how high your child’s bike seat should be? If they’re a confident rider, set the seat 2-3 inches above their inseam, so they can touch the ground with their tiptoes. For more timid riders, a lower seat allows them to touch the ground more easily with their feet.

Weight – Lighter is better

How to Choose the Best 20-Inch Bike

Here’s a quick guide to help you select the best bike for your 6 or 7-year-old. For more detailed information, check out our article “Best Kids Bikes: The Authoritative Buying Guide.” If you’re specifically looking for bikes suited to dirt trails and singletrack, our “9 Best 20-Inch Mountain Bikes” article will be more useful.

Size: Pay Attention to Seat Height

A 20-inch bike is usually the best fit for 6 and 7-year-olds. If your child is 8 or a very tall 7-year-old, you might also consider a 24-inch bike to allow more room for growth. Most kids who start on a 20-inch bike at 6 or 7 can continue riding it until they’re 8.

Besides wheel size, pay close attention to the minimum and maximum seat heights, as these can vary significantly between brands. For example, the Prevelo Alpha Three has a 21″ minimum seat height, while the Raleigh Rowdy starts at 25.25″. Choose a bike that fits well now but also allows room for growth.

Not sure how high your child’s bike seat should be? If they’re a confident rider, set the seat 2-3 inches above their inseam, so they can touch the ground with their tiptoes. For more timid riders, a lower seat allows them to touch the ground more easily with their feet.

Weight: Lighter is Better

Ideally, your child’s bike should weigh less than 30% of their body weight. The lighter the bike, the easier it is to ride—especially for petite kids.

Bike with gears can add weight to a bike, and unnecessary features like vanity suspension forks can make it significantly heavier. Avoid suspension unless your child will be riding aggressive single-track trails.

Frame Design – Upright vs. leaned in

The frame design of a 20-inch bike can vary depending on its intended use. A neighborhood bike typically positions the rider upright for comfort, while a bike designed for more aggressive riding will have a leaned-forward position. There’s no single best bike for 6 or 7-year-olds; the right choice depends on the rider’s style and the terrain they’ll be riding on.

Aggressive vs. Neighborhood Bike

Brakes – Hand Brakes are best

By age 6, most kids are coordinated enough to use handbrakes effectively. Good quality handbrakes are more efficient and offer better stopping power than coaster brakes. We strongly prefer bikes with dual handbrakes and no coaster brake. Coaster brakes aren’t necessary and can hinder a child’s ability to pedal backward to regain balance.

Gearing – Geared or single-speed?

A 20-inch bike is the first size where you have the option to buy a bike with gears. For some 6 or 7-year-olds, gears may be too much to handle, especially for less coordinated or timid riders. In these cases, a single-speed bike might be a better choice.

However, many kids welcome the addition of gears. Some take to them quickly, while others need time to learn when and how to shift. Often, age plays a role—6-year-olds might enjoy experimenting with gears, while by 7, they’re more likely to use them intentionally.

When choosing a single-speed, be sure to take note of the gain ratio of the bike.

Low gain ratio (2 to 3.5): Easier to pedal from the start, but reaches a lower maximum speed.  Best for ambitious riders who want to power up hills or obstacles. Not ideal for use on long, flat rides.

High gain ratio (3.5 to 5): Harder to pedal from the start, but can reach a higher maximum speed.  Ideal for longer rides (or racing friends!) as the bike gains more distance with every pedal stroke.

Price – Is more expensive better?

Good bikes are not cheap, and as bikes get larger, they get more expensive. Every bike on this list is significantly better than a bike you’ll find at Walmart, but they also cost a lot more. Why? Building lightweight, quality bikes isn’t easy. There’s a reason why some adult bikes can cost more than cars!

More expensive bikes are lighter, have higher-end components, and feature frame designs that make them easier to ride. Adding gears also increases the cost. High-end bikes are investments with a high resale value.

After testing over 50 different 20-inch bikes, we can confidently say that high-end bikes are almost always easier for kids to ride than those from big-box stores.

What About 18 Inch Bikes?

Major kids’ bike brands don’t offer 18-inch bikes because the size difference between 16-inch and 20-inch bikes is minimal. As a result, most 18-inch bikes are heavy, mass-produced, and poorly designed. If you’re shopping for an 18-inch bike, we highly recommend opting for a 20-inch bike instead.

Why trust us? The kids riding bikes in the pictures in this article are our kids (as well as some neighborhood kids).  We put bikes to the test – we don’t just rate them based on what others have said about them.  Plus, with 13 years of bike testing under our belt, we’ve personally met and consulted with many top brands in the industry including woom, Guardian, Strider, Prevelo, and Retrospec.

FTC Disclosure: Affiliate links are included in this review.  No monetary compensation was provided for this review, however, some of the reviewed products were supplied by the manufacturer or distributor to help facilitate this article. All opinions and images are that of Two Wheeling Tots LLC.  All content and images are copyrighted and should not be used or replicated in any way. View our Terms of Use.