The Best 20 Inch Bikes for 6 and 7 Year Olds

A 20 inch bike is usually the right fit for kids around 6 or 7 years old, but with so many options in size, price, and features, finding the perfect one can be challenging.

To help you navigate the choices, we’ve tested over fifty 20 inch bikes, ranging from $50 to $900. Our hands-on experience ensures that you find the ideal bike for your child’s riding style and your budget. Not sure about sizing? Our kids’ bike sizes guide has you covered.

Our Top 20 Inch Bikes

Video Demonstration

Want to see these bikes in action? Check out our video roundup of our favorite 20 inch bikes. You’ll see each bike in action as well as learn why we like them.

BIKES ON A BUDGET

Should I get a single-speed bike or a geared bike?

Single-speed bikes are generally more affordable than geared bikes, but cost isn’t the only reason to choose one. Some kids simply aren’t ready to handle the added complexity of gears, even when they’re tall enough for a 20-inch bike.

Geared bikes introduce an extra layer of difficulty to the biking experience. Learning when and how to shift gears is a skill that even many adults struggle with.

Additionally, the shifters and derailleurs on geared bikes can be finicky and often require expensive repairs. Unless your child needs gears for tackling hills or longer rides, a single-speed bike is not only more budget-friendly but also easier to maintain.

・MSRP: $299
・SEAT HEIGHT: 21.3″ – 26.8″
・WEIGHT: 20.7 lb.
・STANDOUT FEATURES: Guardian’s patented SureStop braking system allows kids to brake faster, safer, and with less effort!
・FULL REVIEW:  Guardian Bikes 20″

From their low-center-of-gravity designs and lightweight frames to their impressive SureStop braking system, Guardian’s bikes offer a unique and fun riding experience. Guardian’s patented braking system not only makes braking safer, it also makes it more fun!

The SureStop braking system works by preventing the child from accidentally activating just the front brake (which can cause the front tire to stop too quickly and buck the child off the bike). Think of SureStop as anti-lock brakes for bikes!

As an added bonus, Guardian Bikes are great quality, ridiculously easy to assemble, and offer fun and colorful designs that kids love.

The Guardian 20″ small is only offered as a single speed, and is slightly smaller than Guardian’s 20″ large bike, which has gears.

・MSRP: $199
・SEAT HEIGHT: 21.5″ – 27.5″
・WEIGHT: 23.7 lb.
・STANDOUT FEATURES: Solid quality dual handbrakes, and NO coaster brake!
・FULL REVIEW: Retrospec Koda 2 Plus

Dual hand brakes and NO coaster brake for under $200? It’s a miracle! The Retrospec Koda 2 Plus 20’s braking system offers brake levers that are easy enough for small hands to pull, and stopping power that’s quite respectable. We were honestly shocked to find such a solid braking system at this price point.

Offered in several bright color combinations, this Koda has a retro flair that’s cool and comfortable to ride. When your kid is on the smaller end of fitting on the bike, make sure to rotate those handlebars down to make them easier for little ones to reach. But even so, they may need a little time to adjust to the wide handlebars.

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

・MSRP: $299
・SEAT HEIGHT: 21.25″ – 27.25″
・WEIGHT: 20.75 lb.
・STANDOUT FEATURES: Great build for a pretty great price, Kenda multi-terrain tires, Shimano 7-Speed grip shifter, lightweight
・FULL REVIEW: Polygon Premier Ultralight Kids Bikes

Polygon Kids bikes are newer to the US, and the Polygon Premiere will certainly impress you from the moment you take it out of the box. From its brightly colored graphics to its kid-friendly geometry and solid-quality components, the Polygon Premiere is everything a great kid’s bike should be, at a price tag parents will love.

While the Polygon isn’t quite as light as other bikes on our list and doesn’t have as high-end components, what you get for the price is impressive. If you have less than $300 to spend and are looking for a geared 20″ bike, you won’t get a better bike than the Polygon.

NEIGHBORHOOD BIKES

What We Look for in a Neighborhood Bike

For kids who primarily ride around the neighborhood, the ideal bike should be lightweight, easy to ride, and provide a comfortable riding position. The average rider at this age doesn’t need multiple gears, suspension, or other extras that add weight and require maintenance.

Simplicity is key—your child needs a bike that’s dependable, durable, and fun for neighborhood adventures. Do they need gears? In most cases, no. Many kids won’t even use them, so unless your rides involve frequent hills, a geared bike is nice to have but not essential.

・MSRP: $329
・SEAT HEIGHT: 22.5″ – 28.5″ (both models)
・WEIGHT: 22.9 lb.
・GEARS: 6-speed
・STANDOUT FEATURES: Proprietary braking systems help kids brake with more control
・FULL REVIEW:  Guardian Bikes 20

Shark-Tank-funded Guardian Bikes come with a proprietary braking system called SureStop that prevents unsafe braking. When braking with just the front hand brake while at high speeds, bikes can tilt forward and buck a child off the bike and over the handlebars.

SureStop on Guardian bikes prevents this by having only one brake lever engage the front and rear brakes. Not only it is the safest system on the market, but it’s also much easier to use than most traditional dual-hand brakes.

These 20″ bikes offer incredible quality and riding experience for a price that really can’t be beat, and are offered in several kid-friendly colors and designs. The 20″ Large is only offered with 6-speeds, and is slightly larger than the single-speed 20″ Small.

・MSRP: $379
・SEAT HEIGHT: 22″ – 28.5″
・WEIGHT: 19.5 lb.
・GEARS: 3-speed
・STANDOUT FEATURES: 3 gears for an easy intro to shifting, low-maintenance belt drive
・FULL REVIEW:  Priority Start 20″

Staying true to their innovative beginnings, the Priority Start 20″ offers the simplicity and easy maintenance of a single-speed but with the gearing options of a traditional geared bike. 

With just three-gears housed in an innovative, internally-geared hub, the Priority Start 20 has gears, but without the traditional bulky and finicky derailleur. It’s also a much simpler introduction to shifting on a child’s first geared bike!

Combined with a lightweight frame and grease-free belt drive, the Start 20 is the perfect “Goldilocks” bike for the average everyday rider – not too basic, not too complex, but just right.

・MSRP: $369
・GAIN RATIO: 2.0 – 6.3
・STANDOUT FEATURES: Comfortable saddle, wider tires provide a smooth ride, kid-friendly trigger shifters
・FULL REVIEW:  Specialized Jett (24″ Review)

The Jett is a vast improvement on Specialized’s original neighborhood bike series for kids – the Hotrock. Exceptionally built to offer a comfortable riding experience, mostly everything about the Jett is an upgrade from earlier days.

The Jett’s smooth rolling tires have extra width to provide extra cushion, and the padded saddle has been a surprise hit with our kid testers.

The gearing system was designed with a nice range for climbing hills or gaining speed on flat ground, and features easy-to-use trigger shifters that make changing gears a breeze. To top it all off, the Jett’s responsive handbrakes stop on a dime, and there is NO coaster brake!

While the Jett is marketed as a bike that offers extended growth for kids, we didn’t find that to be true with the Jett 20. It offers about the same amount of growth as our other favorites bikes on this page. (The 24″ Jett is a bit different and does offer extended growth.)

・MSRP: $599
・SEAT HEIGHT: 22.1″ – 28″
・WEIGHT: 17.9 lb.
・GEARS: 8 speed
・STANDOUT FEATURE: Wide gain ratio range, very lightweight, comfortable rider position
・FULL REVIEW: woom 4

With mid-range 1.4″ tires, grip shifters, and weighing in under 18 lb., the woom 4 is well-suited for anything from longer rides on paved bike trails to cruising dirt roads.

Easy to ride and easy to handle, the woom 4 places kids in a comfortable rider position (not too leaned forward or too straight up) that helps kids feel stable and confident as they ride. The woom 4’s unique handlebar design allows the handlebars to be raised or lowered for a better fit as kids grow.

As the lightest 20 inch bike we’ve ever tested, our timid testers have all raved about the woom 4. For those riders ready for more action, the woom features a wide gain ratio (gearing) range of 2.3 to 5.9 making it suitable for flying down flat paved trails or climbing rolling hills. 

If your child is extra adventurous and will be doing a fair amount of off-roading or trail riding, check out woom’s new EXPLORE line.

MULTI-USE BIKES

What We Look for in a Multi-Use Bike

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

Most kids on 20 inch bikes are just beginning to explore what adventures they can really have on a bike, so having a bike that’s equipped for various terrains is ideal. 

Gears are recommended for a multi-use bike, along with a lightweight frame and high-quality dual-hand brakes. Single-speed bikes, however, may be better suited for kids who might find shifting gears more confusing than helpful.

・MSRP: $350
・SEAT HEIGHT: 20.5″ – 26.1″
・WEIGHT: 20.3 lb.
・GEARS: Single speed and 3-speed options
・STANDOUT FEATURES: Semi-aggressive geometry for adventurous riders
・FULL REVIEW:  Cleary Owl

Designed with a more leaned-forward body position and a low gain ratio, the Cleary Owl is a durable, fun-to-ride bike for those ambitious kids ready to tackle any jump or curb the neighborhood can throw at them, and who don’t want the extra hassle of shifting gears.  

The Owl’s low gearing is especially ideal for kids who will regularly be tackling hills or ramps. But because the gearing is so low, we don’t recommend the Owl if lots of long, paved rides are in the future.

Well-equipped for basic trail riding as well, the Cleary allows kids to easily shift their weight around, but its single speed does limit its use to basic trails. The Owl’s steel frame helps to absorb some of the vibrations from the trail while also adding to the long-term durability of this rugged little pony.

We found the 3-speed Owl to be very difficult for little hands to engage the trigger shifters. As a result, we much prefer the single speed option.

・MSRP: $319
・SEAT HEIGHT: 22″ – 27.5″
・WEIGHT: 22.7 lb.
・GEARS: 7-speed
・STANDOUT FEATURES: 2.1″ wide knobby Kenda tires, 40mm Suntour suspension fork, cushioned saddle
・FULL REVIEW: Polygon Ultralight

With the look of a true mountain bike, but without the expense, the Polygon Ultralight is the perfect bike for young riders with the desire to hit the dirt trails (or who just want to look like they’re going to 😜). Coming standard with a 40mm suspension fork, 7 speeds, wide and knobby tires, and powerful brakes, this Polygon certainly isn’t just for show and is plenty capable of conquering basic dirt trails.

Another standout feature of the Polygon is its light weight. Although 22.7 lb. isn’t as light as other bikes on this list (but still lighter than the REI), it is very light considering its lower price point as well as its suspension fork. Since young riders are lightweight themselves, it’s important to provide them a bike that is nimble enough to work with them, versus working against them due to heavy weight.

Compared to the Prevelo, the Polygon isn’t as fine-tuned. While Prevelo only has one more gear than the Polygon, it has a much wider gear range better suited for climbing hills or picking up speed on straightaways. The Prevelo also has a higher-end drivetrain with kid-specific Microshift components.

・MSRP: $599
・SEAT HEIGHT: 21″ – 26″
・WEIGHT: 18.4 lb.
・GEARS: 8-speed
・STANDOUT FEATURES: Lightweight and nimble, trigger shifters for aggressive riders
・FULL REVIEW:  Prevelo Alpha Three

For those young groms craving a lightweight, nimble bike that can easily take them from grand neighborhood adventures to basic trails, the Prevelo Alpha Three is the ultimate ride.

Built to help develop the budding cyclist, the Prevelo comes equipped with kid-friendly Microshift trigger shifters, a narrow drivetrain to optimize pedal efficiency, a wide 8-speed gear range, as well as short-reach Tektro hand brakes.

When it’s time to hit the trails, the Alpha Three’s knobby Kenda Small Block 8 tires provide plenty of grip and traction. For those young shredders ready to take on more challenging terrain, the Alpha Three is able to run up to 2.1″ wide tires.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

We’ve tested dozens of 20″ bikes over the years, so not all of them can make our top favorites list. Here are a few more that you may want to consider.

Pello Rover

・MSRP: $559
・SEAT HEIGHT: 22.5″ – 27.5″
・WEIGHT: 20.3 lb.
・GEARS: 8-speed
・STANDOUT FEATURES: Mechanical disc brakes, wide tires with flat knobs suitable for both trail and pavement
・FULL REVIEW:  Pello Rover

The Pello Rover is the ideal riding machine for young riders ready to tackle gears and trails (paved and dirt) for the first time.  Featuring wider, high-end Kenda Small Block 8 tires (20 x 1.95), the Pello has the extra grip to tackle rough terrain, while still allowing for smooth rolling on paved surfaces.

With superior stopping power from mechanical disc brakes, Rapidfire trigger shifters, and a lightweight build, the Rover stands ready to take on whatever your young ripper can throw at it.

・MSRP: $449
・SEAT HEIGHT: 21.25″ – 26″
・WEIGHT: 17 lb.
・GAIN RATIO: 4.11 (single speed)
・STANDOUT FEATURES: Comfortable, upright positioning, high gain ratio for higher speeds
・FULL REVIEW:  Pello Reddi

Pello Bikes are the dream-child of a dad simply looking for a great bike at a great price.  He succeeded! The Pello Reddi is the perfect bike for everyday neighborhood riders looking for a steady ride with a comfortable upright position, and the simplicity of just a single gear.

With the highest gain ratio of the single-speed bikes, it takes slightly more effort than the others to get started, but can reach faster speeds and travel farther with each pedal stroke. This makes it a fantastic choice for longer rides with the family.

・MSRP: $279
・SEAT HEIGHT: 21.9″ – 27″
・WEIGHT: 22 lb.
・STANDOUT FEATURES: Lightweight bike offering great quality for the price
・FULL REVIEW: REI Co-Op REV

The REI Co-Op REV single-speed is a great choice for neighborhood riders in the mid-range price point. Significantly lighter than other bikes in its price range and without the complexity of gears, the REV single speed offers a lightweight aluminum frame backed by REI’s bullet-proof warranty. With narrower street tires with minimal tread, the REV is not suitable for non-paved trails.

The updated 2022 model features a riser handlebar that can be rotated towards or away from the rider to more accurately fit smaller and taller kids. As a result, it’s a much better fit than the previous model of this bike. Be aware that like most kids’ bikes in the $200 price range, the REV does have a coaster brake, but it also has a good-quality rear Tektro handbrake that works quite well.

REI offers 1 year free basic maintenance for any bike purchased at its stores or online.

IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL NOTICE: Do NOT use this bike with training wheels sold from 2022 to June 2024. The training wheels were faulty, which led to a recall by the CPSC.

・MSRP: $279 (Rockrider ST100 – specs below for Rockrider)
・SEAT HEIGHT: 23.25″ – 30.25″
・WEIGHT: 24.3 lb.
・SINGLE SPEED GAIN RATIO: 3.6
・STANDOUT FEATURES: Quality build for the price, exceptional brakes for a budget bike
・FULL REVIEW: Btwin Rockrider ST100 20 inch, Btwin Original

Decathlon’s Btwin Rockrider ST100 and Original 100 bikes offer a high quality of build and overall performance with a budget-friendly price tag. From their smooth handling and responsive handbrakes (that rarely need adjusting!), to their lifetime warranty on the frames, Decathlon’s bikes are more like mid-range bikes masquerading as budget bikes.

The Rockrider bike models have a traditional mountain bike style frame and come complete with knobby air tires and dual-hand brakes with no coaster brake. The base ST100 model (shown above) is single-speed, while the higher-end ST500 and ST900 models are geared.

・MSRP: $210
・SEAT HEIGHT: 23″ – 29.5″
・WEIGHT: 21.8 lb.
・GAIN RATIO: 4
・STANDOUT FEATURES: Decent build for a pretty great price
・FULL REVIEW: Raleigh Jazzi 20

Impressively built to withstand multiple kids, yet still lightweight and affordable, Raleigh’s Jazzi 20 is an exceptional bike for neighborhood riders on a budget. With an upright position many young riders prefer, as well as a rear-hand brake for extra stopping power, the Jazzi was well-loved by our testers.

Compared to other bikes at their price point, the Jazzi is several pounds lighter, which makes it much easier for kids to balance and maneuver. The Jazzi does come with a coaster brake, but for kids who have already mastered pedaling on their 16″ bikes, the coaster brake shouldn’t be a problem.

・MSRP: $199
・SEAT HEIGHT: 24.5″ – 29″ (20″ wheel size)
・WEIGHT: 27.8 lb.
・GAIN RATIO:
・STANDOUT FEATURES: Decent build for a pretty great price
・FULL REVIEW: Schwinn Koen Boys Bike

If your budget is sending you in the direction of Walmart or Amazon, the Schwinn Koen and Elm are one of the decent bikes you’re going to get under $200. While their components are very basic and they are significantly heavier than other bikes on this list, they have better frame designs and overall geometry than most bikes you’ll find at a big-box store.

We tested the 20″ Koen and found it to be on the larger end for 20 inch bikes. The 18 inch Koen is sized more like the other 20 inch bikes we recommend. Depending on your child’s inseam, you may want to check out the slightly smaller 18 inch bike instead of the 20.

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 article “Best Kids Bikes Brands: The Authoritative Buying Guide.”

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 – Pay attention to 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

Here’s a fine-tuned version for clarity:

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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 – Handbrakes 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 – What does a more expensive bike get me?

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.

Girls 20 Inch Bikes vs. Boys 20 Inch Bikes

In the past, kids’ bikes were often labeled as “boys’ bikes” or “girls’ bikes,” featuring different frame designs and gender-specific colors or accents. However, today’s kids’ bikes have evolved, and the distinction between girls’ and boys’ 20-inch bikes has largely disappeared.

Frames and components are now identical for both genders, with the only differences being color or design patterns. In fact, aside from the Raleigh MXR and Jazzi, none of our top 20-inch bikes are specifically marketed for boys or girls.

Our favorite brands offer a wide range of colors to appeal to all kids, regardless of gender. If you’re looking for a more traditionally styled “girls’ bike,” we recommend checking out Guardian’s pink, purple, and teal models. For more options, you can explore our “10 Best Girls’ Bikes” article.

You can also customize any bike to make it more feminine by adding cute and girly accessories. For inspiration, visit our “22 Fun Kids Bike Accessories” page.

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. The Raleigh MXR and Jazzi 20-inch bikes are similar in size and price to Schwinn and RoyalBaby 18-inch bikes but are several pounds lighter.

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.