What age is a 16" (or 20", 24") bike for?
Seen a second-hand bike listed as "20 inch" and wondering if it will fit? Here is who each wheel size is made for.
Checked against UK retailer charts on 18 October 2026.
| Wheel | Approx. age (Trek) | Rider height (Raleigh) | Inside leg (Raleigh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12" | 2–4 years | 85–98 cm | 33–41 cm |
| 14" | between 12" and 16" | 88–104 cm | 36–51 cm |
| 16" | 4–6 years | 95–114 cm | 41–51 cm |
| 20" | 6–8 years | 114–129 cm | 53–63 cm |
| 24" | 9–11 years | 128–143 cm | 57–68 cm |
| 26" | 11–13 years | 135–150 cm | 61–81 cm |
What age is a 12 inch bike for?
Trek lists 12" wheels for about 2–4 years (86–102 cm tall). Raleigh sizes its 12" for riders 85–98 cm tall with an inside leg of 33–41 cm.
What age is a 14 inch bike for?
Trek doesn’t list 14" separately; it sits between 12" (2–4 years) and 16" (4–6 years). Raleigh sizes its 14" for riders 88–104 cm tall with an inside leg of 36–51 cm.
What age is a 16 inch bike for?
Trek lists 16" wheels for about 4–6 years (99–117 cm tall). Raleigh sizes its 16" for riders 95–114 cm tall with an inside leg of 41–51 cm.
What age is a 20 inch bike for?
Trek lists 20" wheels for about 6–8 years (114–132 cm tall). Raleigh sizes its 20" for riders 114–129 cm tall with an inside leg of 53–63 cm.
What age is a 24 inch bike for?
Trek lists 24" wheels for about 9–11 years (130–150 cm tall). Raleigh sizes its 24" for riders 128–143 cm tall with an inside leg of 57–68 cm.
What age is a 26 inch bike for?
Trek lists 26" wheels for about 11–13 years (146–160 cm tall). Raleigh sizes its 26" for riders 135–150 cm tall with an inside leg of 61–81 cm. After 26", children move to adult bikes sized by frame (Trek suggests an XS adult frame from 11–13).
Remember wheel size is only part of fit: two 20" bikes can have quite different frame sizes. Check the maker's height or inside-leg range for the exact model. Full chart: kids’ bike size chart.
Questions
What age is a 16 inch bike for?
About 4–6 years (Trek), for riders roughly 95–114 cm tall (Raleigh).
What age is a 20 inch bike for?
About 6–8 years (Trek), riders about 114–129 cm tall (Raleigh).
What age is a 24 inch bike for?
About 9–11 years (Trek), riders about 128–143 cm tall (Raleigh).
Where these numbers come from
Checked 18 October 2026. Brands change their charts, so always check the size guide of the shop you're buying from.