Choosing the Right 20-Inch Bike for Your Growing Child: Training Wheels and Beyond

Your 9-year-old is now too tall for the 18-inch bike and probably needs training wheels for a couple of weeks on the bigger 20-inch bike. It's a common challenge for parents, but there are a few brands that offer models compatible with training wheels to ensure your child can safely transition to a new bike.

Brands of 20-Inch Bikes Compatible with Training Wheels

Several well-known brands produce 20-inch bikes that are suitable for training wheels. Here are some options to consider:

Schwinn

Many Schwinn bikes come with training wheel compatibility. Look for models specifically designed for younger riders. These bikes often include features that make them easier for children to maneuver and control, such as low gearing and lightweight frames.

Huffy

Huffy offers a range of 20-inch bikes that can accommodate training wheels. Whether your child prefers an BMX or cruiser style, Huffy has a variety to choose from. It's always a good idea to check the product specifications to confirm training wheel compatibility.

Kent

Kent bikes typically offer models that can be used with training wheels, making them a solid choice for beginners. These bikes often feature a low step-through design, which makes getting on and off the bike easier for children.

RoyalBaby

RoyalBaby bikes are specifically designed for younger riders, and many of them come with the option to add training wheels. These bikes are particularly useful if your child is still getting used to riding a bicycle without training wheels.

Tip: When purchasing, always check the specifications or product descriptions to confirm that training wheels can be added. Additionally, you can usually find training wheel kits sold separately if they don't come with the bike.

Alternative to Training Wheels

If your child can ride a 18-inch bike without training wheels, then they likely don't need them on a 20-inch bike. Remember, if you can ride a bike, you can ride any size bike you can fit on. However, if you prefer an alternative method to teaching your child, you might consider taking the pedals off the bike.

Breaking Down the Problem for Easier Learning

As others have noted, you can simplify the learning process by breaking down the problem into its components. For example, you can take the pedals off the bike. This reduces the cognitive load to just one thing: balance. By lowering the seat so their feet can touch the ground, you eliminate the need for braking. This allows the child to learn to balance by coasting along with their feet touching the ground. If they wobble or want to stop, they can simply put their feet down.

After they've mastered balancing, you can put the pedals back on and teach them to pedal. Then, you can gradually raise the seat so they learn to use the brakes more effectively. I find that this method, which I used to teach both of my kids, works surprisingly well and can often be completed in just a couple of hours.

Transitioning to a Larger Bike

When transitioning from an 18-inch to a 20-inch bike, it's important to consider the transition step by step. Larger bikes generally require higher speeds to maintain balance, but the increased distance per revolution of the wheel helps with balance. Bikes at 20 inches and above need to lean properly to turn, and it's essential for your child to learn to keep their weight centered while turning. They also need to learn how to keep the bike upright at low speeds.

Childhood bike riding is a gradual process, and some kids, like myself, didn't fully master it until a bit later in life. Transitioning to a bigger bike can be both an exciting and challenging step, but with the right approach, it can be a rewarding experience for both you and your child.