All articles

How do I measure my child's inseam (Leg Length)& why is it important?Updated a year ago

Your child's leg length determines how far off the ground their heels will be while sitting on the Guardian Bike. This measurement adds  5% more accuracy when determining the correct bike size.


Confident riders on 16 inch & 20 inch small bikes can be on their tippy-toes 2.5 inches, while less confident riders should be on their tippy-toes max 0.50 - 1.50 inches.

Confident riders on 20 inch large, 24, and 26 inch bikes can be on their tippy-toes 3 inches, while less confident riders should be on their tippy-toes max 1-2 inches. 

Formula to calculate how far your child will be on their tippy-toes:

(min seat height) - (inseam)

To Measure Leg Length/Inseam: 

1. Have your child stand tall, with their feet shoulder-width apart (shoes on)

2. Place any size book up between your child's legs as high as it can go. (we want to measure to the point where they will be sitting on the seat; this is different than measuring pant inseam)

3. Measure from the ground to the top of the book to get their inseam measurement.

Min/Max Seat Heights:


12 inch Balance bike = 12 - 16 in

16 inch =18.5 - 23.5 in 

20 inch (small) = 20.8 - 26.8 in

20 inch (large) = 22.5 - 28.5 in

24 inch = 25 - 33 in


26 inch = 27.5 - 35.5 in

Was this article helpful?
Yes
No