26 Inch youth bike test & comparison »top 9 in january 2020

The 9 best 26-inch bikes at a glance.

A 26 inch youth bike is from a height of about 140 cm the right vehicle for your offspring. It should primarily be roadworthy, i.e. be equipped with a suitable braking system, adequate lighting and reflectors.

Choose from our test- or comparison table, a bicycle with at least seven gears to facilitate riding on hilly terrain. Twenty or more gears are rarely required in everyday life.

The quality management for our test and comparison procedure is TÜV-certified according to ISO 9001

battery powered
dynamo operated
battery powered

Front and rear reflector
Front and rear reflector
Front and rear reflector
reflector

Front fork sprung
full suspension
full suspension
full suspension
full suspension
Front fork sprung
full suspension

26 inch youth bike comparison
Illustration *	Compare winner	Price-performance winner
Model *	CoollooK Sport	Delta Harmonia	Talson Octagon	Mountaineer Kodiak	Magic Cascade	Orbis youth bike	Galano Toxic	KCP ALOHA 2.0	Altec Blackrider
valuation at Amazon *	14 reviews	1 reviews	80 ratings	442 reviews	19 reviews	3 reviews	122 ratings	26 reviews
Suitable for	♂ ♀	♂ ♀	♂ ♀	♂ ♀	♂ ♀	♂ ♀	♂ ♀	♂ ♀	♂ ♀
type of bike	Hardtail	Cityrad	mountain bike	mountain bike	mountain bike	mountain bike	mountain bike	Beach Cruiser	mountain bike
frame height recommended height	45 cm 153-180 cm	46 cm 145 – 165 cm	K.A.. 150-170 cm	48 cm from 160 cm	40 cm from 150 cm	40 cm 155-170 cm	45 cm 145-170 cm	41 cm 155 – 175 cm	45 cm from 150 cm
frame material	aluminum	steel	aluminum	steel	steel	steel	aluminum	steel	steel
Braking system In addition to coaster brakes and roller brakes, rim and disc brakes are mostly used on youth bikes. Rim brakes such as V-brakes are the most common in bicycles. They work by pressing two opposite rubber pads against the two rim flanks when braking. In the disc brake the brake pads in the so-called caliper are pressed against the brake disc mounted on the hub. Basically, wheels with rim brakes are sufficient in everyday life. For mountain bikes that are often ridden off-road, disc brakes are an advantage because they have better braking performance.	V-Brake	V-Brake	V-Brakes	Disc brake and V-brake	V-Brakes	V-Brake	disc brakes	V-Brake	disc brakes
visibility
lighting
Front and rear reflector
spoke reflectors
circuit
Circuit type one derailleur has a high efficiency due to a higher number of gears, but is relatively maintenance-intensive. A hub is low-maintenance, however, its efficiency is lower due to the limited number of gears.	derailleur Shimano Tourney	derailleur Shimano Tourney	derailleur Shimano Tourney	derailleur Shimano Tourney	derailleur Shimano Tourney	derailleur Shimano Tourney	derailleur Shimano Tourney	derailleur Shimano Tourney TZ	derailleur Shimano Tourney
Number of gears More gears mean that the driver’s effort can be metered better on changing gradients.	18	18	21	21	18	18 courses	21	6	21
Twist shifter This makes shifting more convenient since the hand does not have to be removed from the handlebar.
Furnishing
bell
Suspension A suspension is used in particular on mountain bikes and hardtails, since it absorbs the high forces acting on the frame in off-road use. At the same time, suspension also means more maintenance and weight.
Mudguards are mostly made of plastic because it is particularly light.
porter
stand
benefits	easy assembly particularly stable	approved for road traffic according to StVO Brake handles adjustable very comfortable saddle	full suspension frame, can also be driven off-road especially many gears particularly well suited for off-road use	almost completely assembled – very easy to assemble particularly well suited for off-road use	especially many gears full suspension frame, can also be driven off-road	easy assembly particularly well suited for off-road use	Disc brakes – improved braking easy assembly	easy assembly beautiful design particularly comfortable saddle	especially many gears particularly well suited for off-road use
Questions and answers about the product	Questions and answers about CoollooK Sport	Questions and answers about Delta Harmonia	Questions and answers about Talson Octagon	Questions and answers about mountaineers Kodiak	Questions and answers about Magic Cascade	Questions and answers about Orbis youth bike	Questions and answers about Galano Toxic	Questions and answers about KCP ALOHA 2.0	Questions and answers about Altec Blackrider
To offer *	To offer "	To offer "	To offer "	To offer "	To offer "	To offer "	To offer "	To offer "	To offer "
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26-inch Youngster Bikes Buyer’s Guide:
How to choose the right product from the 26 inch youth bike test or comparison above

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With a 24 or 26 inch bike, one actually no longer speaks of a children’s bike, but of a youth bike. Children or teenagers who use a youth bike are usually between 8 and 16 years old. From a height of 130 cm a 24 inch bicycle is suitable – for children from a height of 140 cm a bicycle with 26 inches is appropriate.
If children are traveling with a youth bike or children’s bike, it should above all be safe to drive. Accordingly, children’s bicycles should have adequate lighting (front and rear reflectors and reflectors on pedals and spokes), but also two independent brakes. Likewise, a light-colored bell and non-slip and firmly screwed pedals are mandatory.
It is also important to choose between a derailleur and hub gear as well as disc and rim brakes. While derailleurs have a higher efficiency due to the higher number of gears, hub gears are less effective due to the low number of gears. Rim brakes are wonderful for everyday use. For mountain bikes that are also to be ridden off-road, disc brakes are an advantage because they have a higher braking power.

A survey on the intensity of use of the bicycle per year showed: Germany is one bike nation (Source: statista.de). In 2015, 8.8% of those surveyed stated that they cycled more than 5,000 kilometers a year. The majority of the respondents (29.7%), on the other hand, covered between 501 and 1,500 kilometers by bike. The smallest part with 2.2% only managed to travel between 0 and 100 km by bike.

Although such statistics should always be used with caution, anyone can confirm that bicycles are used not only in leisure time but also in the city on the way to work or school as a more flexible solution to the car or public transport. From our youngest fellow human beings, the children and young people. For our young road users in particular, it is important to have the right bike and extensive equipment in order to survive in traffic.

In our 26-inch youth bike comparison, we took a closer look at youth bikes of this size and, in addition to buying advice, put together useful information about youth bikes.

1. What distinguishes a youth bike?

meaningful

Accessories that are not mandatory but still make sense:

From a bike size of 24 to 26 inches strictly speaking, one no longer speaks of a children’s bike, but of a youth bike. Nevertheless, 24 or 26 inch bikes are sometimes referred to as children’s bikes.

The age of children or teenagers riding a youth bike is between 8 and 16 years. While 24-inch youth bikes are suitable for people taller than 130 cm, children over 140 cm tall can already ride a 26-inch youth bike.

A bike under 24 inches is called a children’s bike, a bike from 28 inches is called "normal bike". Basically, a 26 inch youth bike has all the features of a normal bike, for example a traffic-safe equipment, which includes an alternator. However, traffic-safe equipment is not the case for all youth bikes. You should take this into account in your personal 26-inch youth bike test.

2. What bikes are there??

You surely know that normal bicycles do not only have a certain type of bike, but also several types of games. There are city bikes, mountain bikes, trekking bikes, Dutch bikes, racing bikes, e-bikes and lots more. The categories for youth bikes are not quite as diverse, but still different. Basically you can differentiate between city bikes, mountain bikes and BMX bikes.

Type	description
City bikes	City bikes don’t just have one sleek look, they are also characterized by traffic-safe equipment and comfort-giving attachments. So you can, for example, on the luggage rack or on the steering wheel basket Fasten. It is also possible to mount one trailer and attaching side pockets. The tires are relatively thick, so that even driving on uneven ground can be mastered easily.

The term city bike is relatively stretchy, because a Dutch bike or a cruiser are basically city bikes. So don’t be surprised if you come across names such as city bike, girls bike, boys bike or school bike when you buy a youth bike.

mountain bikes Mountain bikes, in short MTB, are primarily used outside the city. They come up above all stony and slippery off-road driving used, whereby the sporty aspect of such models clearly comes to the fore. In order to survive in mountainous terrain, mountain bikes are generally equipped with a coarse tire profile, but the wheels are often lacking roadworthy equipment. They have neither reflectors nor light nor fenders that protect against dirt.

Since mountain bikes are particularly popular with boys, there are now many mountain bikes that have traffic-safe equipment and, accordingly, sufficient reflective elements, lamps and mudguards.

BMX bikes

The BMX bike was originally developed by Motocross-interested Youngsters invented in the United States. They could not afford their own machine or were simply too young for it. The solution: small bicycles were equipped with motorcycle handlebars and appropriate tires and the first BMX bike was ready. In the meantime, BMX bikes are used more for sporting or acrobatic purposes and less for daily driving in traffic. BMX bikes, whether for children, teenagers or adults, are usually not suitable for traffic and only suitable for use on cordoned off areas.

A prerequisite for a BMX bike is safe cycling with an "ordinary bike".

3. Can you get through? A purchase advice for youth bicycles

If you want to buy a 26-inch youth bike, you should consider your child’s taste, but still keep a few important criteria in mind.

3.1. Roadworthiness approval

Even if the bare mountain bike is still so chic, it should have a StVZO approval. So that your 26-inch youth bike comparison winner is roadworthy, the bike should have certain equipment. For example, about one ringing bell and about two of each other independent brakes. In addition, the 26 inch youth bike must have two non-slip and especially firmly screwed pedals feature, each with two facing forward and backward reflector feature.

Adequate bicycle lighting is a further equipment feature. Are mandatory white front-facing headlight and a red taillight. Either ensure good visibility from the side reflector strips or yellow spoke reflectors (two per wheel). Are also prescribed white reflector in front as well as a red large reflector and a small red reflector behind.

Tip: Despite your best efforts, your child should be on a non-roadworthy child mountain bike exist, you can think about buying missing accessories such as lighting, reflectors or fenders. So you not only make yourself happy, but also your child.

3.2. The size is what matters

Make the children’s bike 26 inches safe with the right lighting.

Whether you should prefer a 26 inch or 24 inch youth bike is not a question of good taste. Rather, the decision of the bike size depends on the Size of your child from. The child should be safe on the bike at all times and be able to quickly feel firm ground underfoot when braking.

Should your child only cover the floor with the toes If the saddle is at the bottom, the frame is definitely too big. The frame, on the other hand, is too small if your child has both at the highest saddle height Feet firmly can stand on the floor.

Therefore, when buying, pay attention to whether elements such as the stem or the saddle can be adjusted. Then your child can grow with the 26er youth bike.

Tip: Be sure to let your child test sit to check the correct frame size! It is of little benefit to your child’s safety if you only choose a 26 inch youth bike so that your child has something of the bike for as long as possible.

3.3. The right way through

Whether you are looking for a 26 inch youth bike for girls or boys, you will find a large selection of frame shapes for the bike. For children up to the age of up to 10 years you should preferably choose a frame with access. This makes it easier for girls and boys to get on and off the 26-inch youth bike. Frames that are particularly suitable for children are the Y-type or frames in which the upper tube bends downwards. Especially if your child wants a mountain bike-like bike, you should look for models with a Y-shape. In our youth bike 26 inch comparison you will find some such variants.

Tip: The step or space between the upper frame tube and crotch should be at least 10 cm if your child is standing on the floor with both feet.

3.4. brakes & circuit

A rotary switch is preferable to a switch with a lever.

You should also make no compromises with the Braking and shifting gears do. When buying a 26 inch youth bike, make sure that your child can easily reach the brake lever (s) and operate it. Your child should never have to take all four fingers of one hand off the handlebar to apply the brakes. If necessary, have the reach or braking force set correctly by a specialist.

The best 26-inch youth bike should also have reasonable gears. Instead of using a gear lever, the gearshift should be done using a rotary handle respectively. Children usually find it easier to operate a rotary switch.

In our youth bike 26 inch comparison 2019/2020 there is between one derailleur and one hub differ. Derailleurs are always equipped with a freewheel, which can take some getting used to, especially for inexperienced cyclists. You should take this into account in your personal 26-inch youth bike test.

The advantages and disadvantages of derailleur gears in a nutshell:

fine gradation of the gears, consequently the driver’s forces are better used
even weight distribution of the bike
High efficiency
Cheap

maintenance-consuming
susceptible to dirt, which requires regular cleaning
prone to falling and impact
jumps faster

In contrast to the 26 inch youth bikes with a derailleur system, youth bikes are 26 inch with a hub. They are especially for children up to the age of 10 to recommend. The chain cannot come off and even a drop, wind and weather can withstand hub gears. Sensitive components are hidden inside the hub. In addition, the coaster brake can be used to reduce speed while both hands of the child remain firmly on the handlebars.

The advantages and disadvantages of the hub gear in a nutshell:

easy to use
Possibility of the coaster brake
maintenance
robust

weighs down the bike because the load is on the rear wheel
poorer efficiency than derailleur gears
expensive

4. Better safe than sorry! – Important rules when buying online

If you buy a youth bike like our youth bike 26 inch comparison 2019/2020 on the Internet, you should remember that the bikes usually only partially pre-assembled to be delivered. Often at home, pedals, the handlebars or the saddle either have to be attached or at least correctly adjusted. The same applies in some cases to the brakes and the gears. Therefore, when buying, pay attention to whether in such cases assembly instructions is included. If you are unsure about the build-up result of the 26-inch youth bike, be sure to leave the bike with one Check specialist. Better safe than sorry!

5. Which brands and manufacturers of youth bicycles are there??

When looking for the best 26 inch youth bike you will always come across well-known names such as Delta, KCP, Kettler, Pegasus or Orbis Bikes. The Pegasus brand offers a particularly fair price-performance ratio, offering both a 26-inch girls bike and a 26-inch boys bike – of course in different colors and designs. A 26-inch Bulls youth bike and a 26-inch youth bike are just as popular Cube, a 26 inch youth bike from Scott and a 26 inch youth bike from Ghost.

Orbis bikes
Frank Bikes
sprint
delta
KS Cycling
fisherman
KCP
Cube
Kettler
Pegasus
Bulls
Scott
Ghost

6. Questions and answers about 26 inch bikes

6.1. 26 inch youth bike test – what does the Stiftung Warentest say?

A helmet that is often unpopular with children and adolescents is now available in many modern designs.

The Stiftung Warentest has not yet carried out a 26-inch youth bike test for children’s bikes. Even if the test institute does not have a 26-inch children’s bike comparison winner, topics relating to cycling and road safety are repeatedly addressed. In order to get safely through the traffic, you not only need a roadworthy bicycle, but also clothing elements that reflect in the dark.

Children (especially adults, of course!) Should also wear a (children’s) bicycle helmet. The Stiftung Warentest carried out a test for this. 19 children’s bike helmets between € 22 and € 75 were tested. The result: More than half of the helmets provide good protection, two are dangerously large and three contain critical amounts of pollutants. Read the full article here .

6.2. How is the youth bike properly cared for??

Most bicycles are certainly built safely and stably. But over time, something will break here and there. In order to delay this time as long as possible, the children’s bike should be well maintained. To ensure the longevity of the tires, the tire pressure should be checked regularly and corrected with the air pump if necessary. Excessive dirt should also be removed from the chain and occasionally oiled. It is also particularly important to retighten the screws and, if necessary, to replace the brake pads. Also protect the children’s bike from wet and cold.

Green light: Have your child’s youth bike checked by a bike repair shop or in a bike shop at least once a year.

6.3. Can you shorten a bike chain?

Believe it or not, you can actually shorten a bike chain. Especially if your child uses the 26er youth bike regularly, it is not uncommon for the bike chain to become too long. However, new chains may also have to be shortened. Be sure to compare the new chain with the old one.

The following video shows you how to shorten the bike chain yourself without stress:

6.4. How much does a 26 inch bike cost for teenagers?

Basically you need 26 inches for a good children’s bike more than 100 € invest. If you are looking for a 26 inch girls bike or a 26 inch boys bike you have to go with a price around 200 € or calculate more expensive. In general, you should be suspicious of a cheap 26 inch youth bike, as these may have cut back on materials or the equipment may have been slimmed down.