When parents search for the best mountain bikes for kids, they’re not just looking for flashy designs; they want bikes that are safe, lightweight, and built to help children grow their skills.
That’s exactly what Frog Bikes has delivered with its brand-new MTB range, designed specifically for young riders. These bikes combine durability, comfort, and performance, the perfect mix for kids eager to explore trails with confidence.
Frog Bikes, the award-winning British manufacturer of child-specific bikes, is proud to unveil its next-generation mountain bike range: the all-new Frog MTB 62 and Frog MTB 69.
The time for Halloween celebrations is creeping up on us. At Frog we don’t just dress up ourselves, we dress up our bikes too! Because… what better way to go trick or treating than on your bike!!
We’ve put together some fa-boo-lous ideas of how you can include your bike in this years’ Halloween costume, from ghastly ghouls to scary skeletons - we have the perfect Halloween bike decorations for kids!
Choosing the best bike for a 7-year-old can feel overwhelming, as there are many great options to choose from, but it doesn’t have to be. At Frog Bikes, we design lightweight, child-specific bikes that build confidence, support independence, and make every ride an adventure.
Whether your child is commuting to school, racing on tarmac, or exploring gravel trails, this guide will help you choose the perfect Frog bike for their age, height, and riding style.
Looking for the best kids’ road bike or the best kids’ gravel bike for children that’s safe, lightweight, and built for adventure?
At Frog Bikes, we design premium bikes for young riders, engineered for performance, comfort, and control. That’s why our new kids’ Road bikes and kids’ Gravel bikes range is built with age-specific geometry, upgraded components, and thoughtful features that support confidence, independence, and adventure.
If your child is just starting out or is already chasing personal bests, here’s how to introduce them to the world of cycling - plus a closer look at the best bikes for every age and style.
Designed for performance, built for confidence – inspiring the next generation of cyclists!
Teaching a child to ride a bike is one of those magical parenting milestones. But before the joy of that first wobbly ride without help comes the big question: What’s the best way to learn? On a balance bike or on a bike with stabilisers (a.k.a. training wheels)?
Today, more and more parents and cycling experts are turning to balance bikes as the smarter, smoother path to independent riding. Not only do they make learning easier, as the toddler learns the feeling of handling a bike before cycling on one, but they also give kids a real head start in confidence, coordination, and fun.
Let's look at why balance bikes are now considered the gold standard. Here are 6 reasons why balance bikes are better than stabilisers:
Holding balance is the hardest part of cycling. Pedalling is simply the add-on. A balance bike strips away the distraction of pedals so children can focus on developing the fundamental skills: balance, coordination, and steering, right from day one.
Once those skills are second nature, pedalling becomes a much smoother step.
Training wheels do the opposite. They hold the bike upright artificially, meaning kids don’t learn to lean into turns or countersteer. Essential habits for safe cycling.
Research backs this up: studies show stabilisers delay proper balance development, leaving children with extra hurdles to overcome later. (source)
Kids' bikes are often surprisingly heavy. Sometimes half a child’s body weight.
By contrast, Frog Bike’s 12-inch balance bike, the Tadpole, only weighs 4.17kg. This makes them easier to push, lift, and manoeuvre for small kids. But also for parents who inevitably end up carrying them home from the park. Parents love how easy they are to sling over a shoulder when little legs get tired.
Frog’s balance bikes are super-light and ergonomically designed with young children in mind. Features like narrow handlebars, small grips, and proportionate brake levers ensure comfort and control. They’re available in 10-inch’ and 12-inch wheel sizes for toddlers taking their very first steps into cycling, and also in a versatile 14-inch option that bridges the gap between balance and pedal bikes. Perfect for children growing in confidence at their own pace.
"We have two Frog bikes – the Tadpole Plus balance bike and a first pedal bike – and the quality is outstanding. The Tadpole Plus in particular has been brilliant for my daughter: it's lightweight, well-built, and comes with a proper brake, which gave her the confidence and control she needed to transition to her first pedal bike." – Dan
With both feet flat on the ground, kids can feel secure and in control. Instead of wobbling and tipping (common frustrations with stabilisers), they can scoot forward with confidence. Many little riders even start gliding within days. An exhilarating moment that motivates them to keep going.
Balance bikes don’t just prepare kids for cycling—they support overall motor development. Using a balance bike builds core strength, postural control, and coordination, engaging key muscles like the quadriceps, calves, and gluteals. These skills also benefit other sports and physical activities.
Frog Bikes go further by including clever child-first features:
Steering locks prevent dangerous overturning.
Chunky tyres provide stability on uneven ground.
Small, responsive brakes give children control and teach safe stopping early on.
"We bought the Frog Tadpole balance bike for my boy and couldn't be happier with it, it's transformed his riding and confidence. He's happy riding on the pavement, in the park and at the BMX track. The back brake, steering over lock, weight and size are its best features." - Mr B
Parents are often amazed at how quickly balance bike graduates hop onto pedal bikes. With balance already mastered, the only “new” skill is pedalling.
Many kids who start with a balance bike can ride a pedal bike very quickly, without stabilisers, and without needing to learn to balance and pedal all at once.
Frog recommends a simple, joy-first approach:
The key? encouragement, patience, and celebration. Every tiny step is progress.
But never forget to put a helmet on your child for their safety!
Frog’s balance bikes stand out for their child-centred design, informed by sports scientists and real-world testing.
So, are balance bikes better than stabilisers?
Yes, in almost every meaningful way.
Balance bikes help kids:
Learning to ride a bike is a major milestone in a child’s life, and choosing the right bike can make all the difference. Parents often ask: Are Frog Bikes good for learning to ride? Our short answer is: Yes, they’re one of the best bikes for kids starting out.
We’ll explain why Frog Bikes are such a popular choice for parents looking for the best kids’ bike for learning to ride, and how their thoughtful design helps children build confidence, balance, and riding skills from day one.
One of the most critical features of a child’s first bike is weight. A heavy bike can make learning difficult, tiring, and even discouraging. That’s why all Frog bikes are built with ultra-lightweight aluminium frames specifically designed to be easy for young riders to handle.
Unlike many kids’ bikes that use steel or bulky frames, Frog’s lightweight design means:
This lighter frame also improves control and safety. It allows children to focus on learning to balance, pedal, and brake, rather than wrestling with a bike that’s too heavy for their size or strength.
A lighter bike helps reduce falls, builds confidence, and makes every ride more enjoyable, especially for beginners.
Frog’s commitment to making bikes lighter doesn’t mean compromising on durability either. Our aluminium frames are robust, rust-resistant, and built to last. Perfect for everyday use.
Many children’s bikes on the market are simply scaled-down versions of adult bikes, but not Frog bikes. At Frog Bikes, every bike is purpose-built from the ground up to suit a child’s unique anatomy and riding needs.
This means that every component is tailored to fit smaller bodies and developing motor skills, not just shrunk to a smaller size. For example:
What sets Frog bikes apart is that they’re designed using sports science and biomechanics research, developed in partnership with experts at Brunel University. These studies help ensure that each bike supports healthy movement, improves comfort, and enhances control - key ingredients for confident and safe riding. Learn more about how important safety is here. Frog bikes not only meet all the kids' safety standards but also top the requirements for adult standards. This thoughtful design is one of the many reasons Frog bikes are trusted by cycling instructors, schools, and families around the world as the ideal bikes for kids learning to ride.
Frog’s award-winning range includes balance bikes, which are ideal for children as young as 18 months up to approximately 4 years. At Frog Bikes we call them “Tapoles” - not quite yet Frog’s but almost there. Our Tadpoles help kids develop core strength and coordination, without the need for stabilisers. Choose from three different Tadpole sizes to fit your toddler. Once they’ve mastered balancing, the transition to a pedal bike is natural and often quicker, as they already have the skill set for balancing a Frog bike.
Alternatively, you could also take off the pedals to begin with and use our First Pedal bikes, such as our smallest size, the Frog 38 to learn to control balance if they aren’t yet ready to pedal.
Find the right way for your child so that they are the most comfortable and feel confident..
Learn more about the advantages of balance bikes >>
Frog Bikes offers a wide range of sizes, from tiny balance bikes like the Frog Tadpole Mini to first pedal bikes like the Frog 38 or Frog 44. This ensures you can choose a bike that’s perfectly suited to your kid’s height, age, and riding confidence.
At Frog Bikes, we understand that every child is different. That’s why we focus on inside leg measurement, not just age, when recommending bike sizes. This approach makes it easier to find the right fit, with no guesswork needed. Learn more about the best Frog bikes for beginners with our top tips here and which is the right size for your child with sizing advice here.
Simply measure your child’s inside leg in centimetres and compare it to our Frog Size Guide to find their perfect match. It’s quick and easy.
Correct sizing helps kids ride more confidently and comfortably >>
Frog bikes are not only loved by parents but are also used by Bikeability instructors and cycling programmes across the UK. Their reliability, comfort, and child-specific features make them a trusted choice for learning environments.
One of our trusted partners shared a testimonial they received from a proud parent:
"Within half an hour, my daughter is already riding on her own! It's just unbelievable. She's 6.5 years old, and for months she refused to give up the stabilisers. I was debating whether to buy her a simple bike or go for the high-quality model - the price difference is negligible when you think ahead: more children in the family will ride them, and the quality is simply noticeable. I supported her on her first ride - and within 5 minutes she asked: "Dad, leave me alone!" - and rode on her own. I was really excited. Then we learned how to use the handbrake and the gear system. Just a pleasure.”
“Advantages that stood out to me in particular: It's easy for her to lift the bike herself. The pedalling is smooth and pleasant. High-quality bearings. Excellent rear derailleur. The sprocket is covered - very important and safe. The only drawback: Now I have to run after her non-stop. In short, a huge thank you for an amazing product and excellent service!"
Also see our 10 tips on how to learn to ride a bike >>
Kids grow fast, but that doesn’t mean you need to buy a new bike every year. Frog bikes are designed to fit your child for as long as possible, with adjustable features and a durable, high-quality construction. This means they not only last through years of use, but also hold their value exceptionally well, making them easy to resell or pass down to younger siblings.
Whether you’re upgrading to the next size or storing it for the next rider, a Frog bike is a long-term investment that goes the distance.
Learn more about buying a second-hand Frog bike in this guide >>
Frog Bikes is proudly a family-run British company with strong values at its core. Since day one, the founders, Jerry and Shelley (parents themselves), have been committed to creating bikes that are not only great for kids but also kinder to the planet.
Choosing Frog means supporting a responsible, family-owned brand that puts children and the planet first. Find out more about our sustainability efforts in our sustainability report.
When choosing your child’s first bike, it’s worth investing in a model that supports learning, rather than hinders it. Frog bikes are designed to:
Whether you’re looking for a first balance bike for a toddler or a reliable first pedal bike for a school-aged child, Frog offers the ideal setup for success.
So, are Frog Bikes good for learning to ride? Absolutely. With lightweight frames, child-specific components, and a focus on learning progression and sustainability, they are one of the best bikes for kids learning to ride.
Explore the full range of Frog bikes today and give your child the perfect start to their cycling journey.
View Frog’s Kids’ Bikes range >>
Looking for a second-hand Frog bike for your child? Buying a pre-loved Frog bike can be a smart, sustainable choice for growing kids. In this guide, we’ll show you where to find used Frog bikes, how to check their condition, and tips for buying safely.
Looking for a summer activity for your kids that combines outdoor adventure, family bonding, and a little bit of challenge?
The following family cycling expedition could be exactly what you are looking for, and it doesn’t have to involve remote mountains or specialist gear.
A family-friendly cycling tour of around 100 miles spread over four days, for example - though everyone is free to set their own goals. It’s a relaxed way to ease into adventure travel, all on two wheels.
A Mini Expedition is what you make it — a self-guided family bike tour, with the kids on their Frog bikes, usually spread over 3–5 days, with planned daily distances that are manageable for children (typically 15–30 miles per day, for example). The focus isn’t on speed or distance, but on the experience: riding, exploring, and building confidence on bikes together.
Families can follow traffic-free routes such as converted railway paths in the National Cycle Network in the UK, or scenic coastal trails and national park loops. Tools like Komoot, Cycle.travel, or Strava Routes are great for planning safe, scenic, family-friendly rides.
Overnight stops might include campsites, budget hostels, or family-run B&Bs — or even a looped route that brings you back home at the end of each day. If you're looking for a multi-day trail designed with families in mind, check out the Tarka Trail in Devon or the Camel Trail in Cornwall.
It’s a real adventure, but still close to home
You don’t need to fly abroad or climb a mountain to feel like an explorer. A mini expedition turns local trails, country lanes, and nearby campsites into exciting, unfamiliar territory. Kids experience the joy of travelling with purpose — packing bags, planning routes, navigating as a team — all without the logistics (or cost) of a big overseas trip.
Cycling builds resilience
Long rides naturally come with moments of challenge: aching legs, a change in weather, an unexpected detour. But that’s where the magic lies. Kids learn to adapt, stay positive, solve problems, and support one another — powerful life lessons disguised as pedal-powered fun.
Unstructured time becomes meaningful
Away from screens, alarms, and to-do lists, there’s room for real connection. Whether it’s a spontaneous game in a field, a wildlife sighting, or just a deep conversation while riding side by side, these are the moments that make a trip unforgettable. Check out our Fun & Games section for simple ways to spark play and curiosity along the way.
It’s a shared achievement
Finishing a multi-day journey — however short — gives kids a lasting sense of pride. It becomes part of their personal story, something they’ll tell friends, write about in school, or remember years from now. And as a family, you'll have a shared adventure to look back on — one built on teamwork, discovery, and miles of memories.
Why consider a mini expedition?
Because it combines the best of what adventure offers: excitement, growth, freedom, and connection — without needing weeks off or a passport. It’s a powerful way to reset, reconnect, and remember what really matters. Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, every mini expedition brings something new.
1. Choose your route wisely
Stick to safe, scenic, mostly flat trails. (Add links to Kamoot, Strava, Sustrans, etc)
2. Adjust for age and ability
Create day rides for younger children. It is very important to include rest days or shorter stretches with fun stops (nature reserves, rivers, castles).
3. Keep the kit simple
Lightweight bikes that fit well make all the difference. Panniers or small backpacks help spread the load. Bring waterproofs, lots of snacks, and a repair kit.
4. Focus on fun, not distance
Break up the ride with games, scavenger hunts, ice cream stops, or mini-challenges like “find the weirdest tree” or “race to the next gate.”
5. Celebrate the finish
Whether it’s a badge, certificate, or just a shared meal and stories, marking the end of the trip helps turn it into a lasting memory.
Frog Mini Expeditions are ideal for families with children aged 6–13 who can ride confidently and are open to a bit of a challenge. It’s not about athletic ability. It’s about creating a shared experience, one mile at a time.
Whether you're camping under the stars, spotting wildlife, or simply enjoying the rhythm of pedalling together, a family cycle tour is a rewarding and surprisingly accessible summer activity.
Check out our full range of Frog bikes for young adventurers, and don’t forget to tag us in your summer journeys on Instagram and Facebook using the hashtags #SummerFrogCycle or #FrogSummerAdventures.
