Bicycle sizes for K-5th grade?

[horseshowmom]

I am going to buy 6 bicybles for kids in K-5th grades. I'll purchase a set of bikes (one girl's and one boy's) for K-1, a set for 2nd-3rd, and a set for 4th-5th (they're going to used as prizes).

I looked online (since it's been a very long time since my daughter was that young), and it looks like the recommended sizes would be 16"-18" for K-1, 20" for 2-3, and maybe 24" for 4th-5th (some of our 5th graders are pretty big). I think 16" would be too small so I'm leaning toward 18".

It really seems like I got a 20" when I was 5 (don't remember anything smaller, and I clearly remember the bike). I would love some input from those of you who have recently purchased bicycles for your kids. This is a poor area, and the bikes would probably be used for awhile (not like a parent is likely to be able to replace them everytime the child grows a little).

Thanks!

 

[bigbabyblues]

Target had a guide by their bikes. I think we were looking at a 20-inch for our 8-yo and a 24-inch for our 11-yo.

 

[The_Alice]

We bought our boys 20" bikes for Christmas, they are in the mid range of your ages at 7 & 8 and they fit them perfectly. That's with the seat setting in the mid range, not low or high. I think if you bought 18" & 20" for children under 10, and then 24" for the over 10 age group you should be okay.

 

[HelenePA]

Okay going off my kids...

my 6yr old has a 16" bike 1st grade He would not fit an 18" bike it would be too big and he's on the tall side for his age. 18" would probably work for 2nd grade but not K
my 9yr old has a 20" bike 3rd grade I dont think she needs a 24" bike yet. it fits her fine...she is 4'2"
my 11yr old (can not ride a bike) but would probably fit a 24" bike 5th grade

 

[horseshowmom]

Sounds like I need 16, 20, and 24. Thanks!