Finding a new set of wheels under the tree is a quintessential Christmas morning memory. For parents looking to give the gift of two-wheeled adventure without stretching the Christmas budget, choosing a bike with the right balance of quality, weight and components is key.
A clunky, overweight bike can quickly put children off riding and often ends up staying in the shed, while a purpose-built, lightweight bike builds instant riding confidence and makes every ride more enjoyable.
Reid kids' bikes are designed for every stage of a child’s cycling journey. In the UK, they are currently available from 14-inch first pedal bikes through to 26-inch mountain bikes for young riders ready to take things further.
Lightweight, comfortable and built to handle everyday adventures, Reid kids' bikes are made for trips to the park, rides with friends, family adventures and everything in between - and all for under £400.
Reid Christmas gift picks under £400
|
Model |
Wheel size |
Recommended rider age |
Key features |
UK RRP |
|
Reid H14 |
14" |
3-4 years |
Ultra-light alloy frame & fork, child-reach levers |
£309.99 |
|
Reid H16 |
16" |
3-6 years |
Low, lightweight frame standover, smooth-rolling multi-surface tyres |
£329.99 |
|
Reid H20 |
20" |
6-9 years |
Lightweight frame, 7-speed Shimano gearing |
£359.99 |
|
Reid Tract Jr 20 |
20" |
7-9 years |
40mm suspension fork, disc brakes, 2.35" tyres |
£359.99 |
|
Reid Tract Jr 26 |
26" |
10-13 years |
Full youth MTB geometry, 8-speed gearing, disc brakes |
£389.99 |
The Reid H Series kids’ bikes: Featherweight everyday all-rounders (From £309.99 - RRP)
The Reid H Series kids’ bike range is engineered for parents who prioritise lightweight bikes, agile handling, and effortless pedalling on tarmac, school runs, and park tracks. Built from light aluminium alloy across both frame and fork, the H Series also features child-specific geometry and components, all built to withstand the everyday bumps and scrapes of kids’ cycling.
Reid H14 (14" Wheels) - £309.99 RRP
- Best for: First pedal bike riders stepping straight up from a balance bike (Ages 3-4).
- The highlights: Moving to a 14-inch wheel gives young riders extra rolling momentum over a standard 12-inch balance bike while keeping the centre of gravity low. The short-reach brake levers are tuned for smaller hands, enabling early braking technique without straining fingers.
- Available in UK: Blue & Purple
Reid H16 (16" Wheels) - £329.99 RRP
- Best for: Fast-growing youngsters needing a lightweight neighbourhood cruiser (Ages 3-6).
- The highlights: The H16 features a low-slung top tube for quick dismounts and foot-to-ground balance. With a single-speed drivetrain, kids can focus purely on steering, pedalling, and braking without gear complexity.
- Available in: Blue & Purple
Reid H20 (20" Wheels) - £359.99 RRP
- Best for: Confident primary-age riders tackling longer family outings and hills (Ages 6-9).
- The highlights: Weighing in at just 7.6kg, the H20 ranks among the lightest multi-speed bikes in its class. It comes loaded with a 7-speed Shimano drivetrain and an intuitive trigger/shifter layout, letting children shift cleanly when gradients rise.
- Available in UK: Blue
The Reid Tract Jr Series: Trail-ready junior mountain bikes (From £359.99)
If your child veers off the tarmac towards gravel tracks, muddy woods, and pump tracks, the Reid Tract Jr range delivers junior mountain bike capability without the price tag. Designed with front suspension forks, high-volume tyres, and all-weather disc brakes, these models handle rougher terrain perfectly for adventurous kids!
Reid Tract Jr 20 (20" Wheels) - £359.99 RRP
- Best for: Adventurous 7 to 9-year-olds hungry for dirt tracks, rooty paths, and woodland trails.
- The highlights: The Tract Jr 20 features a 40mm suspension fork to take the sting out of bumps and drops, paired with high-volume 2.35" tyres for consistent off-road grip. Mechanical disc brakes provide stopping power that stays crisp even in wet, winter conditions.
- Available in UK: Orange
Reid Tract Jr 24 (24" Wheels) - £379.99 RRP
- Best for: Confident 9 to 11-year-olds stepping up to bigger trail days and bridleways.
- The Highlights: Built around a 6061 alloy frame with 50mm of front suspension travel, the Tract Jr 24 strikes the balance between trail capability and junior handling. Equipped with a 7-speed Shimano drivetrain, rugged 24 x 2.35" all-terrain tyres, and mechanical disc brakes, it gives mid-sized youth riders the traction and gearing needed to keep up on family off-road loops.
- Available in UK: Purple
Reid Tract Jr 26 (26" Wheels) - £389.99 RRP
- Best for: Pre-teens and taller youth riders ready for trail centres and club rides (Ages 10-13).
- The highlights: Stepping up to standard 26-inch wheels gives growing riders the roll-over ability of an adult bike with proportionate junior contact points. With an 8-speed wide-range gear system, wide riser bars, and powerful disc brakes, it bridges the gap directly into adult mountain biking while staying comfortably under the £400 cap.
- Available in UK: Purple
How to choose: H series vs. Tract Jr series
Pick the H Series if: Low weight and simplicity are top priorities. If riding is predominantly pavement, park loops, paved cycleways, or the daily school commute, the the H Series makes every pedal stroke count.
Pick the Tract Jr Series if: Your rider loves dirt, forest paths, stones, and rolling over tree roots. The front suspension fork and mechanical disc brakes add rugged off-road stability that withstands rougher handling.
Find your child's next Reid bike
Ready to make this Christmas one to remember? Explore the Reid kids' bike range and find the perfect fit for your young rider, from their first pedal bike to their next off-road adventure.
Find your nearest Reid stockist and discover the range of kids' bikes available across the UK.
Frequently asked questions
What size bike should I buy for my child for Christmas?
The best metric to measure is inside leg measurement and rider height, rather than age alone:
- 14" Wheel: 95 cm - 110 cm (Approx. 3-4 years)
- 16" Wheel: 105 cm - 120 cm (Approx. 3-6 years)
- 20" Wheel: 115 cm - 135 cm (Approx. 6-9 years)
- 26" Wheel: 140 cm - 160 cm+ (Approx. 10-13 years)
Avoid the temptation to buy a bike that is two sizes too big for your child to "grow into." An oversized frame hampers handling, makes reaching the brake levers difficult, and reduces rider confidence.
Where can I buy Reid bikes in the UK?
Reid bikes are distributed across the UK. You can source these models directly through official Reid stockists across the UK.
Does a lighter kids' bike actually make a difference?
Yes. Children typically weigh between 15kg and 35kg. A standard, steel-framed kids' bike can weigh 12kg to 14kg-often more than 40% of the rider's total body weight. The Reid H20, at just 7.6kg, dramatically reduces fatigue, makes starting from a standstill easier, and helps kids climb hills without walking the bike.
Are the brakes on Reid kids' bikes sized for children?
Every Reid kids' bike model comes equipped with short-reach brake levers matched to specific wheel sizes. The reach can often be micro-adjusted closer to the handlebars so smaller hands can pull the lever firmly and safely.