Anonymous
Post 12/30/2025 16:44     Subject: 26in bike rec for 10 year old
My husband is an avid cyclist, so we bought a Trek for my older daughter. We tried a Guardian for our younger daughter, who has now used both. She said she prefers the Guardian, so we may sell the Trek bike and just buy her a bigger Guardian.
Anonymous
Post 12/29/2025 09:58     Subject: 26in bike rec for 10 year old
Anonymous wrote:Trek bike or check out the REI co-op bikes.

I was going to recommend the same two brands. Just had to buy an adult bike for my tween from REI, and they actually had some kids bikes on sale.
Anonymous
Post 12/29/2025 09:51     Subject: 26in bike rec for 10 year old
Anonymous wrote:we have guardian and they are so much better than any others we've had in the past (huffy, schwinn, etc)


Not saying much.
Anonymous
Post 12/29/2025 09:51     Subject: 26in bike rec for 10 year old
OP, go to a bike shop or to REI. You are getting a wide range of advice here. Some of it is terrible.

Anonymous
Post 12/29/2025 09:37     Subject: 26in bike rec for 10 year old
we have guardian and they are so much better than any others we've had in the past (huffy, schwinn, etc)
Anonymous
Post 12/27/2025 13:36     Subject: 26in bike rec for 10 year old
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I would skip the Guardian. They are overpriced gimmicks.


Can you say more?


The braking system is a marketing gimmick and doesn’t develop proper technique for a young rider. They are heavy. They are expensive even though they compromise on features. My kid went from a balance bike with hand brakes to a pedal bike with hand brakes. No problems. Teach your kids the right way and all of this marketing nonsense does not matter. Lighter bikes make a difference for young riders. Patented braking systems not so much.


Heavy? I think they are lightweight. We have the 16 and 24 inches and they are definitely lighter than their previous bikes.
Anonymous
Post 12/26/2025 10:46     Subject: 26in bike rec for 10 year old
Trek all the way!
Anonymous
Post 12/26/2025 10:30     Subject: 26in bike rec for 10 year old
Honestly, I enjoy riding my kid's Guardian bike more than my REI. They are very lightweight, the braking is extremely responsive and it's very easy to change the seat height.
Anonymous
Post 12/18/2025 13:07     Subject: 26in bike rec for 10 year old
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:10 year old should not ride a 26 inch bike. Go to the local bike shop and they will help with size. My 10 YO who is as tall as 14 YO rides a 24 inch bike. Don’t be a cheap skate


Um, you have no idea how tall OP's kid is.


And you definitely don't need someone at a bike shop to tell you what size bike to get, just do an online quiz
Anonymous
Post 12/18/2025 12:19     Subject: 26in bike rec for 10 year old
PP here. The Priority Launchpad is $399 through Costco Next. Priority bikes in general have great reviews and good customer service.
Anonymous
Post 12/18/2025 12:17     Subject: 26in bike rec for 10 year old
If you have Costco membership, use Costco Next to buy Priority Launchpad (26" bike).
3-speed belt drive is perfect/simple for city/pavement driving.
Anonymous
Post 12/18/2025 12:11     Subject: 26in bike rec for 10 year old
Anonymous wrote:10 year old should not ride a 26 inch bike. Go to the local bike shop and they will help with size. My 10 YO who is as tall as 14 YO rides a 24 inch bike. Don’t be a cheap skate


Um, you have no idea how tall OP's kid is.
Anonymous
Post 12/18/2025 12:11     Subject: 26in bike rec for 10 year old
Anonymous wrote:P.S. Guardian is all over my search results but I haven't heard of them and would love feedback.


My girls have Guardian bikes - they are fantastic!
Anonymous
Post 12/18/2025 10:24     Subject: 26in bike rec for 10 year old
My kids learned to ride a Guardian in 2 days by removing the pedals. Once they could use it like a balance bike, they figured it out immediately. I don't know if REI bikes have removable pedals.