Yahoo LifestyleThe Best Training Wheels for New Riders
- 1/11
The Best Training Wheels for New Riders
Learning how to ride a bike is a rite of passage for many children and adults, and training wheels can be a wonderful teaching tool for learning independence and balance. Many sets of training wheels come with adjustable heights so you can begin raising the wheels off the ground as the rider gets more confident on their bike. Training wheels have a pretty standard design, with bracket attachments (arms) on either side of the rear tire. Most sets are easy to attach and remove, as well as adjustable. We chose a variety of sizes and diameters for new bike riders of all ages.
The Best Training Wheels of 2022
What to Consider
Safety
Construction, quality components, and the correct installation are all critical when choosing and installing training wheels. The training wheels should be set slightly higher than the rear tire, for balance training as well as safety, and always double-check your bolts before the rider sets off. Like all bike components, training wheels should be checked for stability and tightness before each ride, and adjusted if something seems off.
Bike Sizes
The bracket/arm length of the training wheels determines the best size bike for each set, and we’ve also listed the appropriate bike sizes in the specs for each set we feature. These training wheel options come in a range of sizes that will work with everything from 12-inch bike wheels to 26-inch bike wheels, and everything in between. Be aware that each bike is different, and some bikes might not work with certain sets of training wheels, even if they appear to be appropriately sized. We’ve highlighted instances where this is the case.
How We Selected
To recommend the best training wheels, we looked first at safety and construction to make sure there were no red flags for durability or stabilization. Then we curated a list of training wheels sized for various bikes, and with wheels of varying sizes, from 12-inch wheels to 26-inch wheels. Most of these choices are adjustable, and all are highly rated for safety and ease of use.
For more great bike gear, check out our picks for the best bike bells, frame bags, and water bottle cages.
Bicycling; Courtesy Jetson - 2/11
1) Training Wheels Kit
Wald
rei.com
$25.50
Key Specs
- For Wheel Sizes: 16 to 26 inches
- Training Wheel Diameter: 5.5 inches
- Material: Metal, plastic
This Wald 742 training wheel set is highly adjustable and easy to maneuver, with three wide slots on the brace arm that allows them to mount on bikes with tires up to 26 inches. These are super sturdy, with hefty bolts and attachment points, and we like the wider diameter of the wheel itself. The thick rubber tires hold up on asphalt and gravel, and the metal wheels are solid, with a weight rating up to 125 pounds.
rei.com - 3/11
2) Heavy Duty Rear Bicycle Stabilizers
Little World
amazon.com
$21.99
Key Specs
- For Wheel Sizes: 14 to 18 inches
- Training Wheel Diameter: 5.3 inches
- Material: Iron, plastic
These have some of the beefiest brackets on this list, and the added weight contributes to the stability while reducing bounce. The wheel diameter is slightly larger than others, allowing better rolling over bumps, and these are highly adjustable for a variety of bike designs. The brackets might be able to outlast the bicycle itself, but be aware that the tires themselves aren’t as durable, and work best on pavement.
amazon.com - 4/11
3) Training Wheels
Specialized
Specialized.com
$22.50
Key Specs
- For Wheel Sizes: 16 inches
- Training Wheel Diameter: 5.5 inches
- Material: Steel, rubber, closed-cell foam
No tools are needed to install and remove these training wheels from Specialized, a brand beloved for its quality products. This set has some of the most solid components and longest lasting durability out of any sets on this list, with burly steel arms, durable rubber on the wheels, and a closed-cell foam tire that will never go flat and will last season after season. These have three positions for easy adjustments to fit all balance needs, but will work best with bikes that have 16-inch wheels.
Specialized.com - 5/11
4) Monster Truck Training Wheels
Schwinn
amazon.com
$21.19
Key Specs
- For Wheel Sizes: 16 to 20 inches
- Training Wheel Diameter: 5.5 inches
- Material: Steel, rubber
The fun design of Schwinn’s Monster Truck training wheels makes them perfect for kids living out their truck-driving fantasies around the neighborhood. The sturdy steel brackets and wide tires and wheels keep the bike stable on a variety of surfaces, making these a great training tool for bumpier dirt or gravel rides with the kids. The assembly tools are not included in the setup, but the hardware does come with the set. These wheels are easy to install and remove, and also simple to adjust.
amazon.com - 6/11
5) Spotter Trainer Wheels
BELL
amazon.com
$15.99
Key Specs
- For Wheel Sizes: 12 to 18 inches
- Training Wheel Diameter: 5 inches
- Material: Steel, plastic
One of the best things about the Bell Spotter training wheels is their system for flipping up when not in use, and flipping down when the rider needs the extra stability.
We love these for shared bikes when one rider needs the stabilizers but the other might not, as well as an extra training tool when the rider is doing longer test rides without the security of the flipped-down wheels, but isn’t quite ready to take them off.
These are great for smaller bikes as well, working well with 12-inch wheels and still able to sit about a half-inch off the ground. Keep in mind these have a lower weight limit of 50 pounds, however.
amazon.com - 7/11
6) Training Wheels
HUWAY
amazon.com
$18.99
Key Specs
- For Wheel Sizes: 12 to 20 inches
- Training Wheel Diameter: 4.4 inches
- Material: Steel, rubber
These quiet, durable training wheels have a wide rubber tire and a solid wheel base, giving them an easy roll and extra stability during rides. They have good ground contact with less slippage than some narrower tires, and can fit a wide range of wheel sizes.
The mounting hardware is included, but the sizing of the bolts and depth of the brackets can make mounting challenging on some bikes. These training wheels are rated for riders up to 100 pounds.
amazon.com - 8/11
7) Spark Light-Up Training Wheels
Jetson
dickssportinggoods.com
$24.99
Key Specs
- For Wheel Sizes: 12 to 20 inches
- Training Wheel Diameter: 4 inches
- Material: Steel, plastic
Get ready to party with these Jetson Spark Light-Up training wheels. These motion-activated lights glow with each pedal stroke, and the wide, soft tires have confidence-inducing traction on a variety of surfaces. These are easy to assemble and remove, with all of the hardware and a wrench included in the kit.
These are slightly larger with the thicker tire, so some people find this set to be somewhat large for 12-inch kids’ bikes, with too much space between the training wheel and the back tire.
dickssportinggoods.com - 9/11
8) Bike Training Wheels
Bangcool
walmart.com
$49.99
Key Specs
- For Wheel Sizes: 18 to 24 inches
- Training Wheel Diameter: 5.5 inches
- Material: Steel, plastic
This sturdy set of stabilizers is ideal for older kids learning how to ride a bike. These work for a mid-range size of wheels measuring up to 24 inches, and the set comes with all the pieces required for installation. The bracket angle and multiple adjustment points work for almost every bike in that size range, and the wider stance is extra stable on multiple surfaces. This package comes with two sets of wheels for multiple bikes, or when one set starts to wear out.
walmart.com - 10/11
9) Heavy Duty Bike Training Wheels
Lumintrail
amazon.com
$94.99
Key Specs
- For Wheel Sizes: 24 to 26 inches
- Training Wheel Diameter: 6 inches
- Material: Steel, rubber
For when stability and durability with a larger bike are key, these Lumintrail training wheels are a top choice. These are ideal for older kids or adults learning how to ride a bike, with wide, 6-inch rubber tires that have plenty of grip and durability.
This helps create a smooth ride as well, and we love these on cruisers and single-speed bikes with wheels up to 26 inches. These have a weight rating of 220 pounds, and the set is highly adjustable and comes with all of the mounting hardware.
amazon.com - 11/11
10) REV 16 Kids' Bike
Co-op Cycles
rei.com
$193.99
Key Specs
- Wheel Size: 16 inches
- Training Wheel Diameter: 5 inches
- Material: Aluminum, steel, rubber
When your kiddo is ready to start pedaling and you want the whole kit, this Co-op Cycles REV 16 kids’ bike is a top pick. The bike comes with training wheels that can be adjusted and removed based on skill level, and the frame is lightweight and easy to maneuver. This bike has a low step-through height so kids can easily drop their feet to the ground, and we love that it comes with a pack of stickers for the little rider to customize the frame.
This bike does have a somewhat lower weight limit of 80 pounds, including rider and gear, so keep that in mind before you buy.
rei.com
