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Best Bicycle Training Wheels

Updated June 2023
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
SUNLITE Adjustable Training Wheels
SUNLITE
Adjustable Training Wheels
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Best for Beginners
Bottom Line

Stable, durable and adjustable training wheels that take the anxiety out of learning how to ride a bike.

Pros

The wheels are 6 inches in diameter and have inflatable tires. They are made of rubber and alloy steel and can fit bikes with 20 to 26-inch wheels. These training wheels come with axle extenders for installation on different wheels.

Cons

Product arrives missing vital screws fairly often. Some feel they're overpriced.

Best Bang for the Buck
YL traV Adjustable Bike Training Wheels
YL traV
Adjustable Bike Training Wheels
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Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

Use these training wheels on kids’ multi-speed bikes with wheels between 18 and 22 inches in diameter.

Pros

Wheels are made of tough rubber and steel. The set contains all the parts and tools needed for assembly including extender bolts to accommodate different frames. Fits best on bike frames made of tubing that is 1 inch in diameter.

Cons

These wheels can break if overtaxed. Installing the extender bolts is frustrating to many.

Little World Bicycle Training Wheels
Little World
Bicycle Training Wheels
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Easiest to Use
Bottom Line

Basic training wheels that fit bikes with 18, 20 and 22-inch tires that are easy to install and safe for kids.

Pros

Training wheels ideal for conventional installation on triangular and standard transmission frames. Package contains instructions and all needed hardware for quick assembly. Wheels are 5.1-inches in diameter.

Cons

They don't fit all bikes, so check. Included bolts are easy to strip during assembly.

Lumintrail Adult Training Wheels
Lumintrail
Adult Training Wheels
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Adult Option
Bottom Line

Adjustable training wheels with a sturdy steel build ideal for older folks up to 220 pounds.

Pros

Wheels are six inches in diameter, and fit bikes with tires from 24 to 29 inches. When properly installed, these wheels sit a half inch off the ground and only come into play when needed. Sturdy wheels can support up to 220 pounds.

Cons

You will need a socket wrench to assemble these wheels.

Wotendy Bicycle Training Wheels for Kids
Wotendy
Bicycle Training Wheels for Kids
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Best for Everyday Use
Bottom Line

Help a young cyclist conquer the road with this decent pair of training wheels.

Pros

Set offers flexible installation and fits mountain bikes, variable-speed bikes and road bikes. Fits 16 to 24-inch wheels. Struts are made of steel with plastic and rubber tires. Straightforward assembly with all required parts included.

Cons

Some struggle to tighten set's bolts. Wheels could be more durable.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Buying guide for BEST BICYCLE TRAINING WHEELS

Learning to ride a bike is a rite of passage for most children, and training wheels can make this process less daunting and much safer. Bicycle training wheels provide additional stability while beginners learn to balance, and can be adjusted as confidence grows. They are a practical investment for both children and adults learning to ride.

The best bicycle training wheels are robust, adjustable, easy to install and compatible with different bike sizes. They should have a sturdy construction and durable wheels to withstand the rigors of learning to ride a bike. Keep in mind that you'll also want to consider the size of the training wheels in relation to your bicycle. Training wheels that are too small may not provide sufficient balance, and ones that are too large may be challenging to navigate.

The Sunlite Adjustable Training Wheels are our top pick, featuring easy installation and adjustability. The YL traV Adjustable Bike Training Wheels provide great value with a reasonable price tag, robust construction and compatibility with multiple bike sizes.

TOP PICKS

Sunlite – Adjustable Training Wheels
These Sunlite training wheels stand out due to their strong steel construction and compatibility with multiple bike sizes, from 12 to 20 inches. They offer excellent stability for beginners, which is important for building confidence. These wheels are adjustable, enabling them to be raised as the rider becomes more comfortable with balancing on two wheels.

The wheels themselves are heavy-duty and durable enough to withstand hours of riding. Installing these training wheels is straightforward, and all necessary mounting hardware is included. These training wheels from Sunlite are a solid choice for any beginner.

YL traV – Adjustable Bike Training Wheels
Offering a great balance between cost and quality, the YL traV training wheels are an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers without compromising on safety and durability. These training wheels are constructed with robust materials to ensure longevity and can accommodate bicycle sizes ranging from 16 to 22 inches.

They're fully adjustable, allowing them to adapt as the rider's balancing skills improve. The wheels are designed to minimize noise and come with all the necessary hardware, making the installation process simple and quick.

Little World Store – Bicycle Training Wheels
The Little World Store Training Wheels are designed with a robust steel bracket for added stability and confidence. These wheels are compatible with 12 to 20-inch bicycles, making them suitable for most children's bikes. They're also adjustable, allowing the rider to progress at their own pace.

These training wheels feature anti-slip, wear-resistant tires for added safety and stability, making them an excellent choice for beginners. They come in a variety of vibrant colors that kids will love.

Lumintrail – Adult Training Wheels
Perfect for adult beginners, Lumintrail training wheels are designed to withstand heavier weight capacities. These training wheels are suitable for 20 to 26-inch bikes and are made with high-quality steel for increased durability.

The Lumintrail training wheels feature large, robust wheels for added balance and support. They are adjustable and designed to be easy to install, providing beginners with the confidence needed to learn to ride a bike.

Wotendy – Bicycle Training Wheels for Kids
The Wotendy Bicycle Training Wheels are designed with kids in mind. These training wheels are suitable for 12 to 20-inch bicycles and come in various kid-friendly colors.

Featuring a sturdy steel bracket and durable plastic wheels, these training wheels provide excellent balance for those learning to ride. They're easy to install, and their adjustable nature means they can be raised as the rider gains more confidence and balance skills.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY BICYCLE TRAINING WHEELS

Types of training wheels
There are several types of bicycle training wheels available on the market, each designed to cater to different riding abilities and bike types. Some of the most common types are standard training wheels, balance buddy wheels and adjustable training wheels.

  • Standard training wheels: These are the most commonly used training wheels and are suitable for beginner riders. They are usually attached to the rear wheel axle and sit slightly off the ground to allow the rider to learn balance while having the assurance that the training wheels will prevent the bike from tipping over.
  • Balance buddy wheels: These training wheels are designed to provide a more balanced ride and are particularly helpful for children who have some experience with balance bikes. They allow the bike to lean slightly to mimic the feel of a two-wheel bike, helping the rider gain more confidence.
  • Adjustable training wheels: These training wheels come with an adjustable feature that allows you to raise or lower the wheels depending on the rider's skill level. As your child gets more confident, you can raise the wheels so they touch the ground less often, encouraging the development of balance skills.

Deciding which training wheels to buy
The choice of training wheels largely depends on the rider's skill level, the type of bicycle and the rider's weight. If you’re buying for a beginner, standard training wheels would be an ideal choice. For those transitioning from a balance bike, consider balance buddy wheels. For a more flexible option that can adapt as the rider's skills improve, adjustable training wheels would be the way to go.

Ensure that the training wheels are suitable for the size of the bike they will be attached to. Most training wheels are compatible with kids' bikes that have wheel sizes ranging from 12 to 20 inches, but always double-check compatibility.

Weight is also a consideration. Make sure the training wheels are sturdy enough to support the rider's weight without bending or breaking.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING BICYCLE TRAINING WHEELS

Material and durability
Training wheels need to be sturdy and durable as they are going to take quite a bit of abuse. Look for models made from robust materials such as steel and heavy-duty plastic. Check user reviews to ensure the wheels can withstand rough handling and frequent use.

Installation process
Some training wheels can be challenging to install, requiring special tools or expertise. Opt for models that offer an easy installation process, ideally with the required mounting hardware included. The easier the installation, the quicker your child can start practicing.

Adjustability
The Adjustability of train wheels is a crucial factor if you want them to grow with your child’s biking abilities. Models that offer height adjustment are excellent as they allow you to raise or lower the wheels as your child becomes more confident. This feature will enable you to gradually prepare them for a two-wheel ride.

Design and aesthetics
While the functionality of training wheels is paramount, children are likely to be drawn to vibrant colors and appealing designs. Consider training wheels that match the bike's design or feature attractive colors to make the learning process more exciting for the child.

Price
As with any other product, the cost of training wheels can vary considerably. While it's essential to find affordable options, remember that quality and safety shouldn't be compromised. Consider it an investment in your child's safety and confidence-building.