Moving from a small single-speed bike to a geared bike is an exciting step for a young rider. They may be cycling further, tackling bigger hills or simply becoming confident enough to want a bike that can keep up with their growing adventures.
The YOMO 20 is designed for exactly that stage. At just 7.65 kg, it combines a lightweight aluminium frame with Shimano 7-speed gearing, child-sized controls and geometry designed specifically for younger riders.
But a 20-inch bike isn't automatically right just because of your child's age. Here's what makes the YOMO 20 different, who it fits and how to decide whether your child is ready for their first geared bike.
Who is the YOMO 20 designed for?
The YOMO 20 is designed for children approximately:
- Age: 6–9 years
- Inside leg: 53–67 cm
- Rider height: 115–135 cm
- Bike weight: 7.65 kg
- Wheel size: 20 inch
- Gears: Shimano 7-speed
Age should only be treated as a guide. Inside-leg measurement and riding confidence are more important when confirming fit.
A confident rider may fit the YOMO 20 from approximately 53 cm inside leg. A newer or more cautious rider will generally need nearer 55 cm so they have more reassuring access to the ground.
Use our Perfect Size Finder to check your child's height, inside leg and riding confidence before choosing.
Why does a lightweight 20-inch bike matter?
At 7.65 kg, the YOMO 20 keeps unnecessary weight down at a stage when many children are beginning to ride further and faster.
Bike weight matters because children weigh considerably less than adults. A heavy bicycle therefore represents a much larger proportion of their body weight and can make starting, steering, climbing and manoeuvring more tiring.
The YOMO 20 uses a lightweight 6061 aluminium frame and fork together with carefully selected alloy components.
The aim isn't simply to achieve a low number on the scales. It's to create a bike that feels manageable when a child needs to:
- start independently;
- ride uphill;
- steer at lower speeds;
- pick the bike up;
- push it up a slope; or
- manoeuvre it around obstacles.
A first geared bike without unnecessary complexity
The YOMO 20 is the first geared model in the current YOMO pedal-bike range.
It uses a Shimano 7-speed drivetrain with Shimano Rapidfire Plus shifting. This gives young riders useful gear choices without introducing an unnecessarily complicated drivetrain.
Lower gears make pedalling easier when starting or climbing. Higher gears become useful as speed increases on flatter ground.
For a child new to gears, start somewhere flat and quiet. Let them practise changing one gear at a time before introducing hills.
Encourage them to change down before reaching a hill rather than waiting until pedalling has already become difficult.
Is my child ready for gears?
Your child doesn't need gears simply because they have reached a particular age.
They are more likely to benefit from the YOMO 20's geared drivetrain if they can already:
- start and stop independently;
- steer confidently;
- use their brakes comfortably;
- ride at different speeds;
- complete longer family rides; or
- encounter hills where a single-speed bike is becoming limiting.
If your child physically fits a YOMO 20 but is still developing the fundamentals of independent riding, the simpler YOMO 18 may provide a better fit or riding experience depending on their measurements.
The YOMO 18 remains single speed, allowing the rider to concentrate on balance, steering, braking and pedalling before gears are introduced.
Child-specific geometry instead of a scaled-down adult bike
A good children's bike needs more than smaller wheels.
The YOMO 20 frame is designed around children's proportions, including its reach, riding position, crank length, handlebar dimensions and pedal spacing.
The intention is to create a balanced position where the rider can comfortably reach the handlebars and controls without being unnecessarily stretched across the bike.
That can make a significant difference when a child is learning to handle a larger and more capable bicycle.
Brake levers designed for smaller hands
The YOMO 20 uses Tektro reach-adjustable brake levers selected specifically for young riders.
Being able to reach a brake lever comfortably matters. Children shouldn't have to stretch their fingers excessively away from the handlebar grip simply to slow the bike.
The front and rear mini V-brakes provide straightforward braking while keeping the system lightweight and easy to maintain.
Narrow pedal spacing and child-sized cranks
Children have narrower hips and shorter legs than adults, so simply fitting adult-style cranks to a smaller bicycle can create an awkward pedalling position.
The YOMO 20 uses 114 mm cranks and a narrow Q-factor, which means the pedals sit at a spacing designed to suit smaller riders.
This helps support a more natural position through the hips, knees and feet while pedalling.
Kenda tyres for mixed everyday riding
The YOMO 20 uses Kenda Small Block Eight 20 × 1.50-inch tyres.
The tread is suited to the type of mixed riding many families actually do: roads, cycle paths, park routes, compact gravel and lighter trails.
The tyres also include reflective sidewalls to provide additional visibility when illuminated in lower-light conditions.
Reflective details don't replace suitable lights or appropriate supervision, but they are a useful additional feature for an everyday children's bike.
Built for school runs, family rides and weekend adventures
The YOMO 20 is intended as an all-round children's bike rather than a specialist mountain or road bike.
Its combination of lightweight construction, gears and mixed-surface tyres makes it suitable for everyday riding such as:
- family cycle rides;
- park trips;
- cycle paths;
- school journeys;
- compact gravel tracks; and
- light off-road riding.
For many children, this is the stage where cycling starts moving beyond short rides near home and becomes part of longer family adventures.
What independent reviewers found
Independent children's cycling specialists Cycle Sprog have tested the YOMO 20 extensively with two different young riders over more than two years.
Their long-term review particularly praised its lightweight construction, child-sized components and confidence-inspiring geometry.
The second test rider used the bike for more than a year across family cycling holidays, forest trails and regular riding, giving the review useful evidence beyond a short first-impressions test.
Cycle Sprog also rated the YOMO 20 highly for quality and weight and highlighted the appropriately sized controls and components.
YOMO 20 specifications at a glance
| Specification | YOMO 20 |
|---|---|
| Wheel size | 20 inch |
| Weight | 7.65 kg |
| Approximate age | 6–9 years |
| Inside leg | 53–67 cm |
| Rider height | 115–135 cm |
| Gears | Shimano 7-speed |
| Shifter | Shimano Rapidfire Plus |
| Brakes | Mini V-brakes with Tektro reach-adjustable levers |
| Tyres | Kenda Small Block Eight 20 × 1.50 with reflective sidewalls |
| Frame and fork | Lightweight aluminium |
| Assembly | Approximately 90% assembled |
What colours does the YOMO 20 come in?
The YOMO 20 is currently offered in a selection of YOMO colours including:
- Green
- Orange
- Turquoise
- Dark Grey
- Baby Pink
Individual colours can sell out at different times, so check the YOMO 20 product page for current availability before ordering.
How much assembly does the YOMO 20 need?
The YOMO 20 arrives approximately 90% assembled.
Final setup includes fitting and securing the front wheel, aligning the handlebar, fitting the pedals and setting the saddle height before completing the required safety checks.
A YOMO toolkit and assembly guidance are included.
Before the first ride, always check that the brakes operate correctly, both wheels are secure, tyre pressures are suitable and the handlebars, saddle and pedals are properly tightened.
Frequently asked questions about the YOMO 20
Is the YOMO 20 suitable for a five-year-old?
Possibly, but age alone should not determine the size. The current YOMO 20 fit starts at approximately 53 cm inside leg for a confident rider and nearer 55 cm for a beginner or more cautious rider. Measure your child before choosing.
Is the YOMO 20 suitable for a nine-year-old?
It can be, provided the child's measurements still fall within the appropriate fit range. A taller nine-year-old may already be better suited to a larger model, so use inside leg and height rather than age alone.
Is the YOMO 20 good for beginners?
It can suit a child who is new to gears but already has reasonable control of a pedal bike. A child who is still learning basic starting, stopping and balance skills may benefit from a smaller or simpler model depending on their measurements.
Can the YOMO 20 be used off road?
It is designed as an all-round bike and can handle suitable compact gravel, park tracks and lighter trails as well as roads and cycle paths. It isn't designed as a specialist mountain bike for demanding technical terrain.
How do I know whether to choose the YOMO 18 or YOMO 20?
Measure your child's inside leg and consider their riding confidence. The YOMO 18 is lighter and single speed, while the YOMO 20 is larger and introduces seven gears. If both sizes overlap, think about best fit now rather than automatically moving to the larger bike.
Use the Perfect Size Finder to compare them.
Is the YOMO 20 right for your child?
The YOMO 20 is designed for a child who has progressed beyond the smallest pedal bikes and is ready for a lightweight bike that can support longer rides, hills and greater independence.
Its 7.65 kg weight, Shimano 7-speed drivetrain, child-specific geometry and appropriately sized controls make it a strong option for riders ready to take that next step.
But fit comes first. Measure your child's inside leg, consider their current riding confidence and make sure the YOMO 20 is the right size for them today.
Check your child's size with the Perfect Size Finder or explore the YOMO 20.
