Squish: Children’s Bikes Built Around the Steps to Independent Riding

Squish is a children’s bicycle brand whose range follows a young rider’s progression from balancing to pedalling and using gears. Designed in the UK, its bikes emphasise low weight and components suited to smaller bodies. For families comparing children’s bicycles, Squish offers a useful starting point: consider the skills a child is developing alongside the size they need.

A specialist children’s brand within Tandem Group

Squish belongs to Tandem Group Cycles, with a registered office in Birmingham. Its manufacturer’s brand story centres on designing specifically for children and supporting local bicycle shops. That focus gives the brand a clear identity: bikes intended to help young riders learn, grow and explore.

The emphasis on beginners also appears in the parent company’s records. Tandem’s October 2024 investor presentation documented new Squish balance-bike models and an expanding Bikeability schools partnership. This provides concrete background to the brand’s interest in cycling skills, beyond its colourful presentation.

A range organised around learning

The official Squish website separates its bicycles into Balance, First Pedal and First Gears collections. It describes hybrid tyres intended for roads, parks and light trails, suggesting an everyday riding focus that suits family outings and developing confidence across ordinary surfaces.

From first pedals to gear changes

The First Pedal collection includes the Squish 14, 16 and 18. On the Squish 14, the manufacturer specifies shortened cranks, a short stem, short-reach brake levers and a fully enclosed chainguard. These are useful comparison points when assessing how comfortably a child can pedal, steer and reach the brakes.

The Squish 20 introduces seven-speed Shimano gearing with a Rapidfire trigger shifter. Compared with a first pedal bike, this adds another control to learn while providing gear choices for changing gradients. The First Gears range continues through 24-inch wheels and two 26-inch versions with different frame sizes.

Compare fit before choosing the next step

Squish publishes height and inside-leg ranges alongside age guidance. The two 26-inch frame options demonstrate why wheel diameter alone cannot settle the choice. Use those measurements to narrow the shortlist, then compare reach, brake access and handling in person. Explore the Squish brand page with the child’s current fit and riding skills in mind.