How to choose the perfect bike for your child

Choosing your child’s first or new bike is an important decision that affects your child’s comfort, safety, and enjoyment of riding. Cycling develops physical activity, teaches independence and confidence. But how do you decide on a model when the range of two-wheeled bikes is so huge? We’ll tell you what to look for when buying a children’s bike below.

Choosing the right size

So, you’ve decided to buy a children’s bike. Where to start? The main rule is that the bike should fit your child in size. A bike that is too small or too large will make it difficult to control and can lead to falls.

When choosing a children’s bike, we recommend considering the following parameters:

• Distance above the frame: there should be 2–5 cm of free space between the child’s groin and the bike frame.
• Feet on the ground: when sitting in the saddle, the child should be able to reach the ground with at least their toes.
• The seat height should be adjustable to the child’s height, and their knees should be slightly bent when the pedal is at its lowest point.
• The steering wheel should be positioned so that the child can easily reach it, sitting with an almost completely straight back.
• Weight of a children's bicycle: the lighter, the better
• The lighter the children's bicycle, the easier it is for the child to control it. Heavy models are more difficult to accelerate, turn and lift. Remember that the optimal weight of a bicycle should not be more than 30% of the child's weight.
• There are plenty of children's bicycles on sale now. When choosing a model, first of all, pay attention to the frame material:
• Aluminum - gives the structure lightness, strength, resistance to corrosion;
• Carbon - even lighter than aluminum, can be unreasonably expensive
• Steel - the heaviest, but at the same time the most affordable

At the moment, manufacturers have learned to make fairly light steel frames, so you should not dismiss this option, in the end, in terms of price / quality, this may be a decent option.

Frames made of aluminum and carbon are more expensive than steel, but for many this is not the case when it is worth saving.

For beginner bike riders, the best option would be an aluminum frame or lightweight steel.

The main point is that the weight is not too big, so that it does not discourage the child from riding a bike.

Type of bike brakes: hand or foot

For any parent, safety comes first. Therefore, before choosing and buying a children's bike, pay special attention to the reliability of the braking system.

Foot (pedal) brakes are convenient for small children who are just learning to ride. Hand brakes are recommended for older children, as they develop the braking skill that will be useful on adult bikes.

Wheels and tires: choosing by surface

In order not to make a mistake with the wheels of a children's bike, you need to answer one simple question: what surface will the child ride on.

Smooth narrow tires are suitable for asphalt and smooth paths.

Wide tires with deep tread are better suited for off-road and dirt paths. Universal hybrid tires are equally good for the city and for walks in the park.

Safety features: protection is a priority

In addition to choosing the right children's bike, do not forget about protective equipment:

A helmet is a must-have accessory. It should sit straight, fit tightly to the head and fasten under the chin.

Elbow and knee pads are a must for beginners.

Reflectors and a bell will help make your child visible on the road.

Advice! Before letting your child go on the road, tell him about the basics of road traffic: do not ride on the roadway, be attentive to pedestrians and cars, give hand signals.

Mistakes when choosing a bike

The child's opinion

Let your child choose the bike that he likes. If the child wants a pink bike, buy a pink one - the main thing is that it fits in size and is well assembled.

For growth

The second and no less important mistake is buying a children's bike for growth. When a child sits on a heavy, poorly controlled bike, the joy of riding quickly turns into torture. Of course, there should be a small reserve for adjusting the saddle and handlebars. But buying a teenage bike for a child of 6-7 years old is an attempt to save on the health and safety of the child.

False savings

A cheap children's bike today - additional costs for repairs and spare parts in the future! Do not save on the positive emotions of your child. And to be sure of the quality, choose a bike from a well-known manufacturer - on our website you will find only such models.

Choose great bike for you kid with great price here

A good children's bike helps a child develop and explore the world. In addition, joint bike rides with the whole family are a wonderful tradition for spending time together. Be conscious when choosing a children's bike, and for professional advice before buying, contact our bike experts!