Kids Bike Guide
Kids Bike Guide
Balance Bikes
These days for many children a balance bike is their introduction to the world of cycling. We've all seen those little people zooming past us using a combination of wheels and running!
A balance bikes purpose is all in the name - it's to introduce the concept of balancing on two wheels. Installing a level of confidence and a love of cycling that will be with them forever more. No pedals and no stabilisers, a balance bike is the perfect way to practice not only balance but steering too. Before too long they'll be crushing along and you'll be struggling to keep up!
What to look out for
Weight: Just as important as an adult bike. The lighter the bike the easier children will find it to manoeuvre and balance. Most balance bikes are made from aluminium alloy, which is ideal. Other options are steel, wood or even plastic but aluminium alloy is what we would advise.
Wheels: Most balance bikes have 12" wheels, ideal for 2-4 year olds. If your 1 year old is keen to start there are 10" models available too. 14" is also an option but not as widely available. Choosing the right size is key for your child's enjoyment level so pop into a store and try before you buy.
Saddle: Having a comfortable saddle will keep your child happy and can really help on those long rides. A saddle which curves inwards is a good idea for comfort, stability and safety.
Some balance bikes come with footrests and/or brakes. Footrests can be great but make sure they don't protrude too far and get in the way of their legs. Brakes on a balance bike are quite rare and only on the rear wheel, they can be a good idea to get used to braking but not 100% necessary.
Pedal Bikes
If your child is advancing from a balance bike, the step up is relatively easy. Balance has been learned which is the trickiest skill to master, even for adults! Cycling instructors no longer advise stabilisers as it prolongs learning to balance, the sooner they learn to balance the more confidence and fun they'll have.
Initial skills to master on a pedal bike are braking, using pedals allows kids to go faster and further so learning how to apply the brakes is crucial. A safe way to do this is hold onto the handlebars and walk backwards as they get to grips with the levers and sensitivity.
Choose an open flat area with no obstacles, ask your child to apply the brakes when getting on. Then with one foot on a pedal, they can release the brakes, push down and get going. This will give them some momentum, and they can get the other foot on and pedal away. it may take a few attempts but if balance is already mastered then it shouldn't take too long at all.
Children's bikes tend to be designed like a simple hardtail mountain bike, straight handlebars and wide tyres make the leaning process easier and more comfortable. If you're looking at bikes with 12", 14" or 16" wheels they will be single speed so no need to worry about changing gears. Some 20" bikes will come with gears to make hills more manageable.
For children aged 10 and up you may want to look at junior bikes with 24" wheels. These come in a range of styles including hybrid and drop bar race bikes. They will usually have gears similar to full size bikes.
Making the right choice
Size is everything. To ensure your child grows up as a confident rider with a love of cycling, make sure you choose the right size. Don't buy a bike with the idea they will grow into it. It will be awkward to ride, too heavy and difficult to manoeuvre. They should be able to easily reach the floor and pedals and have full control of the handlebars and brakes.
Some children's bike brands hold their value extraordinarily well, so remember you can always sell them on or hand them down.
Size Guide
This guide is approximate. For advice please contact us or pop into a store to try before you buy.
|
Age |
Size |
Height (cm) |
|
1 - 4 |
Balance Bike |
77 – 105 |
|
2 - 4 |
12” |
85 – 105 |
|
4 - 6 |
14" |
105 – 117 |
|
5 - 7 |
16" |
112 – 125 |
|
6 - 8 |
18" |
117 – 132 |
|
7 - 10 |
20" |
125 – 136 |
|
10 + |
24" |
136+ |
The weight of your child's bike is crucially important to ensure maximum enjoyment and ease of use. Cheaper kids bikes can be very heavy and children may find it more difficult to handle and manouevure. If your budget allows choose an aluminium frame which is lighter and will have a huge impact on enjoyment levels.
Children can be fickle so no matter how good the bike you've chosen is, if they dont like the look of it, you may struggle to keep them riding. There are plenty of designs available in a range of colours for both boys and girls.
If you have any questions or need to try before you buy don't hesitate to get in touch or pop into a store.
