Young bikers have a lot of choices when it comes to bikes with two wheels, from balance bikes for the youngest riders to youth mountain bikes with front suspension.
Learn from us how to select the most suitable bicycle for your kid.
The First Bike for Your Kid: Training Wheels vs. balance bike
You will have three choices when you buy your child's first bike: a trike, a bike with training wheels, or a balance bike. How do they differ? We'll explain it to you:
Tricycle: A three-wheeled scooter! Most tricycles for kids are very low to the ground, which makes them very safe. Trikes, on the other hand, don't teach you how to keep your balance as a bike does, and they're more challenging to ride. But they sure are cute!
Training wheels: extra parts that can be added to a bike with two wheels. This is how a lot of parents taught their kids to ride bikes. Training wheels are a great idea because a child can learn to ride with them, taking them off is a normal part of the cycle, as is the next cycle.
The problem with training wheels is that the child must learn to balance. Instead, they use those extra wheels as a crutch. A child's training wheels can also be unsteady.
Balance Bikes: These bikes have only two wheels and no pedals, so the child has to sit on the seat, scoot, and keep their balance. Many sources say balance is the hardest part of learning to ride, so children who start on a balance bike find it easier to switch to a pedal bike.
Ultimately, it's up to you and your loved ones to the kid should have enough room to grab hold of the wheels without having to raise their arms.
Choose your neighborhood bike shop can also help you determine what is best for your child.
What size bike should you buy for my child?
When shopping for children's bikes, remember that, unlike adult bikes, children's bikes are measured by wheel size rather than frame size. Most children's bikes have wheels that range from 12 inches to 24 inches. Then, older children can choose from bikes for adults, which start with 26" wheels.
When your child tries out a new bike, here are some things to look for:
How big is the child? How long are their legs? An essential part of fitting a child's bike is the stand-over height, the distance between the top tube and the ground. So that their crotch doesn't rest on the bike's complete line, the youngster should be able to ride the bike with their feet flat on the ground. This is for both safety and comfort.
Can they get their hands on the handlebars? The kid should have enough room to grab the wheels without raising their arms. The arms should be slightly bent. They should also be able to turn quickly and use the hand brakes available on 20-inch bikes and up.
Seat height. Most children's bikes are made for riding with their backs straight. They should be able to sit easily and see what's happening around them. Their legs ought to be bent at the end of the pedal stroke.
No matter how you decide to buy a bike for your child, make sure you plan. Some bike shops might have a different cycle than you want in stock, but they can certainly order it if you give them enough time.
Don't want to take a chance on giving your child the wrong bike? We don't blame you! Why not put a new helmet, a new bike outfit for a child, or a fun bike bell in a gift bag? "What a surprise! We'll take you to a bike shop to buy your bike!"
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