Buying a Kids Bike
Purchasing the correct bike is very important. Buying the wrong size or type of bike can be dangerous, intimidating and not to mention expensive. There are no specific rules for buying a particular bike for a child of a particular age, however the guidelines below should point you in the right direction.
Choose The Right Type
The style of bike must be safe and fit for the purpose (see Choosing The Right Bike link).
Buy The Right Size
Ensure the bike is a safe size. The child should not be too far stretched. They must be able to safely reach the controls. For example, it is important they are able to turn the handlebars safely, touch the ground with the tips of their toes and reach the brake levers so that they can operate them correctly. Children’s bikes are measured by their wheel size, for example a 20” bike will have a wheel diameter of 20”. Although there are no hard and fast rules for buying particular size bikes for a child of a particular age, the guidelines we recommend are shown below.
| 12” Wheel Cycles |
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| 16” Wheel Cycles |
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| 20” Wheel Cycles |
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| 24” Wheel Cycles |
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| 26” Wheel Cycles |
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Buy a Good Brand
Although what brand you buy often comes down to your budget, the better brand bikes generally have increased performance, are safer and are more durable.
Safety Vs Value
The main issue for most people when purchasing a kids bike is trying to find a happy medium. That is, finding a suitable size bike for the present yet one that allows room for the child to grow to get maximum value for money. Perhaps the most important factor to consider here is to ensure the child is comfortable and safe on the bike. If the bike is too big and the child is intimidated by its size, they will not enjoy riding it, the bike will not be used and this may result in losing the value of the purchase.
Starting Out On a New Bike
Training wheels are a great way of getting a child used to balancing on two wheels. The smallest bike that you can buy for a child (12” bike) generally comes equipped with training wheels. You can however attach training wheels to larger bikes.