Children tend to grow quickly, outgrowing clothes, toys and bikes rapidly. Although purchasing an adjustable bike might seem like an effective solution at first, this approach could actually have significant drawbacks down the line.
An overly-large bicycle can be dangerous for a child to control and maneuver safely, while they may feel restricted when reaching for its handlebars and brake levers.
Frame
Balance bikes and ride-on toys provide children with an introduction to cycling before purchasing their first “real” bicycle. Once children have developed natural balance, agility, and physical leg strength they are ready to begin pedaling their ride.
Most of the kids’ bikes we offer feature rigid frames made from steel, aluminum or carbon for greater lightweight and durability than traditional bicycles.
When purchasing a bike for your child, keep in mind that sizes are determined by frame size rather than wheel size. A good way to assess fit for them is comparing their legged inseam (or total body height) against its seat tube length (“FRAME SIZE”). If they feel uncomfortable on their ride they won’t want to ride!
Seat
Children riding bikes that do not fit them appropriately won’t be able to control it and will become frustrated and less likely to enjoy cycling.
When selecting a seat for their balance bike or first non-training wheel bike, children who are starting off should be able to comfortably sit with both feet flat on the ground – providing stability so that they can practice gliding or coasting.
For pedal bikes, the minimum seatpost height should be 1-3″ longer than your child’s inseam measurement. To determine this measurement accurately, have them stand up against a wall with their back against it while holding a book between their legs as close to their crotch as possible and measuring this way.
Handlebars
Handlebars on bikes for kids should be set at an ideal height that’s comfortable for the rider; otherwise they could put too much strain on hands and make riding uncomfortable.
One way to check is by observing their posture as they cycle. Their knee should rest just above the pedal center when seated, and their arms should not be fully straight but slightly bent at an angle.
Add some fun and colour to their bikes with this adorable pinwheel handlebar attachment that spins as they ride. Compatible with most standard handlebars and available in several different color choices.
Brakes
Transitioning children from coasters to hand brakes is a key milestone in their cycling journey, yet no single solution applies universally; rather, it is wise for them to prove they can control the bike on all terrains before permitting them to ride independently.
Hand lever brakes (front and/or rear) give kids precise braking power, enabling them to stop quickly or gradually as they traverse different terrain. Furthermore, hand brakes allow kids to pedal backwards for improved balance development.
Safety requires that their standover height be sufficient to protect them from hitting the ground when riding a bicycle. An easy way to measure their standover height is by measuring their inseam length and comparing it with the seat height of their bike of interest.
Gears
Bike gears provide children with an effective means of conquering hills and roads that are steeper than their ability to pedal up them. A quality bicycle with multiple gears enables children to easily pedal up a steep gradient by selecting their lowest gear when pedaling uphill.
As they will find it easier to descend a hill by using their highest gear, shifting gears is also an acquired skill that takes practice to master.
Show your children how to shift their bikes using either grip shifters (if available) or levers. Inform them that it is only safe to shift while pedaling, and that for proper chain gliding onto sprockets the chain needs to be moving – all things which will give them confidence and the freedom to explore their neighbourhood on their own. This knowledge will equip them for independence when out riding alone in future.
