Buying a bike for a child is often confusing. And then the parents have serious questions: how safe is this or that model? How much does it cost to get a quality kids bike? Which bike is the right size for your child and won't it happen that in six months or a year the child will become too big for him?
Take a deep breath and relax. We're going to help break through the confusion and show you how to choose the best bike for your child. Here are 5 tips to help you make your purchase easier and be confident in making the right choice.
Measure kids bike
The size of a child's bike usually depends on the size of the wheel (tire). Which is different from older bicycles, which are usually measured by the bike frame.
Typical wheel sizes for kids' bicycles are 12 ", 14", 16 ", 18", 20 "and 24". Simply put, the larger the child, the larger the wheel. It is impossible to say for sure what age this or that size is suitable for. After all, all children are different. So the best way to find out which bike size is right for your child is to measure their height. Which brings us to our next tip ...
Measure the length of your baby's feet
The best way to choose a bike for a particular child is to find out the length of their legs. Don't skip this step. The bike recommended for a 5-year-old may be suitable for one child at age 4 and another at age 6. Every child is different and everyone deserves a bike that's right for them. Good bike sellers will always help you find a bike that fits your child's height.
In this case, you should measure the length of the legs not from the thigh, but from the crotch of your child, take a tape measure, a book and a pencil. Have the child stand against the wall with bare feet or in socks. Tell him to hold the book between his legs, as close to the crotch as possible, make a mark on the wall at the top of the book. Then stretch the tape measure from the floor to the mark. Ready!
When it's time to start shopping for a bike, have this information handy. Trying to save money, many parents buy a bicycle for growth. Don't do that. Riding a bike that is too big is dangerous for a child.
The best brands of children's bicycles
Unlike "adults", some brands of children's bicycles are not well known, but among them there are also leaders, whose quality is beyond doubt. If you want a great bike for your child (especially young children), consider one of the following brands:
- Stals
- Novatrack
- Stinger
- Scott
- Merida
- Green kids
Each of these brands designs their bikes specifically for kids. This means the bikes are designed to fit kids' geometry and weight. The components are of high quality and will last a long time, which is important. If you buy a decent bike, you will not only protect your child more, but you will also be able to sell it later at a good price.
Buy kids bikes online
Bicycles from the market or any big store are junk. Would you buy climbing equipment at Auchan? What about scuba gear? Then you shouldn't buy your bike there. This does not mean that all children's bicycles in specialized online stores are of high quality. But the assortment there is much larger, and you will definitely be able to choose the most suitable model both in terms of quality and wallet.
If you're worried about the cost of your purchase, we remind you that a quality bike will be more economical in the long run. A good bike can change owners or siblings and, as mentioned above, can always be resold through any classifieds site like Avito.
Also, look for sellers who provide a warranty. This is important in case the frame breaks or something similar. Don't forget that kids aren't particularly frugal and use their bikes to the fullest.
Choose a light bike
Most kids' bikes on the market are ridiculously heavy. Many children's bicycles weigh over 50% of a child's weight. Many kids' models are even heavier than adult bicycles. If you are looking for a good bike, pay attention to its weight. Everything here is the same as with adult bicycles - the lighter the better. A light bike is more convenient both in use and in everyday life, as well as less traumatic.
On a bike that is too heavy, it will be difficult for a child to maneuver and it will be very tiring to ride long distances. A heavy bike is not practical. Some kids hate bicycles precisely because they got heavy and uncomfortable models.
An aluminum or titanium frame will be the lightest. Don't write off steel entirely, though. If the wheels and other components are light enough, steel can still be a reliable and quality option.
