Kids Bikes - How to choose the best size for your children's first bicycle
Best bicycle for your child
Your child has seen other kids riding their own bikes and now the only thing he/she is thinking about is getting one for him/her self.
First thing to do is choose a suitable bike for the kid´s age, before 3 or 4 years old you should consider to buy a tricycle (it is safer) or even a balance bike which will give your child enough confidence when trying a normal bicycle for the first time.
After 4 years old your child is capable to ride a two-wheeler and learn all those things needed to start pedaling.
At this time it is recommended the use of training wheels so they can develop sufficient physical coordination and agility, good balance, and master starting and stopping on a bicycle with training wheels.
After this (normally at the age of 8) they should be ready to start riding by them self.
Which one is the best for my kid?
Before you buy your child´s bicycle first you have to determine the appropriated size.
Children bikes are sized by their wheels diameter: 10", 12", 16", 20" and 24".
The little ones are for kids until 4-6 years old, 16" wheels are suitable for kids between 6 and 8 years old, 20" wheels are usually fitted for 7-10 years old kids and finally the kids older than 9 should use a 24" wheel bike.
After choosing bike size you have to decide about some extra options like type of brakes, single or multi-speed and other less important features like little baskets or even the horn.
The bicycle industry has been growing and making better bikes each year.
Today it is not unusual to find full suspended bicycles for kids or even other features that some of us only had the chance to try after being adults.
Safety first
Nothing is more important than our children safety so the first thing to do the moment you choose your kids bike it is to buy a good bicycle helmet as well as gloves and other protective gear.
Knowing that bicycle helmets are now required by law in many areas it is obvious your child will need one before starting to ride.
There are so many good helmets on the market that choosing one it is not easy. To choose the better helmet for your kid you should make sure it fits well to his/her head and that it will not come off. It is also better if it has a smooth shell and a bright color so it can be easily seen.
It is also essential for you to follow close your child first ridings to avoid dangerous roads as well as other unsafe places to ride.
Kids riding their bikes with Training Wheels
Bicycle Safety
Links
- Bicycle Safety
International Bicycle Found - Bicycle Safety Education Literature, Bike Helmet Offers and Safety Materials
- Teach a Kid to Learn to Bicycle
International Bicycle Found - Teaching a Kid (and Adult) to Ride a Bicycle. Great tips that will help children to learn quickly!
- Teach Your Child Well: Bicycle Safety Issues
International Bicycle Found - The most import part of having fun cycling is to learn to do it safely. The attitudes parents instill in their child now will help to determine how he or she will ride for years to come.
- Best Bicycle Mirrors | Ride safely
The need for a bicycle mirror depends where you ride your bike. If you usually just ride your bicycle off road then the need for a bicycle mirror it is not that great because you will probably never find...
