How to choose a bike for a child - important details. Choosing a bike for a child What size bike for a 4 year old child
Dear parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters and just good people who decided - for this alone you should erect a monument. Nowadays, very few people think about involving their children in active recreation and pastime. We spend fabulous sums on expensive purchases, trips to entertainment centers, on junk food and do not always pay attention to mandatory and vital things.
What is an integral part of any living organism? Of course there is movement! And the more it is present in our lives, the healthier, more beautiful, more resilient, smarter we are, and this can continue ad infinitum. An active lifestyle brings up a leader in each of us, because when engaging in any sport, we set certain goals for ourselves on a subconscious level and strive to achieve or exceed them (run 1 km, drive 10 km, do 15 pull-ups, etc.)
It is considered a teenage type and is suitable for children 130-150cm tall. Often, such models are a smaller copy of adult bicycles, have a full-fledged multi-speed transmission and even a suspension fork.
You have to be careful. Seasonal factors should be taken into account. Simply put, if you decide to buy a bicycle for your child at the end of the season, be vigilant - after all, during the autumn-winter period, the child will gain a couple or more centimeters, and he will no longer be comfortable on the purchased, seemingly correctly selected bicycle. Think ahead, but don't overdo it ;).
What are the consequences of an incorrectly selected bicycle wheel diameter for a child?
If you thought that all children's bicycles differ only in wheel diameter, then we dare to disappoint you. Depending on the size of the wheels, the length and height of the frame, the width of the steering wheel and seat change. Also, a bicycle can be with or without attached wheels, which is important for small children who do not know how to ride.
When choosing a children's bicycle with more wheels than you need:
- the child will constantly reach for the pedals, as a result of which the fifth point will be rubbed and the riding time will decrease significantly;
- As a rule, larger bicycles are heavier, which means they are harder to carry and accelerate;
- The child’s arms will be tense all the time, because he will have to reach for the steering wheel, which is installed further than necessary.
When choosing a bicycle for children with wheels smaller than necessary:
- It will be uncomfortable for the baby to turn the pedals and steering wheel; he may touch the steering wheel handles with his knees.
- the child’s weight will be distributed over the seat area, much less than he needs, and accordingly this is fraught with unpleasant sensations - pressure and rubbing of the fifth point.
- The child’s legs will not fully extend and he will not be able to fully accelerate, drive and enjoy the trip.
The choice of children's bicycles literally becomes an abyss for their parents. The Soviet era, which offered three bicycles for the entire childhood, is over and today there are unique opportunities to provide a child with a truly happy and high-quality childhood.
Types of children's bicycles
Children's bicycles come in almost all "adult" types:
- Mountain;
- Three-wheeled;
- Four-wheelers;
- Balance bikes;
- With handles;
- Urban;
- Road;
- Double suspension;
- Fatbikes (with wide wheels).
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Bike size
Having decided on the type of bike, or at least having a rough understanding, you can move on to choosing the size of the bike. In children's models, it is determined by the ratio of the child's height and the size of the wheels.
Now in each category, parents will have a question - how can they choose here, why do they cost like adults, what is the difference between the brands of children's bicycles, do they need fenders, a fork, gear shifting and much more. We will try to answer all these questions in the current article.
A short list of basic questions for parents
Which brand should you choose?
In our experience, you can really choose any from the list of our brands, since all of these are well-known brands for almost every taste. Read about the brand you are interested in and see for yourself.
There are bicycles on the market for 3,000 rubles, why overpay?
These bicycles are of dubious quality and will not provide long-term riding and, most importantly, the safety of the child. Think for yourself how a whole bicycle can cost the same as two wheels on a normal children's bike?
We really want to buy one to grow, is it possible?
Consider the structure of the child’s body, his height relative to his peers, the length of his legs and arms. If you think that your baby can handle it, then you can try to buy a bike for two seasons, but we advise you not to do this. Since perhaps a child will not pay as much attention to a larger bicycle as he could, because it is “inconvenient,” not to mention safety and, first of all, the height of the frame to the groin.
By the way, if your child’s height is already about 130-135 cm+, then you can consider buying an adult bike in size XS.
Now let's move on to the selection.
What to look for?
Children's bicycles, of course, are for boys and for girls. The main difference is the height of the frame. The frame on girls' bikes is much lower. However, this does not mean that on “men’s” bicycles it is as high as possible. The frame will tilt downwards in any case on all bicycles.
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Frame and fork material:
- Steel: Heavier and cheaper material. The difference can be up to 2-3 kg.
- Aluminum: Slightly more expensive, but significantly lighter material. The choice of approximately 80% of parents.
Brakes:
- Foot: Can be a good “first” brake for a child until he learns to brake with the handles on the steering wheel. In general, only this brake may be enough for children, although dubbing in the form of a front brake is very welcome.
- Rims: The choice of approximately 80% of parents. Simple, cheap, effective enough for children to ride.
- Disc: The choice for those who want the best. They stop the bike better and faster, it’s easier to press the brake handle. Brakes better in bad/wet weather.
Number of speeds:
A large number of speeds does not mean good. Usually a child does not need more than 7 speeds. Moreover, many specifically choose 1 speed so that the child cannot break anything on the bike, and they do not immediately start and understand how to use them. It also makes the bike lighter. However, if you have a lot of ups and downs along the way, then speeds can be a great help.
Depreciation:
Children's bicycles can often be equipped with suspension forks. In general, they will work quite well, absorbing impacts to the steering wheel. However, in most cases, it is not necessary for driving around the city. The level of such forks, relative to good class forks, is quite low.
Weight:
The lighter the bike, the easier it is for parents and easier for the child to handle. This also affects safety. On average, all bicycles weigh about the same. Therefore, in terms of weight, pay attention to the material of the frame and fork (aluminum is lighter, steel is heavier), as well as the presence of additional components. accessories (which can make it heavier).
Accessories:
Anything your heart desires can be installed on your bike from the factory or you can purchase it after: Fenders, bell, bottle, soft inserts for protection, kickstand, chain guard, wheels.
Bike adjustments:
For greater comfort, do not forget to adjust the position and height of the saddle for your child, as well as the position of the handlebars and, if any, the height of the handlebars. (but this option is available on a very small number of bicycles, since it is not necessary if the size is correctly selected).
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That's all. You can now professionally, wisely and carefully choose an excellent children's bike for your child.
Great choice!
What is childhood without a bicycle? I think you remember how you rode around the yard on a bike, let your friends ride, or, on the contrary, waited in line to also pedal?
Or how you rode along the paths of the park with a friend or girlfriend? And now you are wondering whether to buy a bicycle for your child? Good idea!
What are the benefits of a bicycle for a baby?
The benefits of a bicycle for a child are difficult to overestimate. Physical activity in the fresh air is a core value in the eyes of parents. Cycling trains the muscles of the legs, back and arms, and develops the vestibular system.
But cycling is also an opportunity to communicate with peers, make new friends, learn something new... It seems like we should take it!
What types of children's bicycles are there?
Children's bicycles can be very different. Starting from “transport” for the little ones and ending with very respectable models for teenagers:
- three-wheeled - for children who are just transferring from strollers to an independent mode of transport;
- four-wheeled - for children aged 4-5 who are starting to learn how to ride a bicycle; the additional two rear wheels can later be removed;
- two-wheeled - there are also a lot of options here - from fairly simple models for beginners to quite “advanced” ones with several speeds and other sports functions.
Choosing the right one: what do you need to consider?
How to make the right choice? Considering that a bicycle is not a toy, but a serious sports vehicle, the process of choosing it is a responsible matter.
And the point is not so much about buying a good thing, but about the fact that a responsible approach to choice will ensure the safety of the child.
Suitable for height and age
The most important thing when choosing a bike is to choose one that is suitable for your height and weight. So, when buying a bike for your child, be sure to take into account the diameter of the wheels and the length of the frame.
There are certain rules according to which these indicators directly depend on growth.
Wheel height selection
To make the right choice, you need to use special size matching tables. The table below shows the child's age, height and corresponding wheel diameter and frame length.
So, for example, a 3-year-old child needs a bicycle with wheels smaller than 12 inches, 4-6 years old need 12-inch wheels, 7-9 years old need 20-inch wheels, and 10-13 years old need 24-inch wheels.
For older children, it is quite possible to purchase adult bicycles with large 26-inch wheels.
Determining the length of the frame
The length of the bicycle frame is also of great importance when choosing. There are tables showing the rules for selecting a bike by height. Using them is very simple - you just need to select the column that corresponds to the child’s height.
Frame length is indicated in inches, centimeters and conventions adopted by the manufacturer. So you can easily find the indicator you need.
However, let us remember that each person is individual. The table will only give you a rough idea of what sizes you need to pay attention to. Therefore, the best option would be to “try on” the bike before purchasing.
Rules for trying on a bike in a store
As we have already said, before buying you need to “try on” the bike for your baby. So it is not advisable to buy it as a surprise, without a child.
How to make the right choice?
- Have your child rest their elbow on the front of the seat. Your fingertips should touch the steering wheel.
- Put your child on a bike. Sitting in the saddle, the child should rest his entire leg straight on the pedal, which is in the lower position. Teach - not with your toes or toes, but with the middle of your foot.
- Place your child on the floor with the bike between his legs. In this position, the frame should be at a distance of 10 cm from the crotch.
- Make sure your child's back is in the correct position. If the handlebars are mounted too low, there is a lot of stress on your back.
Experts will explain in more detail the principle of fitting and choosing a bicycle:
Bicycle chain
Children's bicycles have their own characteristics. In particular, the chain must be protected from clothing parts getting into it.
Steering wheel lock
In addition, pay attention to whether there is a lock that prevents the steering wheel from turning completely around its axis. If it is not present, the child may hit himself in the chest with the steering wheel or get his leg caught between the frame or wheel while turning.
Brake system.
Children's bicycles must have a foot brake. That is, braking is achieved by sharply pressing the pedals in the opposite direction. A hand brake is considered dangerous for children, so it is not installed on children’s bicycles.
We take into account features, details and nuances
Model weight
When choosing a children's bike, weigh it. Weight depends on the material from which the frame is made. Aluminum will be lighter. On the one hand, of course, the child is not riding the bike, but vice versa.
On the other hand, the iron horse will have to be carried into the house, into the elevator, and dragged up the stairs. And if the child is still small, then you will be the one to drag. Choose for yourself.
Manufacturer
For a child, a specific brand is not very important; after all, you are not purchasing a device to participate in the Olympics. But you still need to buy it in a specialized store, and not in Children's World, and especially not in the market.
Tip: Check the brand name online. By the way, a bike purchased in a specialized store will have a warranty.
Do not take the bike disassembled
Yes, yes, there are also models designed for self-assembly. This will not cause any difficulties for the master, but are you sure that mom and dad will assemble everything correctly?
Don't be tempted by the idea of taking a bike for growth
Of course, the model you choose should have the ability to raise the saddle and handlebars. But the child must sit correctly and fully reach the pedals. Otherwise, either the bike will simply wait in the garage or on the balcony for its time, or the child may get injured. Don't take risks!
Try to find a compromise between your opinion about safety and the child's wishes.
You want your child to ride his bike, be strong and healthy, and not whine and try to avoid going for a walk. The child should like the bike. If possible, choose the model that suits you in terms of safety, but in the color and with the accessories that your child likes.
Don't save money!
This is a purchase that you will have to “fork out” for. Yes, very soon your child will grow up and you will have to buy an older model. However, do not forget that by spending money, you invested it in the safety of your child.
Plastic linings on the frame and steering wheel are not the best option
Their shock protection is not very good, and they weigh down the children’s bike quite noticeably. For the child’s comfort, a bicycle should be light.
Important! Don't forget about your baby's safety
Make sure to purchase a special bicycle helmet. Children think that this is very stylish and cool, and you can be calm about their health.
It also makes sense to purchase riding gloves and perhaps knee and elbow protection. In addition, you should definitely buy bicycle lights and reflectors in the store.
Task 1 of 15
1 .
Are the Rules broken in the situations depicted?
Right
f) tow bicycles;
Wrong
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.6. A cyclist is prohibited from:
d) while driving, hold on to another vehicle;
f) tow bicycles;
Task 2 of 15
2 .
Which cyclist doesn't break the rules?
Right
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.6. A cyclist is prohibited from:
Wrong
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.6. A cyclist is prohibited from:
b) move on highways and roads for cars, as well as on the roadway if there is a bicycle path nearby;
Task 3 of 15
3 .
Who should give way?
Right
6. Requirements for cyclists
Wrong
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.5. If a bicycle lane crosses a road outside an intersection, cyclists must give way to other vehicles traveling on the road.
Task 4 of 15
4 .
What loads is a cyclist allowed to carry?
Right
6. Requirements for cyclists
22. Cargo transportation
Wrong
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.4. A cyclist may only carry such loads that do not interfere with the operation of the bicycle and do not create obstacles for other road users.
22. Cargo transportation
22.3. Transportation of cargo is permitted provided that it:
b) does not interfere with the stability of the vehicle and does not complicate its control;
Task 5 of 15
5 .
Which cyclists violate the Rules when transporting passengers?
Right
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.6. A cyclist is prohibited from:
Wrong
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.6. A cyclist is prohibited from:
e) carry passengers on a bicycle (except for children under 7 years old, transported on an additional seat equipped with securely fastened footrests);
Task 6 of 15
6 .
In what order will vehicles pass through the intersection?
Right
16. Driving through intersections
Wrong
16. Driving through intersections
16.11. At an intersection of unequal roads, the driver of a vehicle moving on a secondary road must give way to vehicles approaching this intersection of carriageways on the main road, regardless of the direction of their further movement.
16.12. At the intersection of equivalent roads, the driver of a non-rail vehicle is obliged to give way to vehicles approaching from the right.
Tram drivers should follow this rule among themselves. At any unregulated intersection, a tram, regardless of the direction of its further movement, has an advantage over non-rail vehicles approaching it along an equivalent road.16.14. If the main road at an intersection changes direction, drivers of vehicles moving along it must follow the rules for driving through intersections of equivalent roads.
This rule should be followed among themselves and by drivers driving on secondary roads.Task 7 of 15
7 .
Riding bicycles on sidewalks and pedestrian paths:
Right
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.6. A cyclist is prohibited from:
Wrong
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.6. A cyclist is prohibited from:
c) move on sidewalks and pedestrian paths (except for children under 7 years old on children's bicycles under the supervision of adults);
Task 8 of 15
8 .
Who has the right of way when crossing a bike path?
Right
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.5. If a bicycle lane crosses a road outside an intersection, cyclists must give way to other vehicles traveling on the road.
Wrong
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.5. If a bicycle lane crosses a road outside an intersection, cyclists must give way to other vehicles traveling on the road.
Task 9 of 15
9 .
What distance should be between groups of cyclists moving in a column?
Right
6. Requirements for cyclists
Wrong
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.3. Cyclists traveling in groups must ride one after another so as not to interfere with other road users. A column of cyclists moving along the roadway must be divided into groups (up to 10 cyclists in a group) with a movement distance between groups of 80-100 m.
Task 10 of 15
10 .
Vehicles will pass through the intersection in the following order
Right
16. Driving through intersections
16.11. At an intersection of unequal roads, the driver of a vehicle moving on a secondary road must give way to vehicles approaching this intersection of carriageways on the main road, regardless of the direction of their further movement.
Wrong
16. Driving through intersections
16.11. At an intersection of unequal roads, the driver of a vehicle moving on a secondary road must give way to vehicles approaching this intersection of carriageways on the main road, regardless of the direction of their further movement.
16.13. Before turning left and making a U-turn, the driver of a non-rail vehicle must give way to a tram in the same direction, as well as to vehicles moving on an equivalent road in the opposite direction straight or to the right.
Task 11 of 15
11 .
A cyclist passes an intersection:
Right
16. Driving through intersections
Wrong
8. Traffic regulation
8.3. Traffic controller signals take precedence over traffic light signals and road sign requirements and are mandatory. Traffic lights, other than flashing yellow ones, take precedence over priority road signs. Drivers and pedestrians must comply with the additional requirements of the traffic controller, even if they contradict traffic lights, road signs and markings.
16. Driving through intersections
16.6. When turning left or turning around when the main traffic light is green, the driver of a non-rail vehicle is obliged to give way to a tram in the same direction, as well as to vehicles moving straight in the opposite direction or turning right. Tram drivers should follow this rule among themselves.
Task 12 of 15
12 .
Flashing red signals of this traffic light:
Right
8. Traffic regulation
Wrong
8. Traffic regulation
8.7.6. To regulate traffic at railway crossings, traffic lights with two red signals or one white-lunar and two red ones are used, having the following meanings:
a) flashing red signals prohibit the movement of vehicles through the crossing;
b) a flashing white-lunar signal indicates that the alarm system is working and does not prohibit vehicle movement.
At railway crossings, simultaneously with the prohibitory traffic light signal, an audible signal may be turned on, additionally informing road users that movement through the crossing is prohibited.
Task 13 of 15
13 .
The driver of which vehicle will cross the intersection second?
Right
16. Driving through intersections
16.11. At an intersection of unequal roads, the driver of a vehicle moving on a secondary road must give way to vehicles approaching this intersection of carriageways on the main road, regardless of the direction of their further movement.
16.14. If the main road at an intersection changes direction, drivers of vehicles moving along it must follow the rules for driving through intersections of equivalent roads.
This rule should be followed among themselves and by drivers driving on secondary roads.
Wrong
16. Driving through intersections
16.11. At an intersection of unequal roads, the driver of a vehicle moving on a secondary road must give way to vehicles approaching this intersection of carriageways on the main road, regardless of the direction of their further movement.
16.14. If the main road at an intersection changes direction, drivers of vehicles moving along it must follow the rules for driving through intersections of equivalent roads.
This rule should be followed among themselves and by drivers driving on secondary roads.
16 Driving through intersections
Wrong
8. Traffic regulation
8.7.3. Traffic light signals have the following meanings:
A signal in the form of an arrow that allows a left turn also allows a U-turn if it is not prohibited by road signs.
A signal in the form of a green arrow(s) in the additional section(s), switched on together with the green traffic light signal, informs the driver that he has priority in the direction(s) of movement indicated by the arrow(s) over vehicles moving from other directions;
f) a red signal, including a flashing one, or two red flashing signals prohibit movement.
A signal in the form of a green arrow(s) in the additional section(s), together with a yellow or red traffic light signal, informs the driver that movement is permitted in the indicated direction, subject to the unhindered passage of vehicles moving from other directions.
A green arrow on a sign installed at the level of a red traffic light with a vertical arrangement of signals allows movement in the indicated direction when the red traffic light is on from the rightmost lane (or the leftmost lane on one-way roads), subject to the provision of priority in traffic to its other participants moving from other directions to a traffic light signal allowing movement;
16 Driving through intersections
16.9. While driving in the direction of the arrow turned on in the additional section simultaneously with a yellow or red traffic light, the driver must give way to vehicles moving from other directions.
When driving in the direction of the green arrow on the table installed at the level of the red traffic light with vertical signals, the driver must take the extreme right (left) lane and give way to vehicles and pedestrians moving from other directions.
The size of the bicycle is determined by the wheel size:
12" (30 cm) - intended for children aged 2 to 4 years
14" (35 cm) - intended for children aged 3 to 6 years
16" (40 cm) - intended for children aged 4 to 8 years
20" (50 cm) - intended for children aged 8 to 12 years
Landmark one. This is the wheel size. You can see what size the wheels on your child’s bicycle should be using this sign.
inch // years // cm
12 // 2-4 //85-110
14 // 3-5 //100-125
16 // 4-6 //100-125
18 // 4-7 // 120-145
20 // 6-11 //120-145
24 // 10-14 //from 145
26 // from 14 // from 145
Landmark two. The table shows that the “range” of parameters is quite wide. Therefore, pay attention to the height of the bicycle seat and follow the following rule: at the bottom of the pedal the leg should be almost straightened, and at the top it should not touch the handlebars. Make sure that the child places his foot on the pedal not with his heel or toe, but with his entire foot.
Landmark three. The child must stand with both feet on the ground, and there must be at least 10 centimeters between the frame and the foot.
Landmark four. Chances are your child is old enough to carry the bike out of the house and up the stairs on their own. Therefore, make sure that the model you choose does not require your child to do additional training in the gym with a barbell and weights.
The weight of a bicycle depends on the material from which it is made. Imported bicycles are usually aluminum. And the Russian ones are made of steel. Accordingly, foreign bicycle models are lighter.
Landmark five. The bicycle chain should be covered with a cover to prevent pants from getting in there. It's just that this cover is missing on some models.
Landmark six. Pay attention to the height of the steering wheel. It needs to be comfortable to hold with your outstretched hand even when turning. But! The turned steering wheel should not be at an angle of 90 degrees. This is a very important point. Since if a child falls from a bicycle, the handlebar handle will not be able to seriously damage it.
Landmark seven. You should not buy a bike with gears for a child under 10 years old. Believe me, he is not yet a professional to equally successfully monitor the road and change gears.
Landmark eight. A hand brake is not needed if the child’s hands are not yet that strong or the fingers are too short. It’s easy to check how strong your child’s fingers are: ask him to crush an empty lemonade can. If the child cannot do this with one hand, then he is not ready to use hand brakes.
For younger children, a foot brake is necessary. A five-year-old child is quite capable of appreciating its convenience and reliability.
The most important thing is to overcome the temptation to buy a bike “to grow into.”
Wheel diameter, Child's age, Child's height
inch // years // cm
12 // 2-4 //85-110
14 // 3-5 //100-125
16 // 4-6 //100-125
18 // 4-7 // 120-145
20 // 6-11 //120-145
24 // 10-14 //from 145
26 // from 14 // from 145
Bikes for kids with 12" wheels are suitable for children under 3 years of age.
They help develop the child’s confidence and sense of the road. To feel safe, the bicycle must have additional side wheels, otherwise the child may not learn to ride at all. Recently, manufacturers have been constantly modernizing children's bicycle models, improving their equipment. So in 2010, bicycles with removable handles began to be produced, which are very helpful both for parents in teaching their child to ride, and for the child, especially the child, who even finds it difficult to move at first. The design of such children's bicycles is very convenient: adjustment of the height of the handlebars and seat tube, and the angle of the steering wheel are provided. This is very convenient and practical for many reasons, the main ones are, firstly, children are different and you can adjust the bike individually for each one, and secondly, children grow and so that your child rides the bike for many years, it is adjustable in height handlebar and seat tube.
I would like to draw attention to the design features of bicycles. There are undeniable differences in all the variety of bicycle models. Firstly, in frames: completely lowered, sporty looking (for adult mountain bikes), curved. The imagination of designers is not limited. Here you need to focus on the convenience for your particular child. Secondly, in saddles: with seat springs (shock absorbers) - they are, as a rule, wider, with a rigid base under a soft saddle - such saddles, despite their base, are still quite soft and comfortable, but narrower than with springs and are usually installed on bicycles with sports geometry. I would also like to note that the bicycles have soft bolsters on the frame and handlebars, which ensures the aesthetics of the bicycle and provides greater safety in case of a fall or collision.
Pay attention to the brakes! For children under 3 years of age, the safest option is bicycles with a rear foot brake, since if there is a front hand brake, the child may not calculate correctly and suddenly press the brake and fall.
Bicycles for children with 14" wheels are suitable for children up to 4 years old.
They are designed to develop children's attentiveness and sense of the road. Such bicycles, as well as bicycles with 12" wheels, are equipped with additional wheels that will help the child ride a bicycle. But it is also important to understand when these removable wheels need to be removed so that the child will not be able to ride without them for a long time. Very convenient The design of such children's bicycles has been created: the height of the handlebars and seat tube, the angle of the steering wheel can be adjusted. This is very convenient and practical for many reasons, the main ones are, firstly, children are different and you can adjust the bicycle for each individual, and secondly, children grow and so that your child can ride the bike for many years, the handlebars and seat tube are height-adjustable.
I would like to draw attention to the design features of bicycles. There are undeniable differences in all the variety of bicycle models. Firstly, in frames: completely lowered, sporty looking (for adult mountain bikes), curved. The imagination of designers is not limited. Here you need to focus on the convenience for your particular child. Secondly, in saddles: with seat springs (shock absorbers) - they are, as a rule, wider, with a rigid base under a soft saddle - such saddles, despite their base, are still quite soft and comfortable, but narrower than with springs and are usually installed on bicycles with sports geometry. I would also like to note that the bicycles have soft bolsters on the frame and handlebars, which ensures the aesthetics of the bicycle and provides greater safety in case of a fall or collision.
Pay attention to the brakes! For children under 4 years old, the safest option is bicycles with a rear foot brake, since, if there is a front hand brake, the child may not calculate correctly and suddenly press the brake and fall.
Bicycles for children with 16" and 18" wheels are suitable for children from 4 to 6.5 years old.
The main thing here is to consult with the child about what kind of bicycle he likes in appearance, since at this age children have their own fairly expressed opinion about what they want to see in cycling. It is important that you like the color and model. Especially in models with 18" wheels, the types of bicycles are divided into boys' and girls'. This is expressed, first of all, in the color scheme, as well as in the shape of frames and accessories. Boys will most likely like bicycles in the so-called "mountain" design, but girls, on the contrary, with all kinds of baskets, a chair for dolls. The design of such children's bicycles is very convenient: the height of the handlebar and seat tube, the angle of the steering wheel are adjusted. This is very convenient and practical for many reasons, the main ones are, firstly, children are different and for each individual you can adjust the bicycle, and secondly, children grow up and so that your child rides the bicycle for many years, the handlebars and seat tube are height-adjustable. I would like to draw attention to the design features of bicycles. In all the variety of models There are undeniable differences between bicycles: firstly, in the frames: completely lowered, sporty-looking (for adult mountain bikes), curved. The imagination of designers is not limited. Here you need to focus on the convenience for your particular child. Secondly, in saddles: with seat springs (shock absorbers) - they are, as a rule, wider, with a rigid base under a soft saddle - such saddles, despite their base, are still quite soft and comfortable, but narrower than with springs and are usually installed on bicycles with sports geometry. I would also like to note that the bicycles have soft bolsters on the frame and handlebars, which ensures the aesthetics of the bicycle and provides greater safety in case of a fall or collision. Thirdly, the brakes: combination - rear foot + front manual, rear foot. The main thing is that the bicycle has a foot brake, this is due to the fact that a child, changing from a bicycle with a foot brake, may not immediately adapt to the hand brake.
Bicycles with 20" wheels are suitable for girls and boys from 7 to 10 years old.
Such bicycles are equipped with 1 speed or several. The main thing is, if there are several speeds installed on the bicycle, explain to the child how to switch and use them correctly. This will ensure a long service life of the switches, and also protect the child from possible collisions in case they do not know how to use the functions of a multi-speed bicycle. Since not all children know how to ride with 2 wheels, manufacturers have taken care and equipped some bicycle models with additional removable wheels, which can always be removed from the bicycle structure when your child feels confident while riding. Again, manufacturers have developed entire lines of bicycle models that will appeal to boys and girls. For boys, these are sporty, dynamic models in bright, sporty colors, but for girls, they have developed models that are especially comfortable for girls’ geometry with incredibly delicate girly colors. Bicycles with 20" wheels can be equipped with either a front suspension fork or have a rigid one. A rigid fork makes the bike cheaper, but due to its presence, the cyclist's hands experience the vibration of every bump when riding on uneven terrain. A shock-absorbing fork, on the contrary, absorbs all the bumps, but the bicycle equipped with it is more expensive. If a young cyclist does not intend to ride on slopes or forest paths, but will enjoy cycling on an asphalt path or relatively flat terrain, in specially equipped parks, then there is no need at all to buy a bicycle with a suspension fork. Otherwise, you should spend money, and in return get an excellent bike, which is a pleasure to ride. You should also mention 2 types of frames: steel and aluminum. If the frame is made of aluminum alloy, then the bike is 1.5-2 kg lighter than the same bike, but with a steel frame.In contrast to the popular belief that aluminum is less strong and reliable than steel, I wanted to disprove that this is not the case. There are a number of advantages of such a frame: lightness, strength, practically not subject to corrosion, easy handling. At the same time, the steel frame also shows itself well: affordable price, high maintainability, high reliability.
Bicycles with 24" wheels are suitable for teenagers from 10 to 15 years old.
These bikes can last for several years if used properly. If you are buying a bicycle for your child to use for years, we do not recommend saving on it: the more expensive the bicycle, the higher quality components are installed on it, which will require much less maintenance, and riding such a bicycle will be much more comfortable and with great pleasure.
Bicycles with 24" wheels can be equipped with either a front suspension fork or have a rigid one. A rigid fork makes the bike cheaper, but due to its presence, the cyclist's hands experience the vibration of every bump when riding on uneven terrain. A shock-absorbing fork, on the contrary, absorbs all the bumps, but the bicycle equipped with it is more expensive. If a young cyclist does not intend to ride on slopes or forest paths, but will enjoy cycling on an asphalt path or relatively flat terrain, in specially equipped parks, then there is no need at all to buy a bicycle with a suspension fork. Otherwise, you should spend money, and in return get an excellent bike that is a pleasure to ride.
You should also pay attention to the types of frames on teenage bicycles. The peculiarity may be as follows. Your child is at a borderline height, when a bicycle with 20" wheels is already too small, and even if you buy it, it will last for a year, but a bicycle with 24" wheels is too tall in the frame. In this case, you need to understand that frames come in different sizes from 11" to 16". Frame size is the distance from the bottom bracket (visually this can be perceived as a pin connecting the pedals in the middle) to the place where the seatpost is inserted (from top to bottom: saddle - seatpost - seat tube). Here it becomes clear that the taller you are, the more frame you need; the shorter you are, the smaller. Here you should also take into account the individual characteristics of your child. With the same height, a child can have legs of different lengths. Therefore, only after some thought you need to make a decision on choosing the frame size. How to visually distinguish a taller frame from a shorter one? A frame that is sloping from handlebar to seat tube will always be lower than a triangular frame. Each bike also has a description of the frame size. Please remember that frame dimensions are given in inches. Therefore, to really imagine the size, you need to multiply the frame size by 2.54. For example, the frame size is 11 inches, to convert to centimeters, we multiply 11x2.54, we get 27.94 cm. It is also worth mentioning that there are 2 types of frames: steel and aluminum. If the frame is made of aluminum alloy, then the bicycle is 1.5-2 kg lighter than the same bicycle, but with a steel frame. In contrast to the popular belief that aluminum is less strong and reliable than steel, I wanted to disprove that this is not the case. There are a number of advantages of such a frame: lightness, strength, practically not subject to corrosion, easy handling. At the same time, the steel frame also shows itself well: affordable price, high maintainability, high reliability.