5 Important Factors You Need to Know Before Buying a Kids Bike

Kids bikes are a significant investment for your kid, both in terms of cost and the amount of excitement they bring. But how can you know you're getting your kid the greatest bike? Below are 5 important things you need to know for choosing the bike that best fits your kid's current stage of growth.

Age and Height

It is too easy to determine a bike's proper size solely by its height. Considering that most children's balance develops at about the same rate, combining age, height, and ability is much more pertinent. Parents are all too aware of the height disparities among your children's friends and peers.

Have your child stand with her back to the wall, her feet slightly apart from shoulder height, and without shoes on. Measure the distance between the ground and the top of her head using a yardstick or measuring tape. The child should be able to stand over the bike with both feet flat on the ground and comfortably reach the pedals from the seat.

Ability and Confidence

You know that children of the same age do not all possess the same physical aptitude. You only need to observe them in the playground to see! Biking is the same. The ability of a child to ride a bike with pedals depends on whether they have previously used a balancing bike or scooter. So how do you evaluate your child's cycling skills when they get a new bike? Before you buy, you can ask her to take a test drive.

Some people will have no trouble controlling the steering, pedaling or pushing (on a balancing bike), and braking. But others will really need to master each skill independently of each other. As a parent, you must arbitrarily determine your child's aptitude. And this will influence your choice of the appropriate bike size for them.

Training Wheels

Nowadays, fewer kids actually use training wheels since they switch from balance bikes to pedal cycles right away. However, training wheels can be found as standard equipment on bikes with wheels up to 16 inches if your child prefers to pedal sooner but still wants the stability they provide. On the plus side, they offer stability, promote self-assurance, and can be helpful in the learning process if kids aren't strong enough to crank the pedals if the bike is too heavy.

However, the use of training wheels will teach kids poor habits and to make the transition to riding without support more difficult. Due to the weight being on the training wheel rather than the back wheel, they can also affect how well the brakes work when turning.

Bike's Weight

The weight of the bike you choose is another factor to consider. The weight of the bike will primarily rely on its size, the type of material used to construct it, and the tyres it is fitted with. Pay attention to the total weight because a heavier bike will be more difficult for a youngster to control and less likely to make them want to ride.

A heavier tyre size equates to a heavier bike, making steel bikes heavier than aluminum bikes. Additionally, more gears and accessories like kickstands, suspension, and hand-operated lever brakes are all desirable. Choose a lightweight bike if you don't want your kid to have trouble with it. But you should also steer clear of purchasing a bike that is excessively light. Because these models are sometimes composed of weak materials and are susceptible to breaking when put under stress.

Bike's Brakes

Perhaps you're unaware, but not all children's bikes have brakes. Your preferred bike should ideally have both front and back brakes, and you should be able to set the brakes independently if necessary. Otherwise, while riding downhill, your child can lose control of their bike and suffer an injury.

Make sure you are aware of the type of coaster brakes your selected bike has because some kids (and parents) adore them while others detest them. Keep in mind that coaster brakes usually add weight. And whether they upgrade to a bike of a larger size or borrow a friend's cycle with handlebar brakes, your child will still need to learn how to brake! Consider whether your child can use the brakes on a drop handlebar road or cyclocross bike before making your purchase. Moreover, remember to select a practical bike helmet that keeps your child's head safe and comfortable when riding on the road.

Final thought

It's important to keep in mind that you should take your time and consult your youngster while selecting a bike. If you feel overwhelmed by the variety of alternatives out there, visit Guardian Bikes and ask the store assistant for guidance. Don't forget to use our Guardian Bikes discount codes for numerous wonderful discounts!

Thanks for reading!