Choosing a children’s bike is not easy enough, because it should not only please the child but also meet all safety requirements. In specialized stores, you can find many good manufacturers that produce decent bicycles for children of all ages. This article will help you figure out the features and nuances when choosing a children’s bike
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How to choose a children’s bike
When buying a bicycle for a child, you need to pay attention not only to the price and company but also to the technical characteristics of the model.
It is important for a child that the bike is comfortable and light – this simplifies handling and reduces the likelihood of injuries such as being crushed by a heavy bike when falling. The main weight of the bike is determined by the frame, so it should be as light, strong, and simple as possible.
As any baby grows, a height-adjustable handlebar and seat are good for a comfortable fit. Thus, the bike will not have to be changed too often, and the child will not sit unevenly and slouch on the model, not in height.
When choosing, be guided by the fit of the child: he should be comfortable, his back is straight, his arms are not higher than chest level, and the knee is extended almost completely when pedaling. You can also build on the wheel diameter and frame length, corresponding to a certain height.
Brakes are also important so that the child regulates his speed and can stop urgently. The type of brake depends on the age and skill of the toddler: for example, the handbrake will not work for most children before adolescence, as the hand of the younger ones is not yet strong enough to fully push the handle. For small children, a foot brake or a mixed brake is more suitable.
All the best children’s bicycles for a child of any age should be as safe as possible: which means they have rubber pads on the handlebars, isolated sharp and potentially dangerous parts.
The basic equipment for children’s bicycles.
The main basic equipment by which children’s bicycles are classified is the size of the wheels installed, which is measured in inches. The diameter can be 12, 14, 16, or 20 inches for children, and 24 or 26 inches for teenagers. Children’s modifications are additionally equipped with side removable wheels that help toddlers who still do not know how to keep their balance. After the baby learns to balance, they can be removed.
Another important parameter is the size of the frame, which increases with the size of the wheels. But it also happens that different manufacturers have tired of the same size and are equipped with frames of different lengths. Of course, in this case, the size of the frame will not differ significantly, but this parameter is also worth paying attention to.
Pay attention to the material from which the frame is made, it is better if it is aluminum, such a frame is much lighter than steel, which means that it is easier to carry it, and it is easier to accelerate and climb a hill on it. To further reduce the weight, the frame tube butting technology is used, which implies different tube thicknesses, where the load is greater – the thickness is greater.
Modifications for small children on 12 and 16-inch wheels are equipped with the simplest single-speed transmission. 20 “, and even more so 24 and 26” bicycles are often equipped with multi-speed mountain transmissions of the amateur level with one or two shifts for 6-24 gears. They produce groups of different levels and prices, which differ in the number of gears, reliability, durability, the accuracy of work, and weight. Below are the main classes of mountain transmissions that are installed in children’s bikes:
lowest level
beginner amateur level
intermediate amateur level
medium-high
Of course, it is better if a teenage bike is equipped with a high-quality transmission, for example, in this case, the gears shift very clearly, so riding such a bike is a pleasure. And the service life is much longer compared to the same. Of course, the cost of such a great will not be small.
The brakes are the same as with the transmission – great for small children are equipped with the easiest foot brakes to operate, and for older children – more complex rim or disc brakes. Hydraulic disc brakes are considered the best, but they also have a decent cost. Disk mechanical ones are worse, but for a teenager, great is also an excellent option. But, in most cases, simple rim brakes of the type are also suitable, as long as they are branded. Rim brakes are inferior in reliability to disc brakes in bad weather and road conditions, when a layer of dirt or snow adheres to the rims, in this case, the braking quality of the rim deteriorates. If the cyclist will not ride in mud and snow, then you can safely take a bike with rim brakes.
The forks in small bikes are stiff, and starting with 20-inch models, it can be rigid or with a shock absorber that softens shock and vibration when driving on uneven roads, as a result, the vibration load on the spine and arms of a young cyclist is reduced.
Also, note that the children’s bike should be equipped with additional equipment:
wings that protect against splashes of dirt and water;
a shield over the system and the chain, which protects the legs from getting into the sprockets and from the chain lubrication; call; trunk or basket; footboard.