Read on for tips how to buy the right bike for your child.
Looks cool but unnecessary; shocks are best for nine to 12-year-olds who’ll be bumping along mountain-bike trails. Twist-style gearshifting is more popular on kid’s bikes, though trigger shifting is preferable so the child doesn’t have to adjust her hand position. Not strickly necessary for most five or six-year-olds but gears make hills bearable for little legs.
Below are aspects you need to pay attention when buying your kid’s first bike:
BELL
Riding without a horn or bell will get you a fine in some district, such as British Columbia and Ontario.
BRAKES
Single-speed bikes have a coaster or pedal brake. Opt for a model that also adds a front or rear handbrake sized for a child’s hand: This gives kids the comfort of the coaster brake with the experience of proper handbraking. A linear pull brake is easier for kids to pull and stronger than a caliper or side-pull brake.
FRAME
Aluminium is lighter than steel. If you’re going to be handling bikes down, it’s less likely to rust.
SEAT
Better bikes have a child-sized saddle. And did you notice what’s wrong here? When seated, new riders should be able to comfortably touch the ground with both feet so they can stop safely. Raise the seat in small increments as the child grows more confident, ensuring he can touch on tiptoe.
CHAIN
A chain guard keeps pants from getting caught. On bikes without a chain guard, roll up the right pant leg or wrap with a reflective Velcro strap.
Reflectors
Reflectors are important to keep riders visible day and night, but lights are essential if you’re riding near dusk or after dark. Low-voltage LED lights have replaceable batteries, and most can be installed or removed without tools.
