How to Choose the Right Bicycle for a Child: Tips and Guidelines
5 minute read
Trying to introduce the younger generation to the joys of sports and the undeniable pleasure of cycling, it is good to keep in mind some basic details when purchasing a bicycle for a child.
There is a huge selection of children's bicycles on the market, but many of them offer little more than an interesting color scheme and an attractive price. Children's bicycles need to withstand children's adventures, and reliability and safety are of paramount importance. Take some time to learn more about your child's needs while choosing the right bike. The right choice of a children's bicycle is an investment that will pay off many times over the coming years.
In this article, you will find the necessary information needed to understand more about the features to look for when buying a bicycle for your child and how to choose the one that is right for your little one without browsing through dozens of online children's stores.
Which bicycle is exactly right for my child?
The most important thing to consider when buying a bicycle for your child is sizing – children will find it difficult to control bikes that are the wrong size, especially if they are too big. Don’t be tempted to think ahead – a big bike with the idea that the child will grow into it is too big a risk.
The frame material is usually steel (for small children and BMX bikes) or aluminum (for bikes for older children), but wooden frames for balance bikes are also popular. As with adult bikes, with a bigger budget, you will get better quality for your money in terms of a lighter and more durable frame and components. However, keep in mind that children will outgrow their bikes quickly. Also, most children care more about the color scheme than the type of brakes, so don’t forget their preferences. The bike will be ridden more when it is loved.
Most children's bikes adjust their height size through the seat or handlebars, but generally, children's bikes are sized according to the wheel diameter, and each size roughly corresponds to an age group. Of course, there may be some overlap if your child is particularly tall or small, so don’t worry if their age doesn’t exactly match the size below.
Age 2-5
12-14" wheels (80-110cm)
Bicycles with 12 or 14" wheels are aimed at children in kindergarten or preschool age (between two and five years) and fall into two categories - "standard" bikes and balance bikes - without pedals or brakes.
The latter are very fun and once mastered, a balance bike can be a great way for young children to build confidence that progresses to confidence with a "real" bike. Meanwhile, this age group also offers bikes with stabilizers (training wheels), brakes, and pedals, and for most children, this is their "first bike." They come with both plastic wheels and solid rubber tires and are at the lower end of the market in terms of budget (especially in the 12-inch wheel size).
If you want a bike that will last long enough to be handed down to younger siblings, you can get – a durable and lightweight wooden or metal frame – instead of fragile plastic, a low step-through height that allows the foot to be easily used as a brake, wheels with inflatable tires and ball bearings in the hubs, a reliable chain guard, quality brakes, and a comfortable seat.
See balance bikes
Age 4-6
16" wheels (110 - 120cm)
Bicycles with 16" wheels are aimed at children aged 4-6. Training wheels are standard for this group to help the child build confidence while they have not yet mastered the art of balancing while pedaling. There is much debate that training wheels are more of a hindrance than a help for children learning to ride, but whether they have them or not is a personal choice – as with everything. We do not advise pushing them until they are fully ready or you risk putting them off cycling!
In this age group, the previous advice applies regarding frame, materials, and parts. Choose a bike that is light and easy to maneuver – heavy frames and parts will tire small bodies quickly. Avoid bikes with unnecessary suspension and heavy steel frames.
Most bikes in this category are single-speed and suitable for pedaling short distances on mostly flat terrain, with at least one working brake. Make sure small fingers can reach the brake levers and that not too much effort is required to ride.
AGE 5-9
18-20" wheels (115-135cm)
Riders aged between 6 and 10 will ride longer distances, so bigger wheels are needed and they require gears – usually five or six-speed rear derailleurs.
Look for simple shifting mechanisms like Shimano's Revoshift system, but remember that single speeds are less prone to mechanical problems. Crank length should be 120-140mm.
Fashion extras like suspension (front and rear) are more common on bikes aimed at this age group, but mostly they add only weight and cost, not improved performance. Hardtail bikes will likely be lighter, cheaper, and more durable. There are many racers in this age category and BMX can be a great tool for buzzing around the neighborhood with friends.
AGE 8+
24" and up (135cm+)
Older children (10+) are ready for 24" or 26" wheels. In design and features, they differ very little from adult bikes. In fact, adult bikes in smaller frame sizes (13"-15") may fit perfectly for this age group, although most parents often worry that the bike might be too big for the child.
Dirt jump style bikes are popular among teenagers and are actually difficult to maneuver. Look for a decent set of gears, with good quality brakes. You may need to spend some money to get a bike with decent components and a frame that is not too heavy; otherwise, the bike will be a difficult and unreliable companion for your offspring.
Some manufacturers have also started offering properly sized and specialized road bikes for young riders, with child-appropriate features like 600 wheels, narrower and closer brake levers. These light and fast bikes are excellent for long distances and adventures and may turn out to be the first bikes of future road racers.
