Kids’ Bikes Buying Guide

Cycling is not just a fun activity; it’s also a great way for children to gain independence, improve their physical health, and develop motor skills. Choosing the right bike for your child can make all the difference in their cycling experience. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to select the best bike for your young rider.

Age and Size Considerations

Selecting the right bike size is crucial for your child’s comfort and safety. A bike that is too big or too small can be challenging and dangerous to ride. Generally, kids’ bikes are sized by their wheel diameter and are designed to suit various age ranges, but it’s most important to consider your child’s height.

Size Chart and Guidelines

Here’s a quick guide to help you choose:

• 2-4 years (Height 85-100 cm): 12-inch wheels
• 4-6 years (Height 100-120 cm): 16-inch wheels
• 5-8 years (Height 115-130 cm): 20-inch wheels
• 7-11 years (Height 125-145 cm): 24-inch wheels
• 10+ years (Height 140+ cm): 26-inch wheels or more

Balance bikes are specifically designed for young children, usually between the ages of 18 months and 4 years. These bikes do not have pedals, chains, or sprockets. Instead, they rely on the child’s feet to propel themselves forward and maintain balance. Here are some key aspects:

• Design Philosophy: The core purpose of a balance bike is to teach a child how to balance on two wheels, which is often the most challenging part of learning to ride. By focusing on balancing first, these bikes make the transition to pedal bikes much smoother.
• Benefits: Children develop motor skills and confidence as they control their speed and balance with their feet. This autonomy often leads to an earlier transition to pedal bikes, with many children able to skip training wheels altogether.
• Material and Features: Balance bikes are made from a variety of materials including wood, metal, and composite plastics, each offering different benefits in terms of weight and durability. They often feature adjustable seats and handlebars to grow with your child.

Pedal bikes introduce children to cycling with traditional components like pedals, chains, and brakes. They are typically the next step after a child has mastered the balance bike.

• Training Wheels: Many pedal bikes for younger children come equipped with training wheels to provide stability as they learn to pedal. These can be adjusted and eventually removed as the child’s balancing skills improve.
• Transitioning from Balance Bikes: Children who start on balance bikes often find the transition to pedal bikes smoother and may learn to ride without the need for training wheels.
• Adjustability: As with balance bikes, many pedal bikes feature adjustable components, allowing the bike to accommodate growing children for several years.

Designed for children who are ready to take their riding off the pavement, kids’ mountain bikes are built to handle more challenging terrain.

• Robust Construction: These bikes have sturdy frames, often made from the same materials as adult mountain bikes (such as aluminium and sometimes carbon fibre), and are designed to withstand the bumps and scrapes of off-road riding.
• Specialised Features: Kids’ mountain bikes typically come with features tailored for rough terrain, including wider tires with deeper treads for better traction, suspension forks to absorb shocks, and more powerful brakes for increased safety.
• Variety in Sizes and Capabilities: They are available in various wheel sizes (usually ranging from 20 inches to 24 inches) to suit different age groups and heights, with some models offering full-suspension for more technical riding.

When selecting any type of kids’ bike, consider the child’s comfort with the bike size, their confidence level, and the type of riding they’ll be doing. It’s important that the bike fits the child at their current size rather than one they will grow into, as an improperly sized bike can diminish confidence and increase the risk of accidents.

Each type of kids’ bike offers unique benefits and learning opportunities, making them suitable for different stages in a child’s development as a cyclist. Whether cruising on a balance bike, transitioning to a pedal bike, or tackling trails on a mountain bike, each experience contributes to building a child’s skill and enjoyment of biking.

Essential Safety Gear

Ensure your child’s safety by equipping them with the necessary safety gear. A properly fitted helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads are essential to protect them from injuries.

Bike Build and Quality

A good kids’ bike should have a sturdy frame, reliable brakes, and tyres that provide stability and grip. Check that all components are adjusted to suit the child’s size and weight.

Learning to Ride

Teaching your child to ride a bike is a rewarding experience. Start in a safe, flat area to build their confidence. Patience is key—encourage them with positive reinforcement and ensure that the learning process is fun and pressure-free.

Maintaining a child’s bike is crucial for ensuring their safety and prolonging the lifespan of the bike. Here are detailed maintenance tips for kids’ bikes, which can help keep the bike in excellent condition and provide a safe riding experience for children:

Regular Inspection

• Check for Wear and Tear: Before each ride, inspect the bike for any signs of wear or damage. Look for cracks, rust, or bent components, especially on the frame, handlebars, and wheels.
• Tire Inspection: Ensure the tires are inflated to the pressure specified on the tire’s sidewall. Check for signs of wear such as cracks or bald spots, which could increase the risk of punctures.

Brakes

• Brake Functionality: Regularly check that the brakes are functioning properly. The brake levers should be within easy reach of your child’s hands. Test the brakes by pushing the bike forward and applying the brakes to see if they stop the bike effectively.
• Brake Pads: Inspect the brake pads for wear. If the pads are worn down close to the wear line, they need to be replaced.

Chain Maintenance

• Lubrication: The chain should be kept clean and lubricated to function smoothly. Clean the chain with a rag and apply bicycle-specific lubricant. Avoid over-lubricating as this can attract dirt.
• Chain Tension: Check the chain tension on bikes without a derailleur. The chain should be tight enough that it only allows for about 1/2 inch of slack.

Bolts And Screws

• Tightening: Ensure all bolts and screws are tight to prevent parts from coming loose during a ride. Pay special attention to the bike’s assembly points such as the handlebars, seat post, and wheels.
• Use the Right Tools: Always use the correct size tools to avoid stripping the bolts or screws.

Wheels

• Alignment: Check the wheels to ensure they are true (not wobbling). If the wheels are not true, it can affect the bike’s handling and safety.
• Spokes: Check the tension of the spokes. Loose spokes can also lead to a wheel becoming untrue. Tighten any loose spokes using a spoke wrench.

Professional Service

• Annual Check-up: Consider having the bike checked annually by a professional, especially if it’s ridden frequently. They can perform more complex maintenance tasks such as adjusting the gears, replacing cables, and thorough safety checks.

Teaching your child about these maintenance steps not only helps in keeping their bike in good shape but also instills a sense of responsibility and pride in their biking experience. Regular maintenance ensures that the bike is always safe to ride and can also make cycling more enjoyable for your child.

When purchasing a kids’ bike, choose reputable brands and stores that offer tested and safe products. For a variety of options tailored to every stage of a child’s cycling journey, check out BikesOnline AU. From playful starter bikes to more robust models for adventurous kids, BikesOnline AU ensures quality and safety, making them a trusted choice for parents.

Choosing the right bike for your child involves considering their age, size, and the bike’s safety features. With the right preparation and knowledge, you can make an informed choice that leads to years of happy riding. Encourage your child to embrace cycling—it’s a wonderful path to fitness and freedom.