How To Choose A Bike For Your Child
Buying a bike for a child might seem like a simple task. However, there's a runt more to buying children's bikes than budget, price and color.
Children's bikes come in a variety of designs, colors, and sizes. The most standard classification is by size, determined by the size of the wheel. The recommended sizes by age are 12" (3-5 years), 14" (4-6 years), 16" (5-8 years), 18" (6-9 years), 20" (7-10 years) and 24" (9-12 years).
However, age shouldn't be the main guideline while choosing a bike for your child. Here are some important points to preserve in mind, that will ensure that your child is comfortable while riding a bike, and will look forward to it as an enjoyable activity.
According to the American Association of Pediatrics, a bicyle that is the wrong size could cause your child to lose control.
1. Choosing the Right Size
A gift-wrapped bicycle might seem like a fun way to gain popularity. However, the charm may be lost if your child is not able to ride it comfortably.
Select your child to the store. Have her try out the bikes. Is she able to place the balls of both feet on the ground while grasping the handlebars? This is crucial for balance, to avoid injuries from falls, and more importantly, to a learner's confidence.
2. Hand brakes or coaster breaks?
Coaster brakes are applied by turning the pedal in reverse direction. These brakes are applied to the rear wheel. Most children's bikes (12", 14", 16") are fitted with coaster brakes.
Hand brakes can be applied to both the front and rear wheels. However, a child needs to be strong enough to press the hand brakes hard enough to stop or slow down. In addition, some children's hands may be too small to grasp the handle, as well as the brake lever.
Develop sure your child is able to sit with balls of both feet resting on the ground while leaning forward and grasping the handle and the hand brakes at the same time.
3. Heavy or light?
If your child is just starting out as a learner, a light bike (although more expensive than the heavier bikes) may be worthwhile. (Imagine falling down with a heavy bike, and not being able to lift it up!)
Yes, children will outgrow bikes as they grow, however, a good first bike is a worthwhile investment in your child's confidence.
Go scanty on the features, but make obvious the bike is light and strong to withstand the falls and tantrums of a beginning rider or a budding stunt artist.
4. Bicycle-buying Resources
* Advice and guidelines from the Amercian Association of Pediatrics http://www.aap.org/family/bicycle.htm
* The Sonoma County Transit lists some interesting tips: http://www.sctransit.com/bikesafe/safetygear.htm#Purchasing%20a%20Bicycle%20for%20%20Child
* More tips on buying a bike for both, adults and children at http://www.ibike.org/education/buying.htm
* Reviews of kids' bikes: http://www.consumersearch.com/www/sports_and_leisure/kids_bikes/index.html
5. And Finally ...
Don't forget that helmet! Bike suitable.
http://www.math.hmc.edu/funfacts/ffiles/10001.2-3-8.shtml
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