A child's development is greatly influenced by their children's bikes. Regardless of age, all children require physical activity to strengthen their immune systems, communicate with their classmates, and experience a plethora of positive feelings. These will help the infant experience his initial two- and possibly even three-wheeled mobility.
In addition, after a long walk in the fresh air, the child will be a little tired and will lay down to rest calmly. This is beneficial for both the child and the parents, who will be able to relax a little bit or handle any issues that may arise, while the child is excitedly riding and turning the pedals.
Making the right decision when selecting the required bicycle is essential if we are to achieve everything that has been said above. There aren't many requirements, yet each one matters when making a purchase.
Choosing the right size, taking into account the child's height and age:
Since every child's anatomy is unique, it is quite difficult to draw similarities or analogies. Therefore, we provide the best and average possibilities based on our years of experience selling bikes at our "Pilgrim" bike shop in Kharkiv.
1-3 years old - the tiniest two- or three-wheeled bicycles, together with "begovelya" or "velobegi," which mark the beginning of your child's development and are rather basic in terms of design and operation:
Most often on the streets we meet tricycles with a handle behind and a sunshade on top. Such bicycles are used instead of a stroller, because it is much more convenient. In the future, such a bike can be used to get the initial skills of pedaling.
Every year bicycle bikes are becoming more popular, as the child develops physically, pushing off the legs, and better balance. Sometimes, there are bicycle bikes in which the pedals can be detachable.
Particular consideration should be given to the so-called "tricycles". These are kids' bikes with cozy seats, a forward-and-backward-moving anatomical saddle, and useful pedals that enable the kid to pedal in any direction by just turning the handlebars.
3-4 years - During this time, children develop from 85 to 105 cm and become more brave. For this reason, bicycles with 12 to 14-inch wheels, foot brakes, and side safety wheels—which are later removed—are available. The infant rides the bicycle on its own.
Bicycles with training wheels, a low frame, a soft saddle that rises and falls, foot and hand brakes, and increased stability are designed with toddler activity in mind.
4-6 years - During the cognitive stage of your child's growth, when their height ranges from 105 to 120 cm, the bicycle is designed with 16 to 18 inch wheels, side wheels, and a low frame to facilitate easy climbing on and off.
At this age, we can see our kids becoming more independent, therefore in addition to the side wheels and low frame, there can also be a trunk and a basket for carrying toys. The child can select their own color by expanding the variety of colors offered by the bicycle.
6-9 years - an extremely active time of a child's development, during which the youngster grows to a height of 120 to 130 cm and develops a desire for speed and competitive play with peers. For this reason, bicycles with wheels measuring 20 to 22 inches, disc brakes, a gear shift, and shock absorbers are common.
Since this is a transitional stage in the child's life, bicycles can be either sports models with six gears and hand brakes or regular single-speed models with foot brakes and no extra safety wheels.
9-13 years - a stage in a child's life associated to bicycles where they can begin making short trips with their parents when they are between 130 and 155 cm tall. Bicycles are put together on 24-inch wheels and come in sports, recreational, and fashionable "cruiser" models that mimic adult bicycles (with a planetary hub).
An intriguing and unique style of kid's bicycle that fits them properly and comfortably. There are never many different accessories on the "cruiser" and the color scheme isn't very vibrant. Its comfort, appearance, and style are unique.
Mountain bike - is the most popular kind of bike among teenagers. Because of its adaptability, it can be utilized wherever. The child receives a real mountain bike because of the several gears, shock-absorbing fork, and disc brakes.
Because of their anatomical fit, fenders, footrests, and luggage racks, walking bikes with planetary hubs and three gears are the most comfortable bikes for riding in parks and cities.
From 10 - 11 years - The age at which a 26-inch wheeled adult bicycle can be tried on. Bicycles with a modest frame size of 13" or 15" are suited at a height of 145 cm or greater.
Trying on a bicycle with your child before buying it:
One of the most crucial factors is that you may address two of the main problems associated with buying a bicycle at the same time when you visit a store with your child.
When selecting a color, it's important to first get the child's approval so that they are happy with the anticipated purchase. If so, you run the danger of squandering both cash and nerves. Allowing the youngster to make a direct contribution to the purchase of his bike will help him become more independent in making decisions and will also help him learn to accept rejection.
Second, since every child is unique, a trip to the store with them will help you determine what size best suits them. You can see the right size for your child by having them sit on the bike. Several standards apply to these measurements:
- To prevent falling off the saddle, your youngster needs to be able to balance on his or her own two feet and reach the ground with the tips of their feet.
- The foot rests completely on the bicycle pedal to prevent your child's foot from slipping off and to ensure that their foot sits firmly on the pedals while riding.
- Your child should be between two and three fingers, or 3 to 5 centimeters, from his or her groin to the top tube of the frame. Cycling is safer with this distance because fewer people get hurt when their bikes stop.
- The bike's overall length should be ideal to prevent the child from slouching or reaching forward for the handlebars. It's critical that you can turn the handlebars with assurance and safety.
- The ideal size for two to four years of bicycle use is. You can measure the external dimensions once your youngster is seated.
It's a bad decision to get a bicycle for a child who is "growing up":
Let's examine this matter from the viewpoints of the parents and the youngster. What will happen if your child begins to ride a bike that is too big or uncomfortable for him? Most of the time, we only offer our observations and recommendations; however, as we are always ignorant of the child's riding ability and the reasons behind the purchase, the parents always have the last say.
Thus, if a "bike for growing up" is purchased, the following may occur:
- The number of falls rises as a result of how challenging it is to maintain balance when pulling hard on the handlebars of a tall, long bicycle and unable to touch the ground with your feet.
- As more falls occur, there will be more frame chipping and mechanism damage. These will need to be replaced separately, at your own expense, so your child may keep riding the bicycle you purchased.
- Following a few tumbles, the youngster can become fearful of riding a bicycle because both the child and the bicycle sustain injuries, necessitating treatment at home rather than allowing the child to experience childhood freedom.
- When we purchase anything, we frequently have the idea that our child will reach new heights and accomplishments. For example, we could wish to get him a bicycle that will make him the fastest and most agile kid in the playground. For this reason, you ought to provide your child a bike that they will like riding and that will make them proud of their parents.
After all of this, it is important to emphasize that you are to blame for all of the costly bike malfunctions, purchase disappointments, and healing abrasions on your elbows and knees—not the child. Consequently, you may find yourself spending money on something that you would, at most, forget about after a few years.
Technical advantages and disadvantages of different bicycles:
The question of what kind of bike a child should have—one that is pricey, stylish, light, dependable, sporty, etc.—is hotly debated. Let's enumerate all the key points about the bicycle's technical aspects in chronological order.
1. Weight - On the one hand, the lighter it is, the easier it is to get it to upper floors and faster to ride on the street. On the other hand, the heavier it is, the more stable the bike is and the easier it is to ride due to its low center of gravity. It is worth considering that the child will not always feel an extra kilogram when riding his favorite bike. This parameter depends on the material of the frame, the level of components and the number of accessories installed on the bike.
2. Frame - sets a lot of parameters and is in charge of several significant details. A few of the primary metrics used to assess the frame include the child's fit, the weight of the entire bicycle, acceleration dynamics, and top speed. The foundation of a more expensive bicycle is a lighter, more advanced frame with superior paint that resists chips and scratches better. However, there is no direct correlation between price and strength or reliability because all frames eventually break, on both adults and children; the more expensive a frame is, the more weight it can support.
3. Shock absorption - Enhances our comfort and safety when riding over rough terrain. A bike may have a front fork and a rear shock absorber, on the one hand. Kids, on the other hand, are enthralled with chases and speed because they seldom notice it. They see it as a standard by which to excel among their peers, which is something else to take into account. Only well-known manufacturers who correctly assemble children's bicycles while accounting for the child's anatomy install the required parts with soft springs that operate smoothly and effectively, raising the price of their goods due to superior quality.
4. Brakes - Both the disk and the rim will be equally effective, taking into account the weight and pace of children. Although each variety has benefits and drawbacks, to the child it just adds to the coolness of the yard, where he hangs out with his buddies every day. It's unlikely that you'll let your kids ride in the wintertime in a muddy marsh, in the mountains among rocks and cliffs, or in the bitter cold. And disk brakes are employed for just that purpose. You can choose to forgo disc brakes and save a little cash if your child isn't insistent on having them.
5. Number of gears - based on the age range and the bike's size. A fascinating aspect that, since many of us grew raised in a single-speed environment, we frequently overlook. Gears facilitate faster movement, easier spinning, and efficient use of our strength and abilities. Parents can independently set the appropriate gear for ideal riding, taking into account the child's physical development, even if the child isn't yet familiar with using them.
6. Mechanisms and equipment - The bike's cost is influenced by its status. From the wheels to the switches, the more expensive the component, the more resilient it is to use, lighter in weight, clearer and more functional, and with more resistance to water and dirt. While every component has the similar appearance, not every adjustment can be made precisely and logically, and not every derailleur can tolerate being dropped and used frequently.
