If you were your kid, choosing a bicycle would be simple. You'd walk into the nearest toy store, pick out the most colorful, coolest looking set of wheels in the place, throw down your piggy bank money and ride out the front door. Fortunately – for everyone involved – you are not your kid. You're an adult and have to concern yourself with adult things like your child's health and safety.To get more news about Mountain Wheels, you can visit zpebicycle.com official website.
So, with safety firmly in mind, how do you find the right bike for your child? There are so many factors to consider, but the most important one is proper fit. And how do you know that the bike you're considering is the proper fit for your youngster? Here's our look at what you need to know for choosing the bike that best fits your kid's current stage of growth.
I. KIDS BIKE SIZE CHARTS
A kids bike size chart is your starting point. Bike size charts are easy to find. They're available at bike shops, toy stores, discount warehouses – pretty much anywhere bikes are sold. But you don't have to get in the car and drive to the store to get one. We've got you covered:
II. BIKE SIZES, TYPES AND FEATURES
Kids bikes come in sizes measured by wheel diameter, as opposed to adult bikes which are measured by frame size and seat height. Common wheel diameters for children's bikes are 12, 16, 20, and 24 inches. By comparison, adult mountain bike wheel sizes typically start at 26 inches. Note that not all brands make bikes in all of these sizes. In additon, you may run into a few manufacturers offering models with 14- or 18-inch wheels.
According to the International Bicycle Fund, most children first experiment with a two-wheeler around the age of three. For those kids, a balance bike with 12-inch wheels is the typical first choice. Balance bikes are pedaless and may or may not come with a brake. Your child propels the bike by scooting along with her feet on the ground and stops by simply planting her feet.
Balance bikes are great for building a toddler's confidence, independence and, of course, sense of balance. They're very popular today as an alternative to tricycles or pedal bikes with training wheels.
SMALL WHEELERS (3 TO 5 YEARS OF AGE)
Small wheelers are your basic first pedal bikes. Basic is a key word here, meaning that most bikes in this category come with few features found on bigger bikes, like handbrakes and freewheel hubs. But as a transition from a balance bike or tricycle, it's a good idea to keep things simple. Consider a model with coaster brakes, which require less manual dexterity and coordination.
Small wheelers typically come with 14-inch wheels, but there are also lots of models available with 12- or 16-inch wheels. This is important. Remember: It's all about proper fit.
MIDDLE WHEELERS (4 TO 6 YEARS OF AGE)
I'm calling the bikes in this category "middle wheelers," although you probably won't find that term when you're out shopping. Usually, they're just described by wheel size, with 16-inches the most common in this group. Middle wheelers typically, but not always, come with hand brakes and may have a gear set. Some feature a freewheel hub that allows the rider to pedal backwards. Other common features include frames made of steel or aluminum.
With middle wheelers, kids pick up some real speed when riding and so it's essential that your child has developed the necessary coordination and dexterity for balance, steering and working the hand brakes.
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