When the time comes to buy your child a bicycle, there are always going to be some concerns.  The quality of the bike and the size are generally the most commonly queried subjects. Here’s a brief guide to buying that new bike.

Children can get on a bike from as early as 18 months, but it’s not uncommon for children of 6 or 7 to be still learning to ride, there are no rules here. There are a few items of interest when it comes to children's bikes, here’s a quick run through;

Steering handle: A handle that allows the parent/operator to control the steering of a bicycle from behind. It can be used to push the bikes around and control steering and speed if required.

Training wheels: 2 small wheels that attach to the back of the bike and help the child learn to ride a bike before conquering the balance issue. Training wheels, generally, should have a little wobble in them as it encourages the child to learn to balance.

Back-pedal brake: A brake that is operated by pushing the pedals backwards. This is standard on almost all children’s bikes and makes riding very safe to learn.

Freewheel: In the absence of a back-pedal brake the bike has what is called a freewheel. This allows the rider to coast, back-pedal and do any number of tricks. It is the standard on the majority of adult bikes and is a necessity for BMX bikes.

Rim brakes: Coming in front and rear these are the standard for many bikes, including adult bikes. Front brakes are very powerful, in fact they are about 40% more powerful than a rear brake, making them dangerous if used improperly In children’s bikes they commonly have a front brake that is lacking in power, it helps the child learn how to brake with their hands, but without the dangers of a fully functional brake.

12 inch, 16 in etc. The size of the bike is based off the wheel size, so when we say “12 inch” it means the bike has a 12 inch wheel.

“Firstbikes”: The name “Firstbike” refers to a specific brand and model of this style but is generally the acceptable term where they are concerned. Also known as balance bikes. These are bikes without pedals and/or cranks and are used to teach the child to balance on a bike and hold handlebars. Some 12 inch bikes are available that can be switched from this style to a regular bike.

12 inch Bicycle: These bikes come standard with training wheels and are available with, or without steering handles. Coming standard with a back-pedal brake and sometimes with rim brakes. The rim brakes are generally included as a learning tool, rather than something functional.

16 inch Bicycle: Like the 12 inch these generally come standard with training wheels, back-pedal brake and some rim brakes, maybe both. These are the next step up in size from a 12 inch, and sometimes serve as a first bike for a taller child. 16 inch bikes are available with freewheels if required.

20 inch Bicycle: Generally standard with a functioning set of rim brakes and a back-pedal brake (although still under-powered rim brakes) and no training wheels. Training wheels can be fitted to these bikes. This are distinct from a BMX mainly due to the absence of a freewheel above all else.

BMX: A BMX is generally a 20 inch bicycle with a freewheel, fully functional rear rim brake and sometimes a front brake. Depending on the use of the bike and the age of the rider the size can vary slightly, but it’s barely distinguishable to the untrained eye. They come in racing models, vert, street, dirt jump and flatland models, each models is slightly varied from another although some can be used for various styles. Training wheels can not be fitted and these bikes generally suit riders from the age of 7 onwards.  

20 inch geared bike: At this size we get the first of the geared “mountain bikes”, they can sometimes have suspension, generally have between 5 and 7 gears and always have freewheel. Training wheels can not be fitted.

24 inch geared bike: The bigger brother to the previous model. These can have up to 24 gears. The sometimes can have front suspension.

26 inch geared bike: A fully sized mountain bike, these can be a good substitute for a 24 inch bike if the child is tall enough. Available in many different styles with different gearing ratios and combos. There are a variety of frame sizes available to fit  just about anyone

Tricycle/EuroTrike: 3 Small wheels, completely stable and balanced and back support. Suitable for any child than can be sat down in the seat as the Trike can be pushed around prior to the child learning to pedal. These are recommended for children starting around the 18 month mark as it’s a good way to help them learn about steering and pedaling. There are a few options with various safety devices including steering locks and handles.

We are always asked about how strong a bike is, many people like to pass bikes down through their family and want the bike to last. We also get queries about bikes from department stores.

The basic story is that most bikes are about as strong as they need to be. That means that they are strong enough for the purpose they were made for. Any bike that is abused will be likely to suffer. Department store bikes differ here as they are generally not put together by skilled mechanics and suffer from poor part combinations and a variety of other issues. Most can be made up safe and strong by a qualified bike mechanic, but this can often cost more than the original saving of buying one.

The most important thing to remember about buying a bike for your child is that make sure it is the right size, and the right bike. Don’t buy a mountain bike for a child who is going to take it off jumps, unless you want to spend the extra money buying them a jumping mountain bike a BMX would be better suited. Kids as a rule like to do jumps, they like to bend rules and they don’t like to clean up after, so it can be hard to teach them about taking care of their new bike. Lubricating the chain and cleaning the bike are very important so try to encourage it. If the bike is kept inside or at least undercover it can also help keep things lasting longer and working smoother.

We love helping people find the perfect bike, so come in and talk to us when the time comes!