Riding a bike is a right of passage for any child. But choosing the right one takes some research and thought. Investing time now could save your child from injury later.
While kids develop at different rates, many 5- to 6-year-olds are ready for a 2-wheeler, sans training wheels. Bikes for kids are generally categorized by the wheel's diameter: 12-inch wheels tend to be a good match for 3- to 5-year-olds; 16-inch wheels for 4- to 6-year-olds; 20-inch wheels for the 6- to 9-year-old set and 24-inch wheels for the 8- to 14-year-olds. Adjusting the seat height on a bike can help you get a little more wear out of it as your child grows.
What to Look for
Number one is fit. While it is tempting to buy your child a bike he can grow into, DON'T. Imagine running in shoes 2 sizes too big; that is what it feels like for your child to ride a bike that is too big for his frame. He won't be able to reach the pedals or brakes appropriately, making him prone to injury. A better idea is to take your child shopping with you and have him "try on" the bike. Have your child sit on the bike and see if he can rest the balls of his feet comfortably on the ground and reach the handlebars easily. If he can, then the bike is a good size for your child. But before you buy, make sure he can test drive the bike. You'll get a better idea of how the bike fits and how comfortable your child is riding it.
Common Pitfalls
Resist the urge to buy your child a bike with lots of fancy options like multiple gears and handle brakes. When it comes to first learning to ride a 2-wheeler, simpler is better. And if your child seems to be falling in between bike sizes, err on the side of smaller because a smaller bike is easier to handle and, thus, it is easier to learn biking skills. Letting your child pick the bike's color and having him personalize it with horns, wheel spokes and the like can help him feel like he has a say in which bike you buy. And last but not least, shop at a reputable bike shop, where in-the-know staff can help you properly fit the bike to your child and where you know properly trained bike mechanics have assembled the bikes.
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