Child's Bike: Research your needs

In order to end up with the child's bike best suited to your needs, you have to clearly understand what you are looking for and what options are available to you. This is done by researching in two areas.

Firstly, you research the market to find out what kinds of children's bike are available, familiarizing yourself with the different features, styles and price ranges etc. Secondly, you examine your own unique requirements in a children's bike.

Research the market: Child's Bike essentials

The first part of the research step is to investigate just what's available in the kid's bike market. The range of options can seem overwhelming, but you can make a good start by understanding the following major features:

Bike Size: Since size is the most important factor, it's a good idea to understand how children's bikes are measured. Most often, children's bikes come in sizes according to the wheel diameter, measured as 12”, 14”, 16”, 20” and 24” (30.5cm, 36cm, 41cm, 51cm, 61cm) respectively. The 12” (30.5cm) models are usually used for children of two to three years old. The 16” (41cm) models are often for children four to six years old. The 20” (51cm) models are generally reserved for children around seven or eight years old, while the 24” (61cm) models are for ages nine and up. Now, this isn't exact, but is a good way to calibrate the proper size for your child. Your child might be smaller or taller and need a smaller or bigger bike. Don't get your child a bigger bike simply because she or he wants to fit in with his or her peers who have “big kid” bikes.

Brakes: The next important factor in regard to safety is the brakes. Most children under the age of five will not be able to work a handbrake sufficiently so that they stop properly. Bikes that use coaster brakes (or brakes that work when cranked backwards) are the most ideal for younger children.

Gears & Gear Shifters: Some children's bikes come with gear-shifting mechanisms that will allow the child to pedal easier uphill, for example. However, children under five to seven years of age don't really need gear-shifting bikes. Generally, one-speed models will suffice until they are coordinated enough to work and understand the functions of variable gears. If you are confident that your child would benefit from gears, then you might consider grip shifters. These types of gears are operated with the simple turning of the gear pad connected to the handlebars. Other gear shifters are harder to operate and might break if the bike falls over. Some mountain bikes for kids have six gears, which is sufficient for children.

Hubs, Spokes, & Training Wheels: When buying a child's bike, be sure to buy decent hubs and spokes. If your child will be out riding alone on wet pavement or trails, then you will want to make sure that the brakes will work well with the hubs. First, the spokes and hubs should be metal. Steel is OK, but aluminum is much better with brakes. Smaller bikes (the 12” to 16”, 30.5cm to 41cm, models) come equipped with removable training wheels. Learning to ride with training wheels is one way your child will develop the coordination necessary to properly handle her or himself on a bike. Make using training wheels fun, and when it is time to remove them, help your child have the confidence to try not using them in a safe place, while of course wearing all the necessary protective gear.

Bike Helmet: Most laws require that children always wear a bike helmet until the age of 15 or more and then most countries require helmets when riding in public areas anyway. Fitting your child for a bike helmet and other protective gear that meets all safety requirements is an essential part of a parent's job when buying a kid's bike. A new bike and a new helmet go hand in hand.

Tricycles: Your child's first cycle might very well be a tricycle. These bikes are great to get the feel of riding before moving on to a bicycle. Make sure the tricycle is the right size for your child, meets necessary safety requirements, and has all the necessary components to keep your child safe. A helmet is also required for tricycles.

Research your needs: Questions to ask yourself

Now it's time to determine what your requirements are in a child's bike. For example, will you use the child's bike only for your child to learn to ride on or have they moved up a level and gone onto stunts or competition riding?

You can start this process by considering the following questions - as well as any others you think of yourself - and recording your answers.

Have you bought a child's bike before?
	If you have bought a child's bike, work out what you did or didn't like about the bike. You may be looking for one exactly like it, hoping to simply upgrade, or trying to avoid any particular features that you or your child didn't like.

What bike is going to fit my child now, not in the long run?

Experts agree that this should be your first consideration. Kids grow fast. However, you are going to have to buy a bike that fits your child now, not later. Especially if it is your child's first bike, one that is too big will not allow her or him to learn to ride correctly, and will be awkward, perhaps causing injury. One that is too small will also cause problems, such as knees running into the handlebars, and difficult turning and braking.

If you are upgrading from another child's bike, what did or didn't work well?
	Buying a bigger bike for your child will become necessary after he or she has outgrown the other one. Think about what worked well on the bike and what didn't. Then, ask your child for their input. It might be worthwhile to try a different type of bike or brand, or you may be looking for a larger version of the same bike.

How much are you willing to spend on a child's bike?
	Children's bikes can be as expensive as adult bikes if they have all the features. While your child may not need a smaller version of the bike Lance Armstrong rides, he or she might need something lighter than steel. Spending a little more on a quality bike will be a much safer bet than buying a cheap one at random, at a discount department store.

What type of bike is going to work well for my child?
	This is a question for both you and your child to consider. What type of biking does she or he enjoy? If more off-road, then a mountain bike might work nicely. For tricks, a BMX bike might fare well. Otherwise, a regular, kids road bike might be the perfect fit if your child simply enjoys riding around the driveway or neighborhood.

How much does look and color matter?

If the look, feel, color, and quality of a bike matters to you, it also does to your child. You might have a look at your local bike shop to see what bikes are available first, and then you might take your offspring to help you decide which bikes he or she likes best. Remember that size and fit is most important. You will of course have to factor the age of your child into any of the above considerations.

Understanding your needs is the key to a successful purchase and you can revisit your list of needs at any time during the buying process.

Once you complete this Research step, having informed yourself about the essentials of a child's bike and identified your needs, you are ready to move on to the next step: Evaluation.

Video Links

Buying a bicycle - Info
Chole love love loves bikes, but wants to know more about how to buy the right one. (3m 12s)