As we all know, kids grow fast so buying a bike for them is not the easy for their parents. With an ever growing database of options in models and sizes, the internet has become the fast and comfortable way to buy a children bicycle. Most kids try a two-wheeler with training wheels when they are 4 years old. There is a very wide range of ages at which children master basic balancing, with the average being about 6 years, but normal variation would be from 4 to 9. It is important not to push too hard, or it can take all the fun out of it for your child. It is a well known fact that kids love bikes and if you do have children, it is certain that at some point you would buy them a bicycle. Considering that nowadays there is an increasing chance that your son or daughter will spend more and more time indoors in front of the PC or the TV, buying them a bike could be the solution for a healthier, more active childhood. Today, the greatest risk to children’s health is not bike riding injury, but lack of exercise. If you try to buy your kids bike online, you first see the large selection of children bikes and you may be a little overwhelmed. But that really shouldn’t discourage you. With a little reading about kids bike sizes, you can select the best bicycle for your loved one. The age and coordination of your child will dictate whether or not the bike needs stabilizers or a maybe a tricycle. Before 5 years old, children, in general, have difficulties in using a handlebar mounted break. At this point a trike may be the best option so that the little one can get used to pedaling and the handlebar steering. Some kids can learn these basic concepts even before they can walk and they are very useful in developing their muscle strength and coordination.
Between the ages of 5 and 8, most children have developed sufficient balance and strength to be able to ride a small bike with stabilisers. An important aspect when buying this type of bicycle is how to adjust the training wheels. Some do the mistake of adjusting them so that both stabilisers touch the ground at the same time. That can cause loss of traction or loss of brake efficiency on uneven ground. The bike should always have a bit of lean. After the child has become accustomed to pedaling, steering and braking, the training wheels should be raised slightly, a bit at a time. You can do this without even telling him so that the bike will become more and more tippy and he will learn to balance it with practice. If the child has been using the training wheels for more than 2 years, it is time for some changes. At this point they should try learning to ride a small bicycle without the stabilisers.
It is crucial to determine the correct kids bike size when making a purchase. Children bike sizes are determined by wheel diameter, not seat height and frame size as is the case with adult bicycles. Select a bike where the seat can be lowered enough so the child can be seated and have both feet flat on the ground. Lower the seat to the point that the learner can put their feet on the ground. The next step is to determine the type of bike you want. Some girls bikes are actually designed differently. Many of the girls bikes are pink or have streamers on the handles, a basket on front, and other girl orientated additions.Boys bikes generally don’t include a basket on the front, and some have a bar or two in different places. Overall, however, there’s no real functional difference between boys and girls bikes. Any girl can ride a bike built for a boy and vice versa if they want to.
A good way to teach children how to ride a bike is to spend a little time riding a bike with them, as they will try to mimic their parents behavior. Young children, especially, are proud to do the same thing as their daddy or mommy. The traditional way to teach cycling, by running along holding the child up, remains the most effective technique and sometimes involves a lot of exercise for the parents.
Safety equipment is also very important and for children, and like for adults too, the most important accessory is the bike helmets. Encourage the child to wear a helmet from the start so that the habit will become well established and there will not be a later struggle about introducing a helmet. Gloves and even knee pads can be very worthwhile, especially when kids are first learning to ride.
Young children love to have their own bicycle gloves, it makes them feel really special and the additional helmet and knee pads can then be introduced with bigger success. The bottom line is that it’s important for children to exercise and to develop their heart, lungs and bones, and cycling is an excellent activity to help them do so. So encourage them to bicycle, but also ensure that they know how to ride safely!
By: Larry Stevenson
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