School’s out… which means hundreds of thousands of children across the country are traveling to the pool, around the neighborhood, and to the corner store on two-wheels. To insure your children arrive at their destination safely, it’s critical that their “wheels” are the right fit. So how do you shop for a quality bike?
The number one factor to remember when purchasing a child’s bike is to not buy one that is too big, with the idea that your child will grow into it. A bike that is too big is not safe. There are, however, bikes designed to accommodate changes in your child’s height. Trek has a children’s line designed specifically for young, growing riders. The bikes are equipped with adjustable pedals, seat and handlebars that grow “with” your child. They are more expensive, but are generally of higher quality; constructed to last longer and endure the abuse that most kids subject their bikes to.
Another important factor to consider when shopping for a quality bike: frame material. Bike experts recommend aluminum frames. The material is lighter and stronger than steel making it easier for kids to maneuver.
As for sizing… many factors go into properly sizing a bike for your child. The most important factor is the “reach factor” or how far your child must stretch from the seat to reach the handlebar. A bike is the right size when your child can sit on the seat with his feet flat on the ground and the handlebar no higher than his shoulders.
When it comes to wheel size, a 12-inch (30.5-centimeter) bike is recommended for beginners. Five-to-seven-year-olds usually need a 16-inch (40.6-centimeter) bike. While 10-to-12-year-olds generally require a 24-inch (61-centimeter) bike.
As for riding safety, besides requiring that your child always wear a bike helmet, consider equipping his bike with reflectors (make sure all reflectors are clean—they don’t work well when they are covered with mud). Also, bicycles should have a bell (not a siren or whistle). Finally, make sure your child understands the rules of the road; has memorized and uses proper hand signals; wears bright-colored clothes and always has shoes (no flip-flops, heels or bare feet) on when riding.