Five Speed Bicycle for 8 Year Old Review
Ownership a child a new bike in 2021? Finding it hard to pick the all-time kids' cycle for your little 1? Relax, we've put together a uncomplicated guide to help you cull wisely.
Positive early experiences tin can have a huge effect on our lives, and with cycling beingness such an incredible way to go about in an environmentally friendly way, to proceed fit, get some fresh air and to socialise, encouraging kids to bike is a fantastic idea.
Having the right wheel can make a big difference to a child'south early cycling experiences and ultimately help them to relish the sport we dear.
From finding the right size bike to product recommendations for a range of age groups, our guide to buying the best kids' bike has it covered.
Once y'all've establish the perfect bike, why not check out our guide to cycling with kids to become things started. Before you know information technology, the whole family volition be out enjoying life on two wheels.
How to choose the right size bike for your kid
The most important factors to consider when choosing a bike for your kid are top and ability.
The weight of the bike will also affect its handling, and bikes at the very low end of the price spectrum are often the heaviest.
If yous already know what size bike to go for, ringlet down to see our suggestions for children of each historic period grouping.
Why it'southward of import to get the right size
Woom
Kids grow remarkably fast, and no one knows that better than their parents!
While information technology might exist tempting to buy a bike that'south a niggling too big for your kid for them to 'abound into', this tin can actually hamper the learning process and make it much harder for them.
Riding a bike that's also big tin can not only make it more difficult to manoeuvre, but information technology tin can also really take the fun out of the process. If y'all want your child's get-go memories of cycling to be positive and enjoyable, and then making sure you find a bike that's the perfect size for them at their electric current measurements is really key.
How bikes differ in size
Ben Delaney / Immediate Media
There are two ways in which children's bikes differ in size: the wheels and the frame. These two major elements increment in size, in tandem, as the child grows. However, unlike adult bikes, kids' bikes are typically measured and sold by wheel size.
The smallest wheels yous're likely to find are tiny 12-inch wheels on balance bikes, and they so go upwardly to 26 inches for some bikes designed for teenagers. Sizes typically increment in ii-inch increments. The frames are designed with geometry to conform the increasing wheel size every bit children grow.
On smaller frames, you lot'll detect correspondingly reduced-size components also, from smaller, adjustable-attain brake levers to shorter cranks.
Check out our guide to kids' bicycle bicycle sizes for more help on what size wheel to choose.
How to choose the right size bike
Woom
You tin pretty much condone the historic period of your kid when it comes to choosing the right size wheel: height and inseam length are much more of import, as kids grow at such varying rates.
You'll find that most brands offer size guides for helping you to choose the best-sized cycle. For case, Woom and Islabikes both offering inseam charts, accompanied past tips for measuring your child.
When it comes to sitting your child on the bike that yous're looking to buy, y'all need to make sure that they tin reach both feet on the footing while sitting on the saddle.
This is not only important for giving a good pedalling position, but also allows the child to stop and put their feet down when they want to.
The second element of the fit is the reach. You lot demand to make certain that they can not merely comfortably reach the handlebars with both hands, just likewise the brake levers – and be able to operate these easily. Some bikes will be built with adjustable-reach brake levers, so check for these.
What if your child is in between sizes?
Again, as tempting as information technology might be to size up like yous might with schoolhouse uniform or shoes, it'south usually best here to choose the smaller size. Why is that?
Well, a larger bicycle will typically be harder for a kid to steer, stop and get-go, especially where they might need to stand up on their tiptoes to reach the floor. This larger wheel might feel more than intimidating and less comfy, especially for less confident riders.
Equally the feelings of control, security and confidence are key to an enjoyable cycling experience for kids, it'south clear to see why a smaller bike is likely to offer a meliorate feel here if you're unsure between sizes.
The exception to this guidance would exist that if the child is really on the cusp of the larger size, it might be a better idea because they'll exist able to enjoy riding information technology for much longer, as well as take a more efficient pedal stroke on the larger wheel.
How long until a kid outgrows their bike?
Of course no two children are the same or grow at the same rates, merely some brands suggest that their bikes last an boilerplate of two years before it's outgrown. This is if it'due south purchased when the kid fits in the lower end of the sizing bracket.
This might not seem like long at all, but thankfully many of these quality children's bikes hold excellent resale value. Some brands also offering trade-in schemes when you lot purchase a larger-sized wheel.
How a child's cycling skill tin can affect size
Interestingly, information technology's non only your kid's measurements that can dictate which size will be best for them. Their skill level also has a bearing on what size and weight of bike will be best.
A less confident or less skilled kid might really do good from a slightly smaller, more than lightweight bicycle. This is because they tend to be easier for the child to handle and manoeuvre, as well as to go onto and dismount.
Having said this, the most cardinal part will still exist getting the basic fit right, once more for your child's concrete size, rather than age.
Balance bike vs pedal bicycle
Courtesy
Outset things first, when it comes to kids' bikes, what'southward on offering?
You lot might be thinking it'south just a shrunken-down developed bike, but in reality information technology'southward a petty different. There'south a lot to consider when ownership a kids' bike but, broadly speaking, permit's start with the 2 master options: a residuum bike and a pedal bike.
Rest bikes have become really popular over recent years as a child'due south showtime bike, and with skilful reason too, which nosotros'll come up on to afterwards. Alternatively, there's the more traditional arroyo of small pedal bikes, oft fitted with removable stabilisers.
Children'due south bikes tend to feature apartment bars rather than the drop confined nosotros're used to seeing on road bikes, particularly for younger ages. As they abound, you are likely to find more choice, including rigid and intermission bikes, with hybrids and hardtails on offer.
The commencement stages of teaching a kid how to ride a wheel are really crucial, and the balance bicycle has been something of a revelation for many cracking parents – not to mention kids.
These simple niggling bikes don't feature pedals, and some don't take a brake either. The clue is in the name: a balance bicycle teaches the kid central balancing skills, which they simply don't get by riding a pedal wheel fitted with stabilisers.
Oli Woodman / Immediate Media
In fact, the technique for cornering a cycle with or without stabilisers is really quite different, as these effectively plow the bike into a tricycle, so starting out with stabilisers can actually complicate, rather than aid, the learning procedure.
By learning on a balance bike, kids can master residuum, steering and sometimes braking techniques from the very outset, which they can then build on when it comes to upgrading to their showtime pedal bike, and adding the challenge of pedalling.
Rest bikes are dandy for children from as soon as they beginning walking to around four years old, although the time to switch to a pedal bicycle will vary according to the child's capability.
Some will have a picayune longer to grasp these early skills and others will choice them up much faster.
The all-time kids' bikes in 2022
Ages 4 to 6
For children aged four to six, measuring around 105cm to 115cm / 3ft 5in to 3ft 9in, go for a bike with 14in to 16in wheels. Most of these are simple bikes with pedals and brakes, and many come with a small range of gears.
Ages 7 to 10
For ages seven to 10 (meridian 115cm to 135cm / 3ft 9in to 4ft 5in), choose a bicycle with 18in to 20in wheels. You'll also first to come across a wider range of gears appearing at this price signal, and you may find bikes with front end suspension, which are more than suitable for rough terrain.
Ages 10 to thirteen
Children aged between x and 13 (height 135cm to 150cm / 4ft 5in to 5ft) will unremarkably move on to a 24in-wheel cycle and, at this point, y'all'll notice bikes that are essentially a smaller version of an adult bike.
Yous'll too start to see different types of bike, from junior-sized road bikes and mount bikes to hybrid/leisure bikes. Choose a bike type that'due south going to suit the bulk of the riding your child will exist doing – if it's mostly going to exist off-road, wide tyres with a grippy tread are a good choice, for case.
Teenagers
For teenagers, you're going to be looking at adult bikes in smaller sizes. There are smaller cycle-size options for junior road bikes, such every bit 650b, merely about bikes will have 26in, 27.5in or 700c wheels.
Conduct in mind that these sizes are a guideline simply. If your teen is taller or smaller than boilerplate, or more or less confident, they may exist better off on a different size. If in doubtfulness, talk to your local bike shop.
How to teach a child to ride a bike
Need to teach a child how to ride? We've got a split guide on how to teach a child to ride a bike in only 30 minutes. Or simply watch the video tutorial beneath.
Nosotros've likewise got a guide on how to teach a child to ride a rest wheel.
All-time bikes and residual bikes for ages i to 4
Your child has just started walking and you're keen to make the transition to the bike for your budding rider as natural equally possible. Enter stage left, the balance bike.
Weight is a surprisingly important factor here.
No, your child's not looking to become airtime or have on a hill climb race only yet – but compared to a toddler, the weight of a bike is really pregnant. The lighter you can afford within your budget, the meliorate, equally this is probable to make it much easier for your child, and hence more enjoyable.
Although some more basic balance bikes won't be fitted with a restriction, it's a good idea to expect for i that does. Your child can larn this of import skill in the early on stages, earlier moving on to a pedal bike. This is peculiarly of import if your local playground or park is a scrap hilly.
Specialized
Balance bikes that have an easily adaptable seatpost tin can besides be a good idea, as this can be adapted as they grow.
Finally, look for a residuum bicycle that's made to concluding. Dragged through the mud, splashed through puddles and maybe fifty-fifty left out in the rain: you lot want a bike that'll stand up up to the rigous of heavy use and still be in practiced condition to pass on or sell later. Alloy bikes tend to terminal ameliorate than wooden-style rest bikes.
There are also some pedal-powered options for two- to four-year-olds, and many will come with brakes – either lever-operated ones or coaster brakes that work by back-pedalling, and sometimes both.
Woom 1
Woom
- €189 / $199
Kids' bike specialists Woom's first offering is this 2.95kg balance bike, the Woom i. The lightweight aluminium frame rolls on 12in wheels and features a rear restriction, then your child can get used to braking and steering from the become-go.
Every component is advisedly considered with the beginner rider in listen, from the narrow grips to the ergonomic saddle.
Choose from v fun, vivid colourways.
Strider 12 Sport Rest Bicycle
Strider
- £119.99 / €131.08
The Strider Sport Residuum wheel is suitable for children aged from xviii months, upwards to four to five years. It features a long seatpost that can be lowered fully or raised high to fit your child.
A durable steel frame should withstand some rough treatment and the tyres are designed to exist puncture-proof.
We similar the built-in footrests, and then when your child gets the hang of gliding forth on the cycle, they've got somewhere to rest their feet. It's the perfect preparation for moving on to pedals.
The bike is also designed so the saddle and handlebar summit can be adjusted without tools.
Islabikes Rothan
Islabikes
- £199.99
Islabikes is a British visitor founded past Isla Rowntree, who is dedicated to creating high-quality bikes designed so that children develop a passion for cycling. Bang-up care is taken to ensure the bikes fit well, ride well and aren't too heavy for little riders to manage.
Available in a range of bright, cheerful colours, the Rothan has a lightweight aluminium frame, chunky tyres with plenty of grip and it even features a restriction designed for smaller easily.
- Buy direct from Islabikes
Frog forty
Frog Bikes
- £340 / €415 / $430
If your child has already mastered gliding and is ready to move on to a bike with pedals, the Frog xl is one to consider.
The Frog 43 has an aluminium frame and fork, likewise equally quality Tektro brakes for plenty of stopping power. There are also 89mm bespoke cranks designed to make pedalling easier for little kids.
The 14in x i.5in Kenda tyres are designed to work well on a wide range of surfaces. A five-year warranty on frame and forks should bring peace of mind.
Frog also makes a pop line of balance bikes and models for older children.
Black Mountain Bikes Pinto
Blackness Mount Bikes
- £399 / €478.95
Blackness Mountain Bikes are designed to grow as kids grow. This means one bike will concluding your child for longer and is designed to fit children even meliorate every bit they go taller. The brand says its bikes are "three bikes in one".
The Pinto tin can start off life every bit a balance bike, then work as a pedal bicycle on the 14in wheel option. The frame is designed to be lite (a claimed 6kg), which is easier for smaller children to handle, has a low-maintenance belt bulldoze and short-reach restriction levers for smaller hands, plus a raft of other features.
The gearing can likewise be fabricated harder equally your child grows cheers to a removable sprocket 'jacket'.
There are four colours available – orange, neon green, imperial and heaven blueish.
- Buy direct from Black Mount Bikes
Cube Cubie 120 Walk
Cube
- £199
This cutely named alloy bike weighs three.8kg, making it a proficient lightweight option for your child to become started on.
Cube has incorporated a special handlebar setup that limits how far the passenger can turn the bar, saving them from some of the inevitable accidents when they're learning.
Rolling on 12in wheels with Kenda Team Cube tyres, information technology has a low standover height and fifty-fifty comes with 2 different-length seatposts to allow growing room.
Specialized Hotwalk
- £139 / €190 / $225 / AU$280
Specialized'south Hotwalk comes with foot platforms, which are cracking for when little ones have got the hang of balancing, before transitioning to pedals.
Information technology'southward available with a step-through frame or a superlative-tube frame, and there'southward also an adjustable bar-pinnacle option for growing children.
Specced with Specialized's airless Rhythm Lite Sport tyres, information technology's every bit at home on dirt or tarmac and won't suffer punctures.
For a 2.1kg lightweight (yet middle-wateringly priced) alternative, check out the Specialized Hotwalk Carbon.
Best bikes for ages 4 to vi
Specialized
By now, the skills of the balance bike have been well and truly mastered. Your child is zipping almost in front of you, flinging legs to gain speed, cornering with confidence and finer braking. It's just the fourth dimension to think near calculation the next element into the mix: pedalling.
Moving from a rest bike to a pedal bike is a really crucial pace, and fit is key here.
You need to brand sure that your child can comfortably reach the floor with their anxiety when seated in the saddle, besides as reaching the handlebars and crucially the brake levers.
To keep it elementary, your kid's first pedal bike might only have a unmarried, or couple of gears to choose from. In one case they've mastered the art of pedalling, they can move on to having many more gears every bit they grow and size upwards to bigger bikes.
Just like with a balance bike, having a lightweight pick here is likewise really helpful, equally your child is likely to still be very small.
The riding position is all-time if it is relatively upright. As they become to grips with pedalling, this will assist them focus on what'south going on around them.
These bikes typically measure upwardly with 14in or 16in wheels. If the bike was already supplied with stabilisers, and your child is confident riding without them, then remove them ASAP.
Most kids' bikes in this price bracket should allow you to adjust the reach to the brakes. Many also take coaster brakes rather than lever-operated brakes, which are operated by back-pedalling.
Early Rider Belter 16in
Early Rider
- £359 / $439
The 5.9kg Belter from Early Rider is a fantastic commencement pedal bike.
Early Rider has chosen to spec a Gates condom belt where you'd usually observe a chain. This is a great thought on a kids' bike considering the belt requires no oiling and won't get dirty similar a regular chain.
The shiny aluminium frame looks adept and is lightweight, and overall this is a bike that'south been congenital with care and attention to particular.
The 16in Vee mountain cycle tyres look the part at 2in wide and are perfect for carving on those thrilling muddy slopes, rolling over roots or zooming beyond gravel. In that location are too powerful Tektro v-brakes front end and rear, with special brusk-achieve levers for pocket-sized easily.
Orange Pop 16
Orange
- £400
A great transition from striding to pedals is the 16in Orange Popular. It'due south a proper shrunken mountain wheel for the promising young ripper.
The frame follows the same long, low and slack mantra of Orange's big bikes. It's a singlespeed, so in that location are no gears to struggle with or break, and the proper two.15in Kenda tyres are some other highlight. The frame comes in either the orange shown or a blue colour.
- Bachelor from Sunset Cycles
Black Mount Bikes Skøg
Skøg Black Mountain Bikes
- £399 / €477.95
Similar its fiddling sibling the Pinto, the Skøg works substantially like iii bikes in one.
Without the pedals and belt bulldoze fitted, information technology's a rest wheel. Popular the pedals on and it will work as a regular pedal wheel, except – and hither's the cool flake – the frame and gearing tin can exist adapted to suit the rider. So smaller kids tin can have equally good a fit as possible and the bike can modify with them.
The bikes are designed to be light and therefore easier for smaller people to ride, and take skillful-quality brakes with levers designed for small hands.
It'south bachelor in four bright colours – regal, neon green, heaven bluish and orangish.
- Available from Blackness Mountain Bikes
All-time bikes for ages vi to x
Your child'southward second pedal bike can not only increment in size, but in features likewise. The bigger wheels (xviii-20in) will exist shod with wider tyres, and the larger frame will exist complemented with slightly wider handlebars and longer cranks.
You're probable to find more gears on a wheel of this size, as your child learns how to apply these effectively on longer rides involving more challenging inclines and descents.
You'll also beginning to meet suspension making an appearance (usually pause forks but).
Bear in mind that cheaper pause bikes can exist heavier than their not-suspension alternatives, and if the bicycle is to be ridden off-road, some adept-quality, wide, puncture-resistant tyres should be a higher priority.
Specialized Riprock 20
Specialized
- £599 / $500 / $650 / AU$480
Replacing the popular Hotrock, Specialized's new Riprock 20 is like an adult's mountain bike in miniature, bar the pause. It's now more often than not accepted that getting the basics dialled without the added complication (and weight) of suspension is a smart way to go.
There are two sizes bachelor, the 20in-wheel model, or the larger 24in model for taller kids. When it comes to more technical features, the 24in Expert model does use a 10mm travel Manitou intermission fork.
Whether it's fire roads, trails, urban commutes or sessioning the pump rails, the Specialized Ripock is well equipped to tackle it all.
The Riprock also comes in a great range of colours.
Scott Calibration/Contessa 20
Scott
- £389 / €429 / $629.99
The Scott Scale xx and girl'due south Contessa twenty are very much shrunken-downward versions of Scott's hardtail mountain bikes.
There'due south an SR Suntour suspension fork that offers 40mm of travel to maximise grip and take some strain off the wrists, while chunky 2.2in Kenda Booster tyres should make light piece of work of dirty conditions.
Shimano 7-speed gearing is grip-shift operated, and kid-specific v-brakes provide the stopping power. Handlebars, saddle and pedals are all designed with a junior rider in mind.
Trek Roscoe xx
Expedition
- £600 / €524 / $489.99
Trek's Roscoe 20 is designed to inspire youngsters' confidence with big 2.8in tyres that are able to take on the trails and the streets.
Information technology has a rigid fork for simplicity and cost and weight savings, but yous'll spot plenty of details shared with Trek's adult-size bikes. These include a durable aluminium frame (with child-specific geometry), a fuss-gratuitous i×8 Shimano drivetrain with wide-range cassette, and Tektro mechanical disc brakes.
All of this adds up to a not bad base of operations for building young riding skills.
Best bikes for ages ten to thirteen
Paris Gore / Specialized
With a larger bicycle size of 24in comes many more features. These bikes are substantially smaller versions of adult bikes , with the variation, style and focus that goes with information technology.
Yous tin can get everything from drop-bar road bikes, hardtail and full-suspension options with disc brakes for budding mountain bikers, or sturdy and versatile flat-handlebar hybrid bikes .
Quality models will have light alloy frames and the spec should exist comparable to an developed bike at the aforementioned toll point.
Woom Off 6
Woom
- Off 6: €849 / $899
- Off Air 6: €999 / $ane,049
The largest of Woom's kids' bikes, the Off vi is an off-road build for riders from 140cm to 165cm (approximately 10 years and over). This model features a rigid carbon fibre fork, or you lot tin opt for the Woom Off Air half dozen to add together 90mm of air suspension up-front.
Both options are built around a high-quality aluminium alloy frame with 26in wheels, and are kitted out with 9 gears and hydraulic disc brakes.
Transition Ripcord
Transition
- £1,699 / $1,699
With 100mm of front and rear travel, this total-susser is for young shredders who want to take on everything and annihilation.
The Ripcord offers a depression standover pinnacle, progressive geometry, RockShox Judy fork and Monarch R daze, plus Shimano brakes and a SRAM NX ane 10 xi drivetrain.
Transition says the bike is designed for everything from trail shredding to bicycle-park ripping. With an air fork and shock, there's a good deal of adaptability too.
Information technology's no surprise that the Ripcord is loftier on price with this spec, simply this is a bike that won't exist holding whatever child dorsum.
- £1,699 / $one,699
Kona Process 24
Kona
- £2,049 / $2,099
The Kona Process is a very pop cycle with the grown-ups, and now kids can arrive on the action too.
This scaled-downwards version keeps the progressive geometry and high spec, and as well offers a seriously fun and operation-focused ride for children who want to race and ride hard.
120mm of front and 100mm rear travel is tuned for lighter riders, with a Manitou Machete air-sprung fork and RockShox Palatial Solo Air shock, plus Shimano Deore ten-speed drivetrain and 2.35in Kenda Kinetics tyres.
Frog 69 and Frog 73
Frog
- Frog 69: £430 / $590
- Frog 73: £440 / $670
Frog, a British company defended to making lightweight bikes for children, has a range of options including road bikes, mountain bikes and hybrids.
The 69 and 73 are both flat-bar hybrid bikes that are simple even so versatile plenty to deal with the ride to school too as after-school antics.
The number refers to the frame size, with the 69 suitable for ages 10 to 12 and the 73 for ages 12 to xiv (or thereabouts, summit dependant).
Best bikes for teenagers
For teenagers, you'll be able to selection from a wide range of bikes, including smaller sizes of adult bikes. You can also get junior versions of bikes that take a slightly smaller wheel size, such equally road bikes with 650b wheels rather than the adult 700c wheels, and mountain bikes with 26in wheels rather than the now more common 27.5in wheels, or even 29ers.
You lot may want to consult (stealthily if information technology's supposed to exist a surprise purchase) with your kid about the type, brand and colour of bike they're after.
If your teenager is really getting into their sport, there are at present plenty of high-quality race-fix route and mountain bikes that will cultivate their competitive edge.
Islabikes Creig
Islabikes
- £799.99–£1099.99
The Creig is an aluminium-framed hardtail mountain bike with progressive geometry, that'due south designed to suit a smaller rider. A high-quality RockShox xxx Gilded air fork tin can exist tuned to suit the child'due south weight and riding weather.
Four bicycle sizes hateful there'south a Creig for riders anile from just eight years right the way through to teens.
The Creig 27'southward spec highlights include that adjustable RockShox air fork, SRAM Level hydraulic disc brakes and a unmarried-chainring transmission from SRAM.
- Buy straight from Islabikes
Islabikes Luath
Islabikes
- £799.99–£899.99
The Luath from Islabikes is such a versatile bike that you can order it with road, cyclocross or gravel tyres. Similar the rest of Islabikes' range, it'due south a proper scaled-downwardly version of a serious bike that will practise justice to fifty-fifty the most committed of young riders.
Spec highlights include a lightweight aluminium frame with a carbon fork, Tektro cable disc brakes with levers designed specifically for smaller hands and a 1x drivetrain that keeps things elementary, secure and light.
Four sizes hateful there are options for riders from just eight years old through to mid-teens.
- Purchase direct from Islabikes
Canyon K Canyon Young Hero
Canyon
- £649
Inspired by the adult Grand Canyon range, this 27.5in-cycle hardtail mountain cycle is designed to provide a competent introduction to the world of off-road riding.
The sleek aluminium frame is fitted with a 100mm SR Suntour XCR break fork for control likewise as comfort, while Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes provide plenty of easy-to-use stopping ability. The M Canyon Young Hero has 11 gears from its Shimano Deore M5100 groupset.
Grips, saddle, pedals and cockpit are all Canyon's ain, and are designed to arrange smaller riders.
What else should yous consider when buying a kids' bicycle?
Now we're going to take a closer await at what else you need to consider when ownership a kids' bicycle, including suspension, weight, gears and brakes, and protection.
Blazon of bicycle
Courtesy
The unlike styles of bikes will be more varied as your child grows. In the early stages, kids' bikes tend to be rigid, flat-bar bikes, from balance bikes through to early pedal cycles. Off-route bikes with wider tyres and potentially a break fork comes afterward, as do drop-bar road bikes.
What's essential is getting the fundamental skills mastered in the early stages, rather than trying to specialise into any particular cycling bailiwick yet.
Should you buy a bike with suspension?
Go Outdoors
Thinking of looking for a bike with intermission for your budding shredder? In short, don't. For really immature children, when inflated to the correct pressures, tyres can provide all the suspension they need.
For children of a really young historic period and small size, suspension forks not merely make the bike much heavier, and therefore harder to handle, but can too be a lot more expensive.
It's much better to opt for a rigid cycle with expert brakes and wider tyres, leaving the added complexity of suspension for when they've grown a little and mastered the fundamentals without information technology.
Weight
Black Mountain
Cycle weight is something we've mentioned already, but it's worth emphasing again.
Because children are much lighter than adults, their bike's comparative weight becomes really important, and has a big effect on how easy the bike is to ride and handle.
Information technology's a proficient idea to choose the lightest bike that yous can afford within your upkeep at the optimum size for your child. This should make the whole process more than enjoyable for your young cyclist, and for you lot besides!
Gears and brakes
Specialized
Don't be surprised if the bikes you lot're looking at don't feature many gears – this doesn't mean bad value for money. These are typically reserved for larger kids' bikes, and hence older children, so that there are merely one or two new things to concentrate on learning for each new bike size.
Many starting time pedal bikes will be either singlespeed or merely characteristic a few gears. Every bit they increase in size, you'll find viii-speed cassettes and single chainring options, for example.
Likewise equally keeping things uncomplicated in the early stages, limiting the gears too helps to keep bikes lightweight. As a kid grows in both size and ability, gears get more of import for longer rides, where they're more likely to run into a hill or two.
You're likely to detect either rim or disc brakes, with levers on the handlebars. You might even discover a pedal brake, or coaster brake, which is a legal requirement for kids' bikes with a maximum seat height of 25in or less that are sold in the US.
While coaster brakes, which are practical by backpedalling, are often thought to be easier for children to employ, causing fewer accidents due to harsh braking, they don't give quite every bit much control as rim or disc brakes, particularly when it comes to riding off-road.
On the handlebars, the brakes are not only smaller than adults' bikes, but also feature adjustable brake levers so you can reduce the achieve for smaller easily. Gear shifting is often through a grip shifter, which can have less strength to shift.
Protection
Ben Delaney / Firsthand Media
While y'all're shopping for your child'due south first wheel, it's also a actually good idea to check out the protection on offer. A helmet is crucial here, and information technology needs to be well-fitting to be safety. Make certain that it doesn't move effectually at all when fitted before you buy.
Our buyer's guide to kids' helmets offers a few recommendations, as well as help to ensure y'all get a well-fitting helmet for your kid.
For children just getting to grips with riding, it might be a good thought to invest in some knee and elbow pads too, which can help avoid the almost inevitable bumps and scrapes that come up with learning how to ride.
Ane final point worth mentioning – many kids' bikes come with a chainguard and that's often useful to keep little hands clean and safe.
Over to you
Woom
And in that location you take information technology – everything y'all demand to know nearly buying a kids' bike.
There'south quite a lot to recollect virtually when choosing a bike for a child, but essentially the nearly crucial parts are getting the size right, and making sure your little cyclist feels comfortable, safe and confident in the saddle.
A fun and happy learning experience is cardinal to building a hobby that a kid will keep coming dorsum to. Information technology volition also ensure that you really get your coin's worth from your investment, rather than the cycle simply getting relegated to the shed and forgotten about!
Finally, if y'all are considering doing the school or nursery run by wheel, we take plenty of advice for commuting with kids.
Source: https://www.bikeradar.com/advice/buyers-guides/best-kids-bikes-a-buyers-guide/
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