Search Articles
Browse Categories
Bikes for Kids
By Matt Bodziony
There are two key factors that are represented in kid’s bikes in specialty bicycle shops.
The first is the ability to fit our children to bikes that will not only fit them well but will allow them to grow into the bike through adjustable systems like Trek’s Dial concept “Bikes That Grow as Fast as They Do.” Trek kid’s bikes are built on the premise that kids don't have to outgrow everything. They call it Dialed Fit Specific - components that adjust to fit growth spurts. You dial in the perfect fit no matter their leaps or bounds. This is very important for the confidence of the user; it helps them to become proficient sooner and their skills dialed in quicker.
The second is the importance in building a bike that is an appropriate weight based on the size of the child. Light weight materials, like aluminum, are being used to help with the strength-to-weight ratio for a child who only weighs 45 pounds. In the past, that child would be riding a bike that was double his or her weight. Now, that weight has been reduced by a significant amount. All of this has made the handling of the bike a huge plus. The kids love the lighter weight bikes when they have to pedal up hills and parents appreciate the lighter weight as they load them on and off of the car bike racks!
We all want to get our kids on a bike as soon as possible. NBX and your local bike shop have some great choices!
Children’s bikes start at 12” to 16” with training wheels (if needed) and go up into the 20” wheel size. A really fun way to get your little one riding is called “striding” or “floating.” Instead of using training wheels to learn balance, a striding or floating bike is one in which the pedals have been removed. The Float by Trek Bicycles is a 16” version; it is light weight with a low stand over for the kids, which allows them to create momentum by paddling their feet and “striding” along. This, in turn, will teach them balance and control in a very fun way - without the need of training wheels! The great thing with this method is that kids can start “riding a bike” to build their confidence at a very young age. Then, once they have mastered the balancing part of bicycle riding, the pedals can be added on, and your young rider will be keeping up with the big kids!
The bicycle industry has lots of great choices for kids these days ranging from simple, single speed bikes to geared mountain bikes and even junior road bikes for the young “Lance Armstrong” in them. The BMX bicycles have multiple choices in this category as well. Bikes for racing, freestyle and dirt, all may look the same but are built for specific agendas for the kids - whether they are riding around the neighborhood, going to the local park and learning the latest trick, or competing all over New England.
The Mountain bike is a multi geared bike that introduces the shifting concept to kids for the first time. They start in the 20” wheel size and come in 24” with a fitted frame to the 26” wheel with multiple sized frames for a better fit and are “mini” adult bikes. Built with the same emphasis on light weight and performance in the quality of parts, and the durability over time, these bikes are great to get the kids really moving on the longer adventures as a family.
Which ever of these categories of bicycles is right for the child in your life, keep in mind the two most important considerations, a proper fit and the service relationship with your bicycle shop. These are important for adult or children’s bicycles. The fitting of a bicycle is important whether it’s a child’s first bike or an upgrade for an older child.
The purchase of a bike is a long term investment. You may need things over time, such as some adjustments on the bike to make your child’s ride more comfortable or an upgrade of a few parts. Whatever you need, it’s the old fashioned customer service that your independent bicycle shop can offer that is so important when purchasing your child’s next bicycle.
Matt Bodziony
Matt Bodziony is the owner of Narragansett Bikes – NBX in Narragansett, RI. Matt’s been involved in the cycling industry for more than 18 years in retail and both the competitive and promotional sides of cycling.
For more information on NBX shop rides or the local racing scene and other exciting stuff, please check out www.nbxbikes,com – or give Matt a call at the store at (401)782-4444.
Rating:
Comments
- No Comments Found. Submit Comment
|
Article Options |
Share your Opinion and WIN!
Take our quick survey & enter to WIN a gift certificate.