Choosing the right bike for your child.

As soon as they’ve learnt to ride a bike, kids can enjoy a new found freedom and independence whilst getting out into the fresh air and keeping active. It also means some amazing family bike rides and trips are on the cards. But first things first, you’ve got to buy the right bike. Safety and comfort are most important, so follow these tips to ensure that you make the correct choice.

The right size

The most vital thing to consider when purchasing a new first bike is size. It’s difficult and – most importantly – dangerous to be riding a bike that is too big and uncontrollable. Your child should be able to touch the ground with their toes when sitting in the saddle and have enough room to stand over the top tube when they’re not – as well as grip the brakes with ease.

Whilst we know size is key – the best way to find out the size your child needs is to actually get them on the bike. However, if you are planning on buying the bike as a surprise Christmas gift – here is a table of average ages, heights and inseam leg measurements that can give you a good idea of the wheel size you’ll be going for:

Age	Height	Inseam	Wheel Size
3-5 yrs	98-112cm	46-55cm	12″
4-6 yrs	105-117cm	51-60cm	14″
5-7 yrs	112-125cm	56-65cm	16″
6-8 yrs	117-129cm	57-66cm	18″“
7-9 yrs	125-136cm	68-81cm	20″
8-11yrs	130-141cm	75-88cm	24″

Other things to think about

Most children will use one bike for everything, so with 20in and 24in wheel bikes for older children especially; you should be looking out for versatility. It should be suitable for off-road riding and travelling to school or friends’ houses.

As children are smaller, lighter and weaker; weight has a bigger effect on the manoeuvrability and ease of use in comparison to an adult-sized bike. If the bike is too heavy, the experience will become arduous and lose its fun, so the weight of it is another priority to keep in mind.

Don’t forget to consider colours and patterns – of course! Rather than boring old safety, appearance will be top of the list for your child, so don’t dismiss it.

Get your family outdoors this winter and make the most of the summer to come – Get a bike this Christmas – a bike is always the perfect gift for children and adults alike.

This is a collaborative post