Buying a junior bike: our answers to your questions
We all remember the excitement of getting a new bike! Riding around the neighborhood, back and forth to school or going on an ice cream adventure.... Bikes are a great way for younger children to get outside, expand their world, get exercise and spend time with friends and family. For parents, buying a child's bike can be stressful and confusing, and bring its own set of questions! Here are our answers to the questions we get asked the most...
What is the size of a junior bike?
First of all, finding the right size is the first thing to consider when buying your child's bike. The right size will make the bike safer, make it easier to learn to ride, and make the bike more fun. Children's bikes are measured differently than adult bikes. Unlike adult bikes, the size of children's bikes depends on the size of the wheels. The smallest bikes usually start with 12" wheels (some balance bikes may have a 10" wheel) while the largest bikes have 24" wheels. After that, kids start using adult bikes.
At what age can my child begin to ride a bike?
New research shows that the earlier your child gets on a bike, the more likely they are to continue riding later in life. And if you ride yourself, you're probably eager to share the activity with your child. If your child has conquered walking, he or she is ready to use a balance bike. In other words, the sooner the better!
What is a balance bike?
While you may have learned to ride a bike with training wheels, balance bikes are now the more recommended way for children to learn to ride a bike. Balance bikes do not have pedals. The child uses his or her feet to move the bike forward. This is a great way to learn one of the most difficult aspects of riding a bike: balance on two wheels. Learning on a balance bike makes the transition to regular bikes as easy as adding pedals. Learning to ride a bike is less intimidating and training wheels will probably not be necessary.
What comes after a balance bike?
Balance bikes are mainly offered in two sizes: 10" and 12". They are recommended for toddlers and children under 5 years old. After the balance bike, it's time to move on to a bike with pedals. Choosing the next size of bike is going to depend on the size of your child. When selecting a bike, safety should be the number one priority. While it may be tempting to buy a bike that your child can grow with, a bike that is too big will not be safe or fun for your child.
How to know if the size of the bike is correct for my child?
You always want your children's feet to comfortably reach the floor when they sit in the seat. For some kids, that means tiptoeing, and for others, it may mean flat on the floor. When they stop, they can have full control like on a motorcycle. It is also important that the standover height is correct. With your child standing on the top tube, feet flat on the ground, there should be space between the top tube and the crotch.
If your child sits on the top tube, you should consider a smaller size or a model with a lower standover. Finally, your child should be able to easily reach the handlebars in a way that allows them to control the bike. If he or she has to stretch to reach the handlebars, he or she will not be able to control the bike effectively. As your child grows, you will need to raise the bike seat. Be sure to be careful not to go past the minimum insertion line on the seat post. Riding a seat past this point is dangerous and could cause the bicycle frame to malfunction. If you exceed this line, it is time to change bikes.
My child grows very fast! Can I buy a bike for several years?
Parents often ask us to purchase a size to accompany their child's development. We understand that you want to use the bike as much as possible, but we encourage you to consider the safety issues associated with buying a bike that is too big... especially if the child is still learning! An oversized bike can be difficult to balance and hard to stop.
When will my child be able to ride a bike with gears?
When your child is old enough for a 20" or 24" bike, you'll have the option of bikes with gears and hand brakes or a single speed with a brake where you pedal backwards to stop. To know which bike to buy, ask yourself these questions: Is your child comfortable enough on a bike to learn to use his hands? If not, he or she will need to concentrate on looking at the road and riding. Do they take long family rides or tackle hills? Gears will help. If training wheels are still needed, you should look at single-speed bikes.
What are the different types of junior bikes?
A major change in recent years has been the different options available for children's bikes. In addition to gears and braking, consider the type of terrain your child will be riding on. Whether he or she will be riding around the neighborhood with friends, doing tricks at the local skate park or mountain biking trails, there is a perfect bike for each of these activities. If your child is riding around the neighborhood with friends and family, going to and from school, or just riding wherever they go, a traditional kids bike is a great option. They usually have versatile tires to keep control on grass and dirt, but they are also suitable for riding on the street. These types of bikes are available in a wide range of sizes and gear options.
Should my child wear a helmet?
Helmets are essential for all young cyclists. And just like with the bike, fit is critical! You want to make sure you find a helmet that your child will find comfortable and quite nice: aesthetics is indeed a very important criteria at this age and will encourage him to wear it.
Riding in family, is it a good idea?
Once you have a bike for your child, ride as a family - even if it's just around the block to start! You'll have a chance to show your child how to safely navigate the roads. Studies show that kids are more likely to ride if a parent rides with them (in case you need an excuse to ride). Biking can be the perfect family adventure, one that takes you outside and away from the screens.
Vou now have all the information you need to anticipate the purchase of a bike for your child! To go even further, take a look at our 2023 catalog of junior bikes
Shop a junior bike on our online store and prepare your next family outing by shopping accessories ;)
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