Bicycle for a girl: types and choices

Sooner or later in the life of almost every girl there comes a moment when a bicycle is bought for her. How to choose a bike for a young lady, what to look for?

Girls 'bicycles have several features that differentiate transport from boys' models. First of all, this is a lowered upper frame tube or its complete absence. This allows girls to ride even in skirts and dresses. The exception is sports bike models, which are usually thought of by manufacturers as unisex.

The frame is also compact, lighter and fits with a narrower handlebar. The seat on girly bikes is wider and softer. The design of such a model also stands out. Usually transport has light or, on the contrary, bright shades (pink, red, yellow).

Conventionally, all existing bicycles can be divided according to their age of the child.

A children's bicycle for these little ones is tricycles or balance bikes, as well as a four-wheeled bicycle. These are models with a comfortable footrest, a wider seat with a backrest and seat belts, and a handle for the parent (like a wheelchair) to control the bike. Usually, such models are equipped with additional toys - removable rattles, bright buttons, etc.

During this period, you can buy a baby a two-wheeled bicycle with a wheel diameter of 12-inches and a height of 100-110 cm (a folding bicycle of this type is often found). These bikes are equipped with two small wheels at the back, which allows the baby to quickly learn how to balance. Some parents make the mistake of attaching the auxiliary wheels higher. They think that this will speed up the learning process. However, this will only lead to the fact that the bike will roll in one direction or the other, preventing the child from learning how to keep balance.

For them, manufacturers also offer two-wheeled models, but for a height of 116-120 cm with 16-inch wheels. For convenience, these models are also equipped with side removable casters.

For this category of cyclists, bicycles with 20-inch wheels, designed for a height of 120-135 cm, are suitable.If a girl is just starting to master a bike (she has little experience in riding), it is better to purchase a simpler single-speed model for her. Make sure that the vehicle is equipped with foot brakes and a rigid fork.

For them, a bicycle with a wheel diameter of 24 inches, designed for a height of 135-150 cm, will be optimal. This junior model looks very similar to an adult bike. In this group, single-speed models are also distinguished and those that have several speeds.

For girls of this age, bikes are produced with wheel sizes of 26 inches and a height of 145-168 cm. They are similar to older bicycles with similar wheel sizes, but are more compact in size. There are also several models that differ in speed characteristics. The latter can have up to 24 gears of speed and suspension forks up to 100 mm. Starting from 24-26 inches wheel diameter, bikes are differentiated as road, motocross, speed bikes, etc.

Bicycles for babies are usually made in bright colors, they have images of cartoon and fairy-tale characters on them. The older a girl gets, the more restrained her bike model becomes. Of course, until about primary school age, girls prefer pretty red, hot pink, yellow, and multi-colored bikes. Blue, purple, turquoise options look good. Bicycles for schoolgirls are available in calmer colors - beige, light pink and pastel shades, gray, white.

Almost every bicycle for a girl from 2 to 4 years old has various baskets and stands for toys, bottle holders, and special stands for legs. A child can put feet on them if he is tired of pedaling. There is usually a container behind the bike, which is convenient for storing outdoor toys (for example, a sandbox kit). Three-wheeled structures must be equipped with a removable handle for controlling transport by parents.

Two-wheeled models for girls from 4 years old already have additional small wheels. They make it easier to learn how to ride a bike, they are removable. Additional accessories include a basket, a flashlight, and a rear-view mirror. Sometimes - brushes on the steering wheel, various decorative elements. The older the girl, the more functional and laconic in terms of accessories her bike becomes. The only thing that is invariable is the presence of a signal, a rear-view mirror, sometimes a basket or a bottle holder on the frame.

Consider popular bike models for girls.

• STELS Joy 12. Model with 12-inch wheels and steel frame. Has a foot brake and 2 additional wheels. There is an additional basket on the steering wheel, the seat is spring-loaded. A similar model STELS Echo 12 (2015) has the same technical characteristics, as an addition - a toy stand on the steering wheel, brushes on the steering wheel.
• STELS Pilot 120 16. 16 '' bike with steel frame, rear foot brake and additional wheels. Additional items include a stand for a bottle of water, a rear-view mirror.
• Stark Bliss Girl. 20 "model in white. Frame material - aluminum (bike weight - 12.5 kg). There are wings above the wheels that protect the bike and the child's body from falling stones and other small elements flying from under the wheels.
• TREK Mystic 20. 20-inch bike with aluminum alloy frame. Brake - rear foot brake, there is also an additional rear rim brake. The steering wheel is completed with a basket, the handles are equipped with silicone pads, and the chain is hidden under a protective casing.

Today, baby products are a lucrative business. That is why literally every year there are up to a dozen new companies producing bikes for girls. Preference should be given to all the same reliable and time-tested brands. These include the domestic manufacturer Stels, whose products are produced on European equipment.

The Giant brand, which specializes in bicycles with a lightweight aluminum frame, stands out for the highest quality and affordability. Trek bikes receive positive reviews (an American manufacturer known for racing bicycles for adults), Merida (Taiwan, one of the few manufacturers whose products fully meet stringent standards).

When choosing a bicycle transport for a child under 9 years old, it is enough to choose the right size of the vehicle. Of course, it is important to choose a design that your child likes. For girls over 9 years old, in addition to size, one of the selection criteria is which roads the child will drive.

For those girls for those who prefer leisurely bike rides around the city, you can purchase an entry-level budget bike... If there is a young racer in the family who prefers speed and smooth roads, choose a high-speed bike with a high-quality transmission.

It is important to choose a bike for the child's height. At the lowest point of torsion of the pedals, the legs should be fully extended, at the top - bent, but not touch the steering wheel. In this case, the entire arch of the foot should lie on the pedal. If the child only touches the pedals with his toes, then the transport is too big. After that, do the next test - try turning the steering wheel 90 degrees. It should work fine. Moreover, at this moment, the child's hands should reach the steering wheel in its extreme positions (that is, when turning). The width of the steering column must match the width of the shoulders.

For babies, it is better to purchase aluminum frames. Of course, they are inferior to steel ones in strength, but it will be easier for the baby to handle it due to the lower weight. Put the girl next to the bike. The height of the bottom frame should ideally be 10 centimeters below the crotch level. Then the use of the bike will be more convenient and less traumatic in the event of the risk of an accident. In a good bike, the seat height is adjustable (done higher and lower), and the steering column should also be adjustable in height and angle.

A limiter on the steering wheel is required. Otherwise, there is a high risk of loss of control and accident. For tire safety, also choose wide tires with clear tread. The child's legs will be protected from getting stuck in the wheel chain by the presence of a protective cover on it. A good model is one that has both a hand brake and a foot brake. Not at all speeds, you can quickly stop the bike with the hand brake. In this case, the foot will help out.

How to choose a bike for a girl from 3 years old, see below.