Bicycles for teenage boys: the best models and selection criteria
A bicycle is an excellent tool for developing physical activity for a child at any age and for an adult. If choosing this type of transport for a 3-5-year-old kid does not seem difficult, then bicycles for teenage boys are already a more serious purchase. Children grow up very quickly, not every family has the opportunity to buy a device every time a child outgrows a vehicle.
Therefore, parents are increasingly trying to buy universal bikes that can be used at different ages. Already at 6-9 years old, you can start looking for models that are suitable for 8-13 years old. The choice of teenage bicycles has its own characteristics, and they must be taken into account.
Peculiarities
There are certain height standards by which manufacturers declare the age category for bicycles. For example, at 10 years old, the growth of a child starts from 133 cm. Of course, these figures are approximate, sometimes a boy at 7 years old may have such growth. Models from 20 to 26 inches are most suitable for this category, the average optimal value for a teenage bike wheel is 24 inches. When a child grows up to 155 cm, the approximate age group is 12-15 years old, he can already acquire an adult model.
It must be remembered that not all adolescents are independent enough to solve problems, learn to maneuver, and are able to take responsibility for their actions and actions. Therefore, the purchase of an adult bicycle is always in the competence and responsibility of the parents.
When choosing a transport for an adult child, you should figure out what the varieties are.
Views
First of all, you need to determine on what terrain the child will ride, and how he does it:
- standard skating in an urban setting, in the yard, to an educational institution, in a park;
- travel with parents, take long walks.
The answer to this question will limit the selection to one of the categories.
- Urban type. Such transport is suitable for driving around the city, relatively flat roads, asphalt. Urban models are comfortable for riding, you can ride together, carry girls, but they are not suitable for extreme trips.
- Mountain type... Suitable for active walks in the country, travel, copes well with obstacles. Landing on such a sports bike with an inclination of the back. These variations are good for training, developing leg muscles. Mountain bikes are equipped with gears.
- Folding bicycle. A very useful variety that can significantly save storage space.
But they are not recommended for active adolescents and extreme types of movement.
How to choose?
The main selection criterion is the child's height. There are standards for the age, height and size of the frame and wheels. Of course, all norms are conditional - first of all, you need to focus on actual indicators, to assess the genetic characteristics of the family and parents. Average indicators:
- for 6-7 years old - wheel size 20 inches;
- for 8-9 years old - frame 13-14, wheel 24 inches;
- for 10-13 years old - frame 14-15, wheel 26 inches;
- for 14-15 years old - frame 16-17, wheel 26 inches.
Be sure to test the device before buying, try it on for a child:
- compare different sizes in the store;
- the apparatus should be easy to lift;
- the leg is thrown effortlessly;
- sitting in the saddle, with your feet you should reach the lowest position of the pedals;
- the best models allow you to adjust the height of the seat;
- check how free your hands are on the steering wheel, whether there is any hunchback in the pose, whether the steering wheel is too far away;
- then you need to ride a bike and evaluate your experience.
As for the design, color scheme, this decision should be entrusted to a teenager. Experts recommend taking into account the following nuances when choosing:
- it is not worth buying bicycles for growth, it is enough for the device to last 2-3 years;
- give up too heavy models, even if they are well equipped - it will be difficult for a child to carry it;
- a large number of transmissions are of no value to a beginner; on the contrary, they can distract and interfere with concentration;
- 24-inch wheels are good in speed, easy to operate, easy acceleration, such a device is maneuverable;
- It is better to buy a 26-inch bike for an adult child who has a good driving experience.
You should not buy too cheap devices, and there are quite a few reasons for this:
- children are very active, so an inexpensive model is unlikely to last long, especially if long walks outside the city are expected;
- most often inexpensive bicycles are made of steel, the equipment is rather bulky, so the weight increases significantly, more expensive frames are made of aluminum, it is stronger and lighter.
But buying too expensive models is impractical:
- exclusive, expensive models are often equipped with functionality that a child will not need, for example, models on cast disks are much more expensive, but do not have much value, except for their appearance;
- children grow up very quickly, so in 2-3 years a very expensive bicycle will have to be sold;
- teenagers are not too responsible and often clumsy, so the appearance of an ultra-expensive bicycle is unlikely to last long.
The optimal solution is the middle price category, which will be quite reliable, will last the required period, and its purchase and resale will not cause significant damage to the budget.
Popular models rating
In order not to be disappointed in the purchase, it is better to choose models from trusted manufacturers that have proven themselves in the market.
Stinger Banzai:
- wheels 24 inches;
- 2-hanging model;
- suitable for off-road riding;
- mountain type, with a sturdy frame;
- excellent shock absorption system;
- the brakes are reliable;
- sports saddle;
- weight 16 kg.
Stinger Caiman:
- wheels 24 inches;
- the manufacturer declares the age category from 8 to 15 years;
- cast steel frame;
- two braking systems;
- you can ride a bike comfortably on bad roads;
- the steering wheel and seat are adjustable;
- weight 16 kg;
- does not take up much space during storage.
Stels Navigator-400:
- mountain type, which is equally convenient for walking around the city and off-road driving;
- sturdy frame;
- 24-inch wheels;
- reliable brakes;
- sports saddle;
- warning signal, support type footrest;
- 18 speeds;
- weight 15 kg.
Stels Navigator-440:
- declared for adolescents above 125 cm;
- very expressive design;
- 24-inch wheels;
- shock absorption provides a comfortable ride in all conditions;
- two brake systems, easy to use;
- equipped with mud flaps;
- ideal for driving in the city and off-road;
- a high degree of riding comfort;
- double frame construction;
- 18 speeds.
Stels Navigator-490:
- belongs to the top models for adolescence;
- lightweight frame, 24-inch wheels;
- 21 speed;
- mechanical brakes, reliable;
- high degree of amortization;
- there is a footboard, protective shields.
Stels Pilot-230 Gent:
- 20-inch wheels;
- very reliable, suitable for children from 6 to 9 years old;
- aluminum frame;
- double type brake system;
- soft seat;
- warning signal;
- steel wheel arches.
Desna Meteor:
- wheels 24 inches;
- stylish design;
- well suited for walking in the city;
- high quality tires;
- steel frame;
- reliable, durable model;
- 6 speeds.
Altair MTB HT:
- wheel diameter - 24 inches;
- age category from 9 to 15 years old;
- 18 speeds;
- front and rear brakes;
- there is protection from dirt;
- good shock absorption.
Forward Unit:
- excellent device for getting around the city;
- age category up to 10 years;
- the wheels are large, the speed is average;
- rim type brakes, very reliable;
- no depreciation;
- lightweight, weight 12 kg;
- there is a footrest, protection from dirt.
Stark Rocket:
- very reliable, durable, albeit simple apparatus;
- suitable for beginners;
- has established itself as an urban, but you can move around rough terrain without problems;
- wheels 20 inches;
- sturdy aluminum frame;
- powerful protectors;
- two types of brakes;
- curved steering wheel, height adjustable;
- there is a footrest, wheel arch liners.
Soldier 2.5:
- folding model;
- disc brakes, hydraulic system;
- easy to transport;
- age category from 15 years old;
- comfortable curved steering wheel.
For an overview of the best children's bicycles, see the following video.