Teenage bicycles for children over 9 years old
There are very few children who will not be happy to ride a bike. But each age group has its own requirements for such transport. It is useful to understand what bicycles for teenagers from 9 years old are.
Peculiarities
It should be borne in mind that not all children grow up in exact accordance with the average tables used by manufacturers and sellers. Therefore, it does not make much sense to build on these tables. It is recommended to measure the height of the main user and divide it sequentially by 2.5 and 2.54. Then you can find out what the optimal wheel size will be.
Considering the rapid and uneven growth in this age group, we can confidently say that even calculations do not allow you to accurately choose a bike for a child. You will definitely have to make direct fitting. There must be at least 0.1 m from the frame to the crotch. If this figure is less, the rider will not be able to quickly leave the bike as needed.
In any case, you cannot buy children's bicycles for growth - although this requirement may seem formulaic, it is worth repeating it.
Selection recommendations
A teenage bike for riders 9 years old and older, like any other model, is best purchased at specialized sports stores. Hypermarkets, markets, department stores such as Detsky Mir sell goods of lower quality, which are sold faster due to their low prices. What is sold in the toy department is usually pretty and attractive, but impractical on the road. And the choice in the specialized trade is much more varied.
The models of the following advanced brands will definitely be the best:
- Kross;
- Ghost;
- Schwinn;
- Stels;
- Cannondale;
- Stark.
Be sure to pay attention to the opinion of the children themselves. It is most valuable here - any recommendations from manufacturers, experts and sellers.
This is useful not only for taking into account any subtleties, but also so that children themselves can choose the most suitable model in the future. And an increase in self-esteem, involvement in adulthood is also important. As for the price, it is better to focus on the average level (unless there is an intention to save as much as possible or get strictly defined characteristics).
Much attention must be paid to the material of the frame. Steel stainless alloys are extremely durable and mechanically resistant. They are ideal for a boy seeking to conquer "new horizons". Between the ages of 9 and 12, it is already extremely difficult to constantly supervise the child - and it is not necessary. It is better to give him a bike on which you can at least briefly drive off-road without consequences.
Aluminum alloy frames can significantly lighten the entire structure. But it is important to understand that this results in a drop in strength. Besides the lighter the bike, the lower its directional stability. Even experienced athletes find it difficult to keep it on a given trajectory.
Synthetic composite materials are also often used.
Carbon is lightweight and relatively strong. It effectively dampens vibration and is absolutely corrosion resistant. However, carbon is quite fragile and easily damaged even from a not too strong impact. Moreover, it is quite expensive. That's why most people have to choose between steel and aluminum frames.
It is imperative to think about the type of wheels. Rubber (they are also inflatable) propellers are very comfortable for the rider. On such wheels it is convenient to pass even areas with uneven hard surface. However, the danger of puncturing the camera severely limits their use. Besides, inflating the inflatable wheel must occur regularly, otherwise it loses its valuable qualities.
The foam rubber is devoid of any air chambers. Therefore, a tire puncture is possible only in such a situation when it will be the least problem. And there is no need to pump air. The difficulty is that this structure does not absorb well.
When it comes to how to find a bike for a younger teenage group, you also need to pay attention to the brakes.
Given the activity of children at this age, Mechanical disc brakes are the best option. Unlike hydraulic ones, they are much less susceptible to destruction when dropped or hit. If it is difficult to figure out which brake is better - foot brake or controlled from the steering wheel - you need to choose the combined option.
As for the pedals, then plastic products look completely frivolous already at the age of 6 years. Therefore, the only option is strong steel.
Whether to choose sports bike models or not - you need to decide for yourself. Of course, a single speed is enough for city driving. But it is rare for a child to resist the temptation to perform a risky trick or compete with classmates in driving speed. Therefore, investments of this kind are quite justified. In addition, sports models differ:
- increased ground clearance (very important in hard-to-reach areas);
- wide rudders;
- intermediate in relation to road and road bikes rider landing;
- variety of available speeds;
- equipped with disc brakes or a V-Brake stop system.
Finally, it is worth mentioning some of the subtleties that are often forgotten when choosing a children's bike. Even if the frame itself is made of light alloys, the body kit and additional accessories can significantly increase the weight of the structure. As a result, a bike made of steel with a simpler structure and fewer additives is sometimes preferable.
With regard to folding models, they are always preferable to those that do not unfold. After all, you will definitely have to carry your bike (if not by car, then by bus, tram, train), drag it over curbs and underground passages, and climb stairs.
Very good, if the steering wheel is equipped with soft foam rubber pads... Then it will be pleasant to tackle it even on cold and windy autumn days. Lining the pedals with rubber is also helpful. It is extremely important to inspect all parts and make sure that they do not have sharp cutting edges. It is worth finding out what kind of paint the manufacturer used, and how resistant it is.
Child safety depends on the use of reflectors. They should not be neglected. You also need to figure out how comfortable the seat is to use. It is very useful to cover the chain with a special shield. Finally, choose bicycles with fenders over the wheels.
Rating
When buying a bicycle for a teenager 10 years old, you should pay attention to Stinger banzai... Its 24-inch wheels will drive well even on rough roads. The frame and other parts of the frame are fairly stable. Their mechanical strength is achieved through the use of a steel alloy. The shock-absorbing system will relieve 100% of discomfort on hard-to-reach road sections; the total weight of the bike will be 16 kg.
Not a bad choice can be Stels mustang... Its wheels are also 24 inches in diameter. The designers have provided a pair of reliable shock absorbers and an 18-speed transmission. The design is optimized for riding on uneven terrain. The seat and handlebars are adjusted to the required height. The frame proves to be a reliable support in almost any situation.
Will definitely make a good impression on kids who love speed Author Ultrasonic bike, which has a rigid fork and a relatively advanced transmission.
Conquering off-road and weeds is good for Mirage 24equipped with a shock absorbing fork.
You can save money by choosing Author A-Matrix on an aluminum frame or Matrix 24 based on steel. Even more profitable is the purchase of the Horst Stich, designed for 21 speeds.
And also it is worth taking a closer look at the options:
- Scott Scale RC JR 24;
- Scott Voltage JR 24;
- Scott Contessa JR 24.
For information on how to choose a teenage bike, see the video.