How to choose a bike for the child's height?

The choice of a child's vehicle is a responsible event for parents. In order to choose a bicycle of the right size for a child, there are several parameters that are recommended to be taken into account in the process of studying the proposed range of models.

Experts, answering questions regarding the selection of a child's riding device, are of the opinion that taking into account only the growth of the future cyclist will not be entirely correct. This is due to individual characteristics that relate to the sex of the baby, inherited genetic qualities and other specific characteristics.

The bicycles that the manufacturer offers today have a clear gradation in wheel diameter, where the range can fluctuate up or down by only 20-30 centimeters.

The data on which it is customary to navigate when making an independent choice can help a parent choose a bike for height, but when buying, you should not focus only on the size table provided by the manufacturer. So, according to the height of the child bicycles with different wheel sizes can be considered for purchase.

This category includes vehicles recommended for children aged one to three years. Typically, existing models will have a wheel diameter of 12 inches.

Models can have pedals or be represented by fairly popular balance bikes.Bicycles with the smallest wheels usually have special safety wheels on the rear wheel, and can be equipped with a parent handle.

Their weight will be minimal, and the design and equipment will be colorful and attractive. In addition, models can have a special protection on the steering wheel, a soft seat with a high back. The radius of the frame is usually underestimated. This feature makes it easier to climb onto the bike, and the side wheels will provide it with stability. The wheels have a rubber frame, the chain is equipped with a protective cover.

The next category of bicycles, which is intended for children from 3-4 years old to 6 years old, can have a wheel size from 14 to 16 inches. Such children's devices are not much different from the previous class of bicycles. In order to choose a bike for the child's height and not be mistaken with the diameter of the cameras, they usually focus on the individual parameters of each rider.

As a rule, the question of buying a vehicle of a larger size arises in cases where the previous model no longer matches the size and preferences of the child. Bicycles with wheel diameters of 14 or 16 inches can be two-wheeled, with or without pedals. Such designs may have a hand brake; a rear foot brake system will be required.

Conventionally, models from this series are classified as suitable for preschool children. For this growth, manufacturers offer models with 16-inch wheels. Also, bicycles can have a rear or front hand brake. For beginner cyclists, some products are sold with removable training side wheels. Usually, such options are more suitable for children who have already mastered the skills of driving and maintaining balance, and are also able to actively pedal without assistance.

Besides, in the established height range, there are models recommended for children from 7 to 10 years old. In this case, the bicycles will have wheels of 18 or 20 inches. Lateral safety wheels are no longer required for these variants. The gadgets stand out for their similarity to older bikes, but in miniature.

Manufacturers of children's vehicles also sell models with 22 "or 24" wheels. According to the established standards, such bicycles are suitable for children aged 9-13 years. And also for children whose height exceeds 135 centimeters, products with 26-inch wheels can be considered. These varieties are not much different from adult bicycles in terms of equipment, without fail have a good high-speed transmission and shock absorber system.

Similar recommendations regarding the correct determination of the correct wheel diameter on children's bicycles should be taken into account when buying a vehicle.

Another way to correctly determine the diameter of a wheel is with a simple test. It is necessary to put the cyclist on the selected model - if the foot does not reach the pedal, the diameter of the wheels in the selected version will be large. For a pedalless person, you can use a special calculation formula, when the actual height of the child in centimeters must be divided by 2.5. After that, the result will need to be converted into inches. The resulting number will be the size of the vehicle wheel.

Most often, the manufacturer offers children's bicycles with a frame made of steel or aluminum. The latter type of models stands out for its minimum weight, which allows the child to easily control the device, as well as perform tricks or maneuvers on it while moving. Products with a steel frame will be more durable, but in terms of their weight, they will stand out for their high values.

In addition to the selection of a bicycle according to the type of raw materials used for the manufacture of the main component, manufacturers are guided by a certain table of the ratio of the child's height and the size of the bicycle frame. The parameter grid looks like this:

• if the child's height is in the range of 90-100 centimeters with a weight of up to 20 kilograms, the optimal frame size will be 8 inches;
• a child ride-on device with a 10-inch frame is intended for cyclists with a height of 110-120 centimeters and a weight of about 35 kilograms;
• for a child up to 50 kilograms with a height of 130-140 centimeters, it is recommended to purchase models with a 12-inch frame;
• teenage varieties with a frame size of 14 inches are designed for children weighing up to 65 kilograms with a height of 145 to 155 centimeters.

As for the purchase of bicycles with an initially large frame for future use, such a purchase can be a mistake.

As in the case of the selection of wheels of a suitable diameter, in order not to be mistaken with the choice of the optimal and convenient size of the bicycle frame in the model you like, it would be most correct to go for the purchase of a children's vehicle together with a growing cyclist.

And also today, manufacturers of children's products have found an alternative solution for consumers who, for one reason or another, do not have the opportunity to purchase a bicycle with a "fitting". This applies to products with adjustable frame sizes. By purchasing such a bike, you can provide your child with a vehicle for 3-4 years.

If you manage to go for the purchase of a bike together with the future owner, then it will be much easier to determine the appropriate frame size. To do this, the child needs to climb on the bike in a standing position with a frame located between the legs.

Next, you need to test the bike in a sitting position - the child settles down on the seat, lowers the foot with a straightened leg on the pedal, and then scrolls it. If the knees of the cyclist do not touch the handlebars during movement, then the model will be suitable in size.

After the fundamental issues of choosing the right wheel diameter, as well as the size of the bicycle frame for the height of a toddler or teenager, have been resolved, you should pay attention to equally important accessories for a cyclist. They can be roughly divided into functional or decorative components.

The latter will be in demand on bicycle models intended for the younger age group. It can be a removable basket for toys or other little things, a music panel. Children from 3 years old are recommended to install a hand brake, bell or rear-view mirror. Such additional accessories will be useful for development, concentration, motor skills, orientation in space.

For older children, as well as for small two-wheeled bicycles, it is worth getting protective equipment - buy a helmet, a special bike lock. A removable flashlight for evening walks will be useful. Teenage models, for example, can be operated with a phone stand or bike counter.

Despite the fact that the fundamental parameters, which should be taken into account when choosing a bicycle for a child in height will be the dimensions of the frame and wheels; when buying, you should also pay attention to no less important points.

• Deserves special attention bike weight. This characteristic directly depends on the type of raw materials used for the manufacture of the vehicle. In the case when the cyclist has to independently remove the device from the home, its mass can play an important role.

• For children's designs, an important element is bicycle chain protection. As a rule, it is a metal plate. This component reduces the risk of traumatic situations, as well as troubles related to damage to clothing.

• Quality braking system - an important nuance for bicycles of any age category. In models for the smallest, the brake should be represented by a foot version; in the basic configuration for schoolchildren and adolescents, the brakes are already of the manual type.

• And also for children's vehicles, an important detail will be wings. Such a component will be a good protection against contamination.

In the next video, you will learn how to choose the size of a bike for a child and what nuances you should pay attention to.