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Your child is growing fast and will soon be ready to join you in your two-wheeled adventures! For the little ones, this will involve learning about balance, mobility, and eventually riding. In order for a child to gain confidence at each of these stages, it is essential for him or her to use a bike that is both well fitted and suitable for his or her size.
Consult our guide to help you choose the right bike for your child.
First and foremost, it's important to know that the size of the bike matches the dimension of its wheels. To choose a bike that is suitable for your children, you can consider their age, but it is more accurate to also rely on their height since not all children of the same age measure the same height.
To assist you, this chart will show which wheel size is suggested based on your child's age and/or height.
*Data provided for reference only, as each adjustment is unique.
Remember, the best way to choose a bike for your children is to let them try out different models. That way, you'll have a better chance of finding the one that brings them joy.
Usually, children start biking around the age of 2, once they have acquired and mastered walking. While parents have long been advised to first buy a tricycle due to its stability, another option is now available: the balance bike. Also known as a pedal-less bike or a running bike, it allows the child to have their feet on the ground rather than on the pedals.
This is a natural physiological position for learning balance. Once children have mastered the balance of running on a bike without pedals (hence the name "running bike"), they can cover greater distances without touching the ground. When it comes to moving forward on their own or getting up and down a curb, the learning bike gives young cyclists a certain amount of freedom of movement. Balance bikes come in a range of sizes to match the diameter of the wheels, but the most popular are 12-inch bikes.
Once the balance bike is controlled, you can go for a bike with pedals. And what about those famous little wheels on the sides? If your child started their learning journey with a balance bike, it is more likely that he or she won't need them. However, for a child who is just starting out or who is more cautious, training wheels will help to learn how to ride a pedal bike.
To choose the right size, have your child try out different models of bike and verify the following three points:
If your child's knees touch the handlebar while pedalling, it means the bike is too small for him or her.
Many parents mistakenly believe that buying a slightly larger bike will allow their child to keep it for a longer time. Unfortunately, this can promote incorrect position and even create a driving hazard (legs too short to reach the ground, arms too short to properly hold the handlebars and use the brakes, etc.). Riding a bike that is too small and no longer suitable for the child's height can also cause discomfort such as knee pain. Therefore, remember to choose a bike that is perfectly adapted to your child's size.
Several types of bikes are available in junior size, and are generally equipped with gears.
As with an adult bike, the type of bike you choose will depend on its intended use:
Once your youngster is taller than 5 feet 2 inches (1.60 meter), it's time to switch to an adult-sized bike.
Regardless of the type and size of the bike, it is important to make certain adjustments that will allow your child to feel perfectly comfortable on his or her bike.
1
Saddle height
The adjustable seat post allows you to adjust the height of the saddle as your child grows (until they are ready to move up to a larger bike size).
It allows for adjusting the position of their knees, which should never be completely bent or fully extended when your child is seated on the saddle with the feet on the pedals.
2
Frame height
It is essential that your child be able to comfortably stand with the legs on either side of the central bar, both feet touching the ground in a stable manner during stops.
If his or her crotch touches the frame, the bike is too big. If, on the other hand, the space between the frame and his or her crotch is too large, then the bike is too small for your child (except for BMX-type bikes, which feature a very low frame).
3
Handlebar position
If your child must lean too far forward to reach the handlebar, it's because it is not well adjusted (except for road bikes, which are often equipped with curved handlebar). It is important to ensure that your young cyclist doesn't experience back or shoulder pain while pedalling, especially during longer rides.
Start by having your child practice with you in parks or empty parking lots to build up his or her self-confidence. He or she will then be able to learn the basics of cycling in a quiet and safe environment.
Next, your young rider can join you on protected bike paths and then, gradually progress to safe secondary roads. Even though bikes are not legally allowed to ride on sidewalks, they are tolerated in many cities for children 10 years old and under with adult supervision.
