There is a claim that one cannot forget how to ride a bike. With all the known health benefits of cycling, there are numerous reasons for an individual to get a bicycle. Cycling can also be a fun way of getting your child to do some physical activity. The activity can turn out to be one of the most effective ways of staying fit with your family members.However, for all these to be achievable, you need to get the right bike for your child. Here are some tips on how to select a suitable bicycle.
Size and Age
Bicycles come in various sizes and designs. The reason for this diversity is to help suit different cyclers. When selecting a bicycle for your child, you need to consider the age and body size of your child. Luckily, stores and manufacturers indicate the recommended cycler’s age for different bikes. You can go with your child to the store and see which bicycle is suitable for your kid.
Materials
Apart from size, the bicycle’s material is also a vital aspect to consider. Generally, the material you want depends on the budget you have in mind. With a limited budget, you can still find durable, high-quality bicycles to pick from. Common kid bicycles are mad out using either aluminum or steel. Steel bicycles serve as the most effective choice and are highly-durable with the capability of withstanding a lot of ‘punishment.’ Aluminum bikes are also durable but come at a higher price compared to bikes made from steel material.
Gears
Kids bicycles will begin with a single gear to make the cycling experience straightforward. As the child gets better at cycling, you can decide to upgrade to a bike with more gears. Single gear bikes also make it easier for the child to pedal. However, with an increase in the bike’s size, the pedaling ratio is bound to increase and make it harder to pedal.
Brakes
One key part to look at is the bicycle’s braking rig. There are two types of brakes; lever-operated and coaster. The coaster brake system is activated when the bike is pedaled backward. This type of braking system is available in kids’ bikes since some children lack adequate hand strength to operate a lever-operated brake rig. Hand-lever-operated brakes are present in other bicycles and suitable for children with good hand strength.
Training Wheels
If your child is new to bikes the best option is picking a bike with training wheels. The training wheels will help your child when balancing on the bike and is a great way of training them on how to ride a bike.
So, there you have it. This guide should prove useful to any parent who considers introducing their kid to cycling as a means of staying fit.