Kids bikes

Children love bikes. It gives them the freedom of mobility and unleashes their imaginations. Most Americans rode bikes as children and have fond memories of pedaling through the neighborhood or creating courses for their friends to complete. Today safety is a major concern for most parents and current kids’ bikes have many safety features to make them safer than ever before.

Of course safety features are not a substitute for parental supervision and all kids’ should wear helmets and safety pads while riding. Children’s bike helmets should be replaced if the helmet is cracked or damaged in any way or after the helmet has been involved in a crash. Safety pads should fit snugly and should not slide of the joints they are protecting.

Kids grow out of bikes quickly, so many parents buy cheap, used bikes. Often these bikes were owned by other kids who outgrew them. When buying a used bike it’s important to make sure the bike works properly. The handlebars should not shift once tightened into place, as well as the seat. The chain guard shouldn’t rub against the chain, and the brakes should be working properly. With the money saved buying a used kids’ bike it’s wise to have the bike tuned at a local shop to make sure everything is in working order.

A child needs to have a proper fitting bike in order to be safest. The top bar of the frame should be one to four inches from the crotch when the child is straddling the bike, the feet should be flat on the ground when measuring. Most bike sizes go off of a child’s inseam. The child should be able to easily mount and dismount the bike. When pedaling, as the leg reaches the furthest point it should be slightly bent and not fully extended, nor should the leg be fully or mostly bent at its farthest reach (an indication the bike is too small.)

Younger children should have bikes with coaster brakes. These brakes are used by pushing back on the pedals. Once the child is older and more coordinated hand brakes can be used. Hand brakes have a little more stopping power. Aluminum rims allow for the safest breaking as chrome rims may become too slippery for the brakes when they are wet.

Girls’ bikes tend to have some added accessories to add to the cuteness factor. Often this will include streamers from the handlebars, a basket to place their dolls, and maybe even some charms on the spokes of the rims. Boys’ bikes tend to have horns and a more aggressive design. They too may have some kind of noisemaker attached to their spokes.

BMX bikes became popular among young boys in the early eighties. They were designed basically for the kids who wanted to race motor cross but could not afford motorcycles. These bikes are small and easy to maneuver so that they can perform tricks and jumps. They have strong frames, fat twenty inch wheels, and narrow handlebars that tilt forward slightly. They are designed for riding in the dirt and to take a beating.

Mountain bike parts are designed specifically for rough terrain and have a higher quality shocks. These bikes tend to be a little more expensive, so make sure you get one that fits you.

Chopper style bikes are another favorite among kids. These bikes are designed to look like chopper style motorcycles. While they look cool, they are pretty difficult to ride so these bikes should be left for the older kids. Chopper bikes have seats that are low and far from the handlebars. The handlebars are above the chest and have a wide grip. The design of the whole bike is elongated and reclined. Custom made low-rider bikes can also fit into this category. Both are made more for looking cool and less for function.

Browse our website for more information on children’s bikes and their accessories. Kids are our main concern and we understand that safety is the most important feature in children’s bikes. Check back often for more safety information and advice. With a little help from their parents kids can enjoy bikes all though their childhood into the adult years!

Kids like to feel secure and at home. Thats why kids furniture and kids chairs that are their size is so great. Plus, it takes up less room than traditional furniture.

 

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