- ADVICE & SALES - 01943 462773
- FREE SHIPPING OVER £50*
- FINANCE AVAILABLE*
- FREE CLICK & COLLECT
Essential Features to Consider When Choosing the Perfect Kids’ Bike
Choosing the right bike for your child is an important decision. It’s not just about picking the right size or colour; there are several key features that make a kids’ bike safe, enjoyable, and easy to ride. At Chevin Cycles, we believe that understanding these features can make all the difference in your child’s cycling experience. Here’s what to look for in a good kids’ bike.
One of the most critical aspects of a kids’ bike is its weight. A lightweight frame ensures that the bike is easy for your child to handle, pedal, and manoeuvre. Heavy bikes can be difficult for children to ride and can lead to fatigue quickly. Brands like Frog and Trek are renowned for their lightweight designs, making them excellent choices for young riders.
Safety is paramount when it comes to kids’ bikes, and good brakes are essential. There are typically two types of brakes on children’s bikes: rim brakes and disc brakes. Rim brakes are common on smaller bikes and are effective when properly adjusted. However, disc brakes offer superior stopping power and are found on higher-end models. Ensure the brakes are easy for small hands to operate and provide consistent stopping power.
A properly fitting bike is crucial for your child’s comfort and safety. The bike should be the right size for your child’s height and leg length, allowing them to touch the ground with their feet when seated. Adjustable seat posts and handlebars can help accommodate growth spurts. It’s worth noting that all the brands we stock offer a range of sizes with adjustability features to ensure a perfect fit as your child grows.
Kids can be rough on their bikes, so durability is key. Look for bikes with sturdy frames and components that can withstand the rigours of daily use. Steel frames offer durability but tend to be heavier, while aluminium frames provide a good balance of strength and lightness. Components like the chain, gears, and tyres should also be robust and able to handle various terrains.
Gears can be tricky for young riders to master. For beginners, single-speed bikes are ideal as they are simple and low maintenance. As your child becomes more confident and skilled, bikes with a few gears (typically 6-9) are beneficial. Gears should be easy to shift, and the bike should come with a clear and accessible shifter.
A comfortable bike encourages longer rides and more enjoyment. Look for bikes with well-padded saddles, ergonomic grips, and smooth-rolling tyres. Suspension forks are generally not necessary for younger children as they add weight and complexity, but they can be beneficial for older kids riding off-road.
While not a technical feature, the look of the bike matters to kids. Bright colours, fun designs, and the overall aesthetic appeal can make a bike more attractive and exciting to ride. Frog, Trek & Orbea offer a variety of vibrant colours and styles that are sure to delight young riders.
20 Inch Wheels
Wahoo 20 Path is a lightweight kids’ bike ready to roll from city park to greenways and beyond while your mini-me builds confidence and skills. It’s built with a sturdy aluminium frame that holds up to their bumps and jumps and smooth tyres that help them carry speed on pavement. Plus, they get 8 gears to shift through as they work their way up big hills and rim brakes to slow their roll on the way back down. Perfect for riders between 114 and 132 cm tall.
18 Inch Wheels
The Frog 47 offers a super lightweight frame, for ease of handling, weighing just 14.9 lbs. It is one of the lightest 18” kids’ bikes on the market. The bike offers a low bottom bracket position to ensure a safer riding position, while allowing for a greater leg-length range to be accommodated, perfect for growing children. There is also a 10mm spacer above the handlebar stem to give the option to raise the handlebars higher as your child grows.
24 Inch Wheels
The Orbea MX XC is a versatile and durable bike designed for serious fun. With powerful hydraulic disc brakes, a lightweight AL6061 frame, and Orbea’s innovative Digit quick-adjust seat post, it offers reliable performance and adaptability. Features like internal cable routing, sealed bearings, and a replaceable derailleur hanger ensure longevity, while its sleek design and Orbea’s Lifetime Warranty make it a solid choice for riders seeking a dependable and enjoyable ride.
The Showrooms, Gay Lane
Otley, LS21 1BR
© Chevin Cycles LTD 2024. All Rights Reserved // VAT Registration No. 185 8883 40 // Registered in England. 03395509