September and a new school year are fast approaching. With many parents choosing houses close to their children’s school, biking to school is an appealing method of the children getting to school. Unfortunately, many people don’t know what to look for when buying their child’s bike. Many things need to be considered including price, model, and size. The biggest issue, however, is safety.
Picking the Right Sized Bike
Many people seem to think that it is possible to save money in the long run by buying a bicycle that is too big for the child now. While the adage “he’ll grow into it!” applies to many things, bicycles are not in that camp. A bike that is too big for its rider can easily cause accidents. Instead of trying to buy a bigger bike for a child than is necessary, try a smaller bike that can be sold when the child grows. If the child is close to needing the next sized bike, why not consider a used bike?
The bike needs to fit the child. The child should be able to sit on the seat comfortably and have both of their feet touch the ground. If training wheels are still part of the picture, there is a bit of leeway. Here, it is acceptable for the children’s toes to reach the floor barely since the wheels will offer some of the stability that two planted feet would.
It’s also important for the child to reach the handlebars with ease. If the child has to reach too far, he or she will not be able to control the bike properly. Brakes are another part of the puzzle. Children should get a bike with pedal brakes as they require less coordination and strength than hand brakes.
Contact Us
For more information on choosing a bike for your child and the lock to go with it, please
contact the
bike lock retailers of A & Js' Bike Locks at 708-460-2999.
