Five Tips for Buying a Child’s First Bike
The question most parents ask themselves when when buying a new bike for their toddler age son or daughter is what which bicycle is best suited to learn to ride a bike. Most parents a bike with training wheels or maybe a tricycle. The trike seems safe, but it doesn’t really get a little boy or girl any closer to riding a bike. Bicycles and training wheels may seem like a better otion, but nearly any kid age 2-4 is to small and weak to control a 20 lb bike. There are options for parents who want to give their child the best opportunity to learn to ride a bike early.
Moms and dads shopping for a bike for children under the age of five will benefit from a wonderful teaching aid known as a balance bike, walking bike or toddler bike. These bikes have no pedals or a chain. Kids push them with their feet. While they are designed for small riders these bikes still differ in size, so parents ought to consider the following things before the purchase a balance bike.
1. The seat height of a bike in relation to the child’s inseam are paramount in choosing the right bike. Most sites that sell bikes online have a sizing chart. The right size bike will have a seat height that can be set to 1″ lower than the child’s inseam.
2. Materials and the benefits of each are considerations as well. You’ll find either steel/aluminum or wooden versions of balance bikes. Some children may enjoy the fact that a wooden bike looks like a toy. The metal and aluminum alloy bikes will be stronger and usually have more room to adjust and grow with a child.
3. The weight of the bike is the second most critical aspect of a balance bike purchase. It’s good news that a wide selection of balance bikes are less than half the weight of a bike you’d find at a department store. There are some balance bikes that are super lightweight even when compared with other bikes.
4. It’s worth considering which type of tire is best for your child. Most balance bikes either have air tires or an EVA foam tire. Tires with inner tubes boast better grip and traction, but the EVA foam tires are puncture-proof.
5. Cost is certainly another factor to guide your decision. You will pay more for a balance bike then a bike at WalMart. Balance bikes range from $100 to $250 for high-end models. Some parents hesitate in making that investment, however, you will probably only pay $30-$40 more for a better product designed to teach a child to ride a bicycle. Your son or daughter will most likely learn to balance and steer instinctively without you ever having to do anything except put the bike in their vicinity.
Some moms and dads may be hesitant to buy a balance bike for their son or daughter because they believe they will quickly outgrow it. While it’s true that they should be able to make a quick transition to a pedal bike once they’ve mastered balance on their toddler bike, the majority of kids who ride balance bikes continue to enjoy their bike as a fun toy. They love these bikes designed to go on road or off and continue to enjoy them much as they do a scooter or skateboard they ride around after they have learned to ride a bike.
If your child is just starting out on a balance bike and under the age of four, take a look at the Mini Glider. It’s a smart, well-made bike that will last.
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