subject: Two Tips On Buying Your Kid's First Bike [print this page] Your little one is fast growing up and soon in one of your visits to the mall, you will find him tugging on your sleeve and pointing to a new toy: a brand new bike. Upon reaching the age of six or seven, kids are almost always excited to get on their first bikes. For most kids, bikes are a symbol of independence and maturity what with the skill needed to balance one's self in it or the risk involved in riding one.
In shopping for a bike, your child may have some criteria of his own: the design, the color and what have you. As a parent, you must also do some evaluation of your own. Here are a few important points that you can look into before you make a purchase on your child's first bike.
Find the right size. First things first, you must ensure the right bike size for your kid. Even if your child may say that he can handle a bigger bike, as a parent you should know better. If you are unsure on your choices, ask the salesperson for his expert opinion. He would be able to give you good guidance in choosing a bike that is more appropriate for your child's age and size. The rationale that a bigger bike is okay because your child will in time grow to be big enough for it is wrong.
You are buying a bike for your child to use now, not when he is a year or two older. Buying a bigger bike now will put your child in more risk and danger that you think, so be wise in your decision. In figuring out the best bike size, go for the diameter of the wheel. If they want to start biking young, two to four year olds can have a bike with 12 inched wheels. Add 2 inches for children 4 to 6 years old, plus 2 more inches when he turns 8 and additional two inches as he goes a year higher.
Choose the right type of bicycle. There are numerous varieties and types of bicycles available today in the market. Ask your child what type of bike he wants and where he will be riding it on. A child would appreciate your gift more if it fits to his liking. If your child is going to be riding his bike mainly on the street, in the park or in school, you best choose a road bike for him. These bikes are safe to ride on for children 10 years of age and older. If he or she is much younger, then you best get him a kiddie bike that preferably has training wheels with them.
Little children cannot be expected to learn to balance themselves on a two wheeled bike. They are physically and psychologically not ready for it. They might fall and that might be the end of biking for them. As for bigger kids who love to go cycling off-road and on mountain trails, mountain bikes are much preferred.
