Bike - an indispensable form of transport for children and adolescents. It contributes to the proper development of the musculoskeletal system of the child, helps to gain a sense of balance and stability, and forms attentiveness and independence on the road. This is often one of the most coveted children's gifts.
Features
Children's bicycles are very similar to adult bicycles. The main difference is manifested in the design features of products for children. Most models are technically more complex - shock absorber, brake and speed systems, protection elements against getting the feet in the knitting needles, and a special safety pad on the chain.
Any vehicle for children has a robust, sturdy frame made of steel or aluminum.
Aluminum parts significantly reduce the weight of the bike, it is easy to rearrange it. All metal bicycle structures are coated with a special paint that protects against corrosion. And of course It is made aesthetically more attractive, bright and colorful.
It may have additional details: a cup holder or a plastic basket (for a backpack, toys and other trifles). And also the saddle is made softer and with better cushioning.
Wheels with a radius of 20 inches are mounted on bicycles for children aged 7 to 11 years and a height of 130 cm.
Such a vehicle can accelerate to 15-20 km / h, which corresponds to the speed of a teenage bike. The weight of the bike directly depends on the attachment, which includes brakes, fork, tires, speed switches, rims. The diameter of the wheel should correspond to the height of the child.
What age are they suitable for?
Each bike is designed for a specific age audience, which takes into account not only the age, but also the growth of the cyclist.
The larger the wheel size, the older and taller the rider should be.
For children under three years of age with a height of up to 100 cm, the diameter of the bicycle wheels is 12 inches, from 3 to 5 years old with a height of 115 cm - from 14 to 16 inches, for older children up to 130 cm in height, bicycles from 18 to 20 inches are suitable. Bicycles with 24 and 26 inch wheels are designed for teens and adults with a height of at least 155 cm.
Kinds
Children's bicycles can be divided into several categories: tricycles, two-wheeled bicycles with attached side wheels, teenagers - a small copy of an adult bicycle.
Three-wheeled bicycles designed for the smallest children, the presence of several wheels allows the rider to maintain good balance, the steering part has the simplest design so that the baby can cope with it. It is very easy to use, the product design contains a minimum of parts, only the most necessary for a comfortable and safe ride.
Bicycles with side wheels are designed for children from 3 to 5 years. Additional wheels fixed at the large rear wheel allow the child to maintain balance when riding, make it possible to learn to ride a two-wheeled bicycle, after which additional wheels can be removed. This bike has a more complex design and is very similar to an adult. It can be equipped with a small trunk, a bottle holder, and additional drawers.
A folding bike is a versatile vehicle thanks to a folding frame and other elements, it is convenient to transport, takes up little space, it is convenient to store in an apartment, in the corridor or on the balcony. Such a product is like a regular bike with an open frame. Designed for teens and adults.
In the manufacture of individual parts of the bicycle, aluminum is used, it is lighter than steel and is not subject to corrosion.
The best models
Some companies have proven themselves in the market for the production of children's and teenage bicycles. Their products have a long service life, and the parts are not subject to rapid wear. A good, well-made bike:
- easy;
- equipped with additional small removable wheels;
- has an ergonomic frame;
- the plug can be adjusted as you wish;
- simple and clear gearshift mode.
For a growing child, it’s better to choose hybrid models, individual parts of which can be lifted and moved apart depending on the growth of the rider. Such a device will "grow" with its owner and will last for many years.
Consider the rating of the most popular cycling vehicles for children.
Stels Pilot 170 20
Russian brand bike. The manufacturer took care of the high quality of performance, based on state standard specifications of Soviet times. Equipped with aluminum wheels, steering wheel and chain are well protected, in addition - side wheels. A bicycle of this brand is suitable for nimble restless children who love speed, fast riding. Reasonable price and high quality have attracted many buyers to this brand. The bike sells well.
Novatrack Aurora 20
The bike is equipped with a rigid frame, a robust steel structure and reliable components. Fans of leisurely measured driving along city sidewalks and paths in the forest park zone will like it. The folding frame allows you to compactly fold the bike and transport it in the car.
Altair City 20
The new model is designed for teenage cyclists. Place of application - urban environment. The steel frame and forks, the diameter of the wheels is 20 inches, can be easily folded, the package includes a comfortable saddle on springs, wings.
Larsen storm 20
Mobile teen bike, comfortable, stylish and reliable. The strong steel frame allows you to use the model on rough terrain, where there are descents and ascents. 20-inch wheels provide the bike with good cross-country ability on the most difficult sections of the road, do not get stuck in the sand.
Trek Mystic 20
Great model for teenage girls. Convenient lightweight aluminum frame provides durability and a comfortable ride. The bike is equipped with a reliable hand-held front brake, the handlebar and saddle can be adjusted to suit the rider’s height, the chain is protected by a special sleeve, the presence of the footrest helps to sit down easily.
Merida Dino J20
Comfortable teen bike for riding on urban paved tracks. Lightweight aluminum alloy frame provides light weight for the product. The whole design of the bike is simple and comfortable to use. The seat and steering wheel can be adjusted, 6 speeds allow you to observe a different speed mode, as an addition - the trunk and wings.
This review contains the most popular bicycle brands for children and adolescents with a wheel diameter of 20 inches.
How to choose?
When choosing a bike you need to consider a number of nuances.
- Height. The most important criterion for the correct choice of vehicle, which directly affects usability during operation. There is an official table that shows the age and height of the child with the corresponding inch sizes of the wheels.
- Age. If the child is too small, then it does not matter to him how many speeds the bicycle has. Limit yourself to the presence of additional balancing wheels, steering wheel limiter, parent handle. Older children are better off buying a model with "bells and whistles" (horn, rear-view mirror, built-in interactive toys). The older the child, the more complex the model he can buy.
- Steering wheel and saddle should be easily adjustable depending on the height of the rider.
- Light weight the vehicle will allow the child to easily carry him from place to place, lift up the stairs, turn in the right direction, lay on the ground.
- For girls, the frame should be lowered and open. This design allows you to ride in a skirt, easily brake with your feet or jump off the vehicle.
- Security. In this case, the manufacturer most often closes the chain with a plastic sleeve to prevent the child's feet from falling into it. The steering column must be equipped with a protective pad.
- The safety of the child depends on the reliability of the brakes - it is best to choose drum.
- Comfortable and soft ergonomic saddle will provide a comfortable ride for any child.
- The pedals should be in a comfortable shape - better made of rubber, then the child’s foot will not slip.
- In addition to the vehicle you need to purchase Remedies: a helmet on the head, soft plates on the elbows and knees, gloves.
When choosing a vehicle for your child, you must take care of its safety.
If the little cyclist is too small and does not balance well, pay attention to models with additional removable side wheels. Tell your child not to ride on roads and highways, near rivers, on paths that lead to a cliff or ravine.
The following video provides an overview of the Fuji R20 kids bike.