Choosing a bike for a child of 8 years is not an easy task. At this age, the young rider has already outgrown children's bicycles, and, on the contrary, it has not grown up to adults, therefore, there are problems with choosing the right model. Let's try to deal with this issue.
Features
Children's bicycles have their own differences in comparison with units for preschool age and adult models. For example, there is a hand brake, which is not available in bikes for kids. Children's models for children of 8 years old have headlights, and the most suitable wheel size is 20-24 inches.
In order for the bike to have a light weight, which the elementary school student will cope with, the frame is made a little smaller, and they also equip the device with a narrow steering wheel.
If this is a cross model, then its frame is made in the shape of a rhombus. The frame in most versions is 13-inch. And also in the presence of one or more gears.
Varieties
Among the models for children of 8 years old, male and female versions can be distinguished, although, in fact, there is not much difference between them. So, for girls, species are performed in bright saturated colors, two contrasting shades can be combined. Most often, young cyclists prefer to choose bicycles in pink, red or purple. Boys prefer more solid - “courageous” - colors, for example, blue, black, dark green. In addition, the version for girls may differ in the presence of a basket for little things.
You can classify children's bikes by wheel diameter.
This indicator is extremely important when choosing a model for the growth of the child. At this age, children can grow in different ways, schoolchildren of the same year of birth sometimes differ significantly in growth, which is well within the normal range. So, the boundaries of the norm of growth for a child at 8 years old are 115-140 cm.
If the height of a small racer is 110-125 cm, then models with 16-inch wheels with a frame of 9 inches are suitable for him, and for children with a height of 115-135 cm, it is better to choose options with wheels of 20 inches. For growth of 125-150 cm, a bicycle with 24-inch wheels and a 13-inch frame will be convenient. In addition, there are teenage specimens with 26-inch wheels, but with a low frame (14 inches), designed for the rider with a height of 135-160 cm.
Children's bicycles can be urban or mountain. The first option is suitable for leisurely cycling on smooth asphalt. True, it’s inconvenient for them to climb curbs, drive fast, and practice extreme tricks. Typically, these options are offered with lowered frames and a calm soft color, which attracts girls with a calm character.
For more active guys and girls, you can choose a mountain model. On such a bicycle it is more convenient to get to the forest and park, ride well to the beach, overcome various city obstacles. Mountain varieties have a sporty fit and several gears that allow cross-country driving.
There are compact folding teenage models, but they are inconvenient for 8-year-old children, so it is better to consider the classic options.
How to choose?
Choosing a bike for an 8 year old child, heed the following recommendations.
- Be sure to bring the future owner of the bike with you to the store. Let him choose the right design, sit on the bike, try on his height, and only the choice of operational characteristics will remain with adults.
- Do not take a tall bike "for growth" - it threatens to injure a little cyclist. Select the unit clearly for the real growth of the child and the size of his legs.
- Choosing the length of the frame, note that the distance from the beginning of the saddle to the arm should be equal to the distance from the end of the hand to the elbow joint.
- Set the future rider on the chosen model and pay attention to whether he reaches the pedals with straightened legs. Let the child pedal, make sure that the legs do not touch the steering wheel.
- Discard the model whose steering angle is greater than 90 degrees. This item must be of the correct height and tilt.
- Usually, most parents prefer to buy a child a bike with an aluminum frame - such an option is lighter in weight than a steel frame, so it will be easier for a child to cope with it.
- Make sure the bike has quality chain protection and the child’s clothes will not fall into the chain while riding.
- Pay attention to the pedals. Give preference to metal products - they are more reliable and have a long service life.
- Well, if the model combines a manual and foot type of brake, then the child will be able to quickly stop the transport in case of an unexpected obstacle.
Popular models
The quality of a children's bike largely depends on the manufacturer, as well as on the place of purchase. Choose a model in specialized stores where you can issue a guarantee for service and problem solving. Pay attention to the rating of the following popular models.
Bike Cronus Best Mate 24
This option is suitable for young women aged 8-10 years. The model is made in France and has 24-inch wheels. There are 21 speeds. The frame is made of aluminum, due to which the mass of the unit is small. The frame size is 12.5 inches.
Wide tires are suitable for walking on asphalt and in forest terrain. The girl will also be interested in an interesting design - the bike is presented in soft white or saturated lilac color. To reduce the load on the shoulders, the bike was equipped with a front shock absorber. Facilitates the presence of a footrest and a mechanical brake.
Bicycle Avanti Dakar 24
Model for boys. It looks like an adult racing model, which is very attractive for active brave 8-year-old guys who want to grow faster. The frame length is 16 inches. In this case, the frame is made of steel, therefore the bike is pretty heavy. The geometry of the frame is specifically designed for children aged 8-10 years. In total, the bike has 18 speeds.
Boys like this model because they can comfortably move on a bad road, which is ensured by a soft saddle and a suspension fork. Convenience is achieved with rim brakes. The diameter of the wheels is 24 inches. Additionally, the rear wing, reflectors and footrest are included in the kit.
Kellys MAGGIE
A universal option for 8-year-old boys and girls with 24-inch wheels. It is a good opportunity to drive on urban asphalt and forest bumps. In total, the model has 3 speeds. Parents like this option because of the steering wheel adjustment. The advantages include the presence of a footrest, quality protection on the chain, classic comfortable pedals, trunk and lighting device.
See how to choose a children's bike in the video.