Bicycle for girls: types and choices

Sooner or later in the life of almost every girl, a moment comes when she is bought a bicycle. How to choose a bike for a young lady, what to look for?

Bicycles for girls have several features that distinguish vehicles from models for boys. First of all, this is an understated upper tube of the frame or its complete absence. This allows girls to ride even in skirts and dresses. An exception is sports bike models, which are usually thought by manufacturers as unisex.

The frame is also compact, it is more lightweight and combined with a narrower steering wheel. The girl’s bicycle seat is wider and softer. The design of such a model also stands out. Usually transport has light or, on the contrary, bright shades (pink, red, yellow).

Conventionally, all existing bicycles can be divided according to their child's age.

A children's bike for such babies is tricycles or runbikes, as well as a four-wheeled bicycle. These are models with a comfortable footrest, a wider chair with a back and seat belts, as well as a handle for the parent (in the manner of a stroller) to control the bike. Typically, such models are equipped with additional toys - removable rattles, bright buttons, etc.

During this period, you can buy a baby two-wheeled bicycle with a diameter of 12-inch wheels for a height of 100-110 cm (a folding bike of this type is often found). These bikes are equipped with two small wheels at the back, which allows the baby to quickly learn to keep her balance. Some parents make the mistake of securing the auxiliary wheels higher. They think that will speed up the learning process. However, this will only lead to the fact that the bike will roll one way, then the other, preventing the child from learning to maintain balance.

For them, manufacturers also offer two-wheeled models, but already for a height of 116-120 cm with 16-inch wheels. For convenience, these models are also equipped with removable side wheels.

For this category of cyclists, bicycles with wheels of 20 inches, designed for growth of 120-135 cm, are suitable. If a girl is just starting to develop a bike (has little driving experience), it is better to purchase a simpler one-speed model for her. Make sure that the vehicle is equipped with foot brakes and a rigid fork.

For them, a bicycle with a wheel diameter of 24 inches, designed for growth of 135-150 cm, will be optimal. This junior model is very similar in appearance to an adult bike. In this group, single-speed models and those that have several speeds are also distinguished.

For girls of this age, bikes are available with a size of 26 inches for a height of 145-168 cm. They are similar to adult bicycles with the same wheel size, however, are more compact in size. It also distinguishes several models that differ in speed characteristics. The latter can have up to 24 speed gears and shock absorbing forks up to 100 mm. Starting from 24-26 inch wheel diameters, bicycles vary in road, cross, speed, etc.

Bicycles for babies usually make bright colors, they contain images of cartoon and fairy-tale characters. The older the girl becomes, the more restrained the model of her bicycle becomes. Of course, until about primary school age, girls prefer beautiful red, bright pink, yellow and colorful tales. Blue, violet, turquoise options look good. Bicycles for schoolgirls are available in a calmer color scheme - these are beige, light pink and pastel shades, gray, white.

Almost every bicycle for a girl from 2 to 4 years old has different baskets and stands for toys, bottle holders, as well as special stands for legs. On them, the child can put legs if he is tired of pedaling. Behind the bike, as a rule, a container is attached where it is convenient to fold street toys (for example, a sandbox kit). Three-wheeled structures are necessarily equipped with a removable handle for transport management by parents.

Two-wheeled models for girls from 4 years old already have additional small wheels. With their help it is easier to learn to ride a bike, they are removable. Of the additional accessories - a basket, a flashlight, a rear-view mirror. Sometimes - tassels on the steering wheel, various decorative elements. The older the girl, the more functional and concise with respect to accessories her bike becomes. Invariably, only the presence of a signal, a rear-view mirror, sometimes a basket or a bottle holder on the frame.

Consider the popular bike models for girls.

• STELS Joy 12. Model with a diameter of wheels of 12 inches and a steel frame. Has a foot brake and 2 additional wheels. On the steering wheel there is an additional basket, the seat is spring-loaded. A similar model STELS Echo 12 (2015) has the same technical characteristics as an addition - a stand for toys on the steering wheel, brushes on the steering wheel.
• STELS Pilot 120 16. 16-inch bike with steel frame, rear foot brake and extra wheels. Of the additions - stand for a bottle of water, a rearview mirror.
• Stark Bliss Girl. 20-inch model in white. Frame material - aluminum (bike weight - 12.5 kg). Above the wheels there are wings that protect the bicycle and the child’s body from pebbles and other small items flying from under the wheels.
• TREK Mystic 20. 20 inch bike with aluminum alloy frame. The brake is rear foot, there is also an additional rear rim brake. The steering wheel is complemented by a basket, the handles are made of silicone, and the chain is hidden under a protective cover.

Today, products for children is a profitable business. And therefore, literally every year there are up to a dozen new companies producing bikes for girls. Preference should still be given to reliable and time-tested brands. These include the domestic manufacturer Stelswhose products are manufactured on European equipment.

The highest quality and affordability is distinguished by the Giant brand, which specializes in bicycles with a lightweight aluminum frame. Trek bikes get positive reviews (an American manufacturer, including racing bikes for adults), Merida (Taiwan, one of the few manufacturers whose products fully meet stringent standards).

When choosing a bicycle for a child under 9 years old, it is enough to choose the right size of the vehicle. Of course, it is important to choose a design that your child likes. For girls after 9 years, in addition to size, one of the selection criteria is what roads the child will ride.

For those girls who prefer leisurely cycling around the city, you can purchase an entry-level budget bike. If a young racer grows in a family who prefers speed and smooth roads, choose a high-speed bike with a high-quality transmission.

It is important to choose a bike for the growth of the child. At the bottom of the pedal torsion legs should be fully straightened, at the top - bent, but not touch the steering wheel. In this case, the entire arch of the foot should lie on the pedals. If the child only touches the pedals with his socks, then the transport is too big. After that, do the next test - try to rotate the steering wheel 90 degrees. This should work without problems. Moreover, at this moment the child’s hands should reach the steering wheel in its extreme positions (that is, when turning). The width of the steering column should match the width of the shoulders.

For kids, it is better to purchase aluminum frames. Of course, they are inferior to steel in strength, but it will be easier for a baby to cope with her because of her lower weight. Put the girl next to the bike. The height of the lower frame should ideally be 10 centimeters below the crotch level. Then using the bike will be more convenient and less traumatic in case of an accident risk. In a good bike, the seat height is adjustable (done higher and lower), and the steering column must also be adjustable in height and angle.

Mandatory presence of a limiter on the steering wheel. Otherwise, there is a high risk of loss of control and accident. For safety reasons, also choose wide tires with a clear tread. The presence of a protective casing on it will protect the child from getting stuck in the wheel chain. A good model is one that has both a hand and foot brake. Not at any speed can you quickly stop the bike with a hand brake. In this case, the foot will help out.

On how to choose a bike for a girl from 3 years old, see further.