Reaching five years of age is the time to master a real two-wheeled bicycle. It is important for the parent in charge of purchasing the vehicle to remember that the right choice will allow his child to enjoy the ride in the future, and not worry about the inconvenience of travel or permanent injuries.
Species overview
A children's bike for a child from 5 years old can hardly be a three-wheeled vehicle, since such simplified models are still designed for smaller athletes. For preschoolers, most often either a two-wheeled bicycle or a four-wheeled bicycle with two light auxiliary wheels is purchased. Such models are equipped with a chain drive and soft rubber wheels. Lightweight extra wheels are removed as soon as the child learns to maintain balance. Such designs are suitable for children from 4 to 7 years old, who grew up to 105-130 centimeters.
Models of children's vehicles have a diverse design (for example, a bicycle may look like a sports motorcycle or a police vehicle), and are also well regulated both in terms of the steering wheel and in terms of seat height. Some are equipped with a removable handle designed for parental control.
The next in complexity are bicycles. They are suitable for those who are ready for a more complex task. Many of these designs have the functions of adult bicycles, an unusual design and a folding frame. The simple and lightweight frame is convenient to use, and the steering wheel with seat can easily be adjusted for height. Pedals are usually located on the axis of the drive wheel.
Rating of the best manufacturers
The top best bike models for a 5-year-old child include models with different wheel sizes, and therefore suitable for different operating conditions. They differ between themselves and design.
- Silverback Senza 16, created in Germany, is of high quality, which allows you to move even on rough roads. The steering column is threadless, and therefore has a long service life. The spring-loaded fork mechanism successfully copes with vibrations, making moving more comfortable. Such a bicycle costs about 17 thousand rubles, but a high German quality justifies any costs.
- Puky ZLX 16 Alu It has an advanced frame design that provides high-quality agility of the vehicle. The bike is made of aluminum, which explains its low weight. The price of such a model is 21 thousand rubles. SCOOL XXlite 18 is the result of German developers. A lightweight frame painted in bright colors is ideal for skating children from 110 centimeters tall. The wheel diameter is 18 inches.
Brakes are present both foot and hand. The chain is removed under a special cover, in addition to the model there are special reflectors that protect parts from dirt.
- Stels Fortune 16 attracts children due to its bright appearance. The lowered frame is made of steel, which, however, does not greatly increase the weight of the structure. The removable wheels are indispensable in the first stage of driving instruction. A comfortable seat and plastic pedals simplify riding. Additionally, the kit includes a trunk, steel wings and reflectors.
- Bulls Tokee Lite 18 made of special aluminum with increased wear resistance. The steering wheel and saddle are equipped with comfortable soft pads for greater comfort. The model has two braking systems and special circuit protection. The wheel diameter is 18 inches. Additionally included are plastic wings and a footrest.
In general, experts believe that when buying a bike, it is not necessary to give preference only to popular manufacturers. Sometimes little-known brands bring high-quality products to the market at a very reasonable price.
However, trusting too cheap models should not be either, as a well-made bike simply cannot cost too little. When choosing brand models, it is important to understand how to distinguish them from fakes. It will be enough to look at the logo and the inscription indicated on the frame - the real manufacturer always covers them with varnish. You can save on a purchase if you remember that the maximum price happens in the spring, but the minimum is reached closer to the New Year.
How to choose?
The choice of children's bike is carried out in accordance with several criteria. You need to go to the store with your child so that he can take a full part in the purchase, having decided on the colors and designs.
Wheel diameter is the first parameter to pay attention to. Not only the question of whether the child is comfortable riding, but even whether he can maintain proper posture and evenly distribute weight while riding, depends on its size. Usually, for a five-year-old child, a diameter equal to 16 inches is chosen, but an indicator of 18 inches is considered suitable.
A bicycle should be selected based on the actual dimensions of the child, but in no case on growth.
The kid will not be able to drive a heavy and large bike, and therefore the pleasure of owning a vehicle will quickly disappear. You should focus on the growth and strength of a young cyclist.
The type and type of construction is determined depending on where it will be used. If you have to ride only in the city, then any model is suitable, but for country skiing it is still better to find a bike with a larger tread, an additional hand brake and shock absorption.
For frequent trips over long distances, it is better to choose folding models. If a child is just starting to learn a two-wheeled “friend”, then it is worth thinking about variations with additional supporting wheels, which are further dismantled. If the goal is to purchase a high-quality and expensive bike for a long time, then you should definitely find out the possibility of adjusting the saddle and handlebars.
To determine the ideal height of the bike, it is necessary to sit on a flat surface, hold the structure between the legs and make sure that the distance from the frame to the belt is 10 centimeters. Besides, the child can “saddle” a standing bike and try to lower the pedal to the floor - the knee should practically bend. On such a vehicle it will be not only convenient to travel, but also safe.
If the bike is purchased as a gift, then the parameters can be clarified by a special table, which, as a rule, is available in any specialized store. It will also make it possible to find out the most suitable wheel diameter.
The kid should be comfortable and sit and drive. It is important that the back maintains an even position, the level of the hands does not exceed the level of the chest, and the knees during riding are almost completely unbent. As a rule, if the child’s height does not exceed one meter, a twelve-inch wheel diameter is suitable for him. Growth from 1.15 to 1.20 m is equivalent to a fourteen-inch or sixteen-inch diameter. Finally, a height of 130 to 140 centimeters corresponds to tires with a size of 18 to 20 inches.
The length of the frame is determined so that the distance from the steering wheel to the front of the seat corresponds to the length from the elbow to the ends of the fingers of the cyclist. It is important to cover the chain so that the baby does not catch on clothes while riding. Experts do not recommend choosing bicycle models equipped with gears for five years of age, since at this age the child is not able to simultaneously monitor the road and change speeds. It is better to choose the first model equipped with a foot brake, and then, when the hands of the skater become stronger, think about the hand.
As for the material, aluminum structures are recommended for both the boy and the girl of any physical capabilities. The weight of such models is a couple of kilograms less than steel ones, which means that operation is much simpler while maintaining strength and reliability. The design of the model is determined with the child.
When buying a bike, instructions are very important. If it is present only in English, then you should refuse to purchase, since the translator does not always provide the opportunity to obtain the correct information necessary for operation. If you have no experience buying bicycles for young children, you can take advantage of the seller’s advice. It is important to remember that the guarantee of a reliable manufacturer is at least a year, and a maximum of 36 months.
The material should even visually seem durable, and all surfaces should be free from any scratches and chips. Each moving part must be securely fixed, but without any problems turning. Also, in some cases, it is better to buy a simple bike, and accessories such as, for example, a trunk, purchased separately will save a little.
How to teach a child to ride?
Training a five-year-old cyclist is best done following a certain sequence. You have to start with the fact that the child must learn to ride a bike on his own and not fall off it. An adult at this moment must adhere to a heavy structure. Further, the baby can put his feet on the pedals, while an adult will ride him around the yard, controlling his balance and holding the vehicle by the wheel and seat.
The next task is to show the child how to keep balance.The adult should tilt the bicycle to the side and teach the child to quickly put his foot off the pedal on the ground and thereby prevent falling.
Having mastered basic skills, it's time to move on to the straight line. The kid should already pedal independently, and the adult should only engage in his safety net, holding the saddle. Next, the young cyclist will master the brake. Finally, you can proceed to the independent driving of the child, of course, the first time under the supervision of adults. By the way, even at the preparation stage, it is better to equip the skater with knee pads, elbow pieces and a children's helmet.
See how to choose a children's bike in the video.
