There are very few children who will not be happy to ride a bike. But for each age group has its own requirements for such transport. It is useful to understand what bikes are for teenagers from 9 years old.
Features
It should be borne in mind that not all children grow up in exact accordance with the average tables used by manufacturers and sellers. Therefore, starting from these tables does not make much sense. It is recommended to measure the growth of the main user and divide it sequentially by 2.5 and 2.54. Then it will be possible to find out what the optimal wheel size will be.
Given the rapid and uneven growth in this age group, we can confidently say - even the calculations do not allow you to choose the right bike for the child. Be sure to have to do a direct fitting. At least 0.1 m must remain from the frame to the crotch. If this indicator is less, the rider will not be able to quickly leave the bike as needed.
In any case, you can’t buy children's bicycles for growth - although this requirement may seem template, it is worth repeating it.
Selection recommendations
A teenage bike for riders from 9 years of age and older, like any other model, is best purchased in specialized sports stores. Hypermarkets, markets, department stores like Detsky Mir sell lower-quality goods, which diverge faster due to cheapness. What is sold in the toy department is usually beautiful and attractive, but impractical on the road. And the choice in specialized trade is much more diverse.
By far the best models will be the following advanced brands:
- Kross;
- Ghost
- Schwinn;
- Stels
- Cannondale;
- Stark.
Be sure to pay attention to the views of the children themselves. It is most valuable here - any recommendations from manufacturers, experts and sellers.
This is useful not only to take into account any subtleties, but also so that children themselves can choose the most suitable model in the future. Yes, and increased self-esteem, familiarization with adult business is also important. As for the price, it is better to focus on the average level (unless there is an intention to save as much as possible or get strictly defined characteristics).
Much attention should be paid to the material of the frame. Stainless steel alloys are extremely strong and mechanically stable. They are ideal for a boy seeking to conquer "new horizons." At the age of 9 to 12, it is already extremely difficult to constantly monitor the child - and it is not necessary. It is better to give him such a bike on which you can at least briefly drive off-road without consequences.
Frames made of aluminum alloys can significantly facilitate the entire structure. But it is important to understand that this results in a drop in strength. Besides the lighter the bike, the lower its directional stability. Even experienced athletes have a hard time keeping it on a given trajectory.
Quite often, synthetic composite materials are also used.
Carbon is lightweight and relatively durable. It effectively dampens vibration and is absolutely resistant to corrosion. However, carbon is quite fragile and easily damaged even from a not too strong blow. In addition, it is quite expensive. because most people still have to choose between steel and aluminum frames.
Be sure to think about the form of wheels. Rubber (they are inflatable) movers are very comfortable for the rider. On such wheels it is convenient to drive through areas with uneven hard surfaces. However, the danger of piercing the chamber greatly limits their use. Besides, pumping of the inflatable wheel should occur regularly, otherwise it loses its valuable qualities.
Foam rubber is free from any air chambers. Therefore, a tire puncture is possible only in such a situation when it will be the least problem. Yes, and there is no need to pump air. The difficulty is that such design is not too shock absorbing.
When it comes to how to choose a bike for a younger teenage group, attention must also be paid to brakes.
Given the activity of children at this age, The best option is mechanical disc brakes. Unlike hydraulic ones, they are much less susceptible to destruction upon falling or impact. If it is difficult to figure out which brake is better - foot or steering wheel - you need to choose the combined option.
As for the pedals, then plastic products look completely frivolous at the age of 6 years. Therefore, the only option is strong steel.
Whether to choose sports bike models or not is up to you to decide. Of course, a single speed is enough for city driving. But a rare child will resist the temptation to perform a risky stunt or compete with classmates in speed. Therefore, investments of this kind are quite justified. In addition, sports models differ:
- increased clearance (very important in hard-to-reach areas);
- wide rudders;
- an intermediate ride with a road and road bikes;
- variety of available speeds;
- equipped with disc brakes or a V-Brake stop system.
In the end, it is worth mentioning some of the subtleties that are often forgotten when choosing a children's bike. Even if the frame itself is made of light alloys, the body kit and additional accessories can significantly complicate the design. As a result, it sometimes turns out to be preferable to a bike made of steel of a simpler structure and with fewer additives.
As for folding models, they are always preferable to those that do not fold out. After all, a bicycle will definitely have to be carried (if not by car, then on a bus, tram, train), dragged through curbs and underpasses, lifted up the stairs.
Very good, if the steering wheel is equipped with soft foam padding. Then it will be pleasant to tackle it even on cold and windy autumn days. Lining pedals with rubber is also useful. It is extremely important: you need to inspect all the details and make sure that they do not have sharp cutting edges. It is worthwhile to find out what paint the manufacturer used, and how stable it is.
Child safety depends on the use of reflectors. You should not neglect them. You must also understand how comfortable the seat is. It is very useful to cover the chain with a special shield. And finally, you should choose among others bicycles with wings above the wheels.
Rating
When buying a bike for a teenager 10 years old, it is worth paying attention to Stinger banzai. Its 24-inch wheels will pass well even on a bad road. The frame and other parts of the frame are quite stable. Their mechanical strength is achieved through the use of steel alloy. The shock-absorbing system will 100% relieve discomfort in hard-to-reach sections of roads; the total weight of the bike is 16 kg.
A good choice could be Stels mustang. The diameter of its wheels is also 24 inches. The designers have provided a pair of reliable shock absorbers and an 18-speed transmission. The design is optimized for riding on rough terrain. The seat and steering wheel are set to the required height. The frame is a reliable support in almost any situation.
Children who love speed will definitely make a good impression. bike Author Ultrasonichaving a rigid fork and a relatively advanced transmission.
To conquer off-road and weeds is good on Mirage 24equipped with shock absorbing fork.
You can save by choosing Author A-Matrix on an aluminum frame either Matrix 24 based on steel. Even more profitable is the purchase of Horst Stich, designed for 21 speeds.
And also worth a look at the options:
- Scott Scale RC JR 24;
- Scott Voltage JR 24;
- Scott Contessa JR 24.
See how to choose a teenage bike in the video.
