20 inch bicycles: features, types and choices

Children's bicycles today are represented by a wide variety of models and sizes. Among the proposed assortment, vehicles with 20-inch wheels that have their own characteristics stand out.

Today, manufacturers of children's vehicles for mobility classify their products, taking into account the size of bicycles, wheels and other important parameters. Models with a 20-inch wheel diameter are recommended for older children because of their size.

Due to the fact that such devices are allocated in a separate category of children's bikes, they have inherent individual characteristics.

• As a rule, most of the products sold initially do not have safety side wheels as standard. This device is caused by the fact that by the age recommended for riding a bicycle with wheels of 20 inches, the child will be able to independently balance and control the device for riding.
• However, the assortment of such products still contains some exceptions regarding the presence of safety wheels on the rear wheel. This applies to single speed bicycles. In other cases, there are speed switches on the back of the structure that will not allow additional components to be attached to the wheel.
• Among the features of such varieties, it is worth noting the presence of a manual brake system. It will be presented in two forms: front and rear brake, which will allow you to scroll back pedals.
• It is worth noting the similarity of such models with adult bicycles, not only due to the high-speed transmission and brake system, but also the presence of a shock absorber in the design, which, as a rule, is not present on the previous separation models.
• The manufacturer equips its products with a similar wheel diameter with a protective system for the limbs, which prevents the child's feet or clothing from getting into the wheel spokes. In addition, bikes will have a reliable chain sleeve.

As for the main components of the structure, they have their own specific characteristics.

Unlike lightweight children's varieties on three wheels or models with a smaller wheel diameter, the frame for bicycles in this category is made from durable raw materials. As a rule, steel or aluminum is used in the factory.

The aluminum frame will have a lower mass, which is a relevant feature for a child’s vehicle.

However, both materials stand out. rust resistant retain their shape under mechanical damage, in addition, aluminum and steel frames are characterized by excellent maintainability.

Durable rubber chambers are used for such products; due to the size, a child who is confidently operating such a bicycle is able to reach speeds of 15–20 km / h, as a result of which bikes with 20-inch wheels can be compared with adult walking bikes in the manner of movement.

In addition to the above attachments, which also largely determines the weight of the bicycle structure, there are tires and rims, speed switches, a fork on children's products.

In the review of products of modern manufacturers, you can find models, which in appearance can be divided into two groups:

• devices for boys;
• designs for girls.

In general, the presented species from the two categories are not much different from each other. The difference concerns only the color schemes used to design the structure, as well as other accessories in the design of the bicycle.

Also, it will be possible to divide 20-inch bikes into types, taking into account the features of their device. Now for the child you can buy a choice of monolithic or folding bike. The latter option is distinguished by an advantage regarding the convenience of transportation in personal or public transport. Unlike standard models in folding varieties, you do not need to first unscrew the wheel - for storage or transportation, models are equipped with a special mechanism on the frame, allowing it to be folded.

According to the running parameters, this group of bicycles can slightly inferior to monolithic structures. therefore models with this configuration are recommended as walking options. Varieties can be produced with or without shock absorbers. Also on sale you can find products with a different number of speeds. To disassemble or assemble the bicycle frame, there will be no need to use additional tools. It is also worth noting the presence of models with the ability to remove pedals and steering wheel.

Manufacturers of children's bikes, dividing their products into age groups, adhere to a certain table of correspondence of the height and weight of the child to the dimensions of the manufactured designs.

It is considered that a child whose height has already reached the mark of 126 centimeters should buy a model with a large wheel diameter. According to the averaged values, the optimal age for a cyclist able to control such a model would be 6 years. Wherein the baby's weight should be at least 20 kilograms.

A large number of models of children's bicycles from different brands are presented on the market. However, only a few are in demand among the 20-inch designs.

According to the recommendations that the manufacturer gives, the bike is designed for use by children in the age range from 5 to 9 years. The frame of the device is made of aluminum, so the children's bike is lightweight, easy to operate. The manufacturer thoroughly approached the issue of security, so this model has a rigid fork and mechanical brakes at the rear and front.

Teenage bike, recommended for bike rides in the city. The design is equipped with a chain drive, the frame is made of lightweight aluminum, among the components there is a rigid steel fork and an aluminum rim. The bike is equipped with a rim-type brake system, an entry-level carriage.

The front and rear rims of the mechanism are made Lightweight aluminum alloy. The design has a shock absorber made of steel, as well as a steering gear made of an alloy with steel. The brake system is presented in two types, the pedals for convenience have a nylon platform.

Among the available range, this 20-inch bike stands out wear-resistant aluminum frame, brake alloy rims. The steering wheel is adjustable, designed to lift 40 mm, the design includes a steel seatpost, footrest, and brake levers.

A monolithic model for moving around the city, has 6 speeds, two types of brakes. As additional components there are protective wings for the wheels, the trunk and a special footrest for ease of use.

The tires and frame of the bike are 20-inch in size, the bike is equipped with a steel sleeve, two braking systems: front and rear.

Models from a Swiss manufacturer that stand out for their attractive design. Constructions are equipped Shimano high-quality transmission, In addition, a reinforced steering column and a special 3S cross-section for the rear feathers provide the products with reliability and durability.

A popular bike brand specializing in the production of teenage bicycles, including designs with 20-inch wheels. Among the advantages of products it is worth highlighting use for the production of aluminum and carbon frames, which are characterized by a minimum weight and a high level of strength.

So that buying a bike for a child is not fraught with various difficulties, in the process of studying the presented models and designs, a number of important points should be taken into account.

• It is important, regardless of the parameters recommended by the manufacturers of children's bicycles, to take into account the individual characteristics of the child when buying a device for riding. It is best to choose a model together.To determine the conformity of the design to the growth of the child, it will be enough to seat him on the saddle. If the design will be in size, then the child’s feet will freely reach the pedals, hands - to the steering wheel. In addition, while pedaling, the cyclist's knees should not touch the handlebars.

• An important factor that indicates the appropriate size will be the smooth back of the cyclist, who comfortably seats on the seat and takes on the steering wheel.

• In addition to such an important detail as the diameter of the wheels, when buying, it is imperative to pay attention to the second most important indicator - the size of the frame. To choose a suitable growth design, you will also need to test the model you like with the child.

• Varieties of models with several gear speeds are recommended for children of school age and older. For preschoolers, you can limit yourself to bicycles at the same speed without additional functions.

• Despite the fact that bicycles with 20-inch wheels are usually used by older cyclists, it is recommended to purchase important safety equipment for riding on them: a helmet, gloves, knee pads.

• When considering a model with an understated frame, it is worth remembering that a suitable design will be only if the child standing on the floor with a frame between the legs has a distance of at least 7 centimeters from the crotch. A smaller step can complicate a jump from a bicycle in the event of injury situations.

• When buying, it is recommended to give preference to models that are sold in specialized departments or stores. This will allow you to get a guarantee, as well as quality service and certified products.

• The best choice will be designs with the ability to adjust the height of the steering wheel and seat.

In the next video you will learn how to choose a children's bike.