Children and teenagers love to ride bicycles and feel like “conquerors of space”. However, therefore, a serious question arises - whether it is necessary to buy a children's high-speed bicycle, and if so, what should it be. Understanding this topic is important thoughtfully and scrupulously, because any mistake will be extremely dangerous.
Materials
Logic suggests that, regardless of the speed achieved, the most important are the nuances:
- choice of aluminum or steel frame;
- size matching;
- the choice of a fully assembled bicycle or one that you need to assemble yourself.
It is clear that aluminum makes the construction of the bike easier. If the bike is equipped with 18-inch wheels, the difference with steel models can be 1-1.5 kg. But even if it is smaller, it still feels very strong when riding.
Especially when you have to go at high speed or long distances. But a steel bike costs significantly less than aluminum models comparable in characteristics.
“Winged metal” is easier to process than steel. Therefore, it is easier to give precise geometric shapes. Often made from aluminum, bicycles are equipped with excellent hubs and tires. As a result, it is possible to provide excellent reel. Any kid can ride an aluminum bike, even one who has not previously sat on a seat.
For comparison: learning to ride steel models will take at least 4-5 days.
Besides, aluminum is not subject to corrosion. He retains a pleasant appearance for quite some time. It will turn out to sell aluminum bicycles more profitable than steel counterparts. Finally, such models usually have a more attractive design and are covered with high-quality varnishes, paints.
Do I need a high-speed bike?
The frame and other parts are, of course, very important. But it’s even more important to answer the question of whether, in principle, it is worth buying a bike with a gear shift for children. An obvious minus of such designs - even on the run, adults will not be able to control the movement of the child and protect him from troubles. because Only those children who have skated at least 2 seasons on simpler models and already have the necessary management skills need to purchase high-speed bikes. Large companies specializing in the production of bicycles are advised to purchase high-speed modifications only for children from 7 years old.
But some experts note that children riding from three years old can buy such a bicycle at the age of 6. It will be heavier than 1-speed by 2-3 kg. It will not be possible to install balancing wheels on it.
Therefore, you must make sure before buying that the child is well balanced himself when riding on two wheels. The disadvantage of this model will be the increased price and a number of difficulties during the repair (especially for those who are poorly versed in technology).
However, the savings depend not only on the cost of a particular model. You must understand that the faster children grow, the more often they will have to change their bike. Attempts to "get along with little blood" and "drive to the last in an old car" turn out not only to be ridiculed by peers. This simply devalues the very essence of the bicycle as an assistant in harmonious physical development. because with a very limited budget, it is better to give preference to 1-speed models.
Subtleties of choice
Both children's and adult bicycles are sold in two versions: “in a box” (cheaper) and “assembled” (usually more expensive). Despite the attractiveness of the first way, you need to remember about the limitations:
- Only those who at least once repaired it can assemble a bike from scratch;
- You will have to prepare a set of tools (hexagons, spanners and adjustable wrenches, screwdrivers);
- assembly takes at least 1-2 hours;
- it is more difficult to assert your rights to warranty service.
Therefore, a paradox arises - in this case sometimes it makes sense to overpay in order to get a high-quality efficient bike.
The difference in price does not justify the need to buy it again if something goes wrong.
But there is one more subtlety about which it is necessary to say. The fact is that the age of future cyclists is also very important when selecting a bike. A good bike for 8 year olds has:
- hand brakes;
- headlights;
- wheels from 20 to 24 inches;
- most often, but not always, the rear brake bushing.
In the category of 8-10 years old, bicycles usually have the “unisex” design. But this only applies to technical features. The color of the used paint and its saturation will not make a mistake when choosing. Of course, it’s very stupid to go to the market or to the store without a child. Practice shows - they drive willingly only on what they like externally, and when landing, and in dynamics.
It is extremely important: along with the growth it is worth remembering about the length of the legs. It can be different for two people of the same height - and until this is remembered, it is difficult to detect the difference. It is unacceptable both to shuffle your feet on the ground, and the situation when you can not reach it.
In children's bikes there should be no rudders with an angle of rotation of more than 90 degrees. It is highly advisable to go to specialized or company stores, because then the situation with a guarantee and service is better.
Experienced cyclists are advised to be interested in brands of not only the bicycle as a whole, but also the key parts that are used in it. If you use components of dubious origin - this is a good reason to beware. For schoolchildren, and especially for teenagers, you need to choose bikes with more stable metal pedals. Mechanical brakes are also preferred over hydraulic counterparts. And, of course, you should be interested in reviews about models, especially on thematic forums.
On how to choose a children's bike, see below.
