Kids Bikes:

A simple "How To" guide for choosing your kids bikes (and trikes).

Welcome friends to the "Kids Bikes" section of Get-Into-Cycling.com. In this section, we will give you some simple tips on how to choose the right bicycle or tricycle for your kids. By choosing the right cycle at the beginning, you can be sure that cycling will not only be enjoyable for your kids now, but possibly as a lifetime activity.

Now your son/daughter wants to join you or wants to be involved in cycling.

What should you buy? How do you choose the right type of tricyle or bicycle?

Well, the answer is very simple: Buy based on age, size and most importantly, your budget.

There are quite a few models out there. They also vary in features as well as price range. Let's start with tricycles:

- The tricycle is perfect for young children, generally between the ages of 2-4 years old.

- This mode offers the child the experience of learning how to ride on his/her own.

- Teaches mechanics of pedaling, steering and stopping.

- Great for kids who do not know how to balance.

- Tricycles could be purchased at local department stores or local bike shops.

As your child grows, the tricycle will most likely need to be replaced with a bicycle.

- The bicycle is perfect for kids 5 years or older.

- Kids Bikes are measured by wheel size rather than by frame sizes and are mainly in inches ( example: 13, 16, 18, 20 and 24). Specific sizing guides or charts are available online and at your local bicycle shops.

- Generally, a child may need training wheels at the beginning stages of learning how to balance. Be patient: Each child will learn at their own pace. More on this in another section of "Kids Corner."

- As the child progresses and learns how to balance the training wheels should be removed. Removing the training wheels will prevent the child from becoming dependent on them.

- Kids bikes vary in style just like adult bikes ( examples: road, mountain, bmx, etc.).

Take your time and shop around.....If shopping with your kids, make sure you don't fall into the trap of buying the first bike that your child takes a fancy to. Show them different models at different prices and explain these differences to them.

Remember, that the bike or trike you pick for them will need to last for at least a few years, so pick the right one for them and your pocketbook. And don't forget about a helmet too! Enjoy the ride!

Kids Bikes: Return to Kids Corner

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