01.Introduction

In brief

• The most important consideration when buying a kid’s bike is size and fit — don’t be tempted to buy a large bike they can ‘grow into’.
• While all new bikes should meet the Australian standard for bike safety, it’s useful to know what to check for — especially if you’re buying secondhand.
• Buying a better-quality bike can mean getting a safer bike, and it will also hold its value better if you want to sell it later on.
  

Getting their first bike is a big moment in many a child’s life. A safe and comfortable bike, along with lessons in cycling safety, can mean opening up a whole new world of fun, freedom and independence. It’s a comfort that new bikes sold in Australia must conform to the relevant Australian standard (AS/NZS 1927:1998 Pedal bicycles — Safety requirements) to ensure they’re safe and of good quality. But choosing a bike that suits your child and his or her needs is equally important.

This article provides a checklist of things to consider when buying a new or secondhand bike for your child, with the aim of creating safe and fun times ahead.

What to look for

Try a specialty bike shop first, and get your child fitted with the right-size bike. Then if you want to go to a department store or buy a secondhand bike, at least you’ll know what to look for. A test ride will ensure the bike is comfortable to ride, something a bike shop will let (and even recommend) you do, but not a department or variety store.

Size and fit

The most important consideration is size. While it’s tempting to get a larger bike that your child can grow into, until they do it’s dangerous because they won’t be able to control it properly, and it won’t be much fun to ride. Buying a bike to fit means taking your child with you to the bike shop, and while it may spoil an intended surprise, a bike that's the right size will be appreciated more.

A bike is the right size when your child can:

• Sit on the saddle and rest the balls of both feet on the ground.
• Straddle the top bar with about 3-5 cm clearance and with both feet flat on the ground.
• Reach the handlebars with a slight bend in the arms when sitting on the seat. If there are handbrakes, your child should be able to grasp them and apply enough pressure to stop the bike.

As your child grows, you can raise the seat post and handlebar stem.

Price

 A reasonably good-quality bike with 12 inch wheels plus training wheels for a three- to five-year-old is likely to cost around $140 to $200, while a larger (20 inch or 24 inch) bike for a child up to 12 can cost upwards of $240.

If money is an issue, you could consider a secondhand bike. In theory, you should be able to get a very good-quality used bike for the same price as or less than a cheap, not-so-good-quality new bike. While kids would probably prefer the shiny new bike, no matter how poor its quality, you could compensate for the ‘usedness’ of the bike by allowing them to decorate it as they please with paint or stickers — something their friend with the new bike might not be allowed to do.

Brakes

The Australian standard requires that children’s bikes should have at least two braking systems, of which one must be a back-pedal brake (where brakes are activated when you pedal backwards). In any case, pedal brakes are usually recommended for beginners, especially very young children who don’t have the hand and arm strength to operate handbrakes safely. There’s usually a handbrake for the front wheel too — check its quality and make sure it’s not a flimsy plastic lever that bends when squeezed.

Wheels

Aluminium rims provide a better braking surface than shiny chrome-plated steel rims, and are therefore safer. Our sister organisation in the US tested both types, and braking distance with steel wheels was five times greater than with aluminium ones. If you’re not sure how to tell the difference, take a magnet with you (it won’t stick to aluminium).

It’s better not to get a bike with a quick-release front wheel for a child, because it’s not really necessary and could be dangerous if not installed correctly.

Training wheels

While some people reckon you’re better off learning without them, training wheels can be invaluable while your child is learning to balance. Start with them on the ground, and gradually raise them as your child gains confidence.

Chain guard

Children’s bikes should have a guard that encloses the chain wheel and the upper run of the chain, and you should only be able to remove it with a tool. In one variety store we visited, only half the kids’ bikes had the guard, so if you notice the bike doesn’t have one, insist it’s put on (or don’t buy the bike).

Gears

Gearing depends a lot on how good a cyclist your child is and the terrain where they’ll ride. For young beginners, a bike without gears is usually recommended, whereas for more experienced riders a few gears might be useful to make going up hills easier. The main thing is to listen to your child — don’t give them a bike more complicated than they feel confident with.

Pedals and handlebars

There should be a tread on both surfaces of the pedal, and if it’s mean enough to necessitate wearing shoes, so much the better!

The ends of the handlebars should be covered so raw metal doesn’t protrude, and the handgrips should be secure.