Introducing your child to cycling is an excellent way for them to get active and explore the world. Cycling can be a fun and low-cost weekend activity for the whole family and a great way to keep fit together. There are many health benefits for children, as cycling strengthens bones and muscles, builds stamina, and improves cardiovascular health. Usually, around 12 months old, children can stabilise themselves on bike seat attachments or trailers. Try introducing your little one to the activity by bringing them along on your cycling trips in a bike seat or trailer. Once they are more comfortable and familiar with being on a bicycle, you can consider getting a bike for your little one! Read on to find out which bicycle is the most suitable for your budding cyclist.
What are the types of kids' bicycles?
Cycling is a serious business. There are different types of bicycles with unique features and purposes, from balance bikes to road bikes. Finding the right bicycle for your little one is crucial in keeping them safe while having fun. Here is a brief introduction to the different bicycles and their purposes. Here are the different types of bikes for your child’s learning stages.
Balance bikes
Balance bikes are most children’s first bicycles and are suitable for toddlers aged 18 months old to 2 years old. With no need for pedalling, your toddler can start riding when they can walk confidently. As the name suggests, the purpose of a balance bike is to train your child’s balancing skills and to give them the confidence to be on wheels.
Bicycles with training wheels
Bicycles with training wheels are also known as learning bikes. They have two extra back wheels to give more stability when learning to pedal. These are great for learners still gaining confidence to cycle, and the focus isn’t on balancing on a bicycle yet. Most learning bikes allow the training wheels to be removed easily with simple tools, for example, screwdrivers. When your little one is ready, the next step is to pedal while balancing on the bicycle. Remember not to rush the process and progress according to your child’s confidence.
Standard bicycles
Once your child is ready to jet off on two-wheelers, the fun begins! There is a wide variety of two-wheeled bicycles to cater to different interests and needs. Road bikes are great for long-distance cycling as the thin tires reduce friction and increase speed. Meanwhile, mountain bikes are great for off-road cycling. Their thick tires and grooves grip more to the surface, allowing for all-terrain cycling. For the daredevils, there are stunt bicycles (with BMX bicycles as the most popular choice) for your mid-air flips. Safety should be the priority when cycling. Ensure that your child has all the necessary safety equipment, such as arm guards, knee guards, and helmets.
5 best balance bikes
1. Decathlon Kids' 10" Balance Bike Runride 100
Key features:
Only 3.2kg
Adjustable seat height
Adjustable handlebar
Puncture-proof tires
Price: $59.90
Suitable for ages: 2 and above
Available in 1 colour
2. Globber Go Bike Balance Bike v2
Key features:
Only 3.03kg
Adjustable seat height and handlebar
Reversible frame
Puncture-proof tires
Price: $65.00
Suitable for ages: 2 and above
Available in 9 colours
3. Scooter Balance Bike
Key features:
Adorable design
Learn to balance with style
Price: $159.90
Suitable for ages: 2 and above
Available in 2 colours
4. Micro Scooter Balance Bike Dino
Key features:
Ultralight magnesium frame
Adjustable seat height
Holds up to 50kg
Price: $180.00
Suitable for ages: 2 and above
Available in 3 colours
5. Strider 12” Sport Balance Bike
Key features:
Lightweight, only 3kg
Durable and functional
Adjustable seat height
Puncture-proof tires
Price: $201.00
Suitable for ages: 18 months and above
Available in 6 colours
5 best learning bicycles
1. Decathlon Unisex 14” Kid Bicycle
Key features:
Designed for learning how to cycle
Easy-to-use and ergonomic stop brakes
Removable training wheels/stabilisers
Price: $119.90
Suitable for ages: 3 years and above
Available in 1 colour
2. Polygon Crosser 12” Kids Bike
Key features:
Designed for learning how to cycle
Easy-to-use and ergonomic stop brakes
Removable training wheels/stabilisers
Price: $185.00
Suitable for ages: 3 years and above
Available in 2 colours
3. Polygon Alice 12” Kids Bike
Key features:
Designed for learning how to cycle
Easy-to-use and ergonomic stop brakes
Removable training wheels/stabilisers
Price: $185.00
Suitable for ages: 3 years and above
Available in 2 colours
4. Precaliber 12” Kids Bike
Key features:
Designed for learning how to cycle
Easy-to-use and ergonomic stop brakes
Removable training wheels/stabilisers
Price: $349.00
Suitable for ages: 3 years and above
Available in 2 colours
5. Little Tokyobike 16”
Key features:
Delightful colour palette
Easy-to-use and ergonomic stop brakes
Removable training wheels/stabilisers
Price: $490.00
Suitable for ages: 3 years and above
Available in 3 colours
5 best kid’s bicycles
1. Riverside 100 20” Kids Hybrid Bike
Key features:
Single-speed hybrid bicycle
Equipped with rear light, front light, and bell
Suitable to cycle on an easy nature trail
Price: From $199.90
Suitable for ages: 6 and above
Available in 2 colours
2. Polygon Lovina 20” City Bike
Key features:
Steel city bike with front basket
Great for touring the city
Price: From $299.00
Suitable for ages: 6 and above
Available in 1 colour
3. Lil’ Roadster 20” Kids Bicycle
Key features:
Delightful colour palette
Great for everyday transport
Easy-to-use and ergonomic stop brakes
Price: $490.00
Suitable for ages: 6 and above
Available in 2 colours
4. Marin Hidden Canyon 20” Mountain Bike Junior
Key features:
Great for mountain biking
Smooth disc brake
Easy to maintain
Price: $499.00
Suitable for ages: 6 and above
Available in 2 colours
5. Precaliber 20” 7-Speed Kids Bike
Key features:
Lightweight frame
Front suspension fork
7-speed gearing
Price: $529.00
Suitable for ages: 6 and above
Available in 8 colours
Finding the right ride
To find the right bicycle for your child, it’s best to let your little one try it out in person before making a purchase. Some things to consider are the height, weight, and size of the wheel of the bicycle. Get your little one to try mounting the bicycle and see if it’s comfortable for them. Other determining factors could be the longevity of the bicycle and the price. Check with the bicycle shop specialists on the features of the bicycles that your little one is interested in. For the more experienced young cyclist, take their interest into account. Are they more city cyclists or nature navigators?
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