Kids Bikes Buyer's Guide
Kids Bikes Buyer's Guide
However old you are, tearing around on two wheels never gets old. So why not get the youngsters in your life started early! With so many options out there it isn’t always easy to know what’s best, but we’re here to help. In this guide, we’ve selected our top picks and explained exactly what each is best suited for. If you’re looking to surprise your child with a bike this Christmas but need some guidance, this is for you!
Types
Balance Bikes
Think about it like the first time you tried to drive a car: focusing on gear changes, clutch control, braking and steering all whilst trying to keep your eyes on the road. When the concept of a bike is brand new to you, the idea of pedalling and gear changes can be quite challenging.
It doesn’t get more simple than a balance bike – so starting out with one is a fantastic way for your child to get the hang of bicycle riding, simply put your feet down and go! Mastering the art of balance will create a perfect foundation for understanding how to ride a bike. So, enjoy watching your child tear around the house with a big grin on their face as they realise the potential of two-wheeled transportation.
Stabiliser Bikes
If you learned to ride a bike at a young age (or older, we don’t judge) then you might be familiar with stabilisers. Much like the balance bike, stabilisers are designed to eliminate one of the core bike riding techniques so that the others can be focused on.
When it’s time to start learning how to pedal and steer, employing the aid of stabilisers will significantly reduce the chances of tumbles (though they always seem to find a way!). Ideal for the child that’s grown out of their balance bike, a more traditional bike will allow them to go further and faster, giving your child the freedom to roam around and explore. Once that confidence has been built up, simply remove the stabilisers and let the adventure begin!
£275.00
£300.00
Hybrid
If your child has been off stabilisers for a while now and has either grown out of their bike or wants to expand their horizons, transitioning from padawan to master by going for something a bit more multifaceted can open them up to new two-wheeled experiences.
When it comes to versatility, hybrid bikes are hard to beat, and for a first fully-fledged bike, their simplicity makes the transition a breeze. Capable on a variety of terrain, hybrids are ideal for the ride to school but will be just as fun tearing around the park at the weekend. Whilst many children's bikes will come in a single-speed format, if they’re feeling extra ambitious this could also be a great time to introduce gears. Your child will know no bounds when it comes to scaling steeper hills or cruising along the flat as they can adjust their effort to the gradient.
£440.00
MTB
Slightly more specialised than your typical hybrid, a childrens’ MTB is tailored towards off-road use. Frames are optimised for increased control and come fitted with chunkier knobbly tyres for comfort and grip. Some even go the full nine yards, featuring a suspension fork to take the impact out of lumps and bumps on rougher terrain.
If you make trips down to the family trails or are partial to outdoorsy holidays, an MTB will equip your child with everything they need to explore nature. For adventures to remember, look no further.
£379.00
£549.00
£599.00
What Size?
First thing’s first, we would always recommend coming in-store to make sure the bike fits! However, whether we’re too far away or you simply don’t have time, we know that things aren’t always that easy.
Most brands will have slightly different sizing methods, but this guide should give you a rough idea of what might work.
Accessorise
There are plenty of stocking fillers that will go hand in hand with a brand new bike: from bottles and bells to tassels and tools, you name it. But don’t forget about the important stuff! We stock all kinds of kids helmets and gloves to keep your child safe on the bike.
£39.99
£17.99
