Choosing your child's first bike is an exciting choice, you want her or him to be able to ride safely through traffic with a reliable bike. But what should you pay attention to when making this choice so that learning to ride a bike goes smoothly and easily? Read on quickly to get answers to all the questions you have about purchasing your child's first bike!
Find the right size bike
The right size bike is essential. Never buy a bike that is too big for your child to grow into, because a bike that is too big will make it harder for your child to cycle comfortably and safely. A well-fitting bike gives more confidence and makes learning to cycle less exciting.
Children's bikes are measured in inch sizes of the tires. In the BikeFlip size chart you can see exactly which size fits your child. However, every child is different, so if you are in doubt, you can book a test ride with us. This way you can try out different bikes and sizes. With BikeFlip you can also always exchange the bike if the size turns out not to be quite right.
Choose between training wheels or no training wheels
Having training wheels is a concept we all grew up with, but is it really the best choice for learning to ride a bike? With training wheels, your child learns to steer, pedal and there are fewer falls at the beginning so that he or she builds more confidence in cycling. All very positive, but what you really miss when learning to ride a bike with training wheels is learning to keep your balance, which is an important part of cycling. If you start learning at a young age, we recommend a balance bike , on which you can learn to balance very well.
Want to know more about this choice? Read our blog about training wheels!
Which brakes are best for learning to ride a bike?
When choosing your first bike, it is also important to think about what type of brakes are best for your child. Hand brakes and back-pedal brakes both have their own advantages, but which advantages are best suited to an inexperienced cyclist? The best choice for a children's bike is both ! But if you have to make a choice, we recommend going for the back-pedal brake, which works intuitively and does not require much force to operate. Hand brakes on the other hand can often be difficult to operate, especially for young children, because they simply do not have the strength and coordination to handle them properly. Therefore, weigh your options carefully and, if necessary, test the differences and whether your child is able to use a hand brake. It is also important that the hand brake is not too tight!
Pay attention to the weight of the bicycle
A light bike is, especially for young children who do not have much strength yet, the best to cycle on. That is why we recommend starting with a light bike, a simple bike that does not have too much on it is the best to start with. This way you ensure that it is easier for your child to cycle on his or her new bike! A front rack, for example, looks nice, but makes the bike heavier.
Is the bike still too heavy? With BikeFlip you can always exchange the bike for a lighter one!
Choose the right accessories for your bicycle
In addition to making your child's bike look nicer with accessories , it is also important to think about safety accessories. We recommend purchasing a bike helmet , especially for the first few kilometers. It is also important that the bike has a properly working bell so that your child can always be heard!
New or second-hand?
Because children grow so quickly, it is also an important choice where you buy the bike and whether you buy it new or second-hand. A new bike can be nice, but your child will soon grow out of it and then you have to find a new one. But with a second-hand bike you are not sure whether everything works and of course there is no guarantee. BikeFlip has found a solution for this dilemma! With our sustainable children's bike subscription you always have a circular refurbished bike in the right size, is it getting too small? Then we will simply bring a new one of your choice! We also offer free repairs at home so that you can be sure that your child can safely go through traffic. With our subscription you not only help yourself by making choosing children's bikes a lot easier, you also contribute to the circular economy !
Conclusion
Choosing a child's first bike is an important decision, but with the right size, a good brake system and a light bike, learning to ride a bike becomes a lot easier. Also think about training wheels, the right accessories and whether you choose a new or second-hand bike. Do you want to make your choice as flexible, easy and sustainable as possible? Then a BikeFlip subscription is a perfect solution!
