THE CORRECT SIZE BIKE FOR CHILDREN

 

General Information

 

As by adult bike models the step length and height of the child plays an important part in choosing a bike. Childrens bikes are sized due to the diameter of the wheels. The childrens riding level and ability plays an addition role. Does the child still ride with training wheels or without? Small bikes between 12" and 18" are normally delivered with training wheels that can either be mounted or left off. Two issues that must be considered in all cases are:

 

1) When sitting on the bike and the seat is at its lowest possible position the child should be able to turn the pedals without having to stretch the legs totally.

 

2) Depending on the riding ability stepping off the bike (when standing still the child toes should have safe contact to the ground whilst still sitting on the seat) must be considered. If the training wheels are still being used then this is not as important as the safety risks are not as great.

 

Most children begin to ride without the training wheels between 5 and 6 years of age. All bikes up to 16" and 18" come equiped with a back pedal brake. As of 10 years of age, good riding skills and a height of 145cm a 26" adults bike may be considered as the frame size is not much larger than a 24" childrens bike.

 

Measuring your Step or Leg length

 

The most common made mistake when trying to find the correct frame size is measuring the step or leg length incorrectly. Because this step length is the most important factor to consider being inaccurate and measuring the step length incorrectly by only 2 or 3cms can make a huge difference and may lead to purchasing the wrong sized frame. However there is a solution to every problem! By taking the following steps it is possible for you to measure the correct step length and therefore find the correct bike for your needs.

 

1. For every measurement you will need the correct tools. Ideally a tape measure or folding ruler along with a spirit level should be used. If no spirit level is close at hand then a wall or book to provide a right angle will do.

 

2. The next step may seem a little strange at first but for the perfect measurement necessary. Undress down to your underwear as the cut or length of your pants may influence the results greatly. Now take the spirit level or book to create a right angle to the floor and then measure from the floor up to your crutch betwwen the legs. Important is to measure right up to the TOP! This measurement is to be made without shoes. By doing this next to the wall you can be sure that the ruler or tape measure is parallel to the wall for the correct result.

 

3. The resulting mesurement is your step or leg length needed to find the suitable bike for you. With this information you can now choose the frame size and bike wished using the chart below. Should you be uncertain please send us the childs height, step length and level of ability and we wil be glad to assist in finding the right bike for you.

Schrittlaenge-Kinder englisch

Choosing the bikes size

 

(Given in cm, 1" = 2,54cm)

EKinderfahrrad

Kinderrad-Boden englisch

Kinderrad-Pedal englisch