The Cycle of Life – What to Look For In Your Child’s First Bike
As a parent and a child, one of the most exciting milestones in life is the first bicycle you choose to buy. It is almost a rite of passage to pick out the bike you want, learn unsteadily in your driveway or street and then finally mastering the art. As many parent will attest, knowing what to look for when you go to purchase your child’s first bike can be tough. Take the guesswork out of the decision and use these simple tips to knowing what to look for when the time comes.
Think ahead of time
Like most other things in your child’s life, like clothes or shoes, it is important to take into account the rate at which they are growing. The last thing you want to do is get a bike that in 6 months’ time is too small. When choosing your kids bike, measure your child’s height before going and allow an extra few inches for the growth to come. Consider bike options that have adjustable seats and handlebars, that way as your child grows, the bike can be adjusted. Making sure you get the right size bike is one of the most important considerations for their first bike.
Transport
A bike is a great way to engage your child no matter where they are. Whether it’s at home, at a BBQ or even on holiday. Travelling makes the weight of your child’s first bike very important. If the bike is too heavy or you don’t have the necessary tools to transport the bike then it may be hard to keep them engaged in learning this new skill. The weight becomes even more important as they gain more confidence in riding alone. Getting back on the bike is much harder if your child struggles to lift the bike up off the ground. When buying their first bike, take into account your child’s weight and strength against the weight of the bike.
Accessories
As a first bike, there are a few obvious bike accessories that you will need to consider. Training wheels, kick-stands and any other fun accessories like bells will probably be on the list of must haves for your child. When you are searching the market for bike options, remember these accessories. Some bike or department stores may offer them with the purchase price and other might use them as an add on sale. Write a list of all of the necessary accessories before starting your search and look for the most value as well as the best bike.
Design
Arguably the most important consideration in the purchasing process will be the design you choose. Design is crucial, especially if you have another younger child who will one day require the same decision to be made. Instead of choosing a design that is specific to either a boy or a girl, consider a neutral design that can be used as a hand-me-down. A generic design will also have more opportunity to resell if you only have one bike to buy. Of course it is important to understand what your child would like, but if they are opting for something more generic, then you may have more chance to get value now and later.
Buying your child’s first bike is a big moment for both of you and one that you don’t want to get wrong. Taking into account their growth, likes and dislikes will be critical to getting it right. If you are unsure of what to look out for, then these simple tips are a great place to start. If you want to know more regarding this topic you can check here bikeinquire.
