Kids Bikes

Generally speaking, once you have extended the seat-post out as far as the maximum mark, it might be time to consider the next size up. Also if your child is looking ‘hunched up’ or not comfortable when riding, it could be time to move up.

No, you may well find that there is a decent amount of over-lap between sizes depending on the style of the bike. So a bigger wheeled bike might have a lower top tube on the frame and be easily manageable. It’s also worth considering waiting until spring and better weather, especially if your child had outgrown their bike in autumn and chillier weather is coming – A growth spurt in winter could easily see them skip a bike size.

While there is nothing wrong with a cheap supermarket kids bike, it will more than likely be a heavy, steel framed bike, fitted with low cost steel wheels and components. This is important as steel bike parts rust, but they also tend to be significantly heavier than aluminium. This is a big deal because if your 8 year old weighs 25kg and their cheap bike weighs 15kg, it is the equivalent of a 75kg adult riding a 45kg bike - it would be a struggle. Good quality kids bikes hold their value, far better than cheap ones, so the cheap supermarket price heavy bike is a false economy (as well as making bike riding much more difficult).

Bells are a great way to let other people know that you are there. If you ride on shared paths they are very worthwhile, they seem more polite than a shout, which can be taken the wrong way.

Keep the bike clean! There are parts on your bike which will wear out through normal use (cassette, chain and brake pads), keep your bike clean and lubricated to maximize the lifespan. It is also easier to check the bike over when it is clean. If the bike is kept clean and lubricated it shouldn’t need much attention mechanically. Most routine maintenance jobs are pretty easy to do, see our blogs here, alternatively seek a reputable, skilled bicycle mechanic.