Choosing The Right Bike For Your Child

As Li Syuen had outgrown on the tricycle, we decided to buy her a bike. I found that it is kinda hard to choose the right bike so, I decided to browse a few website before paying the money. As we all knew, kids can experience or learn the laws of inertia, pedaling, steering, braking and sitting on a saddle so, it is a must item on our list.

The very first thing to consider is the right size of the bike. We wouldn't want it too small or too big for our daughter. Some people might consider to buy a bigger size for their children as they are afraid that their children might outgrow it too soon but we must bear this in mind that a over-sized bike is dangerous. Click here for the guideline of the right size http://bicycling.about.com/od/howtoride/a/bike_sizes.htm The bike should fit the child. He or she should be able to dismount and straddle the bike flat footedly. And then with a slight lean of the bike, get their bottom back onto the seat, put their foot on the pedal and ride away.

The next thing to consider is the brakes. There are two kind of brakes, coaster brakes and handbrakes. Coaster brakes serves better as children's hands are small and limited hand strength. Make sure the brakes are good quality as it is stiff and strong enough to handle the weight and speed. If the bike only has brakes that work by rubbing on the wheel rims, it is best to have rims made of alloy. Steel rims are dangerous because when they get wet, they have a low co-efficient of friction so it takes much longer to stop the bicycle. Ideally the hub, spokes and rim should be metal.

Li Syuen's tricycle was past down to Li Ning. Li Ning had fun with her tricycle.

Hubby joined in the fun too.