Buying a bike for a child

Gift giving time is fast approaching and what better gift to give to a child than a bike.

But there's more to just going into the local bike shop (LBS) and picking out the one with the groovy seat and the trainer wheels.

Children are usually ready to ride a bike between the ages of four and eight. By this time, they have developed sufficient agility, balance and coordination. However, physical skills alone are not enough. The child also needs enough emotional motivation and mental willingness before he or she can master the bike. Some children are just not ready until they are 8 or 10 years old, and even then, they require quite a bit of persuasion before they are ready to ride!

Here's a few tips on buying a child a bike:

• Don't be wooed by holiday sales. If the bicycle is not the proper size, pass it by. Don't make the dangerous mistake of buying a bike for your child "to grow into." If you were buying a bike for yourself, would you get it fitted to your requirements?
• To determine the proper size, the child should be able to sit on the seat and balance the bicycle with the balls of both feet touching the ground without leaning to one side or the other.
• Avoid purchasing a bike with hand brakes for a younger child. Wait until they develop greater strength in their hands and wrists and have large enough hands to easily engage the hand brake - which should occur about age 10. They will be quite happy with coaster brakes and can make the transition to hand operated brakes when they become more competent on the bike.
• Get a bike that has a chain guard - it's the only way to ensure that shoelaces or pant legs are kept out of the chain ring.
• An adjustable seat height is another feature you should consider - to get the best time value out of the bike for your child.
• Make sure your child's helmet fits properly. It's best for a child to try on a helmet before purchasing it, but if that's not possible, measure around the child's head at the forehead to determine the correct size. Purchase a helmet that meets safety standards - if it was your head would you wear it?
• What style of bike are you looking for? What recreation is your child interested in? BMX, road bike or mountain bike?
• Make sure the bike's ready to go by double checking that it's put together securely. Don't go for the bike with all the fad things on it - you are looking for a sturdy, well constructed and well designed bike that will not fail under pressure.
• Provide instruction to beginner cyclists away from traffic in a safe area. Vacant car parks at supermarkets are ideal for this.
• Remember that ultimately you will get what you paid for. Children grow out of bikes quickly, so if budget is utmost in mind a good secondhand or reconditioned bike might be the best bet. If you buy a dirt cheap bike, the lifespan will be considerably lower than a more moderately priced one.
• Invest a little time and money into the purchase. Remember that you are making an investment not only in your child's possible transportation and recreation but also an ongoing lifetime of cycling pleasure.