Bikes are a sort of rite of passage for kids, and most parents can’t wait for the day when they are able to get the first bike for their child. While kids’ bikes are relatively easy to find, the problem comes with finding the right bike.
Given that buying a child’s bike can be a costly exercise, the question of finding the most durable kids’ bike tends to come up for most parents pretty quickly. So, how do you chose the best bike for your kids and ensure it will last the distance? We have rounded up some of the things you need to look at if you want to buy your child their first bike.
But first, do you really need a durable kids bike?
As much as you want your little one to have a bicycle, you don’t want to have to buy them one for each stage of their lives. With some research and consideration, you will be able to buy a high quality bike that the child can grow into. This will not only save time and money in the long run, it is more environmentally friendly.
How to choose a durable kids’ bike
Choosing the perfect bike for your child might seem like a conundrum because, lets face it, they are going to keep growing pretty quickly. Like clothes, what fits them at age 5 won’t fit them at age 7. But that doesn’t mean all is lost if you’re trying to get a bike that will last longer than the average. The below factors should guide you.
#1 – Choose durable materials
As with anything, questions around durability tends to come down to the type of materials used to make an item. Most quality bikes use aluminium or steel as the main material, although there are some wooden balance bikes on the market which some parents may prefer.
Aluminium and steel are strong materials and should last a longer time than wood. Be careful though that you do not over-focus on the durability and strength of the materials used and end up choosing a bike that is too heavy for your kid! Try to avoid bikes that are heavy in plastics as these will not last the test of time and are not environmentally friendly.
#2 – Go for popular brands
While some unknown brands make quality bicycles, for peace of mind, many parents opt for buying from established brands. Known brands may offer warranties on their products as well as after-purchase servicing which can come in handy if something goes wrong with the purchase. Of course, popular brands will come at a premium cost, so you’ll need to judge the price against the potential quality of the bike.
#3 – Get a bike with a warranty
As mentioned above, getting a bike with a warranty is always a good idea. Many bikes from established brands come with warranties on certain parts, such as the spokes. A warranty will come in useful if the bike develops issues that aren’t any fault of your child.
#4 – Choose a bike with good tires
A bike’s wheels are like the workhorse in the whole bike system. If you buy a bike with fragile tires, it won’t last long. Ideally, you want to purchase a bike with a considerable number of inches on the tyres to last your child several years of use. There is a recommended number of inches for every age, so check this out before jumping in to make a purchase.
#5 – Choose a bike design that factors in the child’s growth
You can go all out for a bike with the most durable features, but it still won’t last very long due to the rapid growth rate of most children. Luckily, these days, bicycle manufacturers are releasing designs that specifically cater to this issue.
Age-adapting bikes have a build that gives enough allowance for the growing knees and legs of your child. They are made with the right proportions that allow room for the rapid changes in the size of the rider.
Price Vs. Quality: Are expensive bikes worth it?
Now that you know how to pick a bike that will last, you might notice that these bikes won’t come cheap. Well-built and lightweight kids’ bikes will often be expensive. Cheaper bikes will tend to be heavier, less durable, and not provide any comfort or ergonomics for the rider.
If you can’t afford a top quality bicycle, you needn’t don’t lose hope. You can often pick up quality used/second hand bikes from local sellers whether they are established retailers or other parents looking to offload an unwanted item. These bikes can be a great option if you want to save costs without sacrificing too much on quality.
3 Comments
Love the AMber and Thomas number
<3
Love the gold dress!