How to Measure Bike Size for Kid
Measuring the size of a bike and even buying has never been easy. The starters have more trouble than anyone else. Many people do not have an idea of the way to do it. Most users get it wrong for the first time. However, the process becomes familiar in the subsequent process.
The article will look at various factors when measuring a kid’s bike. It will also mention the areas and things to measure. We shall also compare different models and recommend the best to select for your child.
Finally, the conclusion will summarize the entire article at the end. Read through for more information.
How to measure bike size for kids
Children grow fast, and they can easily overgrow their bikes. Finding one of the best sizes is ideal for their safety. Oversized and undersized ones can be harmful to them, hence not recommended.
Bigger ones can prevent the kid’s feet from touching the ground. The child risks falling and getting hurt. Their hands will have trouble finding the brakes also.
Smaller bikes may not allow the child to pedal safely. The knee can hurt by touching the ground or developing joint pains and tired legs.
Either way, the bike for your kid should be of ideal size for comfort and stability. It is advisable to select a slightly bigger one because as the child grows, they fit into the size of the bike.
What to measure on a kid’s bike
The diameter of the wheel is the most common part to measure. It usually determines the size of the child’s bike.
The diameter usually ranges from twelve to twenty-six inches. The correlation between the two is that the larger the wheel so is the bike’s frame.
However, it is wrong to rely solely on the wheel diameter when determining the size of the bike for your kid. Parents should be more creative when finding the best bike for their young ones.
One of the recommended ways to determine the bicycle size of your child is by measuring the inseam. Compare the measurements to the bike seat height.
To measure the inseam, ask the kid to stand against the wall while wearing shoes. Measure the length between the crotch seam of the pants to the end of the garment.
The age and height of the child might also be another thing to consider. You can always determine their height by asking them to stand against the wall and measuring from head to toe.
What are the types of kid’s bikes?
There are several brands of bikes, depending on the manufacturer’s specifications. They include the following:
The balanced bike
It does not have pedals, and they help the child build confidence while riding. The knee is slightly bent or mostly straight when in action, while the fleet is flat on the ground when seated.
The seat height is the same or lower than the inseam measurement.
Pedal bike with training wheels
The training wheels help build the confidence of your child. They can remain on the bike for a few months or years. However, it depends on how they respond. For added stability for the little ones, their feet should be flat on the ground while seated.
A First pedal bike without training wheels
The foot brakes should be sharp or efficient when riding the bike. At this stage, the child is not ready for the hand brakes and gears because their hands are still feeble and unable to handle them. The heels can either be flat on the ground while seated. Alternatively, they should have a maximum of one to two inches off the ground.
Adjust the height of the seat accordingly to the level of comfort for the child. Remember, they can brake with their feet.
A Second pedal bike without training wheels
It is ideal for children ready for larger bikes with gears and hand brakes. They also have multiple speeds and should be able to pedal.
Contrary to the above model, the heels should be between two to three inches off the ground while seated.
For this to happen or to get to the tip-toe position, the seat height should be a few inches above the kid’s inseam measurement. It is important as it gives some room for the child to ride without hurting themselves. They would also not overgrow the bike fast.
As the child continues to grow, adjust the seat gradually.
Finally, ensure the kid can stand over the top tube to avoid injuries. The crouch should be about two inches away from the frame while standing.
Why is finding the right size bike so important?
Their comfort and stability should be the major driving factors when finding a bike to buy.
If they can operate the brakes and gear system and touch the floor as they sit, the child will develop confidence.
A bike that is too big or small may pose challenges to control, and the little ones may feel uncomfortable. They find it difficult to balance while riding.
What bike size should I go for if my kid is between age ranges?
Sometimes, the kid is between the age ranges, and no specific bike is ideal for them. When using the size chart, you will see that both bikes fit the child but with minor adjustments to the saddle height.
If you are not sure how to select, here is a guide:
Choose a bike with a bigger wheel size if you want it to last longer. As the child grows, you can adjust the saddle height accordingly.
Alternatively, choose the one with a smaller wheel size. It is easier for the kid to handle it. Such bikes are also ideal for riders with less experience and those who want to build confidence.
Train your child to learn how to pedal and control the gear and brakes. As they grasp the concepts of doing that, confidence will build up within a period.
As they grasp the confidence, leave them to train on their own. They will learn how to ride with pride.
As a side effect, the parent will learn how to measure bike size for kids and select the best for them.
Conclusion
Many parents face several challenges when choosing the best bikes for their kids. That is understandable, especially if one does not have experience in this field.
The article talks about how to measure bike size for kids. It has in-depth information that you need to understand when measuring the bike. It also gives suggestions on selecting the best model for your child.
The article also mentions the various types of bikes you can buy for your child. They are in progression order from the most basic to the advanced models.
Feel free to leave a comment for us in the space below. Feel free to share this article with friends and family to help them find the best bikes for their kids.
