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TOT: HOT OR NOT
Essential Guide to Buying a Kids bike & Cycling with kids
10 things you need to know
made with
ike B s id K a g in y u B r o f s Top 10 tip & Cycling with kids Joyce Watts @ TOT: HO
T OR NOT
1. Balance bike vs training wheels A balance bike is a better option as a first bike. Balance bikes promote increased balance, stability and control, and thus increase confidece. Kids can learn about balance, balance speed (ie the slowest speed at which a bike will travel and still stay upright) and turning corners without having to worry about pedals. Allowing both feet to touch the ground helps them feel more secure and confidence. Using a balance bike will generally mean that your child progresses more quickly to pedals and will be a cautious yet skilled rider on a pedal bike. If you don’t want to buy a balance bike then another option is to remove the pedals from a pedal bike, although for some bikes the ergonomics won’t quite work for a first bike.
2. What to look for when buying a kids bike
6 things to consider: Size. A bike needs to be comfortable now so don’t think you should buy a bigger bike that the
child will ‘grow into’. In general, if it’s a choice between two sizes then smaller is better. A child is far more likely to ride a smaller bike, and ride more often, plus they learn bike-handling skills far quicker and to a higher standard. Frame size: The bike should be sized so that the child can sit on the saddle and rest the balls of both feet on the ground, easily stand over the bike with feet flat on the ground and have their arms at a comfortable angle with a slight bend when holding the handlebars (ie not leaning forward). Seat height: Consider the maximum seat adjustment. If you can’t test whether your child can easily stand over the bike then a rule of thumb is to measure their inseam (without shoes) then minus about 4-5cm to allow for the seat. Pneumatic tyres: Go for a bike with standard pneumatic tyres rather than foam tyres that don’t provide the same cushioning and grip. Material: My recommendation is to go with an aluminium frame as it is lightweight, durable and rust-proof. Wood looks stylish but it warps, deteriorates and does not tend to allow for seat adjustment. Plastic is cheap and breakable. Weight: The heavier the bike is, the harder it is to ride and the less likely your child will enjoy it. Also, it’s almost certain that at some stage you’ll need to carry your kid’s bike home!
3. What to look for when buying a secondhand kids bike 4 things to consider: Frame - is there rust? Cracks on the frame? Dented? Paint scratched? Wheels - Bent cranks? Buckled wheels? Do the wheels run true? Are any of the spokes broken? Brakes - Worn brakes? Working brakes? Chain - Is it rusty? Can the chain be pulled nearly clear of the teeth? Tyres - Are the tyres bald and cracked or in good condition? Obviously worn tyres can be replaced easily so it’s just mostly to note how much the bike has been used and how well it’s been taken care of.
4. When should kids start using gears? Confidence and ability are the important factors to consider - but most kids will progress to multigear bikes between 5-9 years old. For more extensive information click here.
5. Child Bike seats - front or back seat?
There are many child bike seats on the market and whether you want to use a front or back seat depends on your personal preference. I rode with Lady AB from 9 months old on aYepp Mini Front Seat because I liked having her in front on me. I could see what she was doing and I could converse easily with her while I was riding. However, a front seat will only hold a child to approximately 3 years old, whereas a back seat can still fit a child up to approximately 5 years old. A front seat may also not fit all Australian-style bikes as they tend to have lower head stems that don’t allow a child to sit comfortably in front. You may also find that you have to cycle with your knees apart (like a clown!) to accommodate the width of your front seat. Front seats are better designed for bikes with an upright sitting position ie a Dutch style step-through bike like those from Lekker Bikes. When choosing a child bike seat consider one that can be removed easily and is not permanently attached to your bike.
6. Bike trailer
A bike trailer has the advantage of being easily hooked on and off an adult’s bike and can be swapped between bikes too. They are also an economical option, compared to say a cargo bike, and sometimes can even convert into a pram when unlatched from the bike. I took Lady AB in a bike trailer on trip around the High Country’s bike trails and it was great fun. However, when choosing my mode of bike transport with children I opted against a trailer because I do a lot of on-road, inner city riding. Unfortunately Australian bicycle infrastructure is not always accommodating of bike trailers (ie wide bike lanes that are fully separated from car traffic) and Australian drivers are not used to noticing low-slung bike trailers on the road.
7. Cargo bike A cargo bike is a bicycle or tricycle with a large box (often timber) at the front where you can seat children, put shopping bags in etc. They are particularly popular in Europe.
We didn’t have a car for the first few years of having children because we relied on ourTaga cargo bike (and public transport and car share). TheTaga was relatively lightweight, narrow and even transformed into a pram at the end of the journey! Unfortunately the Taga is no longer available for sale in Australia now so you have to buy overseas or secondhand.
We recently upgraded to a Christiania cargo bike because the kids couldn’t fit comfortably together in the Taga anymore. It is also a better bike for my business because I can use it to haul a lot of gear, turn it into a market stall and transforming it into the Book Swap Bike. I installed an electric motor on it and as a result I use it a lot more because I don’t have to avoid hills or heavy loads.
7. Cycling on the road with kids
In Victoria you can cycle with kids under 12 years old on a footpath, otherwise you have to cycle on the road/bike lane. If you're on the road with children, take up a position behind them. If there are two adults in your group, then have one at the back and one in front of the children. Also teach some basic road safety rules: indicate clearly; ride in a position where you can see and be seen; make eye contact with other road users so you know they've seen you; ring your bell to let others know you are coming.
8. When should kids wear a helmet? Helmets are mandatory in Australia for adults and children alike, including if they are sitting in a trailer or bike seat. The only probable exception is when a baby is strapped into a baby capsule and taken in the box of a cargo bike. (Note there’s no law stating that this is a specific exception).
One of the lightest helmets on the market for babies is theBaby Nutty range by Nutcase Helmets. The helmets are marked as being suitable from 12 month onwards because as a general rule of thumb babies’ delicate spines are only able to steadily and safely hold the weight of a helmet at around 12 months.
9. How do you fit a kids helmet properly? Fitting a helmet correctly is a 5 step process: Helmets should sit approx 2 finger widths above the eyebrows so approximately in a horizontal position.
If you have a helmet with a rear wind-up adjustment at the back then open it out to the widest point, place helmet on head, then wind up to tighten so the helmet is firm. The straps should fit neatly either side of the ears. Adjust the triangle of the strap with the side buckles to sit underneath the ear lobes. The buckle should sit under the chin with no more than 1 finger width of slack when connected. Check that the helmet is snug without being so tight it’s uncomfortable. It should not move forward/back or side to side. Girls will need to remove their high ponytails when wearing a helmet.
10. Bells, lights and reflectors
Get 10% off your order Get 10% off storewide at CycleStyle.com.au until Friday 23 December with the discount code TOT10
All bicycles must have at least one effective brake and a working bell (or similar warning device). If you are riding a bicycle at night you must have:
SHOP NOW
white light (flashing or steady) on the front red light (flashing or steady) on the back a red reflector on the back. Find a selection of bells and bike lights.
made with
Essential Guide to Buying a Kids bike & Cycling with kids
10 things you need to know
made with
ike B s id K a g in y u B r o f s Top 10 tip & Cycling with kids Joyce Watts @ TOT: HO
T OR NOT
1. Balance bike vs training wheels A balance bike is a better option as a first bike. Balance bikes promote increased balance, stability and control, and thus increase confidece. Kids can learn about balance, balance speed (ie the slowest speed at which a bike will travel and still stay upright) and turning corners without having to worry about pedals. Allowing both feet to touch the ground helps them feel more secure and confidence. Using a balance bike will generally mean that your child progresses more quickly to pedals and will be a cautious yet skilled rider on a pedal bike. If you don’t want to buy a balance bike then another option is to remove the pedals from a pedal bike, although for some bikes the ergonomics won’t quite work for a first bike.
2. What to look for when buying a kids bike
6 things to consider: Size. A bike needs to be comfortable now so don’t think you should buy a bigger bike that the
child will ‘grow into’. In general, if it’s a choice between two sizes then smaller is better. A child is far more likely to ride a smaller bike, and ride more often, plus they learn bike-handling skills far quicker and to a higher standard. Frame size: The bike should be sized so that the child can sit on the saddle and rest the balls of both feet on the ground, easily stand over the bike with feet flat on the ground and have their arms at a comfortable angle with a slight bend when holding the handlebars (ie not leaning forward). Seat height: Consider the maximum seat adjustment. If you can’t test whether your child can easily stand over the bike then a rule of thumb is to measure their inseam (without shoes) then minus about 4-5cm to allow for the seat. Pneumatic tyres: Go for a bike with standard pneumatic tyres rather than foam tyres that don’t provide the same cushioning and grip. Material: My recommendation is to go with an aluminium frame as it is lightweight, durable and rust-proof. Wood looks stylish but it warps, deteriorates and does not tend to allow for seat adjustment. Plastic is cheap and breakable. Weight: The heavier the bike is, the harder it is to ride and the less likely your child will enjoy it. Also, it’s almost certain that at some stage you’ll need to carry your kid’s bike home!
3. What to look for when buying a secondhand kids bike 4 things to consider: Frame - is there rust? Cracks on the frame? Dented? Paint scratched? Wheels - Bent cranks? Buckled wheels? Do the wheels run true? Are any of the spokes broken? Brakes - Worn brakes? Working brakes? Chain - Is it rusty? Can the chain be pulled nearly clear of the teeth? Tyres - Are the tyres bald and cracked or in good condition? Obviously worn tyres can be replaced easily so it’s just mostly to note how much the bike has been used and how well it’s been taken care of.
4. When should kids start using gears? Confidence and ability are the important factors to consider - but most kids will progress to multigear bikes between 5-9 years old. For more extensive information click here.
5. Child Bike seats - front or back seat?
There are many child bike seats on the market and whether you want to use a front or back seat depends on your personal preference. I rode with Lady AB from 9 months old on aYepp Mini Front Seat because I liked having her in front on me. I could see what she was doing and I could converse easily with her while I was riding. However, a front seat will only hold a child to approximately 3 years old, whereas a back seat can still fit a child up to approximately 5 years old. A front seat may also not fit all Australian-style bikes as they tend to have lower head stems that don’t allow a child to sit comfortably in front. You may also find that you have to cycle with your knees apart (like a clown!) to accommodate the width of your front seat. Front seats are better designed for bikes with an upright sitting position ie a Dutch style step-through bike like those from Lekker Bikes. When choosing a child bike seat consider one that can be removed easily and is not permanently attached to your bike.
6. Bike trailer
A bike trailer has the advantage of being easily hooked on and off an adult’s bike and can be swapped between bikes too. They are also an economical option, compared to say a cargo bike, and sometimes can even convert into a pram when unlatched from the bike. I took Lady AB in a bike trailer on trip around the High Country’s bike trails and it was great fun. However, when choosing my mode of bike transport with children I opted against a trailer because I do a lot of on-road, inner city riding. Unfortunately Australian bicycle infrastructure is not always accommodating of bike trailers (ie wide bike lanes that are fully separated from car traffic) and Australian drivers are not used to noticing low-slung bike trailers on the road.
7. Cargo bike A cargo bike is a bicycle or tricycle with a large box (often timber) at the front where you can seat children, put shopping bags in etc. They are particularly popular in Europe.
We didn’t have a car for the first few years of having children because we relied on ourTaga cargo bike (and public transport and car share). TheTaga was relatively lightweight, narrow and even transformed into a pram at the end of the journey! Unfortunately the Taga is no longer available for sale in Australia now so you have to buy overseas or secondhand.
We recently upgraded to a Christiania cargo bike because the kids couldn’t fit comfortably together in the Taga anymore. It is also a better bike for my business because I can use it to haul a lot of gear, turn it into a market stall and transforming it into the Book Swap Bike. I installed an electric motor on it and as a result I use it a lot more because I don’t have to avoid hills or heavy loads.
7. Cycling on the road with kids
In Victoria you can cycle with kids under 12 years old on a footpath, otherwise you have to cycle on the road/bike lane. If you're on the road with children, take up a position behind them. If there are two adults in your group, then have one at the back and one in front of the children. Also teach some basic road safety rules: indicate clearly; ride in a position where you can see and be seen; make eye contact with other road users so you know they've seen you; ring your bell to let others know you are coming.
8. When should kids wear a helmet? Helmets are mandatory in Australia for adults and children alike, including if they are sitting in a trailer or bike seat. The only probable exception is when a baby is strapped into a baby capsule and taken in the box of a cargo bike. (Note there’s no law stating that this is a specific exception).
One of the lightest helmets on the market for babies is theBaby Nutty range by Nutcase Helmets. The helmets are marked as being suitable from 12 month onwards because as a general rule of thumb babies’ delicate spines are only able to steadily and safely hold the weight of a helmet at around 12 months.
9. How do you fit a kids helmet properly? Fitting a helmet correctly is a 5 step process: Helmets should sit approx 2 finger widths above the eyebrows so approximately in a horizontal position.
If you have a helmet with a rear wind-up adjustment at the back then open it out to the widest point, place helmet on head, then wind up to tighten so the helmet is firm. The straps should fit neatly either side of the ears. Adjust the triangle of the strap with the side buckles to sit underneath the ear lobes. The buckle should sit under the chin with no more than 1 finger width of slack when connected. Check that the helmet is snug without being so tight it’s uncomfortable. It should not move forward/back or side to side. Girls will need to remove their high ponytails when wearing a helmet.
10. Bells, lights and reflectors
Get 10% off your order Get 10% off storewide at CycleStyle.com.au until Friday 23 December with the discount code TOT10
All bicycles must have at least one effective brake and a working bell (or similar warning device). If you are riding a bicycle at night you must have:
SHOP NOW
white light (flashing or steady) on the front red light (flashing or steady) on the back a red reflector on the back. Find a selection of bells and bike lights.
made with
