|
<< Back to Cycling
Department
Choosing Your Bicycle
Choosing a Bicycle for a Child
Choose a bike to suit your child's height and build
now, not one they will grow into. If it is too small
they will quickly become tired but if it is too big
they will not be able to dismount correctly and risk
falling or crashing.
Younger children don't need gears but many manufacturers
fit them anyway. Look for a bike that is simple to
operate making it easy to jump and ride. Introduce
children to geared bikes from around the age of six
or seven.
The bike should be small enough so the child's feet
touch the ground when sitting on the saddle. This
gives kids confidence and is opposite to the advice
given for adult cycles. Unlike adult bikes, children's
bikes normally come in wheel sizes, not frame sizes.
Look out for cheap brakes and brake levers. Plastic
levers for example are fitted to reduce costs and
often fail.
Use the table below to find the right size for your
child:
| Age |
Inside Leg |
Height |
Frame Size |
Wheel Size |
| 3-5 yrs |
13.5" - 16" |
Under 90cms |
8.5" |
12" |
| 4-7 yrs |
15" - 17.5" |
90 - 115cms |
9" |
14" |
| 5-7 yrs |
17" - 20.5" |
105 - 120cms |
10" |
16" |
| 7-11 yrs |
20" - 23" |
115 - 140cms |
11" |
20" |
| 7-11 yrs |
21" - 24.5" |
115 - 140cms |
12" |
20" |
| 11-14 yrs |
23" - 26.5" |
Over 135cms |
13" |
24" |
| 11-14 yrs |
23.5" - 27" |
Over 135cms |
14" |
24" |
Choosing a Bicycle for an Adult
The bicycle you choose will depend on it's purpose
and your budget. From mountain crossing to just plain
fun there are a huge variety of bikes available including
multi-purpose for simply going to work but also going
out at the weekend. Ask in your local bike shop for
advice and don't forget to check out some of the links
on our cycling page.
Sizing a bicycle for an adult is the opposite to choosing
one for a child - both your feet should not
reach the ground when sat in the saddle. You must
not feel stretched or hunched over to reach the handlebars
either.
Legs must be slightly bent when pedalling to get the
most power but if you can touch the ground with both
feet when you’re sat in the saddle, the bike
is too small for you or the saddle needs to be raised
higher up.
Adult bikes are normally sized by frame. Don't be
afraid to try out a bicycle in your local shop, they
should happily let you sit on it and try it out.
|
