Girls bikes
There’s a huge choice of girls bikes available. Looks, size, colour and style are factors that will influence your choice.
Looks are important to children. As adults, we like our bikes to look good, but children see the appearance of their bike as the number one priority. Many modern bikes are colourful with bold designs and are purposely made with brighter colours so they are easier to see in the dark.
The bike needs to be safe to ride, so buying the right size is vital. Your child should be able to touch the ground at all times. Girls bikes are sold by wheel size and have an age recommendation. The store will have a guide to which age is suitable for each wheel size. Cycle wheels generally start from twelve inches and go up to twenty six inches with a child’s first bike usually having a twelve inch wheel. Saddles can be highered or lowered. One of the best tips is to never buy a bike that your child will ‘grow into’
There are three styles of girls bikes to choose from; rigid, front suspension and full suspension.
A rigid style bike has no suspension, is much lighter and can be easier to handle than a bike with suspension. Suspension bikes can be heavier to handle, but are better and more comfortable for handling rough terrain such as kerbs and paths. Ask your stores advice on which will be the most suitable for your child’s use.
Buy your girls bike from a store with employees who are passionate about cycling and who are willing to talk to you. They can advise you about size, safety and brands. Get all the facts and then make an informed decision.
Choose a known brand. You’ll be able to trust that the design, brakes, safety features and manufacturing are well researched and developed.
If you are buying your child a mountain bike, buy the safety helmet and pads to go with it.
If it’s a bike for a small child, look at bikes with stabilisers or a tricycle. Tricycles have three wheels and are more stable than a two wheeler. If you go for a two wheeler with stabilisers, your child can learn to ride without stabilisers when she’s confident and developed her skills.
