Although it’s nice to surprise your child with a bike for his birthday, it’s better to take him along to pick out one that fits him. Because bikes are expensive, it’s tough to have to keep buying bigger ones as the child grows. For this reason, you might be tempted to buy a bike that’s a little too big so your child can grow into it. This is a bad idea because a too-big bike is harder for the child to control. It’s safer to keep him on his smaller one until he’s big enough for the next size. A good used bike may be a more cost-effective answer while your child is still growing. But if you buy a new one, don’t necessarily go for one of the cheaper ones. A more expensive bike could actually save you money in the long run if it’s more adjustable so your child can use it longer.
Proper Fit
Here’s how to tell if a bike is the right size for your child:
When he sits on the seat with his hands on the handlebar, he should be able to place the balls of both feet on the ground. When he straddles the top bar and puts both feet flat on the ground, he should have at least an inch of clearance between his crotch and the bar. (Obviously this is only for boys’ bikes, which have such a bar.)
