April 20, 2022, 6:02 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Family Controversy in the Bike Shop: The kids want a suspension fork, while the parents prefer proper lighting. How to reach a compromise and what you should never skip.
The purchase of a children’s bike is imminent. But what does the ideal bike look like? Parents and children often have differing opinions. For mom and dad, traffic safety is often a priority, while children tend to focus on the bike’s appearance. The advice from the Pressedienst Fahrrad (Pd-f) is to find a joint solution.
Overview
Finding the Right Bike Size
Parents should not buy the bike too large. Even though children grow quickly and a bike can be used longer and more cost-effectively. According to “Pd-f,” the decisive factors are body measurements and riding skills. Manufacturers usually specify the minimum and maximum height for each bike model.
If a child is suitable for both a 20-inch and a 24-inch bike according to the manufacturer’s chart, it’s better to choose the smaller model, as it usually provides children with a better sense of security. For many children in elementary school, models with 20-inch wheels are suitable, and later 24 or 26 inches may be considered.
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Full Equipment Required from 20 Inches
Important in this context: From a wheel size of 20 inches, a bike is considered a proper vehicle under German traffic law, subject to the regulations of the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO). This means full equipment is mandatory if the bike is used in public spaces: lighting, reflectors, two independently functioning brakes, a bell.
However, children often find equipment on the bike uncool, preferring a sporty look. The advice: A compromise, such as a sporty bike but with full equipment.
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Which Brake Makes Sense?
But which brake should it be? Parents often face the question: coaster brake or hand brake? The former is useful when learning to ride a bike in kindergarten age, as small children intuitively brake with their feet, but it is harder to modulate. Therefore, “Pd-f” recommends hand brakes from elementary school age–also for acclimatization for later. Adult bikes with coaster brakes are rare.
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Luggage Rack Yes, Suspension Fork Not Necessary
The often unpopular luggage rack can also be safety-relevant: If children transport their school bags there on the way to school, their backs are free. This makes the important shoulder check easier.
Getting children used to suspension forks early on makes little sense. They are usually too light to make suspension systems respond sensitively enough. They even make the bike heavier, more expensive, and more maintenance-intensive, according to “Pd-f.” Here, parents can save costs when buying a children’s bike. And if parents still find the new purchase expensive, there is a consolation: children’s bikes have a high resale value.
With material from dpa