| Buying a bike for your son or daughter can be a | | | | at riding their bike these can be removed. From 16" |
| particularly rewarding, however difficult task during the | | | | wheels and upwards you will find that these will not |
| holiday season. Not only do you have to get the colour | | | | come fitted as standard as your child will normally |
| and type of bike right you will need to accurately judge | | | | have learnt to ride without the assistance by this age. |
| the right size of bike without giving away the game | | | | If you are buying one of the 12"or 14" wheeled bikes |
| that you went and picked the bike, not good old St | | | | be very careful and choosey about your purchase. A |
| Nicholas. | | | | number of these bikes are made from lesser quality |
| Bike Sizing | | | | plastic parts that may break easily and be difficult to |
| Children's bikes generally fall into one of a number of | | | | replace. Always check with the store first and enquire |
| different size categories which are based on their size | | | | about these before rushing into a purchase. |
| and age. The age is only a rough guide, as we all | | | | Popular Types of Bikes |
| know; there are always children who are taller or | | | | BMX - A BMX (named after Bicycle Motor Cross) is a |
| shorter than the average. | | | | single speed, usually 20" wheeled bike. Very popular in |
| The following list should give you a good guide on | | | | their cheaper versions with younger children, these |
| what size bike you should be purchasing for your son | | | | bikes have now grown into a cult scene with stars, |
| or daughter this Christmas; | | | | such as Matt Hoffman, making BMXing a hugely |
| - 12" Wheel Cycles - Suitable for ages 2½ to 4 | | | | popular sport. A cheap BMX is great for a younger |
| - 14" Wheel Cycles - Suitable for ages 3 to 5 | | | | child, but should your boy, or indeed girl, wish to start |
| - 16" Wheel Cycles - Suitable for ages 5 to 7 | | | | riding these bikes as intended make sure you invest in |
| - 20" Wheel Cycles - Suitable for ages 7 to 9 | | | | a good quality name that is built to take some |
| - 24" Wheel Cycles - Suitable for ages 9 to 11 | | | | punishment. Some good names to look out for are |
| - 26"+ Wheel Cycles - Suitable for ages 11+ | | | | WeThePeople and Mongoose who both make |
| Bikes in the 12" and 14" wheels categories are | | | | excellent, but affordable BMX's. |
| generally fitted with stabilisers only if your child excels | | | | |