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Child-friendly attachments and materials that are as light as possible are the right ingredients for a children's bike. Problem area: the cranks. None of the major suppliers have lengths suitable for children. That's why you're more likely to find them at children's bike specialists, often founded by parents who wanted to create better bikes for their children. Well-known brands include Vpace, Kania, Woom, Kubikes and Early Rider. Good children's bikes cost 500 to 2,000 euros and more. The resale value is high.
Quality right from the start!
Above all, parents should pay attention to small brake levers, thin grips, strong brakes, small saddles, short cranks and narrow pedal spacing. The bike for the Steppkes should also be very light, between five and eight kilograms. It is also advisable to fit very light tyres with low air pressure. High-quality tyres hardly wear out under children and contribute greatly to smooth running.
he most important piece of advice for parents is: less is more! You need to take a step back so that children have fun. Play and fun are required, not endurance orgies. Head for attractive destinations, share enthusiasm, get the little ones on their own bikes as soon as possible and practise their riding technique together. Challenge the children, but don't overtax them - just like in the rest of your life. Separate your own sport from the tours with the children, as this can only work temporarily. The process takes a long time! Ten years of training is realistic and the end is not in your own hands.
Bicycle
Which bike is rideable from which size depends on how the frames are designed. The manufacturer's information on stride length provides good orientation. Some sizes can be skipped. Off-road bikes are more versatile. The wheel sizes of children's bikes are finely graded.
- 16 inch: Children can learn to ride themselves from around the age of three. Lightweight wheels weighing five to six kilograms and child-friendly attachments (handles, cranks!) help to generate enthusiasm right from the start.
- 20 inch: More riding dynamics for children from around four years of age thanks to the larger wheels. 1x8-12-speed derailleur gears.
- 24 inch: Intermediate size on the way to a 26-inch bike. Can be skipped depending on when you start.
- 26 inch, mountain bike: An option from the age of six with an XXS frame and child-friendly attachments. Initially without a suspension fork and with the lowest possible weight, these bikes provide the greatest boost in the childhood years. The bike can grow with the child for up to four years.
- 27.5 inch, mountain bike: Intermediate size on the way to 29 inches. Can be skipped if necessary.
- 29 inch, road/gravel bike: From around the age of ten, the path to a racing bike or a mountain bike with large 29-inch tyres is open if the geometry of the frame is adapted and the attachments are suitable for children or young people.
Impeller
The first bike is a balance bike. This allows the child to learn how to ride intuitively. Training wheels make it more difficult to learn the right feeling for balance. The lighter the better - Giant's carbon-fibre balance bike (€599) is expensive but easy to master. A model with brakes, for example from Early Rider (224.90 euros) or Woom (249 Euro >> available here) is useful for practising the function.
Trailer
Among countless trailers, there is exactly one that is recommended for sporty use: the single-track, sprung single trailer from Tout Terrain, based on a design by frame builder Florian Wiesmann. This trailer trains riding skills even before the very first bike, is suitable for off-road use and is comfortable. The list price for the single trailer starts at 1,290 euros. All other designs are for everyday use, but not for sport.
Child seat
On a child seat behind the handlebars, children from around two to four years old can learn a lot: balance and riding dynamics, speed awareness and braking technique, overview and traffic rules. The children are also better protected than in the back and communication is easier. Recommended models are available from Kids Ride Shotgun (from 95 euros) or Feva Star (99.90 euros). Disadvantage for road cyclists: the front seats are recommended for mounting on mountain bikes.
Trailers
Various concepts make it possible to take the children in tow. The solutions range from devices that hold the front wheel, such as the FollowMe concept, which costs 349 euros as a complete set, to half bikes on which the children can pedal along but not steer. Advantage: more range and the pedalling movement is internalised. Disadvantage: no real riding.
Tow rope
The simplest way to hook children is with an elasticated rope. This can be a great help, especially uphill at low speeds. Various commercial products are available on the subject, which can have the advantage over DIY solutions of being able to roll up the rope.
