The seat tube should be at a height that allows the cyclist to stand over the bike with feet on either side firmly on the ground. Mountain bikes have frames that are lower than in other types of bikes, so a growing young person may be able to reach the bike’s pedals, but the frame may still be too long in terms of safety of use.

The angles, seat tube and fork that affect how a bike is to ride are different models. In bike models intended for sporty riding, the frame angles are steeper than in models intended for more leisurely riding.

One tried and tested rule of thumb for avoiding any big blunders in choosing a frame size is to stand over the bike and ensure that there is approximately 5 cm (for road bikes) or 10 cm (for a mountain bike) of space between the top tube and the riders crotch. However, please do remember that such rules of thumb are based on average calculations, and they cannot take into account individual differences in different types of frames. If necessary, the frame can be tailored for a better fit by adjusting and changing the handlebar stem and seat post.

Finding a bike that fits a child’s dimensions is essential both in terms of safety and the development of cycling skills. When looking for a first bike, it’s good to remember that the bike shouldn’t be too big because the child’s feet should reach the ground firmly when learning to pedal. The correct frame and tyre size along with appropriate dimensioning of the frame, affect balance and steering control. The best driving position for a child is upright, and they will feel stable when their centre of gravity is correct. This makes it easier to maintain balance and learning will be fun. To find a suitable bike for your child, check out the attached recommended sizes for children’s bikes.

Once the child has mastered the basics of cycling, you may wan to consider getting them a bike with gears. You shouldn’t be afraid of gears; they are a great addition to the enjoyment of cycling. They make it easier for the child to pedal in the company of parents even uphill, for example. You should also pay attention when buying a bike for a girl: for some reason, boys often get geared bikes, but girls are more often given single-speed bikes. In terms of safe cycling, it is good to learn to use the gears at a young age. Gears also increase riding comfort, which results in using the bike more often. A child will naturally learn to ride a bike when its enjoyable.

When choosing the correct size bicycle for a child, it is very important to test ride it. So, take the child with you bike shopping, and ask the sales person for advice on choosing a bike. The following three factors can be used as a rule of thumb: The feet must reach the ground, the knees must not hit the handlebars and the driving position must be upright. When purchasing a children’s bicycle, you should also consider the child’s cycling skills. Others know how to use gears and hand brakes. For others, it is better to get a bike with a foot brake and internal-gear hubs. It is worth noting that children grow every year, so there is no reason to get a bicycle that is too small. The height of the seat can be raised little by little, extending the life of the bike. It is worth investing in the quality of a children’s bicycle because a high-quality bike can be recycled, for example, for younger siblings. A high-quality children’s bike will also retain its value well.