A GUIDE TO BUYING KIDS BICYCLES

At Danzeisen and Quigley we understand that purchasing a bicycle is exciting for both parents and kids. A bicycle is your child's first vehicle and one of their first steps towards independence and healthy transportation. As professional cycle specialists it's our job to help you and your child find the right style of bicycle in the correct size so their cycling experience is as safe as it is fun. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when shopping for a bike:

FIT SHOULD BE YOUR FIRST PRIORITY.

Don't look to buy a bike that is too big for your child with the rationalization that they will "grow into it.

It will be easier for your child to control a bike that fits properly. Better control of the bicycle means that he or she will be safer.

SIMPLE CHECKS FOR PROPER FIT:

• With your child standing over the bicycle with both feet flat on the floor. There should be at least one inch between the top tube of the bike and their body. No clearance means the frame is too big. You can imagine how painful it would be, and the possible lifelong injury that could result, if a crash occurred. If there is no top tube, your child should be able to put his or her elbow on the front of the bike seat and touch the handlebar stem with their fingertips.

• Sitting on the seat with hands on the handlebars, your child must be able to place the balls of both feet on the ground. This will keep them from tipping over. This is important for the child to learn and understand even if the bike has training wheels.

• Still sitting on the seat, your child must be able to comfortably reach the handlebars and squeeze the handbrakes. If they are not able to reach and squeeze the handbrakes, ask if the hand brakes are adjustable. If not you should find a bike with adjustable hand brakes or pedal brakes.

• Get a bike simple enough for your child to handle. Some kids have trouble with handbrakes or multiple gears. Only buy a bike your child is comfortable using. Listen to his or her concerns because your child is often the best judge of what feels right.

• Buy a bike suited for the type of cycling your child will be doing.

  Road bikes are easy and efficient for cycling on roads. They are available in sizes that fit 10- to 12-year-olds and older.

  Mountain bikes are great for off-road cycling and can also be ridden comfortably on roadways.

  BMX-style bikes include BMX racing bikes, trick bikes, and dirt-jumping bikes.

• SHOP AT YOUR SPECIALTY BIKE SHOP. Specialty cycle shops typically, employ a sales staff who have a higher degree of professionalism and therefore have a much better understanding of what it takes to properly fit your child to his or her new bike. They also sell higher-quality bikes at competitive prices and will stand behind their products. In the long run, a better-quality bicycle will save you money on replacement parts and repairs. A good bicycle will last for years and, with good maintenance, can be sold once your child has outgrown it. A bike from a bicycle shop has also been properly assembled and is therefore safer.

• TEST RIDE:  At D and Q we highly recommend your child test ride the bike. This will help guarantee that the bike is properly sized and that they are comfortable with the bike’s style.

• BUY A PROPERLY FITTING HELMET. Helmets can significantly reduce the chance of a head injury in a crash, but only if they fit correctly. To make sure the helmet fits properly, learn with your child how to put the helmet on and have him or her check the helmet fit every time.                 In New Jersey the law states that all cyclists 17 and under must wear a helmet while riding a bicycle at all times.