WHEEL SIZE
Keep in mind that a child is not a shrunken adult and therefore has different needs. A bike that is too small or too big will be difficult for children to handle and will be difficult and dangerous for them to ride.
When choosing the bike itself, it is important to focus not only on the size of the wheels, but especially on the size of the frame. It must fit the child not only in height but also in length. It is also important to consider the width of the handlebars, which should exceed the width of the shoulders by 5-10 cm. If the handlebars are too wide, the child loses stability and finds it harder to manoeuvre in more difficult terrain. On the other hand, hands too close together means that the child has less leverage, is unable to react well to the rigours of the terrain and loses stability. The thickness of the grips and the correct size and position of the brake and gear levers are also important for a good grip on the handlebars. These should never force the child into a bent wrist position, but should match the direction of extension of the child's forearm when sitting on the bike.
A SUITABLE SEAT
In cooperation with physiotherapist Helena Vomáčková PhDr. D. from UK FTVS, we have prepared a small guide for you.
How to set up a little biker's seat in five steps:
1. CORRECT WHEEL SETTING
Saddle height: Adjust so that the heel on the pedal in the down position allows the knee to be freely extended.
Saddle adjustment: The axis of the knee in the most forward position of the pedal should be in the axis of the pedal.
Optimum handlebar width: Handlebars should be the width of the rider's shoulders plus 5 to 10 cm.
Adjust to rider's preference for comfortable handlebar reach.
Suitable grips: choose grips that provide an easy grip
2. CENTRE OF GRAVITY CONTROL
Hands on handlebars: slightly bent at the elbows for better manoeuvrability.
Pelvis on the saddle: The body should be in a slight forward bend.
Foot position on the pedals: foot resting on the widest part of the pedal (centre).
3. CORRECT POSITION OF THE KNEE JOINTS
Knee loosely extended: with the pedal down and the heel on the pedal.
Knees straight: Neither rotated nor retracted, with the axis of the thigh respecting the axis of the bike frame.
4. SADDLE HEIGHT AND CHILD SAFETY
Reaching the ground: the saddle should be at a height where the child can safely reach the ground with his/her toes until he/she is confident in riding.
5. HANDLEBAR GRIP
Correct grip: Grip without wrist bend, thumb and forefinger form a lock for the handlebars, the remaining fingers control the brake levers.
WHAT CAN I SAY IN CONCLUSION?
If you're buying a bike for a little racer, always keep in mind that you need to set up the bike appropriately for the rider, as every child's body is different. We therefore recommend following our advice in this article, which we have prepared for you in collaboration with experts on the subject. When choosing a new bike, remember also that the Beany brand develops its bikes in collaboration with children's physiotherapists. So not only are our bikes among the lightest on the market, but their sophisticated geometry fully matches the physiology of children's bodies and the abilities of young cycling enthusiasts. In addition, all selected components are adapted to the child's body.
