Get It Right: Choosing Your Childs First Bike

When you're purchasing a bike for your child, how can you make sure you make the right choice? Most parents choose a bike with training wheels or maybe a tricycle. A tricycle seems like a safe bet. However, since it doesn't train any of the skills needed to ride a bike its teaching value is minimal. A bike with training wheels may seem like the way to go, but they are heavy and hard for a toddler to control. So what other options are there?

Dads and moms in the market for a bike for their child under the age of five should investigate an exciting, new teaching tool known as a toddler bike. Also often referred to as a walking bike or balance bike. These bikes don't have pedals or a chain. A child pushes the balance bike with their feet. While they are designed for small riders these bikes still differ in size, so mom and dad should factor in these 5 decision criteria before they purchase a balance bike.

1. The bikes height in comparison to the inseam measurement of a child is a critical factor in selecting a properly sized balance bike. Consult a balance bike sizing chart online to check the bike's seat height. To get the right fit, get a bike that can adjust to one inch lower than the child's inseam.

2. Materials and the benefits of each are considerations as well. Balance bikes come in wooden versions and metal/aluminum framed models. Some children may enjoy the fact that a wooden bike looks like a toy. Bikes made from steel will be stronger and have a greater range of adjustment available as a child grows.

3. A balance bike's weight is also a very important aspect to match the right bike to a child. It's good news that wide selections of balance bikes are less than half the weight of a standard 12" bicycle. Despite this major difference, there are still balance bikes that weigh less than their counterparts.

4. Tire material is another important factor. Toddler bikes either come with foam tires or traditional air tires with an inner tube. An air tires provide improved traction and grip, but the EVA foam tires are puncture-proof.

5. The final consideration is cost. You will pay more for a balance bike then a bike at Wal-Mart. Balance bikes retail for between $100 and $150. Some high-end models can be as much as $300. Some parents hesitate in making such a large investment, but there are advantages to the balance bike. Your son or daughter will most likely learn to balance and steer instinctively without you ever having to do anything except put the bike in their vicinity.

Some moms and dads may be hesitant to buy a balance bike for their son or daughter because they believe they will quickly outgrow it. There's no doubt they will quickly learn balance and steering, but once they've mastered balance on their toddler bike, the majority of riders continue to enjoy their bike as a fun toy. They are drawn to these specially designed bikes that are easier to maneuver than a pedal bike and continue to enjoy them much as they do a scooter or skateboard they ride around after they have learned to ride a bike.