Orbea MX 20 TEAM, model 2020

Push-bikes

If the child has not yet reached the pedals, or you are simply worried that they will not be able to ride yet, a push-bike is the ideal solution. It will be an ideal first "bike" for most young children. They can safely ride it even before the age of 2. Of course, the key is that the child already reaches the ground. Modern push-bikes have an adjustable height of both the saddle and the handlebars. Thanks to this, they will last a relatively long time until they gain the confidence or desire to switch to a bicycle with pedals.

Most of them have a wheel diameter of 12 inches (there are even smaller models for very small children). They differ mainly in price. On the more expensive ones, you will find, in addition to the aforementioned adjustment of the height of the saddle and handlebars, for example a lightweight frame made of aluminum alloy or composite, more voluminous tyres, possibly footrests, even a brake. This is not absolutely necessary, it will brake mainly with the feet, but it can help to create a habit.

12-inch bikes

With 12-inch bicycles with pedals, you can often find removable training wheels. You can remove them from the bike or change the "support" while riding by tilting them. These bikes are single-speed, so they don't have gears, and braking is done by reverse pedalling. Children will still appreciate the simplicity of learning and good manoeuvrability the most. The bikes are equipped with a chain protector, so there is no risk of contact, and there are also handlebar end protectors. They come in handy in the event of a fall, when they protect the hands, and there is also a much smaller chance that the handlebars will slip out of the child's hands. Bicycles allow you to adjust the height of the saddle, but typically also the height of the handlebars. Thus, they easily adapt to the rapid growth of the child.

14-inch bikes

There is no big difference between 12" and 14" bikes. If your child is "ahead" in development, is taller or has been doing very well on the push-bike, you can go for the 14-inch version for your first bike. They basically have the same features and basic construction elements as the 12-inch ones, you can often find them without training wheels. The difference is also in that the bicycle very often no longer brakes exclusively through reverse gear, but can have a so-called freewheel and a pair of independent brakes, as with classic bicycles, which you will also appreciate later in the future when switching to a larger bicycle.

16-inch bikes

Some children start cycling at a later age, or they feel good on the push-bike for a relatively long time. In this case, you can choose a 16" bike. It is still an excellent first bike, suitable for learning even for slightly older children who know how to ride a bike. In the selection, you will also find versions with training wheels, with reverse brake, but also with freewheel or a pair of independent brakes for the more advanced. The deciding factor is whether the child is a complete beginner or has ridden a bicycle before. Our selection in this category also includes bicycles for small racers.

20-inch bikes

Here we can already talk about a certain specialization. We especially mean whether your child only wants to "circle" around the playground, "around the block of flats", or ride with you on easy terrains, participate in family races, etc. Here we can already find suspension forks, more frequent derailleurs, even disc brakes. From our point of view – we are supporters of a fixed fork and bigger tires, which can largely replace a suspension fork with the right inflation. In this way, you will save significantly on the total weight. This becomes a key factor, because a light bike is also easy to handle. A bicycle that is too heavy can be harder for a child to control and thus make the ride more uncomfortable. Of course, as also applies to "adult" bikes, the more elements (shifters, disc brakes, forks...), the more demanding service and maintenance.

24-inch bikes

We can safely call them a turning point in children's cycling. 24" clearly look more like classic bikes. They often have very similar equipment and other parameters as adult ones. During selection, it is important to know what kind of terrain your child will primarily ride on. In this category, we can already find full-suspension models, even electric bicycles. We know from our parents' and our own experience that between the ages of 9 and 14, children try their first jumps, tricks or riding in more challenging terrain. Since these are bicycles that will be used for longer, in contrast with the small ones, when children grow every year, it is advised to consider more durable equipment. Lightweight models, air forks and hydraulic disc brakes are also available for sporty little riders.

26 and 27.5-inch bikes

Even though we classify them as children's bikes, they are full-sized bikes, which are specific for smaller frame sizes and, of course, the lower weight of the riders is also taken into account. When choosing, what is mentioned above applies to 24-inch tires - that is, focusing on the difficulty of the terrain, on the frequency of driving. The choice between 26" and 27.5" wheels is somewhat influenced by the size of the frame itself. The smaller ones, 26" are a bit more "playful" and lighter, while the 27.5" have better terrain and obstacle clearance. However, a larger diameter goes hand in hand with a higher weight.