There are few things more exciting than the day your child gets their new bike. It’s a ticket to freedom, adventure, and fun. As a parent, you want to ensure that every ride is as safe as it is enjoyable. At 99 Bikes, the world's most approachable bike shops, we believe a safe bike is the foundation for a lifetime of happy cycling. Here are the key things to consider when choosing the perfect, safe bike for your little one.
It All Starts with the Helmet
Before they even throw a leg over the bike, the first rule of safe cycling is a helmet. A well-fitting helmet is the single most important piece of safety equipment. It's critical that the helmet conforms to Australian Standard AS/NZS 2063, which ensures it has passed rigorous safety tests. A helmet that is too loose can slip out of place during a fall, and one that is too tight will be uncomfortable and won't be worn. For a complete guide on how to choose the right size and ensure it's fitted correctly, we highly recommend reading our detailed article on how to fit a kids' helmet.
The "Just Right" Fit: Sizing for Confidence
A bike that is too big or too small can be frustrating and dangerous. A bike that’s too large is difficult to control and makes it hard for a child to reach the ground with their feet, which is essential for stability and confidence. A bike that’s too small can be cramped and awkward to pedal. Both scenarios can destroy your child's confidence and make it harder for them to manoeuvre the bike effectively. To take the guesswork out of it, our shops have easy-to-use, height-based sizing guides. Better yet, we encourage you to bring your kids in to try out different sizes and find the bike that feels perfect for them.
For a more detailed breakdown on how to choose the right size and what to look for in different types of kids' bikes, our complete Kids Bike Buying Guide is packed with all the helpful information you need.
Built Right and Safety Checked
A bike is more than just its parts; it’s how those parts are put together that counts. You can have peace of mind knowing that every single bike at 99 Bikes—whether for a test ride or a purchase—is built and meticulously safety-checked by our professional mechanics. We ensure the brakes are correctly adjusted, the wheels are true, and every nut and bolt is tightened to the correct specification. This means that from the very first pedal stroke, every bike we sell is ready to provide a fun, safe ride for your children.
Understanding the Brakes
As your child grows, their bike's braking system change. The smallest kids' bikes often feature a rear coaster brake, which is intuitive to use—they simply pedal backward to stop. As they move to larger bikes with hand-operated brakes, they gain to perform more controlled braking. It’s important to teach your child to use both brakes together. The front brake provides the majority of the stopping power, but using it too aggressively on its own can cause the rear wheel to lift and potentially pull you over the handlebars. A little practice in a safe area is all it takes to master using both brakes smoothly and safely.
Lighter is Better: Steel vs. Aluminium
Have you ever tried to pick up a kid's bike? Some can be surprisingly heavy! The weight of a bike makes a huge difference to a child. Lighter bikes, typically made from aluminium instead of steel, are far easier for a small rider to pedal, handle, and manoeuvre. This means they can get up to speed more easily, tackle small hills, and have more fun on their ride. And let’s be honest, a lighter bike is also a lot easier for you to carry back to the car or home from the park when they've run out of energy.
Suitable Contact Points
The three points where your child connects with the bike are the saddle, the handlebar grips, and the pedals. For your child to love riding, these contact points need to be comfortable and sturdy. A saddle that they find comfortable, soft grips that are easy for small hands to hold, and wide, stable pedals all contribute to a positive experience. Sturdy, well-made components ensure that these crucial parts will stand up to the rigors of learning to ride, keeping your child secure and in control.
