Kid's Bikes

The following information from the American Academy of Pediatrics will be helpful for parent who are considering the purchase of a bike for their child.

A bicycle of the wrong size may cause your child to lose control and be injured. Any bike must be the correct size for the child for whom it is bought. To keep your child safe, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following:

1. Do not push your child to ride a 2-wheeled bike until he or she is ready, at about age 5 or 6. Consider the child's coordination and desire to learn to ride. Stick with coaster brakes until your child is older and more experienced.

2. Take your child with you when you shop for the bike, so that he or she can try it out. The value of a properly fitting bike far outweighs the value of surprising your child with a new bike.

3. Buy a bike that is the right size, not one your child has to "grow into." Over sized bikes are especially dangerous.

4. How to test any style of bike for proper fit

a. Sitting on the seat with hands on the handlebar, your child must be able to place the balls of both feet on the ground.
b. Straddling the center bar, your child should be able to stand with both feet flat on the ground with about a 1-inch clearance between the crotch and the bar.
c. When buying a bike with hand brakes for an older child, make sure that the child can comfortably grasp the brakes and apply sufficient pressure to stop the bike.

5. A helmet should be standard equipment. Whenever buying a bike, be sure you have a Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)-approved helmet for your child.

First and foremost, we have kids, so we know kids sizes and what size they should be riding.  Our theory with kids bikes is simple.  Put them on the largest bike that they can ride safely.  These bikes are not cheap so it's our intent to get you the most bike for you money.

We have all the correct kids size bikes.  We have multiple colors, maybe not 31 Flavors, but we like to have fun with this so we stock alot of color choices.

Customers often ask, "Is there really a difference?"...between department store bikes and bike shop bikes.  Absolutely.  The bikes in all bike shops are built to last multiple years.  Department store bikes ride "squirrely", and with repeated use, they will break down significantly faster.  They weigh a ton.  Rider enjoyment is lost, the bike goes into the landfill. 

There are three easy comparisons to make between a bike shop kids bike and those from department stores (this goes for adult bikes as well).  First, look at the size of the wheel axles.  Bike shop kids bikes axles are significantly thicker.  Second, inspect the frame of the bikes where the wheels are inserted.  Bike shop kids bikes frames are built stronger here where it is important. Third, training wheels on bike shop kids bikes are built very strong and will not bend as easily as the department store bikes.

Lastly, some stores have strict return policies.  If something isn't right with your kids bike, we'd like to fix that problem instead of giving you a hard time. 

One of the big reasons we chose Specialized and Jamis is the quality of their kids bikes.  We think they are built with style and will have a positive impact on introducing your child to a great healthy outdoor activity.