3,2,1...mine! What to look out for when buying a children's bike.

The new children's bike has to do one thing above all: look cool! Logo.
But beyond that: What other criteria should you consider when buying a new bike? How do you recognize a good children's bike and what doesn't even fit in the bag? We'll tell you!

Perfect size: The right size
In fact, choosing the right size is one of the most important criteria for finding the optimal two-wheeler for your offspring.
This should be suitable for the child's height or inner leg length and their motor skills. Please do not generalize:

IMAGE/Size Chart

Size tables that are based solely on age should only be used as a first guide. The stages of development can vary immensely from child to child. For example, a 7-year-old child who, according to the table, should actually ride an 18-inch bike, might feel much more comfortable on a 16-inch bike, while the tall 5-year-old gets along wonderfully with a 20-inch bike. Some parents are of the opinion that it is better to buy the bike a little larger so that the growing child can ride it for as long as possible. Although this can work in individual cases, we tend to advise against such a strategy. In order to be able to move around well and, above all, safely on their bike, your child needs a two-wheeler that fits now - and not in a year.

Take it easy! Please make it as light as possible.
Easy going: The new children's bike should ideally be as light as possible. The reason for this is best explained using a simple calculation example: While the weight of a normal adult bike is usually around 20 percent of his body weight, this value can be between 40 and 80 percent for a child or teenager, depending on the bike model. In plain language this means: the lighter the bike, the more fun it is to ride!
This applies when tackling inclines and hills or in curves - but also when carrying your bike up the stairs. A light bike is much easier for your child to handle - and therefore much safer. By the way: The weight of our ACADEMY bikes is around 40 percent less than that of an average child.

Ergonomics and safety
When choosing a new children's bike, pay attention to child-friendly bottom brackets. They should be narrow and low in order to optimally fit the ergonomic requirements of children and young people. Short pedal cranks and an upright sitting position ensure an ergonomic knee position while riding and at the same time ensure that the young riders ' feet can reach the ground at all times. If the bicycle is to be used to go to school or kindergarten, it should have road-safe equipment in accordance with the StVZO. This includes two independently acting brakes, a bell, lighting and reflectors.

Trust is good – a test drive is better!
Admittedly, you can get some great bargains online. However, when buying a bike - especially if it is the first child's bike - we recommend at least a short test ride before the new bike ends up in the shopping cart. This way you can ensure that your child can actually move around safely on their new two-wheeler and that you don't have any unpleasant surprises at home. If you order online, make sure that returning/cancelling is easy and free of charge.

Our conclusion
A good children's bike should always be tailored to the size of the young rider. Your child should be able to move safely and feel comfortable on it. We therefore recommend that you take a test drive before purchasing if possible. The less weight the new bike weighs, the easier it is to handle while at the same time ensuring safety on the road. The crank length and bottom bracket height as well as an ergonomic knee position ensure child-friendly ergonomics while driving. If the bike is to be used primarily in city traffic, equipment in accordance with the StVZO is mandatory. And now: have a good trip!