On Your Bike

It’s many a child’s dream to tiptoe downstairs on Christmas morning to find that Santa’s wheeled a shiny new bicycle into the front room. But if, unlike Santa, you have no idea what to look for when choosing a bike for your little angel, fear not! My Moseley and Kings Heath is here to help.

Firstly, the frame. Kids are attracted to bright colours, but Sean from Moseley Mechanix on Moseley High Street warns against being dazzled by a funky paint job. “Look at quality not shininess,” he advises. “Some poorer quality, cheaper bikes are made to look attractive, and parents think they’re getting a good deal, but they spend more than they’ve saved having to replace parts over and over again. Kids don’t look after bikes, they chuck them around, so quality and durability are important.” Better quality models will also maintain their resale value, helping you save money as Junior grows.

Secondly, safety. “Kids should never use hand-me-down helmets,” says Arif from Bike Pro on Kings Heath High Street. “They only have a life expectancy of about three years, so after that they should be replaced, and getting the fit right is crucial.” It may ruin the surprise to take your child to the bike shop for a fitting before the big reveal, but it’s the best way to ensure you get the correct size. And, as Arif points out, “Kids can also be very fussy about colours and styles and are much more likely to wear a helmet if they’ve chosen it.”

After that, get a good quality lock to protect your investment, and depending on your child’s age, you can also consider a whole host of other accessories, such as lights, high visibility vests, pumps, mud guards and bottle holders. For more advice, pop into your local bike shop. Both Sean and Arif will be happy to help.

Published in My Moseley and Kings Heath, October 2015.