Getting your kid's first bike for Christmas

Picture Christmas morning: a shiny new bike, a wide-eyed kid and a driveway full of wobbly first laps. A first bike is a gift they'll remember for life. Get it right and you've got a little rider out the front door at sunrise. Get it wrong, and it's too big, too heavy, or outgrown by Easter.

Here's our quick guide to choosing a first bike that fits, is safe and keeps them riding long after the holidays.

The 60-second checklist

Short on time? Tick these off:

• Measure your child's inseam before you shop
• Choose the size that fits now, not one to "grow into"
• Pick a light bike with brakes small hands can use
• Add a helmet certified for cycling in Australia
• Buy early, before popular sizes sell out

Start with size, not age

Age is a rough guide at best. Kids of the same age can differ by 15 cm or more in height, so bikes are sized by wheel size, and the best way to choose is by your child's inseam (the measurement from the ground to their crotch, standing barefoot).

As a general guide:

These ranges overlap, and brands size a little differently, so always check the manufacturer's size chart. Not sure? Bring your child in and we'll measure them and let them sit on a few bikes.

Shop by size: Balance bikes · 12" bikes · 14" bikes · 16" bikes · 20" bikes · 24" bikes

The fit test: when your child sits on the saddle, they should be able to touch the ground with the balls of both feet (flat feet on smaller bikes). Their arms should reach the handlebars comfortably without stretching.

Balance bike or pedal bike?

For little ones just starting out, a balance bike (no pedals) is hard to beat. Kids learn balance and steering first, and when they move up to a pedal bike many skip training wheels completely.

If your child is older, or already confident on a balance bike, go straight to a pedal bike with a coaster brake or hand brakes sized for small hands.

What about training wheels? They can help some kids get moving, but they also teach kids to lean on the support rather than balance. If you do use them, raise them gradually as confidence grows, and try taking them off sooner than you think you should.

What to look for in a good kids' bike

• Weight: a heavy bike is hard to steer, hard to stop and hard to pick up. A lighter bike makes learning far easier. Weight is the biggest difference between a good kids' bike and a cheap one.
• Brakes: small hands need levers that are easy to reach and squeeze. Check that the brakes actually stop the bike.
• Quality components: proper bearings, solid wheels and a chain that stays on matter more than flashy decals.
• Adjustability: a seat post and handlebars with room to adjust will stretch the life of the bike through a growth spurt.
• Resale value: a well-made bike holds its value, and it's easy to hand down to a younger sibling.

Don't buy a bike to "grow into"

It's tempting to buy a size up so it lasts longer, but a bike that's too big is harder to control and less safe, and it can put kids off riding. Buy the size that fits now. You can always sell it or pass it on later.

Don't forget the helmet

A helmet isn't optional. It's the law in Australia for cyclists of all ages, and the bike isn't finished without one. Look for:

• A helmet that's certified for cycling in Australia
• A snug fit: it should sit level on the head, with the front edge about two fingers above the eyebrows
• Straps that form a "V" under each ear and sit snug under the chin, with room for just one finger

Let your child pick the colour. A helmet they love is a helmet they'll wear.

Other good extras: gloves, a bell, and closed shoes for riding.

Browse our helmets and kids' gloves to finish the set.

Christmas shopping tips

• Buy early. Popular sizes and colours sell out in December, so shop sooner rather than later.
• Check delivery timing. If you're ordering online, leave a good buffer so it arrives before Christmas.
• Collect it ready to ride. Every bike collected from our store is fully assembled, checked and ready to ride, so there's no Allen key, no instructions and no Christmas Eve spent building it. A bike that's put together properly is also safer.
• Keep it a surprise. Hide it at a friend's or neighbour's place, or in the car. A bow on the handlebars is optional.

Teaching your child to ride

A few things that help most kids:

1. Find a flat, open space such as a quiet park, empty car park or a smooth path.
2. Lower the seat so their feet are flat on the ground.
3. Let them scoot along without pedals first. Balance comes before pedalling.
4. Be patient. Short, fun sessions beat long, frustrating ones. Praise the effort, not the result.
5. Stay positive about falls. A scraped knee is part of learning, so have a plaster handy and keep it light.

Ready to find the right bike?

Come and see the team at ABC Bikes in Casula, or browse our kids' bikes online at abcbikes.com.au. We'll help you get the right size and add a helmet. Every bike you collect in store is assembled and ready to ride, so all that's left to do is add the bow.

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