In the mini size 12 inches, there are two completely different favorite toys. On the one hand, you can buy running wheels here, i.e. vehicles that don't need much technology and are pushed forward with the feet. But there are also already real small bikes that have a drive around a pedal crank. These children's bikes often come with training wheels, so that young bikers can safely make their first attempts at riding. But how do you find the right bike for a child?
Many children love their first bike and even as adults still talk about how much they enjoyed the feeling of freedom in the saddle. No wonder, after all, the interface between stroller and own mobility is reached here and the little ones can determine for the first time where it goes! This first bike is most likely a 12-inch children's bike, has a colorful paint job and two simple brakes. Other equipment is usually omitted, because for a small child it is helpful if the bike weighs as little as possible.
1. For what age are children's bicycles with 12 inches suitable?
"I need a bike for three-year-olds...", you hear this sentence again and again. Often there are age specifications on bicycles for children, but you should not only choose according to the age of the child, because much more important for a good fit is the height of the child, or even better: The inner leg length. You can easily measure it, then you know which bike fits the seat height of your child. By the way, the specification "12 inch children's bike" is based on the size of the wheels, they have a diameter of 12 inches.
Also the time at which children can get on a bike for the first time is very individual. Here it also depends on whether your child is already on a running bike on the road. Since the kids are then already mobile, the first "real" bike can come quiet a little later, 12 inches are then skipped gladly and it goes directly with a 14-inch bike off. If you want your child to pedal from the start, a 12-inch kids bike with training wheels is the perfect way to start.
In any case, you should make sure that your offspring has the motor skills to control the bike, recognize obstacles, avoid them and, if necessary, brake and stop when called.
Therefore, it can be determined (approximately):
A children's bike in 12 inches is suitable for children from about 3 years, a height from 95 cm and an inner leg length of about 40 cm.
2. Worth knowing about the 12-inch children's bike
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A children's bike for beginners ...
- is still considered a toy, so it does not need to be equipped with traffic safety
- usually has two brakes, it depends on the manufacturer whether these are two hand brakes or one hand brake and one coaster brake
- Must have easy-to-use brake levers whose distance from the handlebars is short enough for small children's hands. But the brakes must also not be too easy to pull, after all, your child should not make involuntary emergency braking, which readily leads to falls.
- should definitely have a chain guard that prevents clothing or shoe laces from getting tangled in the drive
- must only be ridden away from traffic, i.e., in a park or on a sidewalk
- should be tested. There is DIN EN ISO 8098, a standard that tests the safety of children's bicycles
- has still no gear shift, it would overtax the child and brings only unnecessary weight
- should allow as upright a sitting position as possible, only then a child has a good overview
3. So you buy the right children's bike
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First determine the step height or inside leg length, then you know what size bike fits your child. You can find instructions on our blog. The frame size fits when son or daughter can stand with both feet over the frame without touching it.
On a children's bike, you can usually adjust the height of the handlebars and saddle. So the bike can be adjusted individually and it grows with you for a while. In general, children find it much easier to handle a bike that is a little too small, on a bike that is too big they often ride unsteadily, so falls are practically pre-programmed.
A child copes best with a children's bike with aslow an entrance as possible.
Whether your child will brake better with a handbrake and coaster combo or with two handbrakes is hard to predict. Most kids just get along with the braking system they have in front of them. If it doesn't work at all, only one thing helps: practice!
There are children's bikes made of aluminum or steel. For aluminum speaks of course the lower weight, aluminum children's bikes in 12 inches weigh about 5 to 7 kilos. Steel frames, on the other hand, can tolerate less loving treatment, they are particularly stable and can withstand falls for many years without complaint. For this they are somewhat heavier.
4. 12 inch bicycles for girls and boys
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There are already in 12-inch many different bikes, some are more for girls, others have a typical boys look. However, we also have a whole range of gender-neutral children's bikes in our online store, especially for families with several children, a bike that pleases daughter and son is a good choice.
5.How to properly adjust a children's bike
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First, you should adjust the height of the saddle. Your child needs to be able to put both feet on the ground, even when sitting in the saddle. If at some point he needs to bend his legs a lot while pedaling, it's time to move the saddle up.
After that, you can adjust the handlebar so that it's comfortable to reach and your child is sitting upright.
6. The perfect accessories to a children's bike
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With a few inexpensive small parts, cycling becomes even more fun!
- The most important accessory for a child's bicycle is and remains a good bicycle helmet!
- Since especially small children take the first inevitable falls with their hands, bicycle gloves for children are a good protection.
- A pennant on a long pole makes minis more visible.
- Bike baskets are usually still too big for a 12-inch bike, but a smaller bike bag is something all kids think is cool.
- On a small bike, they may not be required yet, but kids love having small bike lights and a bell.
- A tow rope tends not to be recommended yet for young children on a 12-inch bicycle. For these towing systems, with which the child's bike can be pulled along by a big biker, small children usually do not yet ride safely enough.
If you need more information, you can simply stop by our children's bikes, there are many more tips on buying.
