Cycling is a hugely rewarding pastime, whatever your age. One of the best things you can do as a parent is to teach your child to ride from a very early age. Having them gain experience and confidence when they are in their formative years can provide a love of the outdoors – and cycling in it – that can last a lifetime.
With so many styles and makes to choose from these days, many parents might feel a little overwhelmed when it comes to choosing a new bike once their child has grown into a teenager. Current cycling trends may also have to be taken into account, as this is a very delicate age for an individual to navigate.
Here at Vilano, we have a wide range that is suitable for all ages but if you want the perfect bike for your teenager, you should consult the experts. If you wanted to place a bet on the Tour de France, you would make sure you had read the best sportsbook betting reviews. If you want to know the best bike for your family, read on!
Age and Size
It is one of the most important factors when choosing a bike for any age. The size of the bike needs to be a perfect fit for the rider. When it comes to teenagers, an expectation of growth and size change has to be anticipated, but the basic premise remains the same. You have to measure up for the perfect fit.
You should be able to get a lot of helpful advice when it comes to measuring up for a bike. The inside leg measurement of your teen is the most important detail here, as it will reflect what size frame and wheel size is required. Unlike choosing a bike for an adult, this decision also needs to take into account your teen’s growth and how often you want to update their bike.
Types of Cycling
With so much more freedom open to them, a bike is a perfect gift for a teenager. Many of us who are a little older now look fondly back upon those formative years – and the sheer amount of time we had to enjoy cycling with friends. But it really does depend on what kind of cycling your own teenager is planning as to what the best bike will be.
If your teenager is looking to spend most of their time at a bike or skate park, a BMX-style bike will be perfect. But that might not work for someone who would rather go on long rides. Riding on roads or cross-country will also force a decision either way. So, find out what your teenager wants to get out of his or her cycling and go from there.
Experience and Skill Level
If money is no object, there will be a temptation to get a top-of-the-range bike that will really earn plus points with your teen. As much as we would always like people to have the best bikes available, a quick check on your teenager’s experience and bike skill level should be taken to give you a better idea of what you should be looking for.
If your teenager is more of a novice, a more standard, easy-to-handle bike is going to be more suitable. That way, they can get more used to riding before branching out. If your teen already has a lot of experience and is proficient on a bike, looking at more advanced models is recommended, as they will be able to get much more out of the extra features and advanced technology.
Prepare to Update and Upgrade
Before you get too settled on the type of bike your teenager might want, you should make a mental note of their development. Think back to how different you were at ages 13 and 17. This is a time in everyone’s life when the body transforms from what was once a small child into an adult, so updates and upgrades are inevitable.
Again, budgets may well take precedence here. But you should always try to provide the best bike possible for your teenager as they grow, giving them the chance to create their cycling memories. This is where size charts, saddle height adjustments, and family history all come into play. It is also crucial to ask for a test ride for any bike you might be thinking of buying, to see how your teen handles.
Don’t Forget the Extras
The main reason you are even thinking about the type of bike your teenager might like is that you want to give them the best you can. That also means that you need to take into consideration the essential extras needed for all cyclists. Choosing the right bike might be important, but making sure your teenager is safe – at all times – is vital.
Wherever your teenager might take their bike, they should always be wearing a helmet. We all know that accidents can happen, and some other road users might not be as considerate as we hope all cyclists are. Reflective clothing and lights should also be considered, so your teen is ready for any eventuality – and can enjoy their bike at any time.
As long as basic safety and road knowledge are adhered to, your teenager should be able to enjoy cycling as much as you do. Choosing the right bike, following our expert advice, should also make you the most popular parent in the world – even if it is just a temporary thing!
