The mountain bike is the best children's toy in the world. Industry giant Scott has also recognised this and is promoting the next generation in a five-part video series. The Heroes inspire Heroes films cover all aspects of the topic, from the right equipment and riding technique to planning family trips. BIKE accompanies the project on its online channels and shows the videos exclusively. Watch the second episode "Equipment and riding technique tips" here:
Heroes inspire Heroes, Episode 2: Equipment & riding technique
The most important thing for little mountain bikers is - exactly: the mountain bike. But bikes are a dime a dozen. Which one to buy? The best thing to do is to pack up your little one and take your time to get advice from a specialist shop. The professionals in the bike shop know immediately what size the little one needs: Dwarfs from two learn first on the Impeller the benefits of speed and balance. The smallest bikes for self-pedalling are available with 14-inch wheels. They are suitable for tots up to 110 cm tall and 38 to 46 cm stride length. If you are around 120 cm tall (stride length 44 to 48 cm), you are ready for your first bike. real off-road bike (16-inch alloy wheels). However, four to five-year-olds can safely do without gears. The most important things are the perfect size - and the lowest possible weight.
Size matters: cycling is much more fun with a bike that fits perfectly
A primary school child at last! And after school it's time to get out and get on the bike. The bike is now 20 inches tall and boasts its first gears. Some bikes even have suspension forks and disc brakes. However, primary school children can also easily cope with rigid forks and rim brakes. Kids between 130 and 150 cm tall feel comfortable on 24- or 26-inch bikes. These are usually fully-fledged mountain bikes with grippy studded tyres that allow you to go full throttle. And teenagers? They have zero desire for the emotional swings of their parents - but all the more for a 26-inch adult bike. Or even a 27.5-inch bike with full suspension? But remember: weight always comes before suspension travel for kids' bikes! And please don't buy a mountain bike to "grow into".
Basic rule no. 1: If you have something in your head, protect it with a helmet!
Even some supposedly grown-up helmet haters can learn this basic law from the little ones. Because For kids, the bike helmet is as much a part of cycling as the end of a sentence. One thing is clear: the helmet is the most important accessory when cycling. Nothing works without it. The helmet must fit perfectly, so it must neither wobble nor press on your temples. The triangular straps must lie directly under the ear. This ensures that the number one life insurance always stays where it belongs. What you need Mini mountain biker before heading off-road? Sunglasses, long-fingered gloves, knee pads and a back protector. Because safety always has priority when biking. And dad quickly checks the brakes & co. before setting off! Remember: don't cut corners when it comes to safety!
Nino Schurter also started small: Riding technique tips for kids
Now get out! How to learn the ABC at school Child first of all the basics - the basic position on the bikePedals horizontal, body centred over the bike, elbows flared out like duck wings, looking forwards. And first: try out which is the "chocolate foot" and which is the "sour cucumber". Just like at school, the same applies outside: practise, practise, practise. If you organise a "who-can-stay-on-the-spot-longer-challenge" with dad or try to be the last to finish in the "snail race", you can improve your balance in a playful way. Next step: Try something new! Why not try the Pump track "Wave riding", i.e. rhythmically pushing off camel humps? Or testing out steep bends and small jumps in the bike park? Or in the Flowtrail develop a feeling for speed? Stairs downhill, steps uphill, drops - the better the kids get, the more exciting the challenges. But never forget: It's all about one thing - having fun!
Order now: BIKE 5/2020 with our large Theme special "Kids & BIKE". In it, we show you over 25 pages how parents can make biking appealing to their offspring and what equipment is needed for a successful off-road ride.
You can read the entire digital edition of BIKE in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or order the print edition in the DK shop - while stocks last:
