With children in the bike park: How it works

Finding the right children's bike

FREERIDE: Andi, you have three children. They all want to mountain bike like their dad. Not an easy task to keep the little ones entertained and find the right bikes, is it?

Andi Prielmaier: I really struggled to find the right bikes. That's because children's bikes are usually just as heavy as adult bikes. The suspension elements and brakes are also often not designed for children's weight and children's hands. The German mail order company With the Yuma (for children from 8-12 years/up to 155 cm) a good offer. Because: acceptable weight, full suspension, good components, modern geometry (steering angle, reach etc.) and the wheels can be swapped. This means that the bike "grows with you". If the 24-inch wheels have become too small, 26-inch wheels can be fitted to the bike. For smaller children from the age of 5, the Propain Frechdax interesting. The children's bikes are not exactly cheap. As demand is very high, used bikes can be sold at a relatively high price. As more and more parents are taking their little ones to bike parks, other manufacturers are also realising that there is a market opening up and are offering similarly well-designed bikes.

What do you think of balance bikes for children?

Balance bikes are ideal for getting children used to cycling as soon as they can walk. I started my children on Impellers set. As a result, they didn't need training wheels later on and were able to ride a bike straight away.

Pedals on children's bikes: what do you need to look out for?

My advice for children at the beginning is Plastic pedalsno "bear paws with spikes" - because of the risk of injury. Alternative: long Shin guards. But they are uncomfortable and kids don't like wearing them.

From what age can children be taken to the bike park?

From the age of five. But before I took them to the bike park, I did some targeted training with them. I set up an obstacle course for them. That was great fun for the kids.

What does a bike training course for children look like?

I have built a height-adjustable drop. It's easy, you can make it yourself and it doesn't cost much - around 80 euros. But you can also buy ramps like this. Balance beams were very popular with the children - nothing more than a board that you have to ride over. See-saws and slalom courses. The learning success is impressive, because the children learn through play, push each other and the competition "who can do what, how" spurs the children and their friends on. This creates a momentum of its own that is almost unstoppable. Afterwards they go out for ice cream. Good times.

Which moves and techniques are the children particularly keen on?

Of course they want to jump. Getting both tyres in the air was the big goal and this was really celebrated. Because the children had to overcome their fears - and that made the success particularly exciting. Wheelie riding is also very popular. And when the Video clips from Fabio Wibmer and Danny MacAskill came into play, there was no stopping them anyway. The children and friends then wanted to imitate this. Now the challenge is: who can jump the highest drop? But I'm still paying attention.

How are you going to watch out?

I try to approach this methodically. For example, my son wanted to try a fairly high drop. But I insisted that he first manage the less high drops safely. He realised that too. Video analysis is very effective here. The children then recognise for themselves where the mistakes are and realise that they are not yet ready for the drop or jump. For example, I filmed a boy jumping the big drop. Then my son on the smaller drop. At home, we analysed the position on the bike and the technique - and then he realised for himself that he still needed some practice before he could tackle the high drop. He has now managed the drop. But video analysis only works from the age of around 9.

What protective equipment do you insist on for children when biking?

Protectors for knees and elbows. Back armour and full-face helmet. Gloves, of course. Just like I protect myself when I'm out and about in the bike park. And a neck brace for the eldest, who is already going really fast. You should keep an eye on the weight of the full-face helmet, because helmets that are too heavy put too much strain on the children's cervical spine.

Where can you go bike park biking with children?

The Bike park on the Geisskopf with its flow country route is ideal. In my opinion, this is the best route to introduce children to park biking. The Bikepark Samerberg is well suited with the practice area at the mountain station. Or the Easy-Line in Serfaus. My children had a lot of fun on the blue routes in the Bikepark Sölden also a lot of fun.