The Consumer Federation Of America recommends that, when buying bicycles for their child, parents remember the following:
Size. It is very
important to purchase the correct size bicycle for your child. Don't be
tempted to buy a bike your child "will grow into." A bike that is too
big will be hard to mount and dismount, hard to control and unsafe.
For
a boy�s bike, there should be about two inches of clearance between
your child's crotch and the horizontal bar when he straddles the bike
with both feet flat on the ground.
For girl's bikes, use a yardstick or tape measure to simulate the horizontal bar.
Typically, 16-inch bikes are suitable for children aged 4-6 (inseam 17-22 inches), while kids aged 7-15 (inseam 23 inches or larger) move up to 20- to 24-inch bikes.
Brakes. Children under age eight should only have bikes with coaster or foot brakes; older kids can safely operate hand brakes.
Training wheels. Look for a bicycle that comes with training wheels-chances are your child will need them, at least at the beginning.
Speed. Buy single-speed bikes for kids under age 10.
Spoke wheels. Wheels
with spokes are better than plastic wheel rims; which are prone to
cracking. The greater the number of spokes the better. Less expensive
models have 20 spokes per wheel; better children's bikes have 28 spokes.
Pedals. Look for metal foot pedals that provide a good grip and do not have sharp metal teeth; avoid slippery plastic pedals.
Used bikes. When buying or using a secondhand bicycle, be sure to see if it has been subject to a recall. Hundreds of thousands of unsafe bicycles have been recalled, yet still may be available in the used bike market.