Nothing is more joyful for teenagers than riding bicycles with friends. Cycling is good for physical health and mental well-being. For a teenager, the bicycle is another means of freedom and adventure. But choosing a bicycle for a teens is a daunting job. They are image-conscious, brand-oriented, and notoriously look for tech-savvy bicycles. Moreover, safety is of utmost importance for teenagers for safe cycling.
Remember, teens’ bicycles aren’t designed to fit one-size. For that reason, parents have to be selective in finding perfect bi-cycles. You must look after safety features, types, designs, colors, budgets, etc. To simplify it, I’ve shortlisted key things you must check when selecting a bicycle for teens. Let’s dive in.
How to Choose the Best Bicycle for Teenagers
Before you move further to find a bicycle, ask your teens if they want a bicycle for mountain trekking or simply for road cycling or vice versa. Once you know their interest, these are some things you need to consider while choosing a bike for them.
Different Types of Bikes are Available
There are three different types of bikes available such as:
1. Road Bike
Road bicycles are also known as racing cycles. These are designed specifically for speedy travel on paved ways. The majority of bikes featured bent handlebars and thin tires. If your teens love speed cycling and are skilled in handling bent handlebars, road bikes are ideal.
Key Features
- Sturdy frame.
- Gear ratios.
- Drop handlebar for multiple hands positions.
- Slim tires.
2. Mountain Bike
These types of bicycles are perfect for cycling off-road, sometimes often known as MTB bikes. The bikes feature front tail suspension for smooth performance on rough terrain. It is excellent for commuting and fitness.
Key Features
- Lower gearing.
- Flat handlebars.
- Full suspension.
- Disc brakes similar to motorbikes.
3. Hybrid Bikes
The bikes are specifically designed with an amalgamation of mountain and road bikes. Hybrid bikes allow cycling for long distances and following a fitness routine.
Key Features
- Ideal for mix terrain.
- Disc brakes.
- Sturdier.
Appropriate Size and Fit
Getting a perfect bicycle for teenagers can be confusing because of the multiple options available. Keep in mind teen cycles are not one size fit for all. You must find the right bicycle size for safe cycling and an enjoyable experience.
An accurate size bicycle is easier to ride and safer to handle. Moreover, teens have better control over the cycle. Like adult bikes, teenager bicycle wheel sizes are designed according to the different heights of teenagers. Each wheel size directly correlates with the teen’s height and inseam size.
Do not pick large-size bicycles for teens thinking their height increases. If their size increases, their weight also increases. It would be difficult for teenagers to maneuver. Moreover, inappropriate size bicycles are uncomfortable for cycling and unsafe too.
Here are some recommended wheel sizes and inseam sizes recommended by experts according to the age and height of teens.
| Age of Teens | Height of Teens | Wheel Size | Inseam Size |
| 5–8 years old | 4’0″–4’5″ (120–135 cm) | 20″ (51 cm) | 22–25″ (55–63 cm) |
| 8–11 years old | 4’5″–4’9″ (135–145 cm) | 24″ (61 cm) | 24–28″ (60–72 cm) |
| 11+ years old | 4’9″+ (145+ cm) | 26″ (66 cm) | 26’+ (70+ cm) |
If you are still confused, consider these tips to find the right bicycle size.
- Check out the stand-over height of your child.
- Let your teen straddle straight on the bicycle, keeping his feet on the ground.
- Ensure a 1-2 inches gap between the bike top tube and groin.
- On the other hand, ensure that your teens can easily hold the handlebar without any extra stretch.
- The elbow should be bent slightly. Moreover, make sure they can pull back the cycle break easily.
- Check the riding position of your teen. They should slightly lean forward so that the torso and arms must be at an angle of 45 degrees.
- Also, ensure teens’ keens don’t go above the handlebars.
- Last, the legs should be bent slightly during the pedal stroke.
Safety Features
Teenagers’ bicycles must have safety features to reduce the chances of injuries during accidental falls. When deciding over the teenager, bicycles ensure a safe chain guard to prevent catching clothes or loose shoelaces into the chain. It protects from accidents and keeps the chain functional.
Besides this, be sure the cycle brakes must be of premium quality, responsive, and designed to be held by teenagers. Make sure that bicycle frame paint is non-toxic. Also, the helmet may not be part of the bicycle, but you should consider it when purchasing a cycle for your teen. A well-fitting helmet can help to protect against head injury during accidents. So, make sure to focus on buying a good-quality helmet.
Along with a helmet, get the bikes with reflectors and fitted mirrors to check the back view. In addition to the above safety features, purchase a bicycle with full suspension. This helps to absorb shock from the ground, keeping you stable and comfortable.
Try to avoid bikes without suspension as it may cause spinal injury. Full-suspension bicycles may be costly but worth it for the protection and safety of your teens.
Price and Budget
Price and budget are crucial when choosing the best teenage bikes. Keep in mind; budget-buy options are countless. But affordable bicycles may lack some safety features essential for a pleasant cycling experience. However, that doesn’t mean buying expensive gear out of budget.
That’s why it is excellent to balance budget and quality. Here are some tips that help to stay within budget.
- Invest wisely by looking after features. Always go with tried and tested experience and invest by comparing models and bicycle brands with similar features.
- A high-end featured bicycle directly correlates with a smooth cycling experience. If safety and experience are a concern, slightly go with expensive bicycles.
- Do not compromise with safety gear such as brakes, suspension, and tire quality.
- Once everything is fixed, including the price. Always keep around 10-20% flexibility for the budget. This helps to check the budget while purchasing the best bicycle for teens.
- If budget is still an issue, go with second-hand bicycle options. But make sure the condition of a bicycle is good and brakes, suspension, and other safety features work properly.
Maintenance and Upkeep
Like purchasing a good bicycle for teens, maintenance and upkeep are crucial. There is a couple of reasons why you should focus on bike maintenance, including:
- Regular maintenance of teenage bikes is good for safety purposes. Regular maintenance may include inspection of brakes, changing worn-out cycle parts, and more.
- Bicycle maintenance is also essential for smooth performance. This includes adjusting gears, lubricating the cycle chain, and optimum tire pressure.
- Regular maintenance of the kid’s bicycles is also crucial to improve the shelf life of the cycle.
- Bicycle maintenance is also essential for a better experience of riding.
Tips for Maintenance of Bicycles
As you know, bicycle maintenance is essential for longevity and an excellent riding experience. Here are some useful tips that help to maintain a bicycle.
- Clean Bicycle Regularly
Bicycles regularly come in contact with moisture and dirt. It can potentially damage the cycle frame due to rusting. Therefore, clean the bicycle regularly with a damp cloth and detergent water.
- Adjust Brakes
Brake wires and pads may become loose after frequent use. Therefore, parents or teenagers must check the brake pads and adjust them if they are loose. There are some basic tools available to adjust brakes and cables. If the pads of the brakes are damaged and don’t have proper gripping, go for replacement.
- Chain Lubrication
Chain lubrication is also essential to increase longevity. Before you start lubricating the chain with oil or grease, clean the chain properly. Use a brush and a solvent to remove all direct grease from the chain. Dry it completely, and then add lubricating oil or grease. Wipe out the excessive lubricating substance and check if the chain functions properly.
- Tightening Bolts and Screws
For a final check, tighten up all the bolts and screws that are loose. If you cannot do it yourself, use any cycle repairer for maintenance.
Apart from the above practices, always store bicycles in a proper place. Do not leave the bicycle under the direct heat of sunlight or moisture-prone areas. It may invite rusting and cause potential damage to the bicycle.
Final Note
Now that you’ve reached the bottom of how to choose the best bicycle for teens, it’s time to make a good purchasing decision. I know parents are hesitant to invest a massive amount in teenage bicycles. But my advice is to always prefer your child’s safety and a smooth riding experience. So, when deciding on a bicycle, you must look after the above tips and buy the best cycle for a memorable riding experience for your teenager.