Everything You Need To Know About Buying Kids' Bikes

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  • čas pƙidĂĄn 21. 07. 2024
  • Are you looking at buying a bicycle for your child but don't know what to look for? Don't worry, as Conor is here to help by sharing his top tips. When learning how to ride a bike, it is important for children to have the right size and type of bicycle to help their balance, coordination and enjoyment of cycling. Here's our easy guide for parents and guardians about purchasing a kid's first bike!
    0:00 - Intro
    0:44 - Bike Size
    3:23 - Balance Bikes
    6:12 - First Pedal Bike
    9:31 - Moving On & Getting Older
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    Do you have any tips for buying kid's bikes? Let us know in the comments! 👇
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Komentáƙe • 146

  • @gcn
    @gcn  Pƙed rokem +6

    Do you have any tips for buying kid's bikes? Let us know in the comments! 👇

    • @gianfook
      @gianfook Pƙed rokem +7

      After your child gets used to a balance bike, the push bike he gets shouldn’t have any training wheels.

    • @gcn
      @gcn  Pƙed rokem

      @@gianfook have you had experience of teaching kids to ride?

    • @gianfook
      @gianfook Pƙed rokem +3

      @@gcn My son learned to ride his balance bike when he was 3. I got him a proper push bike when he turned 4 but didn’t take off the training wheels. He was stuck with it for about 6 months before he agreed to have them off. His balance was already great but the training wheels held him back and took away his confidence after the balance bike.

    • @gcn
      @gcn  Pƙed rokem +3

      @@gianfook Hope he is loving riding now 🙌 It is best to avoid the training wheels but listening to your kid is always best, see what works for them.

    • @AbiShafi
      @AbiShafi Pƙed rokem +3

      I taught both my sons how to ride in the garden (they were both around 3 years old) luckily our garden was big enough for this. Basically I told them the truth in that they would more than likely fall off and possibly hurt themselves a bit but all they had to do was brush themselves down and try again, I also taught them to hold their head up and look in the distance and not fixate on the front wheel, I tried to explain that you tend to steer where you look, I used a tree in the garden as a focal point. They both passed with flying colours in fact Matt my eldest (33) is cycling around Lanzarote on a Bianchi gravel bike as we speak, lucky him! 😎😎😎😎

  • @lightningll2991
    @lightningll2991 Pƙed rokem +14

    Looks like Jesse Watched Si's cross race the way he throws his bike down.

  • @DarenC
    @DarenC Pƙed rokem +33

    Good advice! I'm a strong advocate for balance bikes rather than "stabilisers". When moving up to a pedal bike, an option I've used is to take the pedals off and let the child get used to the larger size before putting the pedals back on. This summer I took my youngest from balance bike to pedalling unassisted in less than an hour this way. đŸ‘đŸœ

    • @magicknight8412
      @magicknight8412 Pƙed rokem +2

      all the kids i know that had stabilisers too much longer to learn to ride without them than the ones who had balance bikes.

    • @matt_m126
      @matt_m126 Pƙed rokem +2

      My son had a balance bike for a few years, and when came the time to learn to pedal, we chose to put stabilisers on and figured they willl help him focus on just the pedalling part. It turned out to be a mistake, because he was trying to lean the bike to turn, and almost fell over a few times. We ended up taking them off and he liked it better that way. Turns out learning to pedal is easier than learning to balance. He's 10 now and rips down MTB trails. đŸ€™

    • @3521rob
      @3521rob Pƙed rokem

      Never bought a balance bike . All my 4 kids and now 3 Grandkids all learnt to ride in a day or 2 days.
      Just run along side them in a closed local parking lot, to give them wobble room

    • @HansvanSchoot
      @HansvanSchoot Pƙed rokem

      I was about to type the same suggestion! Take the cranks off, remove the bottom bracket and let them zip around! When they can balance for 15-20 meters without feet on the ground, put the pedals back on

  • @gcntech
    @gcntech Pƙed rokem +4

    Yellow... Rocket boosters... Hmmmm đŸ€” We can work with that! 🙌

  • @philipppototschnik1236
    @philipppototschnik1236 Pƙed rokem +9

    Absolutely loved this episode. My boy took my lights on his balance bike and doesn’t want to run it without them on anymore. Great deal for both of us!❀

  • @mec1
    @mec1 Pƙed rokem +22

    Well done for trying different topics that are useful for people in different situations.

    • @gcn
      @gcn  Pƙed rokem +7

      Supporting the next round of cycling prodigies 🙌

  • @tankbirdfinder6219
    @tankbirdfinder6219 Pƙed rokem +7

    Thanks for taking on a real subject to help people not interested in carbon fiber aero expensium. Really appreciate thinking about the next generation and there well being. Thank you Connor and Jesse.

  • @user-yx1qk4sk5t
    @user-yx1qk4sk5t Pƙed rokem +9

    Titanium frame and xtr groupset for the toddlers.

  • @Cycle774
    @Cycle774 Pƙed rokem +5

    Wish balace bikes had been in existence 57 years ago. There would have been fewer tears. 😂. Adorable child, btw!

  • @andrewmcalister3462
    @andrewmcalister3462 Pƙed rokem +7

    Hank's dad, Conor's son. Loving the growing GCN family.

  • @bryguy6509
    @bryguy6509 Pƙed rokem +3

    This is incredibly wholesome. I LOVED the interview at the end, hilarious about Hank beating his dad.

  • @geoffreyhoney122
    @geoffreyhoney122 Pƙed rokem +4

    Wow! As you Brits would say "What an absolutely cracking video! " As a retired Elementary Teacher (mostly 4 to 6 year olds) and 1/2 stay at home dad it absolutely warms my heart to see Dads like Connor and Cillian taking care of business with their young ones whilst being awesome cyclists too! Such a helpful video as our grandchildren are starting biking plus I want to help with local bike programme for kids so the chart particularly is super helpful. What wonderful chemistry between Connor and Jessie, especially in the outtakes!! Sorry Connor, Jessie is bang on about the rocket boosters (I was laughing so hard I was crying! )But be consoled that Ollie is taking down everyone (yes Hank too) and Si's ankles mean he can never be Mercury! I can hardly wait till Jessie takes on Hank! BEST GCN VIDEO EVER!! More!

  • @velamenroots
    @velamenroots Pƙed rokem +3

    We need more content like this. Not only informative, but very entertaining. Thank you!

  • @kuatofkuat2838
    @kuatofkuat2838 Pƙed rokem +1

    Cool. Bought a bike and helmet as a gift for a kid. It was a donation to a local radio station bike drive for kids. Hope they enjoy it. Thanks GCN. Keep the vids coming!

    • @gcn
      @gcn  Pƙed rokem

      Thanks!

  • @daniels.2720
    @daniels.2720 Pƙed rokem +4

    Conors' Mom to bicycle sales person > "Standover & Reach won't be problem...ever..."

  • @joshspencer6240
    @joshspencer6240 Pƙed rokem +7

    My 3 year old LOVES running lower tire pressures. So far, she's pretty bad at keeping her drivetrain clean but at least her CDa is low.

    • @gcn
      @gcn  Pƙed rokem

      How about their FTP? đŸ€Ł

    • @joshspencer6240
      @joshspencer6240 Pƙed rokem

      @@gcn comparable to Ollie on a w/kg basis

  • @tdog472
    @tdog472 Pƙed rokem +1

    Great to see GCN covering this angle. Rides with my son are always a fun experience for us both. It took 3 months for him to master pedals when switching from balance bike. He also use to come out with me in his trailer and I wonder if observing me pedal helped.

  • @chrisridesbicycles
    @chrisridesbicycles Pƙed rokem +2

    How cute is that? Rocket boosters on a bike to beat Hank sounds exactly like an idea Alex would build.

  • @ricardoferreira8203
    @ricardoferreira8203 Pƙed rokem

    Great video Conor. Thank you very much for all the great tips and also for your big boy’s contribution. I will make good use of all your advises very soon.

  • @TheWizardOfOsgood
    @TheWizardOfOsgood Pƙed rokem

    Great points about the sizing!
    From experience with my own kids I see a clear advantage to letting them use bikes that are their size or smaller, rather than sizing up for them to grow into.
    My son rode a 16" from age 5-7 and we've only just purchased a 20" for him now at age 7.
    Sure it looked comically small this past year with the seat height almost maxed out, but he dominated that bike and I think became a better more confident rider.
    Many of his classmates are awkwardly riding 24" bikes and don't appear to have the same level of confidence.

  • @kenswan6838
    @kenswan6838 Pƙed rokem +3

    Great video! My two have gone up the Islabike route, and my eight year old is now riding a drop bar Luath for up to thirty miles and is now asking for clipless pedals!

  • @IvanBoychuk
    @IvanBoychuk Pƙed rokem

    Right in time GCN! I start thinking about the balance bikes for my son and here you are with a great explanation! Big thanks!

  • @michaelhughes2851
    @michaelhughes2851 Pƙed rokem +2

    Great video great to see the joy in a child out in the fresh air on their bike. Thanks to Conor and Jesse for working together and certainly looks like they enjoy each other’s company

    • @gcn
      @gcn  Pƙed rokem

      Thanks! Glad you liked it

  • @alinapopescu872
    @alinapopescu872 Pƙed rokem +7

    To take Jesse's measurements, first you have to catch him 😋 Such a sweet child. 💗

    • @gcn
      @gcn  Pƙed rokem +2

      Hahaha and now he's riding, he's even harder to catch 💹

    • @geoffreyhoney122
      @geoffreyhoney122 Pƙed rokem

      @@gcn I loved how game he was! Amazed he was as still as he was!

  • @axelschneider1678
    @axelschneider1678 Pƙed rokem +1

    Dad of twins here...
    We got ours new, since we needed two, identical ones at a given time.
    But we've chosen to spend the money because we know we can sell them again for good money.
    Weight is the most and important thing. Having to schlepp two of those things I'm so happy we got light alu ones. Carrying two is kinda something...
    I disagree on the brake bit.
    We started ours with about 2Πyears on their balance bike, and now almost 3 years, they still don't care for the brakes, however they see mum and dad use them, we tow them around in a trailer since ever, so they're very used to a bicycle not being a toy but rather than a method of transport, so they now want to stop like their parents.
    So the brakes now become a thing, pretty much on their own. But they sort of get the idea: slow down - pull leaver.
    Not the worst muscle memory.

  • @nickkambitis5340
    @nickkambitis5340 Pƙed rokem +5

    Great advice. I bought my grandson a vitus super-light weight balance 12” bike three months before he was born, couldn’t help myself. 😂😂

    • @gcn
      @gcn  Pƙed rokem +1

      How did they get on?

    • @nickkambitis5340
      @nickkambitis5340 Pƙed rokem

      @@gcn he’s only 7 months. In another 18 months I’ll let you know. đŸ€©

  • @Z-u-m-a
    @Z-u-m-a Pƙed rokem +4

    Good video. And cute kid!
    Got a pedal bike for our toddler last year (3 at the time).
    A lot of the cheaper ones had solid plastic tyres - puncture free but looked like they'd be pretty horrid to ride on.
    In fact none of the affordable new options looked great, so took a bit more time to find a good used one locally. Start looking in advance if thinking about it.

    • @gcn
      @gcn  Pƙed rokem

      Always worth heading into your local bike shop too see if they can help 👀

  • @seattlegrrlie
    @seattlegrrlie Pƙed rokem +3

    I wish they'd had balance bikes when my daughter was young. Would've made learning so much better. I love seeing them when I'm out, the next generation of riders!

    • @gcn
      @gcn  Pƙed rokem +1

      YES YES YES! We loved zipping around with Jessie for the day 🙌

  • @julienrobert3938
    @julienrobert3938 Pƙed rokem

    My daughter had the Kellys, now my son has one too. Best way to learn proper way. They both love it. Now i baught a 16' maundraker to my daughter with 6 gears.

  • @wenschobert
    @wenschobert Pƙed rokem

    Brake on the balance bike for my kids worked really fine. They didn't use it for quite a while, but when they felt comfortable enough they learned braking with their hands - before they had their feet occupied with pedals... i like balance bikes to have brakes - highly recommend.

  • @G60syncro
    @G60syncro Pƙed rokem +1

    What a cutie!! My GF's sister has 2 kids, so between them and our 2, we have 4 kids with pretty well staggered sizes. It means we own once and use 4 times before we pass it on or it's been ridden to death and we just get rid of it. Glad you pointed out the used market because with kids that's just a given!!!

  • @ktkvs216
    @ktkvs216 Pƙed rokem +1

    Most important tip is to have fun with it. Eg. if a kid wants stabilizers, let them use stabilizers.
    Beautiful video, Conor. I hope non-rider parents stumble onto it.

  • @lauraclayton3842
    @lauraclayton3842 Pƙed rokem +1

    Great video, I got my daughter a frog balance bike she went from that straight in to a two wheeled bike with no stabilisers the only problem she had was learning how to push off but she managed that in a few minutes she could actually pedal bike before she could push off best decision I did getting her a balance bike

  • @simmo26
    @simmo26 Pƙed rokem +1

    Can’t back up the weight statement. We had heavy steel bikes that the kids struggled with. We then changed to lighter alloy ones and they were off. Comment about brakes for wee hands is also true and important.
    All in all, sound advice

  • @uzi17
    @uzi17 Pƙed rokem +4

    how many watts can Jesse do?

  • @georghartmann6672
    @georghartmann6672 Pƙed rokem +4

    Ride with my 4-year-old every day to Kinder garden, just 1 km but still fun, and he loves it. He would also like to have rocket boosts on his bike, unfortunate he does not have them so daddy needs to give him a boost from time to time.

    • @gcn
      @gcn  Pƙed rokem +2

      Won't be long until you'll be the one needing the boosters 👀

  • @conorgoodman5731
    @conorgoodman5731 Pƙed rokem +2

    Can we get big Conor back at the ultra 555 in Donegal - let the man finish what he started - learn from his mistakes ??

  • @disgruntledtoons
    @disgruntledtoons Pƙed rokem

    I got a balance bike for my grandson when he was three. His parents got him a regular bike one year later. They took off the stabilizers before allowing him to ride it. He had no problem riding.

  • @phil3076
    @phil3076 Pƙed rokem

    Restored a Ridgeback Scoot for 1.5 Yr old grandson. Now he's 3.5, we're continuing to let him enjoy it. Thanks GCN.

  • @stevenfox6864
    @stevenfox6864 Pƙed rokem

    Hi. Yes happy to offer some thoughts.

  • @vernefits1953
    @vernefits1953 Pƙed rokem +2

    great content!!

    • @gcn
      @gcn  Pƙed rokem +2

      Glad you enjoyed it 🙌

  • @JayLato
    @JayLato Pƙed rokem +4

    Great video Hank and Conor!

  • @ladislavpecsuk4225
    @ladislavpecsuk4225 Pƙed rokem

    Nice Job! My son, who started on a balance bike, (unlike his big sister) learned quicker and is more confident now.

  • @THEGAMER4LIFE1990
    @THEGAMER4LIFE1990 Pƙed rokem +1

    😂😂😂 rocket boosters love it
    I think you should do that race with Hank with rockets

  • @NathanLipkeEvilN8
    @NathanLipkeEvilN8 Pƙed rokem

    I highly recommend the Specialized Jett as it’s highly adjustable, lightweight and sturdy.

  • @Andrew_smart100
    @Andrew_smart100 Pƙed rokem

    Andy - Always buy quality second hand. Not cheap new. I always got Frog / Islabike etc looked after them and sold them after both kids had them for same or more money.

  • @Bacciagalupe
    @Bacciagalupe Pƙed rokem

    AWESOME!!!

  • @bikebrain
    @bikebrain Pƙed rokem

    Top marks Connor for the use of shadow stands.

  • @ankaslodek3759
    @ankaslodek3759 Pƙed rokem +1

    Yo great content

  • @avec4amadman1
    @avec4amadman1 Pƙed rokem

    26 inch wheel is classed as an adult bike, and also you try finding a Childs hybrid, not many about. They’re nearly all mountain bikes when they are sub 26 inch wheel.

  • @meibing4912
    @meibing4912 Pƙed rokem

    Good advice. Avoid stabilizers unless the child is very young. It takes about 15 minutes for a fit 4 year old to master riding a pedal bike for the first time and around 1 to 1œ hours before they can maneuver corners etc quite confidently including breaking start/stop etc. Taught quite a few kids to cycle using a large free flat space (think large empty parking lot): 1) tell them that as long as they pedal the cycle will stay upright - if they stop pedaling they will fall over 2) push cycle into speed while running just behind - make them pedal like crazy (keep running right behind them) 3) if they stop or slow down pedaling to turn etc - they will - give them the battle cry "pedal!, pedal!, pedal!" (keep running right behind them) 4) ask them to turn gently right/left while peddling all the time (keep running right behind them) 5) when they understand to pedal all the time and can turn let loose for 10-15 min of free practicing (take much needed rest from running). When looking good go directly for a longer cycle ride on a fairly straight, flat and safe cycle path - an hour or so is preferable, as it makes sure they confidently can start/stop and navigate left/right. Its key that they don't fall over at first and get scared or disheartened. The running is hard - but its usually less than 5 min before they get the pedaling concept internalized. And yes, they will know how to cycle next day.

  • @lg.studio
    @lg.studio Pƙed rokem +3

    Never have I ever thought I will see a Kellys bike (even if it is a balance bike for kids) in a GCN video ever, being it a lesser known central european brand.

    • @gcn
      @gcn  Pƙed rokem +4

      It's a little weapon đŸ’Ș

    • @lg.studio
      @lg.studio Pƙed rokem

      @@gcn They are pretty good value bike brand here. Had an MTB now a gravel bike from them. I Love IT.

    • @ondrejkubo
      @ondrejkubo Pƙed rokem +2

      Let's wait for Dema and CTM...

  • @kennethward9530
    @kennethward9530 Pƙed rokem +1

    Forget tubeless tires, forget electronic shifting; balance bikes are #1 tech improvement in last 30 years in the wider world of bicycles.

  • @rainerschira5163
    @rainerschira5163 Pƙed rokem +1

    So I am REALLY looking forward to the rocket boosters vs Hank video now!

    • @gcn
      @gcn  Pƙed rokem +1

      Hank's not!

  • @abosworth
    @abosworth Pƙed rokem

    I never got a balance bike for my oldest son, who is now 4. He's been riding without training wheels since he was 3. My younger son is 2 and his legs are a bit shorter so I'm considering a balance bike. My 4 year old is ready for a bigger bike so thank you for all the advice. The only trouble with him is that he's ready for a bike with gears ability wise but I don't think they make them in his size quite yet.

    • @gcn
      @gcn  Pƙed rokem

      Might be worth looking around, you may find a smaller wheeled bike with gears 👀

    • @chicagoan
      @chicagoan Pƙed rokem +1

      Gears generally start at 20" which is what we're getting my 5 year old for Xmas who has been on a 16" for the past two years. He's on the taller side though at over 4 feet already. I doubt he really "needs" gears yet at 4 but that may depend on how small a bike he's on currently. My son can keep up with me on his 16" around 14mph.

  • @VladThe333
    @VladThe333 Pƙed rokem

    In Russia we call balance bike "Đ±Đ”ĐłĐŸĐČДл" [begovel] whats meaning in straight sense like "run-o-bike")

  • @iggalan
    @iggalan Pƙed rokem

    Balance bikes are a great way to get started. Just avoid training wheels at all costs, your kid can move from a balance bike to a regular pedal bike (properly sized) with about an hour of practice. My younger kid learned to pedal before he was three years old 😀 . Unfortunately none of my kids ride much their bikes 😱 . And it won’t be because I’ve not tried, from road to MTB.

  • @stevenfox6864
    @stevenfox6864 Pƙed rokem +2

    Fantastic video. I've taught 1000s of kids to cycle in an hour and all of the points covered in the video are brill. If anyone wants any advice on how to get children cycling in an hour, be in touch. :-)

  • @antoniopedales1685
    @antoniopedales1685 Pƙed rokem

    how about a 14 inch road bike, ihave seen em in pawn shops ,and we accually had one in the shop i used to work !!!

  • @magicknight8412
    @magicknight8412 Pƙed rokem +1

    My son never got on with a balance bike, just didn't interest him much, but instantly took to and enjoyed a pedal bike when we got him one. One day we let go of him and off he went !

    • @gcn
      @gcn  Pƙed rokem +1

      Perfect! Ever kid is different. Listen to them and let the kid find their own love in cycling 🙌

  • @djfelon4life
    @djfelon4life Pƙed rokem

    Your kid is so funny. Rocket boosters needed to beat Hank. LMAO

  • @magicknight8412
    @magicknight8412 Pƙed rokem

    The one thing I see with some fellow parents and dont get is they buy a relatively huge bike with loads of gears for their 5 year old who can barely handle pedalling their little bike with stabilisers.

  • @derusmares9508
    @derusmares9508 Pƙed rokem

    Any one have any thoughts on the REI kids bikes?

  • @aubreywhitley6889
    @aubreywhitley6889 Pƙed rokem +2

    Jesse is a cutie! Plus he already rocking the balance bike. Time for pedals?

    • @gcn
      @gcn  Pƙed rokem

      Clipless? đŸ€Ł

    • @aubreywhitley6889
      @aubreywhitley6889 Pƙed rokem

      @@gcn Give him a couple of weeks. 😁

  • @redwinedrummer
    @redwinedrummer Pƙed rokem

    6:18 Starting 'em early with slamming that stem, eh? One spacer away! All the other kids will envy her aero gains.

  • @stevenfox6864
    @stevenfox6864 Pƙed rokem

    As Conor mentioned, light weight child specific bikes are better. (Squish, Frog, Forme, Isla). It is good to be mindful brands like Specialised kids' bikes can be heavier, maybe not have the best child specific geometry and some have a unhelpful back pedal brake. 3) Test the reach of the bike. Ask the child to sit on the bike, hands on the grip and gently turn the handlebars, if the reach is too long, the little finger will 'peel' off the grip, this would make it unsafe to ride.
    GCN hack. Sometimes the reach is the correct length, but the child can't get a flat foot onto the ground to feel confident. a solution is to purchase an aftermarket seat post and saddle where the seatpost connects directly into the bottom of the saddle. On quality bikes the seat normally has the 'fore' and 'aft' rails that the seat post attaches to. The after market seat post and seat does not have this 'gubbins' and so allows the saddle to sit lower to the frame. Result!
    Following this process will make learning to cycle and buying a bike fun and cost saving.
    1. Use the correct size balance bike ( i can give tips on this) 2. When a child can glide around a circle, glide a long straight line and glide a u-turn they are physically ready for a pedal bike. 3) check cognitive readiness using a child specific turbo trainer 4) feel happy cycling ( this is a seamless process from balance bike) 4. Find a shop that demos bikes and allows you to try before you buy because remember a 'guide is only a guide'. 5). Allow the child to tell the parent which they feel most comfortable cycling. 6. if you can get the bike on a bike subscription. 7. Keep pedalling :)
    Happy to offer more specific advice on teaching a child to cycle in an hour, choosing the correct balance bike, how to fit a child helmet, key indicators to look for to know your child is ready for pedals and really good 'hacks' to accelerate a child's cognitive readiness for pedals. Kids loving cycling means families cycle together, love that!
    Keep pedalling
    Steve

  • @MaxG-fr
    @MaxG-fr Pƙed rokem

    awww so cute

  • @askmeaboutmattweiner
    @askmeaboutmattweiner Pƙed rokem +3

    Time for the tech team to do something wacky and hacky: What's the smallest kids bike you could modify with Di2?

    • @gcn
      @gcn  Pƙed rokem +1

      Hahah what could they cook up we wonder đŸ€”

    • @gcntech
      @gcntech Pƙed rokem +3

      We're on it 👀

  • @olliewhyte3103
    @olliewhyte3103 Pƙed rokem +3

    "Most kids move on from their bike every year or two"
    Adult riders still upgrading to a new bike every year or two: 👀👀

    • @gcn
      @gcn  Pƙed rokem +1

      ... very true 👀 Cycling really does take you back to being a kid!

  • @christianb.1028
    @christianb.1028 Pƙed rokem +3

    Really good tips! The point "weight" can't be emphasized enough, I think. I remember the old steel clonkers back in the day. 10-15 kg easy for a bike with 14 inch wheels, so basically the bike weighs as much as the child. Just imagine riding an 80 kg bike as an adult...
    Unfortunately the really light and good ones (in Germany Puky, Woom and Cube are very popular), are always very expensive and even second hand prices are high, like up 90 % of the original retail price. 400 EUR for a bike for a 4-year-old seems kinda insane, but the riding experience for the kid is on another level compared to the heavy bikes.
    Also: No coaster brake for kids! Hard to learn, counter intuitive and not being able to back pedal makes taking off so much harder.

    • @gcn
      @gcn  Pƙed rokem +1

      Great tip about the coaster brake, they could make things more complicated for the kid.

    • @thomasschefler4804
      @thomasschefler4804 Pƙed rokem

      My experience with coaster brakes on kids bikes is quite the opposite. When kids are really small (age 4-5) they have a hard time operating hand-brakes. The leavers tend to be too far away and they do not have the necessary hand-strength and coordination to operate them reliably. Also the brakes need to be adjusted frequently when they 'abuse' the bike. A coaster break 'just works' and it is quite simple to master, even if counter intuitive at first. A good compromise is to have both options.

    • @chicagoan
      @chicagoan Pƙed rokem

      @@thomasschefler4804 You can adjust the levers. Unless your kid has very small hands this shouldn't be an issue. Mine started at exactly 3 with hand brakes no prob.

    • @chicagoan
      @chicagoan Pƙed rokem

      Agree on the coaster. Admittedly I haven't spent under $400 for any of my boys bikes but I have three boys so they need to last. The cheap bikes just rust and break and you end up spending more in the long run.

    • @christianb.1028
      @christianb.1028 Pƙed rokem

      @@thomasschefler4804 I agree 100 % with you for the children's bikes of old, which had crappy brakes, but the new ones all have child specific brakes that work really well. And coordination of hand brakes is easier in my opinion.

  • @longdang2681
    @longdang2681 Pƙed rokem +1

    Conor : Which would you rather have, rocket boosters or water pistols?
    Jesse: Water pistols.
    Because having more fun beats going faster on your bike.
    I'm surprised there's no mention of BMX on the subject of kids bikes.

  • @stevenfox6864
    @stevenfox6864 Pƙed rokem

    Hi . Here are some thoughts. 1) Don't buy a bike unless your child can cycle, otherwise how do you know you are purchasing the correct size bike. :-) ( a child needs to be physically AND cognitively ready for pedals before moving on to a pedal bike . It is common for children to whizz around on their balance bike and then parents with the right intentions get excited and purchase the pedal bike without thinking of the cognitive readiness for pedals i.e the child needs to be able to pedal forwards while looking forwards and not pedalling backwards. If a child does this on the pedal bike, some parents panic becuase they have purchased a bike and want the chuld to use it so they put stabilisers on it, this will undo all the confidence and ability developed by the child on their balance bike. 2) You should have an opportunity to try before you buy. The child will then be able to say which size they prefer. Remember, often a child at the start of their cycling journey is still building confidence, so often having a slightly smaller bike is their preference. (This is why a bike subscription model is a good idea, our customers often tell us it is great they can upgarde to the next size at any time, as and when their child is ready. This might be only a month or so since getting their first bike. to be cont....

  • @louisnewton8027
    @louisnewton8027 Pƙed rokem

    Shop at the bike club 😁😁

  • @armandocampamartinez8307

    I’ve seen many kids on adult bmx bikes, I suppose because the parents thought it was a kids bike and they don’t look comfortable in them so take that in mind

  • @256shadesofgrey
    @256shadesofgrey Pƙed rokem +1

    Ok, now you have to get a bike with rocket boosters. Your kid told you, so no way around it.

    • @gcn
      @gcn  Pƙed rokem

      With Christmas just around the corner 👀

  • @jmarinotripp240
    @jmarinotripp240 Pƙed rokem

    My parents bought me a bike more than two sizes too big and it took two years for me to learn to balance that monster. Mountain bike also so it was heavy AF. Two years later and mom couldn’t keep me inside at all

    • @gcn
      @gcn  Pƙed rokem +1

      Hahaha great to hear you found the love! Do you think you would of gotten into it quicker if the bike fit in the first place? 👀

    • @jmarinotripp240
      @jmarinotripp240 Pƙed rokem

      @@gcn yes, and there’s no need for a suspension or 3x5 gears. The less parts, the less likely something will break, the bike will weight less and less guilt we’ll feel when the kid’s outgrown it

  • @lilbruin
    @lilbruin Pƙed rokem

    Loved Jesse's advice re the rocket boosters. Out of the mouths of babes


  • @nalissa77
    @nalissa77 Pƙed rokem

    Aww.. Jesse is so cute. I wonder if the addition of Rocket Boosters is UCI legal? ;)

  • @jorismak
    @jorismak Pƙed rokem

    All weird this... Get the first bike from the 'discards' on the 2nd hand market that fits. They grow out of it within 6 months , so don't buy new, they never burn through the bike if there are no accidents .
    Kids need to use walking bikes as soon as they can, and pedal toy cars the moment they understand it. Dont start too late with the first 'proper' bike without extra balance wheels.. when school starts at 4yr old they are basically expected to be able to ride a bike without tools and help . Doesn't have to go quick yet :)

    • @gcn
      @gcn  Pƙed rokem +2

      We agree, second hand is a great place to start! We should point out that there are many adults that don't know how to ride a bike, so there is no such thing as too late to start 🙌 The point Conor is trying to make, is that we have to let our kids find the love for cycling and let them naturally progress, rather than forcing them into it. We think that's the best way to share our passion for cycling 😊

  • @tkoolmees
    @tkoolmees Pƙed rokem

    Just start when they can stand up (around 12 months of age :))

  • @JayLato
    @JayLato Pƙed rokem +2

    It’s funny how in relation to a child, Conor does not look nearly as tall as compared to when he stands next to adults.

    • @gcn
      @gcn  Pƙed rokem +1

      He is actually really are away, it's all a perspective trick đŸ€Ł

  • @1942rita
    @1942rita Pƙed rokem

    Have you seen Peter Sagan’s son doing everything but wheelies on a pedal bike.?

  • @khazza930
    @khazza930 Pƙed rokem +2

    next video: how to get more fire in your boosters

  • @TheBClark88
    @TheBClark88 Pƙed rokem

    We got our boy on a the smallest 10" wheel balance bike we could at 2 years old and he absolutely loves it. He's turning 3 in April and I think we will be making the upgrade to something that is a little bigger, and might try making the leap to pedals (and a brake!). Side note - if anyone with kids wants some inspo for getting their little ones onto bikes, check out EWS racer Joe Barnes and his kid Bo - the boy rips! czcams.com/video/I-d2t2BuFnY/video.html

    • @gcn
      @gcn  Pƙed rokem

      Thanks for the comment 🙌 Great to hear your kid loves riding! Let us know how they get on with the new bike 👀

    • @chicagoan
      @chicagoan Pƙed rokem

      My now 5 year old started on a fat tire 14" at 3. He'd done balance bike for a year and learned to pedal on a trike so when we gave him the pedal bike he immediately started riding it with no help at all from us.

  • @backtoids
    @backtoids Pƙed rokem +1

    get that baby a bike fit

  • @MegaPibbles
    @MegaPibbles Pƙed rokem

    I think we need Jessie on the Tech Show

  • @JayLato
    @JayLato Pƙed rokem

    5:33 Brake shoes break shoes.

  • @seanhaber7847
    @seanhaber7847 Pƙed rokem

    I found concerning children outgrowing is that there is always a parent wanting to get rid of their children's old bikes and could get a good one for free.

  • @appa609
    @appa609 Pƙed rokem

    Are there kids road bikes?

  • @edwardjednacz1641
    @edwardjednacz1641 Pƙed rokem +1

    I need rocket boosters!

    • @gcn
      @gcn  Pƙed rokem +1

      We all do 👀

  • @MTBScotland
    @MTBScotland Pƙed rokem

    buy cheap bikes to start with. no point spending 00's of pounds on a balance bike. Buy second hand as they grow quickly.

  • @andrewonmyway8184
    @andrewonmyway8184 Pƙed rokem

    Buy second hand