Kid's Bikes

At Cycle Heaven we believe that you should give as much consideration to the purchase of a child's bike as you would to one for yourself. As we believe bikes to be objects of great intrinsic utility and value, we like to stock bikes that most embody these characteristics - high quality bikes. If we don't compromise on the quality of the adult bikes that we stock why should our kids have second best? By contrast, many dealers and manufacturers seem to offer bikes built down to a price. The sad result is usually a product of poor quality that weighs more than most adult bikes. Perhaps it's because they don't have to ride them.

Why buy a quality kid's bike?

High quality kid's bikes are worth every penny. Obviously it's your choice how much you spend and we are happy to acknowledge that by some reckonings what we offer is not cheap. But when considered alongside the cost of computers and video game consoles? As with adult bikes you get what you pay for…

Great quality bikes will last longer...

Some argue that durability is not important with a junior bike, as kids will inevitably grow out of them. However, if bought at the right time, a junior bike may last for up to 3 years. Some designs of junior bikes have a low stepover frame design which will allow for more growing room than standard. Most of our kids' bikes also feature lacquered over graphics which will ensure that they keep their good looks. Finally, quality bikes last - they can be handed down or sold on, rather than thrown away.

A bike is not just for Christmas

Experience has taught us that kids are far more likely to use a bike that works well and is a pleasure to ride. Our best kid's bikes will deliver objectively better performance than the competition, due to their lighter weight and better quality components. They will also be less prone to breakdown. These days quality also goes hand in hand with branding, and it is perhaps a sad fact of contemporary life that even the youngest kids are now brand aware. If they are embarrassed about it's brand however, the bike won't get used! But have no fear: our brands are cool (we promise!).

Right fit

Components on kid's bikes should be proportional to the child's size. Because we only sell quality bikes, you can be sure that attention is paid to these kinds of important details with all our models. We will take the time to make sure that your child is correctly fitted to their bike. Their comfort and confidence is important to us. Also, where practicable, we test ride all the bikes that we sell for safety, including junior bikes.

Back pedal brakes? 

Some of the kids' bikes that we sell come equipped with back pedal rear brakes. Coaster brakes, as they are called, are unusual in the UK but very common on the continent, even on adult bikes. Their advantages are that they are easy and intuitive to use, powerful, durable and low maintenance. They are particularly good for kids' bikes, as many of the youngest kids don't have the strength to pull a lever brake (even when they are correctly proportioned). They are also easy to use and as ear brakes don't involve the risk of flying over the handlebars, you will find them on all of our starter bikes and some others. On balance, we would recommend them over other types.

Suspension or Not?

Your kids will inevitably pester you for suspension - as much of it as possible. Suspension exists for three reasons: to increase comfort, to increase performance and to look cool. On most kids bikes, the only real benefit is the latter - for the sake of your children's street cred with their pals.

The suspension on cheap bikes will definitely not enhance its performance - more likely, it will detract from it. Low quality suspension adds extra weight and can be sticky and unresponsive, making the machine harder to pedal and control, with only small gains in comfort. This could be a significant disadvantage if you like to go out on longish rides as a family, as it is likely that your child will be riding a bike that weighs more than yours!

However, suspension is a feature even on quality brands thes days as apparently, "this is what the market wants." On the other hand, if your child's street cred does play on your conscience (and your peace and quiet), suspension might well be a benefit worth paying for. So to strike a balance, go for front suspension and avoid cheap 'full sussers.' As with our adult bikes, for any full suspension kids bikes that we stock you can expect to pay a premium!

"Who said 'four wheels bad'?"