If your son has shown a passion for riding his bike, from that very first toddler bike with stabilisers, up to the bike he rides now, the next logical step would be to interest him in mountain bike riding (MBR). Of course, it might be his idea to get into MBR, and if it is, you should support and encourage what might turn into a passion.
Here’s a quick rundown of the style of bikes that are available today.
- Full Suspension Bike – By far the most popular, having suspension front and rear makes all the difference, and it is only some serious bikers that require zero suspension, which is uncomfortable at the best of times.
- Hardtail – As the name suggests, the hardtail has front suspension only, which is enough for some riders, plus the front fork can be locked, giving a rigid ride.
- Rigid – There was a time when we had nothing but a rigid bike, but if you are planning some high-speed runs, suspension is advised. A rigid bike would make for a good first machine, and as your child becomes more proficient, they can upgrade to full suspension.
Protective Gear
Get online and find Sendy Gear, where you will find everything you need, for all ages and ability, with riding tops, shorts, helmets, gloves and goggles, all at affordable prices. These items are essential and if you buy quality gear, it is a one-time purchase that will be good for many years, and you know your child is adequately protected.
Gears
It is advisable to have a bike with gears, which really helps with steep inclines and offers a less strenuous experience, and you should show your son or daughter how to effectively use the gears. The number of gears could range from 5-10 to 20, but really 5 is all you need when trail riding. Gears allow you to ride on any terrain, and some inclines are too steep for a gearless bike to climb. We really are living in the age of fitness, and your kids will benefit in many ways from MTB, ensuring they grow into strong and healthy adults.
Riding Tuition
While your child might be able to ride around the yard, MBR involves negotiating natural and man-made obstacles, with steep inclines and descents coming into play. The best way to teach your child is to select easy level trails and go out together, with you at the rear. Most kids experiment when riding and this leads to a level of competency, and with a few tips from dad, they will be fine and will develop their riding skills. Click here for more information about cycling in Australia.
Stick to the Basics
When buying your child’s first mountain bike, stick to a basic model, which will be more than enough for a beginner to develop their riding skills, then after a year or two, they would be ready for a hi-end bike. The most important aspect is, of course, safety, so you do need to buy all the safety gear, which should be good quality.