Age is just a number when it comes to riding a bike. This fun outdoor activity is suitable both for little kids and adults, as it helps a lot in maintaining good health and a strong physique. All you need is an hour or two of spare time and an operation bike. Once you start riding a bike on the regular, you’ll notice how big of a difference it makes in your physical and mental wellbeing.
Bicycles for Children
Children can start riding a bike as soon as they turn 2 years. Bikes for children come in different sizes and are accommodated to the needs of a kid according to their age. The smallest bikes are actually ones with three wheels rather than two in order to ensure they can ride their bike safely. But many models also have a mechanism that allows you to easily transform a three-wheeled bike into a regular two-wheeled one when your kid gets a bit older. Along with that, bikes made for the little ones also come with harnesses and comfortable pads, a back seat that can be adjusted, a safety bar, foam wheels, and a system with a lock and unlock button so that you as a parent can have complete control.
For when your kid gets a bit older, you can buy bikes with two wheels only - similar to the bikes made for adults, but smaller in size and with additional balance wheels that are removable. This type of bicycle is made from strong but lightweight materials so that your kid can easily maneuver and ride it. It features smooth handling long wheelbase along with efficient tall wheels and foot brake, as well as hand brakes for safety. The wheels are smooth and reduce road friction, while the whole design is accommodated to the growing bodies of kids, meaning that the bike is completely ergonomic and comfortable.
As a final upgrade, you should buy bikes that have a multiple-speed mechanism suitable for kids over 8 years. Those types of bikes are made to be easy for kids to handle and ride, while at the same time trying out different speeds and learning new tricks. On top of that is the braking system that’s top-notch and adds to the level of safety. Most of the bikes that have a speed mechanism are similar to one another. The only difference is in the size of the wheels. The older the child - the bigger the bike should be. You should always strive toward picking the right type of bike according to your child’s age and physique if you want to provide them with the best bike riding experience.
Professional Adult Bikes
Bikes for adults are quite different from those meant for little kids both in size and function. There are plenty of different types of adult bikes you can choose from, depending on what you intend to do with the bike. So, the most commonly used bikes by adults are road bikes, fitness bikes, mountain bikes and hybrid bikes.
Road bikes have skinny tyres and drop handlebars and are meant to be ridden on smooth pavement only. They have the capacity to reach high speeds. The downside of road bikes is precisely the fact that they’re not so convenient to ride on unpaved trails and some people find the drop handlebars to be a “problem” too.
Fitness bikes have a lightweight frame, fast-rolling wheels and a bar that can be both drop and flat. Some have regular braking mechanisms while others have disc brakes that offer more control and precision than the regular ones. Fitness bikes are ideal for people who want a bike that’s light, high-performing and suitable to ride both on smooth and unpaved trails. That’s made possible thanks to the wide tyres.
Mountain bikes are for adventurers who like to ride on rough off-road trails. They are durable and lightweight, have flat handlebars, wide tyres and hydraulic disk brakes. There’s a small difference between the mountain bikes for men and women. Basically, women’s mountain bikes have specific seats and narrower handlebars. Unlike other types of bikes, all the features of mountain bikes are enhanced and improved so that they can withstand long distances and rough terrains. For that reason, mountain bikes have a bit higher price than the others.
Hybrid bikes are known to be comfortable, easy to ride and are considered the ideal choice for someone who wants to ride around the city or use the bike for transportation. They have features both of a road bike, touring and mountain bike, hence the name. The wheels are smooth and thin, the handlebar straight and the design allows the cyclist to sit upright. Hybrid bikes are also known as commuter bicycles.
Health Benefits of Riding a Bike
Cycling is beneficial to kids and adults alike. Studies show that individuals who ride a bike often have better cardiovascular health, lower stress levels, improved mood, stronger muscles and bones and lower levels of body fat.
For kids, in particular, riding a bike is a great exercise that helps in the development of their growing body, motor skills and balance. Kids who ride a bike are way more alert and attentive, agile, develop healthy habits and put their energy to good use. Cycling is a sort of a vent for little kids who are hyperactive. Consequentially, kids become calmer, more focused, relaxed and socialise better with their peers.
Adults can also benefit quite a lot from regular bike rides. Basically, bike riding helps battle obesity and improves weight control, increases flexibility and joint mobility, minimises the possibility of diabetes type 2 developing, helps in regulating blood pressure, and prevents strokes and heart attacks. Adults are also more prone to suffering bone injuries or developing arthritis, and cycling can help in the prevention.
Despite physical illnesses, bike rides can help in the fight with mental illnesses as well. It’s recommended for people who suffer from anxiety, depression or high levels of stress to practice bike riding more often because it’s an exercise, and exercising is of great help for the those who have those conditions.
