Tips for kids learning to ride a road bike
- 24/08/2021
Investing in a kids' road bike is investing in your child’s hobby and passion, so ensuring they have a correctly sized kids' road bike is the first step to helping them fall in love with road cycling!
Kids’ road-specific bikes will be lightweight, with narrow, short-drop handlebars and auxiliary brake levers to provide an additional braking control position on top of the handlebars to help your child increase their distance, speed and confidence.
Now that they’re set to venture out on the road, we take a look at the best seating position and the three main riding positions:
Road bike seating position
Your child’s saddle on their kids' bikes should be at a height where they can pedal freely, and they should have a slight bend in their knee when the pedal is at its lowest point. They should also have relaxed, slightly bent elbows as riding with straight arms can put a lot of weight on the hands and handlebars! The best way to ensure the arm positioning is correct is to check that from the elbow through to the fingers on the brakes the arm is in a straight line.
Make sure that your child keeps their knee over the pedals to be more efficient and ride faster!
Riding on the top of the handlebars
This position is mostly used for hilly climbs allowing your child to breathe easier, whilst having good access to the extra brake position on top of the handlebars.
Riding on the hoods
As your child becomes more confident on a kids' road bike, they will probably ride on the hoods the most as it is the most relaxed position and it’s also the easiest to shift gears.
Riding on the drops
This position is mostly used for downhill riding, as your child will have more control over the bike as the gravity is lower and they will be more aerodynamic. This position also offers better balance than on the hoods. Braking whilst on the drops can be more powerful due to better leverage, so it’s best not to snatch the brakes whilst travelling at high speeds.
Take a look at this video to see the different riding positions in action:
Road bike tips from our ambassador Aria
"I was nervous with my first road bike because the body position was so different to what I was used to. I started by holding the handlebars on top and keeping my body upright because this was more comfortable. I was quite wobbly at first but once I got my confidence it just felt natural to hold the drop handlebars. I could ride faster and it was a lot easier. A road bike doesn't have suspension so it's best to avoid bumps. The main thing is to keep going, it will soon be easy!"
Aria, Aged 9
Learn at the local cycling club
Joining a local junior bike club could be the ideal way to help your child learn bike skills in a safe environment before heading out on the road. Many clubs accommodate specific sessions for children. Take a look at the British Cycling site to find a club local to you in the UK >>
Why buy a Frog road bike?
Choosing a Frog kids' road bike can be an excellent decision for a variety of reasons:
1. Lightweight frame: Frog bikes are designed with lightweight aluminium frames, making them easier for kids to handle and manoeuvre. This reduces fatigue and increases enjoyment, encouraging longer rides.
2. Child-specific geometry: The bikes feature geometry specifically tailored to fit a child’s body proportions. This ensures a comfortable and efficient riding position, which can enhance the overall riding experience.
3. Quality components: Frog bikes are equipped with high-quality components that are durable and reliable. This includes child-friendly brake levers, smooth-shifting gears, and robust tyres, which together offer a safer and more enjoyable ride.
4. Adaptability: Many Frog bikes come with adjustable components such as seat posts and handlebars. This allows the bike to grow with the child, extending its usable life and providing better value for money.
5. Vibrant designs: Frog bikes are known for their bright, colourful designs that appeal to kids. The attractive appearance can make the bike more appealing and fun for children, encouraging them to ride more frequently.
6. Safety features: Safety is a top priority in Frog bikes, with features such as efficient braking systems, and a strong, durable build to help ensure that young riders stay safe while enjoying their biking adventures.
