Teenage bicycles for girls and boys: 10 best universal models

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To choose the right bike for a teenager, there are many factors to consider. This includes the reliability of the model, depreciation, and the number of speeds. The design should not be ignored; the model should be beautiful and modern. In this case, you should take into account the teenager’s hobbies; different types of bikes are needed to move around different terrain.

We offer a rating of the best, in our opinion, bicycles for teenagers. We selected models from various brands and manufacturers and divided them into categories based on frame size.

The best bikes for teenagers with a 14-inch frame (height up to 155 cm)

Parents often think about the first teenage bike for their rapidly growing child when adolescence is just looming on the horizon. Therefore, boys and girls often receive it at the age of 10 - 12 years. The heroes of this category are designed for this age. However, it is better to focus more on growth, since some people grow a little faster, others a little slower.

Bicycles with a 14-inch frame are designed for heights from 135 to 155 centimeters and are therefore mainly recommended for ages 10 and up. Most are much cheaper than models for older riders and generally lack bells and whistles. But in bicycles of this type, steering wheel adjustment is almost always provided, which will allow a teenager to ride it for more than one season.

Which brand is better to choose a bicycle for a teenager?

There are quite a lot of manufacturers producing bicycles, among them you can find both foreign and Russian brands. Judging by the surveys conducted, buyers rarely pay attention to the brand, considering mainly technical parameters and functionality. In the 2021 ranking, experts recommend reading brief information on each brand:

• Shulz is a manufacturer from Russia that has been producing bicycles since 2008. It provides warranties for the devices themselves and spare parts, and delivers throughout the Russian Federation.
• Desna is the oldest Russian brand, registered in 1873, which produces vehicles. It manufactures parts using unique, patented technologies and offers a large selection of products for the whole family.
• Black One is a New Zealand brand that produces bicycles for recreation and travel. All company products undergo double quality control and comply with safety standards.
• Merida is a popular brand from Taiwan, founded in 1972 as a small spare parts store. Today, the lines include simple and premium models, as well as folding, mountain and gravel bikes for the whole family.
• Author is a company from the Czech Republic, established in 1990, and registered in the mechanical engineering industry. It has production facilities in Asia, where it produces bicycles under the strict supervision of specialists.
• Welt is a relatively young but rapidly growing brand from the Czech Republic, registered in 2012. It produces mountain and sports models that are available to a wide range of consumers.
• Novatrack is a company from Russia, occupying one of the leading positions among bicycle manufacturers. The company's products comply with state standards and undergo rigorous quality control.
• Stels is a subsidiary of the large Velomotors holding company, registered in 1996. It has large production capacity in Russia and produces bicycles in large quantities at three operating factories.
• Navigator is another domestic bicycle manufacturer that pays great attention to safety. It is a partner of the Russian Cycling Federation.
• Forward is a Russian brand, founded in 1999, that produces bicycles of almost any variety. It is one of the largest manufacturers of bicycle transport, importing them to the CIS countries and Asia.
• Dewolf is an international group of companies, which includes leading designers and engineers from different countries. He has received many awards for the development of the domestic bicycle industry.
• Schwinn is a well-known company from the USA, established in 1933, which manufactures bicycles of all types. It sells its products all over the world and is the winner of international awards.

The best teenage bicycles with a frame of 15 - 16 inches (height up to 165 cm)

Designed for a height of about 160 centimeters, models with a frame of 15 or 16 inches in most cases are the best solution for a teenager aged 12 - 14, and often a little older, especially when it comes to bikes for girls. Not surprisingly, they are somewhat more powerful and durable than vehicles for younger riders. At the same time, representatives of this category are faster and offer more opportunities for customizing and improving the bike.

Also in this category there is a greater difference between bicycles for girls and bicycles for boys. However, all teenage models are a little more restrained than designs for small children.

The best manufacturers of teenage bicycles

Puky. The company was founded in 1949. The headquarters is located in the German city of Wülfrath. In addition to bicycles, it produces balance bikes and scooters. The products are tested in laboratory conditions under extreme loads, therefore they are reliable and safe.

STELS . Bicycles of this brand are produced in Russia. The company was founded in 2003. Today the company has three factories (near Moscow, in the Bryansk region and in Krasnodar). In addition to bicycles, ATVs, snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles are produced. Products do not always win in terms of reliability, but the price is pleasantly pleasing.

S'cool . The German company has been producing bicycles for 15 years. There are both children's bicycles and balance bikes (bicycles without a chain, which require pushing off the surface with your feet to ride), as well as bicycles for adults. Production is based on safety and reliability. Therefore, sometimes the price of a bicycle may seem high.

Merida . This company proves that quality branded products from Taiwan are not a myth. The company has existed since 1972. Merida's credo is to produce beautiful, high-quality, but at the same time inexpensive bicycles. Today Merida ranks 15th in the ranking of the largest enterprises in Taiwan.

Giant. The company was founded in 1972 in Taiwan, but since 1986 there has been an active expansion of the company's divisions in Europe, Australia and the USA.
Giant produces about 55 percent of the world's branded bicycles.

The best bicycles for teenagers with a frame of 17 - 18 inches (height up to 178 cm)

Designed for heights from 156 to 178 centimeters, teenage bicycles with a frame of 17 - 18 inches are considered optimal for girls and boys 14 - 15 years old. Sometimes they are suitable for tall teenagers from 12 years old or not too tall older cyclists. This category is not numerous, but most of its representatives are not without their advantages.

Although the dimensions of bicycles with a frame of this size are often quite comparable to their counterparts for adults, they are designed primarily for teenagers and take into account the characteristics of their build, as well as preferences. In particular, for teenage models, companies use mainly bright, saturated colors, somewhat lightweight construction and the most understandable mechanisms.

TOP 5 Best teenage bikes for boys.

The most comfortable teenage bike

FORWARD Unit 20 2.0 (2019)

Bicycle FORWARD Unit 20 2.0 , designed for children aged five to nine years, with FWD attachments, 6 speeds. Technical features: Hi-Ten steel frame, FWD 116E suspension fork, FWD Double Wall aluminum rims, reliable Promax TX-107 V-brake rim brakes, kickstand. Suitable for traveling on city streets and simple routes in the forest. Wheel diameter is 20 inches. Weight – 13.5 kg.

The best in the price/quality category

2. STELS Navigator 410 MD 24 21-sp V010 (2019)

Bicycle STELS Navigator 410 MD , designed for children aged eight to thirteen years, with Shimano entry-level equipment, 21 speeds. Technical features: Hi-Ten steel frame, 40mm travel suspension fork, dual aluminum rims, mechanical disc brakes, rear derailleur guard. Suitable for recreational riding in urban conditions and on simple routes in the forest. Wheel diameter is 24 inches. Weight – 15.6 kg.

Video

The best teen bike for walking

Novatrack Extreme 24 6 (2019)

Youth bike Novatrack Extreme 6 sp. 24″ (2019) is an excellent option for a child from 9 to 12 years old. Mechanical rim brakes V-brake Steel are responsible for quickly locking the wheels even on wet asphalt. Wheels with lightweight Z-AXIS tires have traction over the entire surface. The spring-elastomer fork creates good handling. The frame is made of steel, making it durable and moderate in weight. You can switch between speeds using the Shimano Tourney system.

The best teenage bicycles with a frame of 20 - 24 inches (height from 178 cm)

The largest representatives of teenage bicycles, the frame of which reaches 20 inches or more, are designed for riders with a height of 178 to 200 centimeters. Therefore, they are mainly suitable only for very tall teenagers aged 15 years and older.

Although not all teenagers are so tall, the choice of models with frames over 20 inches is quite large and rich in interesting, and most importantly, useful properties of developments. Intended for teenagers who are already quite old, bicycles in this category often receive better traction in any season, expanded upgrade options, folding mechanisms and some other rare additions. In addition, many of them are lightweight.

Which bike is best for teenagers to buy?

To understand which bike is best for a teenager to buy, experts give ambiguous answers, defining only a few selection parameters. So, first of all, you need to pay attention to the diameter of the wheels, which determines the age standards of the child. For the first acquaintance with cycling, it is better to take a simpler model, and as you grow older, you can consider faster bicycles. Also, before purchasing, it would be a good idea to give the choice to the teenager himself, who can try on or try to test the model right in the store, determining the degree of comfort for himself. The experts themselves highlight several bicycles from the rating that deserve attention:

• So for children under 9 years old who are just starting to get acquainted with a two-wheeled friend, you can pay attention to the Desna Phoenix 20. It has one speed, can withstand a lot of weight and a low price.
• For older guys, Merida Matts J20 will be a reliable friend. It is equipped with rigid shock absorption, has good rolling and reinforced wires.
• When style and safety are important, you can take a closer look at Welt Peak 24 Disc. This 2021 model features mechanical disc brakes, spring/elastomer shock absorption, and is lightweight.
• Girls who prefer an elegant design will like the Novatrack Alice 24 6. It has a low-profile frame, a comfortable wide seat and rim brakes.
• For boys under 10 years old, you can pay attention to Navigator Bingo, which is distinguished by high-quality assembly, a simple foot braking system and a low price.
• And girls who prefer style and comfort can safely consider the Schwinn High Timber 24 Girl in soft blue. It has quick-release wheels, 21 speeds and wide, comfortable pedals.

Separately, experts recommend buying bicycles exclusively from trusted stores that provide a guarantee on the product. It is important to check the contents and availability of quality certificates to ensure that everything meets the standards.

Desna Meteor V 24

Desna Meteor 24 V is a reliable bicycle for teenagers with 7 speeds. This model is perfect for both boys and girls. The domestic bike has front and rear manual rim brakes, which are responsible for the safety of your child. The durable steel frame, bright appearance and relatively light weight should not leave you unnoticed. Desna Meteor 24 V is perfect for a novice driver.

Desna Meteor V 24

Advantages:

• comfortable
• soft saddle
• comfortable steering wheel
• excellent brakes
• bright appearance

Flaws:

• build quality
• heavy for teenagers

How to choose the right teen bike: cruiser, folding, mountain or bmx?

The bike should suit the teenager's driving style. Much depends on what speed the young cyclist rides, what routes he takes and how often the child travels.

A cruiser bike is suitable for leisurely riding in the city. The saddle of the unit is located high so that the rider does not strain his back and does not get tired, the steering wheel is most often ergonomically curved, and the wheels of the vehicle are large. A steel bike with high-strength tires will last 2-3 years. And if you choose a model for a teenager such as a bicycle with adjustable seat height and handlebars, then 5 years is not the limit.

Your child is not very athletic, but loves to ride on good roads and travel? For such a teenager, it is right to choose a bicycle that is suitable both for the city and for traveling. Folding transport will fit even in a travel bag. A high-quality travel bicycle weighs no more than 10 kg, and in terms of convenience it is almost as good as its city counterpart.

For active, restless teenagers who love to ride off-road, feel the speed and drive, a light mountain bike is suitable. Ask a store consultant about how to choose a speed bike for a teenager if you don’t know much about mountain bikes. Typically, children 10-12 years old take 6-speed models, teenagers 13-15 years old take 12-18 speed bikes, and girls and boys 16 and older take bikes with 21-27 speeds.

A stunt bike is the choice of very athletic guys who are fans of extreme maneuvers. Jumping a bike up stairs, flying on a two-wheeled vehicle from one platform to another, or riding backwards - all this is possible with bmx transport. Even if you want to buy a stunt bike as a gift, go to a sporting goods store with your child and find out which models will suit extreme sports enthusiasts, since choosing a teenage bmx bike without experience in bike jumping will not work.

How to choose a bike for a child?

When moms and dads are looking for a new vehicle for their little one, they often focus solely on price. But in reality, there are many more criteria based on which you need to choose a model. The most significant selection criteria are described below.

Baby's height

This is the main aspect of choosing transport for your baby. For a child to learn to ride, he must be comfortable sitting and driving. To do this, you need to “try on” your favorite device, placing the baby on it.

Proper seating implies a straight back for the baby, the position of the arms no higher than chest level and almost absolute knee extension when rotating the pedals. If parents decide to order a model online, then they must be guided by the characteristics indicated by the seller.

By the way, the diameter of the wheel will allow parents to relatively competently choose a bicycle for the growth of the baby:

1. For children whose height is no more than 1 m, a model with 12-inch wheels would be a good option.
2. If your height is from 1.15 to 1.20 m, then it is advisable to buy a product with 14 or 16-inch rims.
3. A child whose height is from 130 to 140 cm will comfortably ride on a device with tires from 18 to 20 inches.

To eliminate mistakes when choosing the length of the frame, it is advisable to measure the distance from the “nose” of the seat to the steering wheel line: it should be no more than the distance from the baby’s elbow to the tips of his fingers.

Wheel and frame material

Frames are made from the following materials:

1. Of steel;
2. Aluminum alloy;
3. Composite materials.

Tricycles for kids are made of hard plastic

High durability is not needed here, but weight is important: lightweight ones are safe and easier for children to handle. For this reason, it is logical to save heavy steel for teenage devices, and for primary school age, take them with a frame made of aluminum or composite materials

Tires also differ:

1. Plastic is a good choice for a small bike, which a child from 2 to 3 years old will ride on smooth paths or areas.
2. Rubber (inflatable) – guarantees the best comfort and smooth pedaling even on bad roads. However, there is a risk of breaking through the chamber, in addition, they need to be pumped up from time to time.
3. Foam rubber - combines the advantages of the above types of wheels. There is no air chamber under soft tires, so it is impossible to puncture the wheel, but the shock absorption will be quite average.

Brakes

The question of choosing brakes worries most fathers and mothers: some argue that it is necessary to immediately teach the child to drive with a manual brake, others do not understand at all why use pads. It really comes down to the child's age and driving skills.

1. A manual brake with a handle on the steering wheel will be a good choice exclusively for teenagers. The bottom line is that even in children who are 6 to 7 years old, the arm is not quite strong enough to use it. By the way, the length of the fingers at this age is also insufficient.
2. For little ones, a foot brake is the ideal choice.
3. If the parents could not come to an agreement, then you can buy a device with mixed type brakes.

Pedals

Pedals come from:

1. Plastic;
2. Metal.

Of course, the second method is much safer and more durable, which is why it is chosen for children aged 6 years and older. By the way, plastic pedals crumble by the end of the first season of intense driving or crack from an involuntary impact.

Experts advise choosing models with several platforms so that the baby’s foot does not slip off them. However, it is strongly recommended not to buy pedals with clips. The reason is that the coordination of movements is not at an ideal level, which is why, clinging to the latch with his foot, the child can very unfavorably fall, instead of just standing up.

Safety

While studying all the characteristics, do not forget about the safety of the baby. And this applies not only to the quality of the device - the baby’s weight is small, so it is unlikely that the structure will fall apart under it.

The most significant are the tiny nuances that at first glance may seem unimportant:

1. Soft foam inserts on the steering wheel;
2. Rubber pedal pad;
3. Absence of wedge-shaped edges in any part of the device;
4. A shield that covers the front sprocket and chain;
5. Reflectors or reflectors so that car drivers can see the baby on the road at night.

For the youngest bikers who cannot yet control the tricycle themselves, it would be advisable to have seat belts, a limiter crossbar at waist level and a recessed seat. A handle for parents and footrests will allow the child to comfortably get home when he is tired of turning the pedals.

TOP 5 Best double-suspension bicycles for teenagers

The most inexpensive dual-suspension bike for teenagers

Stark Rocket 24.2 FS V (2019)

Double suspension Stark Rocket 24.2 FS V, designed for children aged eight to thirteen years, with Shimano attachments, 21 speeds. Technical features: AL-6061 aluminum frame, Easing ES-225 suspension fork, rear shock absorber, YXR RD-0312 double aluminum rims, reliable Saiguan CB-141 V-Brake rim brakes. Suitable for recreational riding in urban conditions and on simple routes in the forest. Wheel diameter is 24 inches. Weight – 15 kg.

The most comfortable dual-suspension bike for teenagers

STELS Mustang V 20 V010 (2019)

Stels Mustang V 20 V010 (2019) is a teenage bike that can be recommended to kids who want to master extreme riding skills. The bike has two shock absorbers and is made using high-quality steel and reliable entry-level components. The frame is mounted on small twenty-inch wheels, which indicates that the model is intended for the smallest off-road conquerors - children from 6 to 9 years old. This dual-suspension mountain bike is ideal for gaining experience on challenging trails.

The most reliable dual suspension youth bike

Novatrack Shark 20 6 Disc (2020)

Bicycle Novatrack Shark 20 Disk for children from 6 to 9 years old with speeds (6 speeds). Shark 20 double-suspension bicycle with disc brakes (they brake better in all weather conditions, always works even if there is the slightest curvature of the wheel), two shock absorbers allow you to ride on a country road and easily drive onto a curb. Frame size 13″. Bike weight 14.8 kg

The cheapest dual suspension youth bike

STELS Mustang V 20 V010 (2019)

STELS Mustang V bicycle, designed for children aged eight to thirteen years, with Power attachments, 21 speeds. Technical features: Hi-Ten steel frame, suspension fork with 40 mm travel, rear shock absorber, double aluminum rims, reliable Power V-brake rim brakes, kickstand. Suitable for recreational riding on various roads and rough terrain. Wheel diameter is 24 inches. Weight – 17.2 kg.

The coolest dual suspension teen bike

Novatrack Shark 20 1 (2020)

The technical features of the Shark 20 dual-suspension system leave no doubt that you should take it! The durable steel construction ensures that the bike will last for a long time. The spring/elastomer shock absorber provides a smooth ride over rough terrain, and the included plastic fenders come in handy when driving through puddles. The bike is equipped with a reliable V-brake, which is controlled from the steering wheel. The chainring is protected by a guard and comes with a kickstand, bell and plastic fenders.

The best budget bikes under 6,000 rubles

The top inexpensive bicycles include the best budget models, which in terms of the quality of components are equal to more expensive ones. Here are the models to look at when shopping for affordable bikes.

STELS Pilot 410 20 Z011 (2020)

pros

• folding
• build quality
• steering wheel adjustment
• additional accessories

Minuses

• one speed
• no shock absorbers
• foot brake

From 4850 ₽

The simplest model from STELS 2021 has a foot brake and a comfortable curved steering wheel. The frame is made of high quality steel. The chain cover protects it from getting caught in your pant legs while moving. Great, simple, but well made.

Altair City 24 2020

pros

• folding
• wheels 24″
• there is a trunk, chain protection, bell

Minuses

• no shock absorbers
• foot brake

From 5450 ₽

An inexpensive folder in which the design parts are made of high quality, the folding mechanism works well. The frame is steel, reliable, the steering wheel is comfortable. The wings protect the driver from dirt. Everything good that can be given for this money is here. If you need a folding model, we have prepared for you a rating of the best folding bicycles for 2021 for men and women.

Desna 2200

pros

• universal
• wheels 20″
• folding

Minuses

• without shock absorbers
• foot brake

From 5590 ₽

This model does not take up much space when stored. The kit includes everything you need: fenders, trunk, chain protection, bell. The soles slip off the plastic pedals. The assembly does not cause any complaints.

Features of choosing a bicycle for teenagers 9-15 years old

Teenage bicycles for children from 135 to 160 cm tall have wheel diameters of 20, 24 and 26 inches. Their main difference from adult bikes is the frame geometry.

How to choose the right size for a teenager's bike?

When buying a bike in a store, it’s easy to make a choice. It is enough for the child to throw his leg over the frame and stand up straight. The distance from the frame to the crotch should be about the width of your palm. The presence of such a gap protects against impacts on the frame and bruises when suddenly stopping or jumping off the bike.

How to make the right choice if you can’t come to the store and buy online?

When choosing, you need to be guided by two parameters - wheel diameter and frame size.

First, measure the length of your leg from the inside of your thigh. Ask your teen to remove their shoes and stand up straight with their feet 15 to 20 cm apart. Measure the height from the ground to the crotch (leg length).

The wheel diameter can be determined from the table:

We calculate the frame size using a formula taking into account the type of bike you want to purchase: mountain bike, city bike or road bike. Read more about the types of bicycles further in this article.

• City bike: DN x 0.63 = Bike frame size in cm
• Mountain bike: DN x 0.57 = Bike frame size in cm
• Road bike: DN x 0.66 = Bike frame size in cm

We convert the result obtained from centimeters to inches, since bicycle frames are marked in inches.

Example. If the measured leg length (LL) is 61 cm, the correct size for a mountain bike is 34.8 cm (13.5”), a city bike is 38.4 cm (15”), and a road bike is 40.3 cm (16”) .

Bike weight

Teenagers, unlike small children, are already more physically developed, so the weight of a bicycle is not so critical for them. Even if the bike is a little heavier, they can easily lift it and carry it into the house. But the lighter the bike, the more comfortable it is to ride.

First of all, the overall weight is affected by the frame, which can be made of steel or aluminum alloy. Aluminum is almost two times lighter than steel, and in terms of strength it is practically not inferior to it. Bicycles with carbon and titanium frames are also available. The first ones are expensive and are used on sports bikes. The latter are rare, they can mainly be found on custom-built bikes.

The groupset - transmission and brakes - also affects the weight of the bike. For example, disc brake systems, which have a number of advantages, are heavier than rim brakes.

Brakes

Foot brakes on teenage bicycles are now rarely used, since at the age of 9-15 years children already have enough strength to brake with hand brakes, which are more convenient and provide more effective braking.

Hand brakes on teen bikes can be rim or disc.

V-Brake rim brakes

Braking is carried out due to the fact that the brake pads clamp the wheel rim.

Advantages:

• Lighter, mainly for this reason they are used on bicycles for small children. This also gives them an advantage in teen road and road bikes designed for fast riding on city streets and roads.
• You can set up and repair it yourself not only at home, but also during a bike ride. This means that if the brake fails, you won’t have to look for a bike service. This may be relevant if you are buying a bicycle for a child to go on long trips with him.
• They have a lower cost compared to disk ones, with similar efficiency. And given that a teenager will grow up quickly, there may be no point in spending more money if the bike is bought for ordinary walks and rides around the city.

Disc brakes

Braking is carried out due to the fact that the brake pads clamp not the rim, but the discs located on the hub of the front and rear wheels. Most often, discs are made of steel, so a bike with them will weigh heavier than with V-breaks.

Advantages:

• They work better when you have to drive through mud and in wet weather. This is the reason why they are more suitable for MTB bikes.
• They do not wear out the rim during prolonged braking on long descents. This is relevant for long journeys on roads with large elevation differences.
• Have a longer service life.
• They brake even if there is a “figure eight” (curvature) of the wheel.

Disc brakes are:

• Mechanical - braking force is transmitted through a cable. They are cheaper, easier to maintain than hydraulic ones, and more common on teen bikes.
• Hydraulic - braking force is transmitted through a system filled with fluid. More expensive. If they fail, they must only be serviced in a bicycle workshop.

The types of brakes that are best for children and teens may be different from those that are best for adults. It's also important to consider that while disc brakes, which have become increasingly popular and common in recent years, are fine on mountain bikes, rim brakes are generally better suited for road or touring bikes.

Bicycle transmission

Unlike children's bikes, which have only one speed mode and one sprocket on the cassette and system, teenagers are equipped with a full transmission, like adult bikes, which allows you to ride faster, climb hills easier and get much more pleasure from riding.

The transmission converts the force applied to the pedals into a certain amount of power transmitted to the wheels. Switching between gears makes it possible to save energy and choose a convenient pedaling mode. The gear shift handles (shifters) are located on the bicycle handles next to the brake handle. Changing the mode occurs by moving the chain up and down the sprockets in the cassette (rear derailleur) and on the system (front derailleur). When the derailleur changes gear, it moves the chain to a larger or smaller sprocket. The number of speeds depends on the number of stars in the system and cassette.

The choice of gear is influenced by:

• terrain - the presence of a slope or a flat road;
• conditions – dirt, sand, asphalt;
• weather – tailwind or headwind;
• physical training.

A wide gear shift range allows you to move more efficiently on roads with different slopes and surfaces, saving physical effort.

Teenage bikes differ from adult bikes in having fewer speed modes. Primarily due to the fact that in bicycles for children, an adequate weight-to-price ratio is important. The more sprockets that allow for a wider gear range, the heavier the transmission, which affects the overall weight of the bike. Modern systems make it possible to reduce weight while maintaining and sometimes improving efficiency, but they are more expensive, which is not always rational on teenage models, from which the child will soon outgrow and it will be time for him to switch to an adult bike.

Buying an expensive sports bike makes sense if your child at the age of 9-10 shows the makings of a future cyclist. For example, the Scott Scale RC 24 teen bike. The SRAM GX groupset belongs to the advanced line of mid-priced 1x transmissions and is installed on bikes designed for extreme and aggressive types of riding. It's not the lightest drivetrain since it doesn't use carbon parts, but it's more durable. You can drive aggressively, shifting hard, and nothing will happen to it. The SRAM PG 1020 11-36 10-speed cassette with Powerglide technology is excellent, strong and durable, providing super smooth shifting between gears. Despite having only 10 speed settings, the 11-36T chainrings have a precise, non-duplicate combination of gear ratios and an ideal shift range.

The most common and popular drivetrains for teen bikes have a three-ring chainset and a 6- or 7-ring cassette.

How not to make a mistake when choosing a teenage bike

If you choose the wrong size for a teenager’s bike or you get a defective product, it’s unlikely that a discerning teenager will be satisfied. When choosing, you need to take into account such factors and characteristics.

1. Size. This is perhaps the most important criterion. A bike that is too small is uncomfortable. Riding a big one also causes inconvenience, and is also fraught with accidents.
2. Quality. As with any technical device, build quality is important for a teenage bike. When choosing, carefully inspect the welds and check the operation of all mechanisms. If possible, let the teenager ride a bike for a while. This will also allow you to evaluate the correctness of the sizing decision. If necessary, consult a professional about your choice. It is difficult for an inexperienced buyer to detect hidden defects.
3. Coloring. This is not only an aesthetic factor. Its protection against corrosion depends on how well a teenager's bicycle is painted. If there are painting defects, sooner or later rust will “eat up” the entire protective and decorative layer.
4. Reliable brakes. If they squeak or, worse, slip, you should avoid choosing such a teenage bike. To check the brakes, lift the rear or front wheel, spin it and apply the brake.
5. Ease of use. The choice of handlebar height should be optimal. Too high or, conversely, low height can cause problems with posture. Pay attention to the seat covering. It should be non-slip so that during sudden braking the child does not fly out of the saddle.
6. Place of purchase. You need to purchase a bicycle bike in specialized (offline or online) stores. Buying second hand is not the best choice.

How to choose a bicycle wheel size (diameter) based on your height?

The table shows popular bicycle wheel sizes and heights for adult and children's bicycles. Large bicycles in one wheel size are available in several sizes. The table shows the average values; you can choose the wheel diameter individually based on your height.

When riding around the city, it is better to choose a bicycle with an average wheel size of 24 or 26 inches. When driving on highways, asphalt roads and rough terrain, you need to choose wheels of 26, 28, 29 inches. Large bicycle wheels reduce energy consumption when moving at high speeds and transmit less vibration to the handlebars and saddle.

Recommendation: If your height is about 150 cm or less, limit your bike selection to 24-inch wheel sizes for city riding and 26-inch wheel sizes for riding on asphalt and dirt roads.

Bicycles with a 20-inch wheel size are easy to store and transport, but less convenient when riding. With a large frame size (16 inches and above - models for adults), when driving, such models with small wheels are less stable on uneven roads.

The position of the center of mass and the distribution of the cyclist's weight depends on the size of the bicycle wheels and the design of the frame. During movement, there is a constant transfer of the cyclist's weight between the handlebars, saddle and pedals. On bicycles with contact pedals (clips or tour clips), the force of the foot is applied to both pedals simultaneously. To reduce fatigue and stress on the knee joint, a smaller frame size or a specially designed frame is selected. On a regular frame bike, the handlebar height, shape and stem may need to be adjusted. The height and width of the bicycle seat are selected individually.

TOP 5 Best teenage bikes for girls

The best teenage bike for girls

1.Welt Edelweiss 26 Teen (2020)

The Welt Edelweiss 26 Teen will definitely appeal to active and sporty teenagers who spend all their free time outdoors. A teenage bike with adult equipment will become a true friend for young people who love active sports. Despite the relatively low price, the model has high-quality attachments and reliable components. The wings will prevent clothes from getting wet when moving on wet roads. The frame is made of aluminum alloy, which gives the model low weight without loss of strength. The suspension fork is able to handle all the unevenness of the road and will not let your hands get clogged and tired.

Video

Best in category customer choice

Novatrack Ancona 24 7 (2019)

The updated Ancona 24 bike is an excellent city bike for girls. In the new Ancona, Novatrack has made internal cable routing in the frame, a 7-speed Shimano transmission, a lightweight aluminum frame, two sizes of which allow you to choose a bike according to your height, reliable hand brakes, rolling wheels - all this makes the bike easy to control and passable in urban and country paths. The bike already has full-size fenders installed, the saddle and handlebars can be adjusted to suit the child’s height.

The most beautiful bike in the ranking

Stark Bliss 24.1 D (2020)

A bicycle designed for girls aged eight to thirteen, with Shimano entry-level equipment, 7 speeds. Technical features: AL-6061 aluminum frame, Easing ES-225 suspension fork, YXR RD-0312 double rims, YX DB-01 mechanical disc brakes. Suitable for recreational driving on highways and smooth country roads. Wheel diameter is 24 inches. Weight – 14.4 kg.

Newest 2020

Forward Jade 24 2.0 (2020)

A bicycle designed for girls aged eight to thirteen, with Shimano entry-level equipment, 7 speeds. Technical features: 6061 alloy aluminum frame, rigid steel fork, FWD Double Wall rims, reliable Promax TX-117 V-Brake rim brakes. Suitable for recreational riding in urban conditions and on simple routes in the forest. Wheel diameter is 24 inches. Weight – 13.5 kg.