Tokyo / Teenage bike
A teen bike is similar to an adult bike, but there are certain differences in the mounting, transmission, and fit. When choosing a suitable model in Tokyo, it is important to make sure that it matches the height of a teenager and is comfortable when riding.
POSITIVI North America
03-3351-0489 坂町26 永谷マンション1F, 新宿区, 13, 160-0002, JP, Tokyo, Japan- Bike Shop
ワイズロード・新宿カスタム
03-3356-2536 新宿3-11-10, 新宿区, 13, 160-0022, JP, Tokyo, Japan- Bike Shop
C.W.S 高田馬場
03-5338-8607 高田馬場3-22-3-1F, 新宿区, 13, 169-0075, JP, Tokyo, Japan- Bike Shop
Y’s Road Kagurazaka urban e-commuter
+813-5206-5072 東京都新宿区神楽坂６丁目６４ 雅庵神楽坂, Tokyo, Japan- Parking
- Bike Shop
- Repair
CYCLE YOSHIDA
03 6434 0095 西麻布3-6-3 西麻布フォレストプラザ101号 Minato, 東京都 〒106-0031 Japan, Tokyo, Japan- Bike Shop
- Repair
ASAHI Cycle Mitaka Iguchi
0422 39 4880 井口3-4-32 Mitaka, 東京都 〒181-0014 Japan, Tokyo, Japan- Bike Shop
Tokyobike Gallery Yanaka
03 5809 0980 谷中4-2-39 Taitō, 東京都 〒110-0001 Japan, Tokyo, Japan- Bike Shop
- Rental
Coggey Lalaport Toyosu
03 5859 5306 豊洲2-4-9 アーバンドックららぽーと豊洲1F Koto, 東京都 〒135-0061 Japan, Tokyo, Japan- Bike Shop
- Repair
- Rental
Teen bikes: types and secrets of choice
A teen bike looks more like an adult bike than a child's bike, but it also has its own rules of choice and subtleties. An important parameter of choice here is height, because it depends on it what the wheel diameter of the bike should be, what is the height of the steering wheel, and how comfortable it will be in the saddle.
The next important parameter when choosing the right model is the purpose of the purchase. Teenagers usually don't participate in extreme competitions, but just drive around the city with their friends. And they need an appropriate bike, with sufficient equipment and without unnecessary bells and whistles. However, there are also extreme athletes who are already demonstrating tricks or just learning. For them, traditional urban tales are boring, they need something that matches their rebellious spirit.
What are teen bikes?
Bicycles for teenagers are preferable in two categories: urban and mountainous.
- They ride urban bikes on smooth asphalt or well-trodden paths in the park. Some models do not have a gearshift, but they do have a brake (front or rear) and shock absorption. This is not a vehicle for stunts, but for relaxing riding in the city. A subspecies of an urban bike is a cruise bike. His saddle is positioned high enough so that his back is as relaxed as possible and does not hurt. Other distinctive features of this type are the curved steering wheel and the large size of the wheels. Such models usually last 1-2 years, but if it is possible to adjust the height of the steering wheel and seat, the service life can be extended up to 5 years.
- Mountain bikes provide more active riding in urban environments and beyond. They can jump on a curb or a higher obstacle, race in a stadium or in the woods, walk in a park or make quite difficult bike rides along with adults. Many models are equipped with a gearshift and are designed not for a straight line, but for a sporty fit when the back is tilted. Models equipped with 12-18 speeds are suitable for teenagers under 15 years of age, and models for older riders can have up to 27 speeds.
There is another type of bike that is popular among teenagers and is designed not for riding, but for performing tricks. This is BMX. They do amazing things on it: they jump up stairs, fly from one platform to another.
How to choose a teen bike
It is better to choose and purchase a bike with a teenager, because he will use a new iron friend. When choosing, you need to pay special attention to the following parameters:
- Height. Teenagers of the same age can vary significantly in height, so you need to rely on the number of sentiments, not years. The recommended wheel diameter is 26 inches, and the appropriate frame size is 16 inches for height from 150 to 165 cm, 17 inches for height from 156 to 170 cm, 18 inches for height from 167 to 180 cm.
- Gender. In both the adult and adolescent bike worlds, there is a division into male and female models. Girls usually prefer bright and light models whose frames are made of aluminum. Guys are unlikely to get on a bright pink bike.
- Budget. Teen bikes are often sold for the same price as adult bikes. It is advisable to have at least an approximate idea of how much money they are willing to pay for a new vehicle. The cost is affected by the equipment that the bike is equipped with, the brand and manufacturer (you have to pay extra for popular names, but they provide their products with a good guarantee), the material from which the frame is made (aluminum or steel). You should not chase too expensive options, because in a year or two you will have to buy a new one. However, too cheap is also not a solution: it will break down quickly and will not withstand high loads, but a teenager is very active and ready to ride a bike at least all day.
Fitting a bike
In this context, a bicycle is the same as clothing: you need to try it on carefully before buying, so as not to be disappointed. Teen bike stores don't mind fitting accessories: they're also interested in making sure the customer is confident in their decision and doesn't demand money back.
When a teenager reconciles a bicycle, you need to follow this:
- He can easily swing his leg over the frame. Over time, this action will be brought to automatism.
- When he stands on the floor next to the bike, and his back rests on the tip of the saddle, the gap between his legs and the frame should not be less than 7 cm. This space will prevent injury when hitting the frame, as it is quite painful.
- When a teenager sits in the saddle, his feet should reach the pedals with the entire surface of the foot, not just the toe. For some models, you can adjust the seat height, and this feature should be used when fitting.
- When leaning on the steering wheel, your back should be straight and your arms slightly bent at the elbows. If a teenager bends his back, it means that the bike is too small for him, and if he can barely reach the steering wheel with straight hands, then the model is large. Prolonged cycling, which is not suitable for height, will lead to problems with the spine.
- There should be no discomfort when riding a bike. If physical stores are preferred when choosing a place to buy a teen bike, it is recommended to try it out and ride for a few minutes. At the same time, you need to ask the teenager to listen to his feelings: does his back hurt, is it convenient to pedal and hold the steering wheel.
Conclusion
The teenager continues to grow, albeit much more slowly than before. Therefore, before they reach the age of 20, they will have to change more than one bike model, and they must be prepared for this. You should not buy a growth model: riding a bike that does not match the height will not bring pleasure.
Teen bicycles in Tokyo are available in a wide range. There are both mountain and urban options. Among such a variety, it is difficult not to get confused, but the recommendations given above will become a guide when buying.
It is desirable that a teenager has basic knowledge about the proper operation of a bicycle, although most of the responsibility for its serviceability still lies on the shoulders of the parents.
