What type of bicycle is best for most people?

Through my experience as a bike shop owner since 2012, the best bicycle for most people will be the one that is not too large or heavy so that it can be ridden by:

1) the young or old.
2) someone who is shorter.
3) someone learning to ride.
4) someone with gait issues.
5) someone with back issues.
6) the young till adulthood.
7) someone who likes to cycle recreationally with family members.
8) someone who enjoys going for short excursions or long distance rides.

The bicycle that meets all these criteria is the folding bike. 

It enables the cyclist to ride comfortably in an upright position because the stem and seat post are adjustable. It is also a bicycle recommended by doctors for patients who have back issues and can only do low impact exercises. 

Though most folding bikes are made for adults, due to their adjustable stem and seat post height, even a child age four in the family can ride on one that is 14″ in wheel size.  This is what a 14″ wheel size folding bike looks like.

That said, if you have bought a 14" wheel size bicycle meant for children, you will have to buy another with larger wheels as your child grows older.

When you get your children folding bikes to ride on, you will appreciate it when you do not have to drive them to places they have to be at. If it is further away, you can drive them to the train or bus station so that at their last stop, they can cycle to their final destination. You just have to make sure that the route they have to ride on is safe.

A folding bike in wheel size from 12″ to 20″ is the right option for parents who wish to ride along side their children, as they are cycling on bicycles in such wheel sizes.  When you are cycling recreationally on a larger wheel size bike with younger family members who are cycling on 12″ to 20″ wheel sizes, they will have to struggle to catch up with you.  One revolution of your wheel will take you further and further away from them. You may have to stop often to wait for them, which is not a fun way to ride.

The low top tube also allows seniors in the family with gait issues to mount and dismount the bike without any fear of them falling. As a folding bike is also smaller and usually lighter in weight than the regular bikes for adults, you do not have to worry that they will be easily hurt by it, considering that they may have brittle bones as they age.  If that is a concern, choose one with  alloy frame as they are way lighter.  

This is how a folding bike looks like once it is folded.

Being able to fold it makes it convenient to transport more than a bike in your vehicle, to get to another location to ride.  While you are out on excursions with your family, don’t you hate it if you have to give up a good parking spot as you have to drive off to get something for your get together? If you have a folding bike in your car, you can cycle out for whatever you need.

A folding bike will also be easier for you to manage if you need to take public transport part of the way during a long distance ride. You can consider cycling part of the way and board public transport, like buses or trains, with it in tow, on days when you are not up to the ride or when the weather is too bad to be out cycling.  It will cost you less to ship your folding bike back home if, for some reasons, you cannot continue cycling for the rest of your journey. Moreover, if you often have to carry your bicycle up a flight of stairs, I would suggest that you get an alloy frame unit. The average weight of a 20″ alloy frame folding bike is 12kg and they are making them lighter and lighter. 

It is also a great bike for a beginner to learn to cycle on without training wheels installed.  To learn to ride on it, just lower the seat post to make sure that both feet touch the ground firmly while seated on the saddle. As the top tube is low, the gap between it to the crotch area of rider should be so wide that it is unlikely for the learner to be hurt by it should he or she stumbles and falls over it.  

Be careful if you are learning to ride on one with gear components installed. Gear components are sensitive and damaged parts can be costly to replace.  To lean to ride without training wheels, just follow the tips I shared at the following link:

Learn to ride

What is the best bike for a child age 5?

If you know the age of the child, you can refer to this "bicycle chart" to determine the right wheel size bicycle to buy.  A 16" wheel size bicycle will be suitable for a child age 5.

Note that if you get the child a 12” bicycle when he should be riding on a 16”, his legs will ache due to fatigue as the saddle is too close to the handlebar for him to ride comfortably. He will often stand on the pedals to cycle to ease the ache. The PVC pedals installed will not be able to withstand his full weight on them. So, if you have to replace the pedals frequently, you will know that the child has outgrown his bicycle or you have bought the wrong size bike. 

Bicycles with wheel size of 12” right up to 16” will have training wheels already installed on them. There are also 12″ bicycle with removable rod attached so you can hold on to the rod while the child learns to ride.

This is very helpful when it is time to remove the training wheels as the child may still need support.  Without the rod, you may have to lean over to hold on to the handlebar and saddle to assist the child.

If you opt for a 12” balance bike you will have to note the age range the model is suitable for. Example, the JDBug models I carry is suitable for children age 2.5 to 5 years and can take a rider’s weight load of up to 30kg. There is also an option to install pedals when these are required at a later stage. So, if you decide to get a balance bike, you will have to study what is suitable for a child age 5.

I noticed that children enjoy choosing bicycles in my shop. They will try to find the kind of bicycles that their friends are cycling. They will be even happier if they can find bicycles in colours of their choice or with cartoon characters they like.

If it is possible, bring the child to a bikeshop.  Let him sit on the bicycle of his choice. Does he feel comfortable on it? Is the bicycle too big and heavy for him? You will know that it is not suitable if he has difficulty pedaling it.

There are a great variety of bicycles for kids in the market. Make sure that the regular bicycle you choose comes with mudguards and a bell attached. The child will be able to sit in a more upright position if you get him a bicycle installed with BMX handlebars like this.

Add front and rear lights if he intends to ride out at night. If it is within your budget, also provide the child with a protector set.