Cycling is a great and simple way to get around without exhaust fumes while also getting healthy exercise. I really enjoy riding my bike and have passed this on to our children. Our children ride their bikes to school almost every day, in wind and weather. The bike is also always brought out for activities or shopping trips. Bike excursions are also very nice, as you can incorporate healthy exercise at the same time.
To ensure you can cycle comfortably and, above all, safely, there are a few things to consider when purchasing a bicycle. I have summarized a few tips here:
What do I need to consider when buying a bike?
If you want to buy a bike, whether for adults or children, the right size is very important. Do you sit well on it, can you reach the ground with your feet, and can you reach the pedals and handlebars easily? For a child, it is also important: can the child lift the bike up again by themselves if they happen to fall? It is good if the bike is on the lighter side. Therefore, always take the child with you when buying and let them test it.
Lighting
The equipment is also important for a bike: good lighting is very important (!), whether for adults or children. I keep seeing adults riding bikes on the road in the dark. As a driver, it is very difficult to see them. Here, you really need to pay attention to good equipment, quality, and correct adjustment. It is easy with a hub dynamo. My children prefer battery-operated lights; the disadvantage is that they must be recharged in time (!). Models with batteries are also available. In addition, I recommend a parking light so that you are also clearly visible when standing at a traffic light.
Perfect equipment for a bicycle:
- Headlight
- 2 independent brakes
- White front reflector
- Bell
- Reflectors on the pedals
- Spoke reflectors
- Red taillight
- Optionally a red rear reflector
Gear system
The right gear system is also very important for a bike. For children, a three-speed hub gear is sufficient, because anything over 3 gears overwhelms children or is usually not used anyway. But yes, I know, my children always wanted to have sooo many gears.
Tip:A hub gear is almost maintenance-free and is also easy to operate.
Buying a used bike
When buying a used bike, you should first look at the condition of the bike: are there many scratches, is it rusty? Here you can already see whether it has been treated well or whether it has been handled roughly.
During a short test ride, check whether the brakes work (!) and that you can pedal.
Recognizing stolen bikes
When buying a used bike nowadays, you should be careful that it is not a stolen bike. Many stolen bikes are registered in the so-called Inpol property search database by frame number. The police can use this database to assign frame numbers. The owner can then be identified via the bicycle coding.
If you make a purchase, conclude a written sales contract. Have all original documents handed over to you; the frame number should be noted in the contract, and of course all the seller's data (ask for an ID here too!). In case of difficulties, more data is always an advantage.
Extra tip:If you are selling the bike, be sure to include any existing defects in the contract so that the buyer cannot come back with something later.
Buying a new bike in Gänserndorf
Don't go far, buy locally!
In the Gänserndorf district, there are 2 top shops for buying bikes. I found my beloved city bike at Polak in Prottes. The advice was great and the bike was found really quickly.
Unfortunately, I haven't bought anything at Radsport Heinz yet, but so far I have had many repairs done on my son's bike there. It was always super fast and problem-free; he always knew what to do or order, and it was handled very promptly.
Radsport Heinz in Gänserndorf
Read also: Sports for children in the Gänserndorf district
