9
9. Kids‘ bikes
During both tests the child’s pelvis should of
course rest horizontally on the saddle. As a
final check, see whether the child can still
reach the ground with both feet at the same
time when sitting on the saddle. If this is not
the case, lower the saddle a little.
For more information on how to adjust the
height of the saddle see chapter 8.
”Adjust-
ing the bike to the rider”
.
Children and adolescents need to
have the height of their saddle checked
at least every 3 months!
Handlebars which are too far away from
the saddle, can also impair the child’s rid-
ing comfort. Therefore, the saddle has been
designed to allow fore-to-aft adjustment.
Using a wrench, release the nut of the saddle
clamp at the top of the seat post by one to
two turns.
Do not unscrew the nut all the way, other-
wise the whole mechanism may come apart.
Push the saddle into the desired position and
tighten the nut again. Make sure the saddle is
horizontal and the ratchet mechanism in the
saddle clamp engages when you tighten the
nut. Try to tilt the saddle a little to determine
whether the mechanism has engaged. If this
is the case, screw the nut tight.
Make a final check on how securely the sad-
dle is fastened by trying to tilt it.
Now check whether the child can easily reach
the brake levers.
If this is not the case, adjust the brake lever
as described in chapter 8.
“Adjusting the bike
to the rider”
and chapter 9.
“The brake sys-
tem”
.
It is important to tell the child when he/she
practises braking that he or she should ride
more slowly in wet conditions, because the
brakes will be slippery and not brake as
well.
