Buying a children's bike seems simple, but if you really delve into the options, you'll quickly realize there's much more to it than just choosing a nice color or a cool design. Safety, comfort, weight, durability, and appearance all play a significant role. A good children's bike shouldn't just be beautiful, but also safe, sturdy, and comfortable—so every child can enjoy their rides.
At Cortego Fietsen, we work daily to develop bicycles that meet those exact requirements. In this blog post, we'd like to share our knowledge about what to look for when buying a children's bike, and why a well-designed bike makes all the difference in the long run.
1. The right size is the beginning of everything
The right size is paramount when choosing a children's bike. A bike that's too big or too small can significantly reduce the fun and even create dangerous situations.
The size of a child's bike is expressed in inches, based on the wheel diameter. Roughly speaking:
| Body length | Age indication | Wheel size |
| 80-95 cm | 2-4 years | 12 inch |
| 85-100 cm | 2-4 years | 14 inch |
| 100-115 cm | 3-5 years | 16 inch |
| 110-125 cm | 4-6 years | 18 inch |
| 120-135 cm | 5-7 years | 20 inches |
| 130-140 cm | 6-8 years | 22 inches |
| 135-145 cm | 7-10 years | 24 inch |
| 140-160 cm | 9-12 years | 26 inches |
A child should be able to stand with both feet flat on the ground when the saddle is in its lowest position. This inspires confidence and prevents falls.
At Cortego, we pay close attention to the frame's geometry. This ensures every child sits stably, upright, and comfortably, without the handlebars or pedals being too far away.
2. Safety first
Safety is paramount with every children's bike. Parents need to be able to trust that their child can safely ride on the road. That's why at Cortego, we pay attention to every detail:
Reliable brakes: Our children's bikes are equipped with a back-pedal brake and a hand brake, so children learn to brake naturally and safely.
Closed chain guard: This prevents clothing or fingers from getting caught in the chain.
Good lighting and reflectors: Visibility is crucial, especially in the dark or in bad weather.
Steering limiter: On many Cortego models, a steering limiter prevents the handlebars from turning too far in the event of a fall, which reduces the risk of injury.
It is precisely those small details that make a big difference in safety.
3. Comfort makes cycling fun
A child who is comfortable cycles with pleasure. Comfort is therefore a key element of our designs.
A lightweight bike is easier to handle—especially for young children who are still learning to balance. That's why at Cortego, we often use aluminum frames: strong, durable, and lightweight. This allows every child to mount, steer, and brake smoothly without the bike feeling too heavy.
In addition, our handlebars and saddles are adjustable, so the bike grows with your child. This means the bike remains not only comfortable but also usable for years to come.
4. Durability: Built to last
Children use their bikes intensively: to school, to visit friends, or just to play outside. This requires a bike that can withstand a few knocks.
At Cortego, we consciously choose strong materials and a high-quality finish. Our bikes are painted with a powder coating, which is more resistant to scratches and weather influences. Components like mudguards, pedals, and chain guards are securely fastened, ensuring the bike remains reliable even after years of use.
A sustainable bicycle is not only better for the environment, but also for your wallet. Many Cortego bicycles are easily passed down to siblings or nephews—and that speaks volumes about their quality.
5. Weight: an often underestimated aspect
The weight of a bicycle has a huge impact on how comfortable and safe a child rides. A heavy bike is difficult to handle, especially when mounting or when the child has to stop.
Our children's bikes are deliberately kept light, without sacrificing strength. This makes Cortego bikes feel instantly agile. This makes it easier for children to maintain control over their bike—which increases their confidence and cycling enjoyment.
6. Design that appeals to children
At Cortego, we know that a child doesn't just want a safe bike, but also a beautiful one. It also needs to look good! That's why our designers pay close attention to the design of each model.
Our children's bikes are available in a variety of colors and styles—from cool to cheerful—so every child can choose a bike that truly suits them. A child who is proud of their bike will naturally want to ride it more often. And we think that's the best compliment we can receive.
7. Maintenance: a small effort with a big effect
A well-maintained bike lasts longer and remains safe. We advise parents to regularly check tire pressure, brakes, and lights.
A tip from our mechanics: teach your child to take good care of their bike. Pumping up the tires together or cleaning the bike after a rainy ride not only makes cycling more fun but also teaches children responsibility.
8. Cortego and its price-quality ratio
In the world of children's bikes, there are huge price differences between brands. However, a higher price doesn't automatically mean a better bike. At Cortego, we believe that quality should remain affordable.
Our bikes are built with the same care and attention as many more expensive brands, but we deliberately keep the price competitive. That's precisely why many parents choose a Cortego kids' bike: they get the quality and durability of a premium bike, but at a fair price.
We're proud of that excellent price-performance ratio. We prefer to invest in the quality of components over marketing or brand status. Ultimately, the bike itself should make the difference—and a Cortego does.
Conclusion: investing in safety and fun
Buying a children's bike is more than just a practical purchase—it's a step toward independence, safety, and fun. The right size, a sturdy frame, reliable brakes, and a comfortable weight ensure a positive experience that will last a lifetime.
At Cortego Fietsen, we strive to make that experience possible for every child. Our children's bikes combine safety, comfort, and a modern design with excellent value. This allows parents to confidently choose a bike that not only performs well today but also rides reliably tomorrow.
