Kids Bike Clothing Buying Guide
What are the right Kids Bike Clothing choices for you?Â
Supporting you and your family to SMILE when you ride.
Your kids bike clothing will only provide them with the safety & protection they need if you have brought the right gear. Take your time now and think through your decision.
Things to consider when buying Kids Bike Clothing
What type of protection, if any, do you need?
The weather plays a large role in the enjoyment you have on a bike. So clothing designed to keep the weather interference to a minimum is great. Windproof to minimise chills from airflow. Waterproof to keep the rain away from your skin and other clothing. Thermal for warmth – this can be a mid or outer layer. Coverage comes from longer lengths. In summer good coverage saves you from the sun. Most riding clothing should have good rear length to stop a gap opening up between your top and your pants when you lean forward to grab the handlebars.
Clothing for safety is all about being visible so where possible choose bright colours for anything you consider to be an outer layer so they can be seen wherever they are riding. For more on Visibility please read: Youth, Be Visible Buying Guide which includes tips on clothing as well as accessories to help kids & youth you be seen in traffic situations.
Movement is really important
To get good range of motion it is firstly important that the gear has been designed for the outdoors and even better specifically for riding. The fit should be relaxed especially in outer wear which does not usually include stretch in the fabric. Measuring and getting the right size becomes more important if you want the clothing to be used for something specific like riding a bike. Think about which layer your garment will be worn at – base, mid or outer. Will you want to put layers under or over it for added warmth & protection? Kids grow quickly which can be frustrating but if you buy gear that restricts or interferes with their ability to ride they won’t wear it or worse they may have an accident because of it.
Will it work for cycling?
As well as the fit & size we considered above will the piece of clothing work for a cyclist? We wear helmets so any tops/jackets that need to come off over your head should ideally have large neck openings or zips. It will just make things easier. You don’t want too much volume or anything that will dangle and get caught up in moving parts. We love to think that you can ride in whatever makes you feel good but there are some safety elements to think through around your chain and wheels. If you are riding and the temperature starts to warm up and everyone is stripping off layers please think through where these layers will go… anything tied around a waist needs to be clear of the rear wheel!
Read more on this topic:Â Riding Clothing: What to wear on a bike
Type of riding they do the most
Getting versatile gear is great if they typically do a little bit of everything. If you want to encourage your child to ride throughout the year they may need a few layering options. As they get more involved in certain types of riding it can be a good idea to think about what works best for that type of rider. Commuting to school or activities – choose bright colours for visibility in traffic and waterproof protection incase they get caught in the rain. Mountain bike rider – choose longer sleeve lengths & durable fabrics to protect their skin from abrasions if they fall. Lightweight & moisture wicking is also helpful if they do a lot of work on the bike – hill climbing, repetitive jumping. A lightweight easy to carry jacket if they are likely to be caught in the rain. Touring or multiple day – choose quick drying, anti microbial fabrics for mid & base layers especially if you won’t be washing. A waterproof jacket & pant combo is great to keep everyone as happy as possible until shelter can be found. It is awesome if these outer layers are fairly lightweight so that they can be packed down and easily carried. Depending on the time of year/unpredictable NZ weather – easily added or removed layers are important for warmth and also to manage heat.
Kids Outer Layer Clothing SolutionsÂ
$79.90
$79.90
$145
$59.90
$25.00
Kids Mid Layer Clothing Solutions
$55.00
$79.00
We’re here to help. If reading this guide has raised some questions for you. Please call us on 021 025 15576 or 0800 44 33 77 or CONTACT us via email
MAKE YOUR PURCHASE A SUCCESS…
Bike Clothing Care
Your bike clothing will have specific care instructions. Please follow them. Technical gear needs extra care & attention. Read: Caring for your Bike Jacket
Be Visible When You Ride
There is more you can do to help with their safety
- Your outer layer of bike clothing is often the first thing a driver will see. If your child will be riding in traffic or will be towed through traffic have you considered making them more visible? See our Kids/Youth Be Visible Page for extra tips about this very important element of bike clothing.
LEARN MORE ABOUT RIDING WITH KIDS IN TRAFFIC:Â Â Riding with Kids in Traffic Guide
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