With the array of children's bicycle styles, sizes and colors available today, it's easy to see how parents can become confused when they step into a local bicycle shop to make a purchase that is sure to put an instant smile on their kids' faces.

The bicycles range from the basic one-speed, coaster-brake with training wheels for sidewalks to mountain bikes with multiple speeds and hand brakes for bike paths and trails.

BIKE SIZES

Bike shop operators say the single biggest mistake parents make is to buy a bike that is too large for the child. Parents think they will end up buying one fewer bike for a kid over the years. As one bike shop owner points out, "Parents don't buy shoes size 8 when the kid wears size 4, hoping the shoes will last longer."

Size is an issue of safety and control. On a properly-sized bike, the child will learn how to ride it more safely and more quickly. If a kid can't control a bike, he may give up in frustration and not have the confidence that grows when he rides a lot. With a large bike, a smaller kid may become too scared and give up riding.

The typical sidewalk bike offers small frames and wheels that are either 12 or 16 inches in diameter and usually comes with training wheels for beginners. Expect to pay between $90-$120. The 12-inch bikes are generally good for children 2- to 4-years-old; the 16-inchers are good for 4- to 6-year-olds.

These bikes are sturdy and have durable parts that will last. The bikes stand up to use and abuse and can be passed from kid to kid.

A bike with training wheels can be a bit larger and still not be risky to the child because the rider is supported by the trainers when he stops.

Eventually the trainers come off, and the child is ready to pedal on his own. At that point, the child should be able to stand over the bike with both feet on the ground with an inch or so of clearance between him and the bike's top bar. While seated, the rider should be able to touch the ground with at least the tips of his shoes.

By the time, a child reaches 6- to 8-years old, she may be ready for a 20-inch bike, which can cost between $130-$160. The 20-inch bikes have both a pedal brake in the rear and hand brakes for the front wheel. This helps a child use the more familiar brake for the rear while learning to be more comfortable with the hand brake for the front.

The next step up in bicycling is the 24-inch mountain bike with gear shifters and hand brakes. Gone is the coaster or pedal brake. These bikes generally run $190-$230.

Some bike manufacturers make a unisex bike for boys and girls. The only difference is the paint and design. Other manufacturers market a boy's and girl's version. The difference between the two is the crossbar or top tube is slightly lower on the girl's style than the boy's. Gone from these designs are the long, downward sloping tubes without a crossbar once popular on most girls' bikes.

The same rules for fitting a bike apply to the 20- and 24-inch bikes. The handlebars on these bikes can be adjusted so a child doesn't have to reach too far. The handle bars, though, should not be so close as to make it difficult to turn.

Most handlebar stems and seat posts have marks indicating how high they can be raised safely. Parents should not raise the handlebars and seat too far. That may make the bike unsafe because both could become loose and fall out while the child is on the bike.

The 24-inch mountain bike is the right one for the youngster who likes to bike on trails or cruise around the neighborhood.

BMX BIKES

Another group of bikes to consider are BMX, free style and dirt jumping bikes, which can run from $150-$1,000. Bike dealers say kids shouldn't be on these before about 8 years old. One size fits all. They have 20-inch wheels. They have large crank arms that give the rider more power to the pedal stroke.

BMX bikes are lighter and faster than the free style or dirt jumping bikes, which are built like tanks to stand up to the punishment kids dish out. Because these bikes get knocked around, they come with stronger wheels, axles and brakes.

BMX, free-style and dirt jumping bikes have one speed and are designed for doing tricks and riding short distances. It's hard for kids on these bikes to go on longer rides because they will tire out faster than on a mountain bike.

HELMETS

Regardless of the type and style bike a parent buys for his youngster, helmets are a necessity. One bike shop owner says he's surprised by how many parents take the approach that "I never wore a helmet, and I never got hurt." But there are kids who do not wear helmets and who do get hurt.

Today's helmets are easier to wear, cooler and have better retention systems that keep the helmet securely in place. Helmets should be snug and level on the head. A rider should be able to see the edge of the helmet when he looks up to the eyebrows. The straps should meet under the ear lobes to form a Y and should be loose enough to breathe, but tight enough that when the child lowers his jaw, the helmet pulls down on his head.

Helmets should be replaced if they've been dropped on a hard surface, like the garage floor, or strike the ground in a crash. The impacts weaken the protective padding inside the helmet. Helmets also should be replaced every three years or so because they can wear out from exposure to perspiration, the sun and rain.

Don't forget that bike safety is more than wearing a helmet.

This article is provided courtesy of the League of Illinois Bicyclists (LIB), a statewide advocacy voice for all Illinois bicyclists, promoting bicycle access, education, and safety. For more information on LIB call 630-978-0583 or check out, www.bikelib.org