Cycling | Family biking
Let's plan a great ride with your family. We’ve gathered 5 useful tips on what you need to prepare before setting off.
1. Choose the right bike size
Check that the height, weight, suspension, and other specs are a good fit.
- Riding a bike that is the right height reduces the risk of injury and accidents. Your knee should be very slightly bent at the bottom of each pedal stroke. Having your feet too high or too low increases the risk of knee and leg injuries.
- Most bikes weigh between 12 and 16 kg, depending on the materials used.
Children’s bikes usually weigh less than 13 kg.
- Some bikes are equipped with suspension, which absorbs shocks caused by rough terrain.
For beginners, we recommend adjusting the saddle so that the soles of your feet can touch the ground. This will give you better control of your bike.
If you’re looking for a bike that you can ride outside the city (and sheer speed isn’t your main concern), we recommend choosing one of our hybrid models, which feature front suspension so that you can ride comfortably on all road surfaces.
How do i choose the right bike size for my child?
Choosing the right bike size will boost your child’s confidence and sense of balance.
2. Check your tyre pressure to prevent a flat tyre or cracking tyre
The required tyre pressure is indicated on each tyre. We pump our tyres approximately once every 3-4 weeks. If the tyre pressure is too low or too high, you increase the risk of getting a flat tyre.
There are two types of bike pump: Pumps with and without a pressure gauge
When you’re out and about, we recommend bringing along a portable hand pump.
Floor pumps with a pressure gauge are ideal for keeping at home and ensuring that your tyres are pumped to the required pressure level.
3. Carry enough water/drinks
Don’t forget to stay hydrated when you’re exercising!
This is especially important in hot weather or when doing vigorous exercise, as you will lose water and salt as you sweat. Dehydration can cause dizziness, headaches, nausea, and fatigue, and can even lead to electrolyte imbalances!
If your child is not doing vigorous exercise, water is the best choice, as it does not contain sugar or calories. After exercise, milk is a good drink for rehydration, as it contains protein, vitamins and a number of minerals such as sodium, potassium and calcium, which promote rapid recovery and replenish your body with essential nutrients.
We recommend having a drink of water 30 minutes before exercising, as this will help to improve the body’s regulatory functions and reduce your heart rate when exercising.
During exercise, rehydrate every 20-30 minutes, but don’t drink too fast. This allows your body to absorb water slowly! When doing vigorous exercise for more than one hour, drink a sports drink to avoid becoming dehydrated.
4. Wear suitable clothing
Wearing appropriate clothing will make your ride more comfortable. To prevent sunburns, you can wear sun protection sleeves or apply sunscreen.
Never underestimate the sun’s effect and pay close attention to your child’s skin. After all, children’s skin is much more sensitive. Avoid spending long periods in the sun!
Remember that short periods of UV exposure help the body to produce vitamin D, which promotes healthy bones.
However, spending too long in the sun can cause sunburn and lead to premature aging.
Even when not doing vigorous exercise, your child may still sweat in hot weather. In addition, windy conditions can increase susceptibility to catching a cold.
For this reason, ensure that your child wears breathable, quick-dry clothing such as a cycling jersey, and give them a drink every 20-30 minutes to prevent dehydration or heatstroke.
5. Are you looking for a family cycling route?
Hong Kong Bicycle Park offers a range of cycling tracks suitable for different abilities and is the perfect place for you and your family to try out different terrains in a safe environment, such as flat surfaces, slopes and bumpy roads.
Finally, remember to take regular breaks and rehydrate, and you’ll be guaranteed to have a great day out! We hope you enjoy your ride!