Comparison Baby Tilly Camaro vs Smart-Trike Explorer

The maximum rider weight that the bike can normally carry. This point is directly related to the age group (see above), however, bikes with the same age recommendations may differ in maximum load.

Of course, it is impossible to exceed the load specified by the manufacturer: even if an accident does not happen immediately, it can happen at any time. And ideally, you should choose a bike with a margin of weight — both in case of emergency situations, and taking into account the fact that the child will grow.

— Steel. A fairly common material, widely used in all types of children's bicycles (see "Type"). Having a low cost, steel is at the same time very strong, reliable and resistant to shock and shock. Its main disadvantage is considered by many to be relatively large weight; however, the difference in weight with the same aluminium is usually not that big (especially when compared to the weight of the cyclist itself). It is worth noting that different grades of steel can be used in children's bicycles, and the overall quality of this material often depends on the price category of the machine.

— Aluminium. Aluminium-based alloys are very strong, light in weight, and much less susceptible to corrosion than steel. On the other hand, the cost of such materials is significantly higher, and high strength is not always critical (taking into account the peculiarities of riding children's bicycles, especially tricycles). Therefore, aluminium is less common, although it can also be used in all types of machines.

— Plastic. Plastic is relatively lightweight, absolutely insensitive to moisture and easy to process - it can be given almost any shape and color. With all this, this material is inexpensive. On the other hand, plastic is not durable; therefore, it is used exclusively in bicycles for the smallest, mainly in three-wheeled models and balance bikes (see "Type")....

- Tree. The general characteristics of wood are such that this material is not well suited for classic bicycles - both two-wheelers and three-wheelers - but it is very convenient for balance bikes (see "Type"). Wood, even unpainted, looks good, and this material is quite pleasant to the touch. Of its shortcomings, some fragility can be mentioned - if the same plastic is likely to bend from a strong impact, then the tree may crack. However, it is still not easy to damage the wooden frame of the balance bike. But such a product does not tolerate moisture well, so you need to store it in a dry place.

- Fiberglass. As a rule, in this case, not pure glass fiber is meant, but fiberglass - a composite material made of glass fiber filled with plastic filler. This material is noticeably stronger than conventional plastic, however, it is more expensive, and in terms of overall reliability it still does not reach steel and aluminium. Therefore, fiberglass frames are quite rare, and mostly among balance bikes (see "Type").

— Magnesium. Magnesium alloys are similar to the aluminium alloys described above: they are characterized by high strength and at the same time low weight. At the same time, compared to aluminium, such an alloy is stronger and more durable, weighs more, but not much, but it costs much more - and the difference in price rarely outweighs the mentioned advantages. As a result, magnesium frames have not received much distribution, they are found only in certain models of two-wheeled bicycles of the older age group.

Bicycle wheel diameter is traditionally indicated in ". The overall height of the bike directly depends on this parameter, so each age category has its own wheel size - in accordance with the height of the young cyclist. However, cars of the same type and age group may differ in wheel diameter; this is especially pronounced among two-wheeled bicycles. In such cases, it is worth considering the following point: larger wheels behave better on rough roads and allow you to coast for a long time, but they are reluctant to accelerate and require more effort on the pedals; small wheels - on the contrary, they spin without much effort, but they hold speed worse and are more sensitive to pits and potholes.

Tricycles predominantly have a wheel diameter of 10 ", balance bikes - 12 ". In two-wheeled models, there are sizes in 14, 16, 18 and 20 ". Larger diameter wheels are no longer used in children's, but in teenage bicycles (they are listed in our catalog in the section with older bikes).

The design of the wheels mounted on the bike and the materials used for the tyre/rim.

— Inflatable rubber. Wheels with inflatable rubber tyres — the same as in full-size adult bicycles. Such wheels are quite demanding on maintenance: their condition must be monitored and, if necessary, pumped up. In addition, even a small puncture in a tyre makes it unusable and needs to be repaired. On the other hand, this is the most advanced type of wheel in terms of performance: they perform well even on rough roads, smooth out vibrations, provide good grip and are suitable for fast dynamic driving. And maintenance of inflatable tyres can be a good exercise for a young cyclist before switching to a teen bike. That is why two-wheeled models for older age groups are mainly equipped with inflatable tyres. However, this option can also be found in other varieties, including balance bikes and even tricycles (see "Type").

— Rubber. Wheels with a solid rubber tyre. Unlike the inflatable tyres described above, such tyres do not need to be inflated, and besides, they are not at all afraid of scratches and punctures. On the other hand, solid rubber wheels are less suitable for rough roads and high loads. Therefore, they are found mainly among bicycles for the smallest, and in the age category from 5 to 8 years, such wheels are not used at all.

— Polyurethane. By design, such wheels are similar to s...olid rubber wheels (see above), they differ only in the tyre material — this is polyurethane (an elastic synthetic material). Polyurethane is noticeably stiffer than rubber, so it is mainly used in tricycles that are not designed for fast driving and rough roads.

— Plastic. Wheels made entirely of plastic. The main advantage of this material is its low cost; in addition, it can be given almost any colour. On the other hand, plastic is hard and not very durable, it is not suitable for rough roads and high speeds. Therefore, these wheels are only used in tricycles and some balance bikes (see "Type").

— Plastic with rubber. A slightly improved version of the plastic wheels described above. Hard plastic in this case is complemented by a kind of analogue of a tyre — a narrow rubber strip around the circumference of the rim, where the wheel comes into contact with the ground when driving. This allows you to somewhat mitigate the vibrations that inevitably occur even when driving on smooth asphalt, but these differences between such wheels and purely plastic ones, in fact, are exhausted — plastic with rubber is also used only in tricycles, where the wheels are not designed for significant loads.

— Side wheels. Additional remote wheels mounted on both sides of the bike, usually in the area of \u200b\u200bthe rear axle. They are found exclusively in two-wheeled models (see "Type"). Their main purpose is to insure beginner cyclists who are not yet able to keep their balance: the bike does not fall on its side, even when it is stationary, and you can practice riding without fear of “accidents” and bruises. At the same time, the side wheels are usually made removable, so that when the child acquires the necessary skills to ride in the classic way, they can be removed.

— Wings. Protective devices in the form of curved plates over the wheels of a bicycle; the name "shields" is also used. The main purpose of the wings is to protect the cyclist and the people around them from spray and dirt flying from the wheels while riding. This can be very useful, for example, in wet weather after rain.

— Boot. A device for carrying various loads on a bicycle, located behind the saddle. In three-wheeled models (see "Type"), the boot is most often a plastic tray in which you can carry, for example, your baby's favorite toys. Two-wheelers usually use a platform with a clamp to secure the cargo being transported (although there are exceptions, up to a closed boot). It is worth noting that it is not recommended to use the boot for transporting passengers: it is unsafe and...fraught with breakdowns.

— Basket on the steering wheel. Like the boot (see above), the handlebar basket is designed to carry various loads. It differs, in addition to placement, also in design: it is a rather deep container and can be equipped with a lid. It is found among both two- and three-wheeled vehicles (see "Type"); in some models, the baskets are made removable.

— Cup holder A stand that allows you to securely fasten a glass or a bottle with a drink — for example, milk for a baby or water for the parent himself. Naturally, such equipment is relevant for tricycles-wheelchairs.

— Bag for things. The presence in the design of the bicycle of its own handbag for transporting small items. The main difference from the boot and the basket on the steering wheel (see above) is the design: the bag is made of soft fabric and has a fastener. On two-wheeled models (see "Type") it is usually located on the handlebars, and on three-wheeled models it is on the parent handle (see above).

— Protective bumper. Safety bar around the saddle: the child can hold on to the bumper with his hands, in addition, this feature significantly reduces the risk of falling off the bike. It is installed exclusively on three-wheeled vehicles (see "Type").

— Seat belts. This item of equipment is installed on tricycles (see "Type"), designed for the smallest: seat belts securely fix the baby on the seat, preventing him from falling off the bike — which is especially important if an adult carries the car by the parent's handle (see above). ).

— Protective visor. A device placed above the baby's head and designed to protect from direct sunlight (to avoid heat strokes), and in some models also from rain. Fits exclusively on tricycles (see "Type"). The design of the protective visor can be different: a canopy, an umbrella, or even a folding hood like those found in strollers.

— Mirrors. Special mirrors mounted on the steering wheel and allowing the child to see what is happening behind him without turning his head. There can be one or two such mirrors (one mirror is standardly installed on the left). This feature provides additional driving safety and teaches the baby to constantly look “in mirrors” — this skill can be very useful in the future, when learning to ride an “adult” vehicle like a car or motorcycle.

— Signal / call. The presence of a bell or other sound signal supplied with the bike. It is found in all types of machines (see above), however, the specific purpose in some cases varies. So, in two-wheeled models, the signal is often made in the form of a bell and is intended to warn others who may otherwise not notice the cyclist in time. But in tricycles, a horn is usually installed, which can also play the role of additional entertainment for the child. Anyway, buying a model with a bell / signal will save you the hassle of finding and installing it yourself.

— Footboard. Additional support in the form of a folding "leg", used in two-wheeled bicycles. By opening such a support, you can put the bike upright, without leaning on surrounding objects such as a pole, fence, etc. And while riding, the footboard folds compactly and does not interfere with movement.

— Game panel. Used in tricycles (see "Type"). The main purpose of the game panel is to provide the baby with additional entertainment. But its execution is different: it can be toys placed directly on the steering wheel, buttons and switches with sound signals, arrows imitating the dashboard of a motorcycle, etc.