Choosing a children's bicycle for Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur is coming and you urgently need bicycles for the children and you are not alone. More than a third of the children's bicycles that are sold in Israel every year are sold in the month before Kippur, so after you have prepared yourself mentally (and financially) for the purchase, the bigger problem remains: You cannot find your hands and feet among all the models offered and are in a significant dilemma as to how much you should invest. Matzman-Merutz, the largest bicycle chain in Israel, is in order and has prepared a special guide for purchasing children's bicycles for Kippur.

The first step in buying a bike is to decide whether you want a bike with a metal or aluminum frame. An iron frame has several advantages: It absorbs shocks in an excellent way, it is long-lasting and capable of carrying higher weights, but accordingly it is also heavier than an aluminum frame. 

When it comes to children's bikes, the iron is usually of the lowest quality, the chassis rusts quite quickly and therefore lasts less time, and the children have difficulty handling the high weight (especially if they have to carry the bike up the stairs or even in the elevator).

An aluminum frame is lighter than an iron frame and this is very significant when it comes to children. Its finish is high quality and it's pleasing to the eye and usually the coloring is better. 

The second step is to decide on the amount of the investment and here two factors must be taken into account: The age of the child and how many years the bike can fit him, and the frequency of riding - is the bike intended only for fun and infrequent trips or for frequent or even daily use. 

"In the past year, the prices of bicycles in Israel have jumped significantly, and we at Matzman-Merutz decided to freeze the prices," says Niv Zilberstein, CEO of Matzman-Merutz. Shekels for children and enthusiasts up to sums approaching six figures for the real professionals"

Here are some recommended models for parents, from those who "just want to spend Kippur quietly" to those who "want the most professional bikes that exist in Israel". 

And here is a surprise: Not always the most expensive is actually the most recommended. There are bikes that "do the job" and they are not necessarily the most expensive bikes on the market.

Balance bike for toddlers (ages 2-5)

BALANCE BIKE model of the POLISPORT company - a bicycle with a polyethylene frame weighing only 3 kg, parquets for carrying, accessible from a very young age, compressed rubber tire (without punctures). Price - NIS 395 

SPORT model of the STRIDER company - a push bike from an iron frame with an inflatable rubber tire. Fast and high quality. The price is NIS 549 

BMX bikes for children (ages 3-9)

MERCURI model of BMX - a bike with an iron frame in a variety of colors, high quality materials, and an attractive price: 425-479 NIS 

RALEIGH model of BMX - aluminum frame bicycle with the best value for money, quality components, and unique coloring. The price range ranges from NIS 595-695 

HARO's SHREDDER model - a high-quality American brand, a light bike from an aluminum frame with attention to detail. Price: NIS 1,000 

RIPROCK model by SPECIALIZED - a leading brand, very light bicycle from an aluminum frame, perfect fit for children's body structure. The price range ranges from NIS 1,295-1,795 

Mountain bikes for children and youth (ages 6-11)

MERCURI bicycles - iron frame bicycles in a variety of colors, high quality materials, and an attractive price: NIS 895-995 

SPRINT model of TOTEM - aluminum frame bike with 7 gears. Price: NIS 1245-1395 

SPECIALIZED's JETT model - a bike with an aluminum frame from a leading brand. Very light with a unique riding experience in the city and on the trails. Sale price: NIS 1395 

NORCO's FLUID FS 4.2 model – a professional off-road bike from an aluminum frame with full damping. Super quality Canadian brand specializing in off-road bikes. Price: NIS 6,995