Active Community: Message List - Recommendations for Kid's Bike?

Re: Recommendations for Kid's Bike?

ckranert — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 01:47:43 GMT

We got our son (2) the Specialized Hotwalk becasue we were told this type of bike would help him develop balance and comfort on a bike. After 6 months he can get on and off of it, ride at a decent speed and even ride it backwards (although I tell him to stop becasue he's just showing off.

http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=38486&eid=164

Re: Recommendations for Kid's Bike?

MotiveForcer — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 04:38:44 GMT

In my note on April 17 I wrote about the Trek bike that has pedals and crank that come off. This in effect makes the bike a scooter.

EJL

Re: Recommendations for Kid's Bike?

Brad Kearney — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 02:59:20 GMT

Agree too on bike size. The bike that fit my 4 year old last year may not make it pass this summer~~we'll see based on how he grows. Also, every kid is different. My youngest learned at 4, but my oldest wouldn't have anything to do with learning until 6+. One more thought~~I think learning to use a scooter first helped with the bike learning process.

Re: Recommendations for Kid's Bike?

aaadan — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 04:24:03 GMT

shes right.

Re: Recommendations for Kid's Bike?

MotiveForcer — Mon, 05 May 2008 05:50:38 GMT

HI,

I presume by now that you have purchased a bike for your 4 year old. I presume that you also purchased a helmet. You might also consider gloves and glasses for even a small child. Impact and UV protection glasses for safety can't start too young. While in a previous message I noted the Trek bike that has removable crank arms, you mght also consider getting a bike with grow cranks that have inner and outer holes for the pedals. I think it is nice that BOB's kid just jumped on a bike and pedaled away but that is rare. Also, a 4 year old is not a 5 year old and getting a bike that is too big with the anticipation of having it more that 2 or 3 seasons is not really reasonable. While I'm not suggesting that is what BOB is saying, it could be construed from his note. Sell the used bike when done or donate it to some local program for underpriviledged kids.

Have fun.

EJL

Re: Recommendations for Kid's Bike?

bob34 — Sun, 04 May 2008 13:42:17 GMT

We purchased an aluminum Giant kids mountain bike for around $200 when my son was 5. The cool thing was he got on it and rode the first day. The bike is lighter than most of the cheaper china bikes and it has 8 gears. I think this helped my son a lot in learning to ride. The bike also has a lot of adjustment points. He'll be 9 years old in July and the bike still fits him fine. I think he'll get another year out of it. I am very happy with this bike.

Re: Recommendations for Kid's Bike?

MotiveForcer — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 17:13:40 GMT

Trek makes a bike that the cranks/pedals come off. This is ideal for teaching a youngster to ride without training wheels. Part of the scenario right? The saddle is lowered so that the child can sit on the seat and "walk" the bike and then glide and coast with it. Training wheels inhibit learning to balance the bike and steering as well. Most of the kids already know how to pedal so what they need to learn is to balance and steer. Make sure if you use a preexisting bike that it has a hand brake or the kid is totally away from traffic or obstacles or hills. They still need to know how to stop. If you have an older bike, take off the pedals at least and lower the saddle. This should work but again make sure they are in a safe area.

EJ LEVY

Re: Recommendations for Kid's Bike?

Brad Kearney — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:54:50 GMT

We bought our 4 yr old a kids Trek "Jet" bike which he loves & is of great quality. By 4 and a half he was doing 4 miles with no pressure from us~~he just loved it & wanted to keep going (Though it involved lots of stops for water, snacks, and laughs!). Over the years I have been sold~~I am done with the local department store--you'll find me buying at a local bike shop instead.

Re: Recommendations for Kid's Bike?

six 13 — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:53:51 GMT

I would recommend going to your local bike shop.

1. Most have some form of trade in policy

2. The bikes are assembled by someone with experience

3. They can help fit your child to the right sized bike

4. The bikes may be quite a bit lighter than the big chain store (pick up a bike at the local Costco, and you will be amazed that it weighs a lot more than yours)

5. You are forging a relationship between your child and bike shops!

Re: Recommendations for Kid's Bike?

omabikeryder — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 14:54:41 GMT

Durability and size (fit) are the more important issues. Get a gently used or reconditioned bike that fits your child right now. When they outgrow it, give that one away and get another. At 4 years old, they don't care what name is on it. Buying a new bike at any of the big chain discount stores equals made in China.