From: wb2ekk@rocky.ndhm.gtegsc.com (John Pescatore)
Subject: Re: A First Bicycle!
Organization: GTE/SCSD
Date: Tue, 26 Jan 1993 14:19:13 GMT

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From: ncsd::pescatore_jt
To: ncsd::rocky::wb2ekk
Subject: First Bicycle
Status: OR


> Jeffrey is turning 3 soon, and we are thinking of buying him a 12" bike. He
> seems to be ready. The other day we were in a sporting good store and he had
> a lot of fun on a 16", even though it was way to big, he was able to peddle
> a bit. We just started to look, and havent yet checked out the cheaper
> alternatives (Toys R Us). We did go to a Bicycle Store today, and their
> one model was $80 on sale, $100 normally.  I also just read the relevant
> section of the Toys FAQ. I have some questions -

I bike several hundred miles each year with my 12 year old son and two year old
daughter, and I have written on family cycling for several parenting
publications. Her are my suggestions:

> 1. How long do they usually fit on a 12"? Jeffrey is normal height. I saw
   a few kids zooming around on them at the park this weekend - without the
   training wheels. They looked like they were about 5 y.o, or close to it.

Kids don't last very long on 12" bikes, if you get your son started at age 3,
by age 5 (maybe even before that) he will be ready for a 16" bike. The best bet
for a 12" bike is to look at yard sales and pick one up for $10-20. If you
have other smaller children that might justify a new bike for future hand me
downs, or aren't big on used stuff, a toy store 12" bike for under $70 will
last as long as your 3 year old will want to ride it. It depends more on his
arm length than his leg length - you can adjust the seat downwards, but you
can't make it get closer to the handlebars.

> 2. The man at the bike store proudly told us that his bike had ball bearings,
   not bushings, like the ones at Toys R Us. What on earth is a bushing, and
   do I care? I dont expect that Jeffrey will be entering any races on this
   bike but I do care about safety. I also want a bike that will outlast his
   needs and his sisters. Will ball bearings give us more safety or durability?

Bushings are simply little metal sleeves that go over the bikes axle to let the
wheel turn more smoothly than if there were no bushings. Ball bearings last
longer, give a much more friction-less ride, and are total overkill on a 12"
bike that will not be used for very many miles. When your child graduates to a
16" bike that might last him until he is 10 or 11, or any bike past that, a
bike shop bike is by far the best choice over some $99 special at Toys R Us; a
12" bike from a toy or department store will work fine. Bearings will last
longer, but not noticeably on a 12" bike carrying 40 to 60 pound kids.

By the way, there is really no safety-related reason for girls to ride girls
bikes. My wife insisted on one, but unless you or your daughters plan on riding
in evening gowns, the standard "boy's" bike is just as good and is a little
more durable.

> 3. What is a reasonable amount to pay?

For a 12" bike, under $100 definitely, under $70 is possible. I really
recommend looking at yard sales. Recycling is the way to go!


> 4. We plan to make a helmet mandatory. Any suggestions about helmets for young
   kids?

The best way to get your kids to wear a helmet is for you to wear a helmet.
Make it one of those adult things that kids think are mysterious and exciting -
like shaving or wearing a bra. My daughter Lauren hated  her helmet when I
first started pulling her in a trailer at 10 months, by 2 years old she would be
asking for her "hat" as soon as I started getting the bikes out of the garage.
You can let them put stickers on the helmet to make it more fun.

As far as what is a good helmet, anything with a SNELL or ANSI sticker in it,
preferably both, has met the applicable specs. Most helmets come with a set of
foam pads to fit different size heads. Try and choose the helmet that fits your
child's head using the smallest set of pads. A helmet should be level and not 
move side to side or front to back on your childs head. Helmets for small
children (and bald me) should NOT have vent holes or stripes - you will end up
with funny sunburn patterns on your kid's (or husband's) head!

If there is a lot of interest in this, I can post some of the text of one the
articles I have published. I also have a book, "Family Bicycling in the
Baltimore/Washington Area" coming out in May or June by EPM.

John Pescatore
PESCATORE_JT@NCSD.GTE.COM







Newsgroups: misc.kids