Should I buy a toddler bike seat that fits in front of me or behind me?

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bettiebee4

I'm not sure whether to buy the new style toddler bike seats such as those at: http://www.weeride.com.au/ or the more traditional style that sits on the back of the bike.

I know they don't take as much weight, but thats about the only negative I can see so far.

Any feedback on them for those that have them?

Answer
Many parents like the top tube mount seats because of the "closeness" with the child. Being able to talk easier. Having their arms around -- to protect the child so to speak.

Like you said the seat isn't rated for as much weight, but they also have a size limitation. The larger child should be behind you, especially if the parent is petite.

If you get the rear seat the child can ride in it longer, say from 1 yr to 4+ years old. Usually, somewhere between 4 and 5 the kid learns to ride a bike on their own.

Should I buy a toddler bike seat that fits in front of me or behind me?

bettiebee4

I'm not sure whether to buy the new style toddler bike seats such as those at: http://www.weeride.com.au/ or the more traditional style that sits on the back of the bike.

I know they don't take as much weight, but thats about the only negative I can see so far.

Any feedback on them for those that have them?

Answer
I had thought about that same question this summer and decided on one that sits behind me because for 2 reasons: one you can use them longer (up to 40 lbs) and the other being that my daughter is so curious if she sat in front she would be messing with all the gears and brakes while up front.

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where to buy "supporting" wheels for Kids bicycle?

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Danny

One of the supporting wheels (the small wheels) of my kids bicycle is broken. I tried online, but no luck.Please help me with some information about where I can find the supporting wheels? Thanks in advance

Answer
Any bike shop, or - Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Target, etc. Even Amazon.com has about a zillion choices. Link below.

How to fix a flat tire in a kid bicycle?

Magee

My daughters 12 inch bicycle has a flat tire though i could not locate the puncture. How do i get it fixed? Taking the wheel out is itself a challenge on those bikes. Can someone help or have somilar experience?

Answer
Detailed instructions for most anything can be found on the R.E.I. website under "Expert Advice: Cycling". - http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/cycling#tab_4

See this exact link for "How to Fix a Flat Tire on Your Bike" http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/articles/flat+tire.html

See this link for "Flat Tire Prevention for Your Bike" http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/articles/flat+tire+prevention.html

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what is the penalty for a dui on a bicycle in california?

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jew k

yeah would i get my lisence revolked? do i have to be plastared drunk to get the dui? if i pass all the normal tests but blow just over the .08 limit will they probably just let me go? also im usually on a kids sized bmx bike if that makes a difference

Answer
CA law does not allow for a DUI on a bike. You could face only public intoxication charges. (Assuming you are over 21 and not looking at MIP) Note that the law section that cowboycop quotes is NOT dui, and does NOT carry any drivers license consequences.

Richard

What should I do with my old BMX Bike?

D.R.E.

Ok I have a old black & gold Royce Union FX760 BMX Bike thats been sitting in my basement for years.Its still in good condition just has a bent rear axle.Should I fix it up or should I junk it?

Answer
If you're not using it anymore why not fix it up and donate it to a kid that doesn't have a bike. That gets it out of your basement and gives you a reason to sleep well at night.

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Is it healthy at age 11 to run a mile, plus 20 mins weight lifting, and then 10 mins of bike riding?

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My neighbor is 11 going on 12. He loves running and bike riding, and I've heard hes going to run a mile a day, bike riding and wight lifting. Just wondering if this is healthy for his age. Thanks.
Thanks, and remember guys. Hes 11. I dont think it would be good to be eating Acai berrys at his age.
Sorry if I asked wrong, I meant is that healthy enough per day?

Answer
The running and biking are fine... any cardio is good for a kid, the more the better. The weight lifting, however, will stunt his growth.. you shouldn't weight lift until your done growing.

What's the best bicycle for my kids to learn to ride without training wheels?

Gina W

My husband says we should get a lighter weight bike for my daughter but I think that would be even more likely to fall over. Is there a brand of bike that has a low center of gravity or something similar that would make it easier to learn to ride? She's 6 and has a rather heavy "Cool Ride" by Dynacraft.

Answer
Your husband is right - a lighter bike would be easier to balance on: less weight = less work to balance. With a heavy bike she has to balance her weight plus the bike. Unfortunately though, they don't really make lightweight bikes for kids - they all seem to be horribly heavy.

A low center of gravity might help a bit, but you're not going to find a bike like that - all the weight goes into the structure, and anyway, the heaviest thing she's balancing is herself - the bike is only a minor part of the weight.

What you may want to do is get a 'balance bike'. These bikes train the child to balance - they have no pedals and the kid runs the bike along. The idea is to get the child to pick his/her feet up and start to learn to balance. After that, you can buy her a regular bike and she'll already have the balancing skill.

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What are the pros and cons of a Border Collie?

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Cory

I have a medium size yard.
i would take it to the park here and there.
I got 2 cats
No kids or anything like that.
the only time it would be alone is when im at school.

Answer
DON'T base your breed choice on looks, WRONG move.
Number 1; a lazy walk down to the park here and there is wrong for this breed. You have one destructive and bored border collie
Number 2; BORDER COLLIES REQUIRE LONG WALKS-TWICE DAILY TOTALLYING A MINIMUM OF 4KM DAILY WALKS AND LOADS OF PHYISCALLY AND MENTAL STIMULATION DAILY.
Number 3; Border collies need a large yard, or acreage.Medium yard is NOT suitable.

Providing enough exercise and mental stimulation. Border Collies MUST have frequent opportunities to vent their energy and to use their busy minds to do interesting things. Otherwise they will become rambunctious and bored -- which they usually express by barking and destructive chewing. Bored Border Collies are famous for chewing through drywall, ripping the stuffing out of sofas, and turning your yard into a moonscape of giant craters.

If you simply want a pet for your family, and don't have the time or inclination to take your dog running or hiking or biking or swimming, or to get involved in herding, or agility (obstacle course), or advanced obedience, or tracking, or a similar canine activity, I do not recommend this breed.
Border Collies were never intended to be simply household pets. Their working behaviors (chasing, nipping, poking, barking) are inappropriate in a normal household setting. Trying to suppress these "hardwired" behaviors, without providing alternate outlets for their high energy level, can be difficult.
Compulsive chasing and stalking. Most Border Collies are obsessed with stalking and chasing anything that moves -- children, joggers, bicycles, cars, cats, birds. Some Border Collies, unfortunately, go further than that and will seize and kill small running animals, including cats.

So not a Border Collie is NOT a bred for you.
http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/bordercollies.html
BCâs are extremely active and intelligent which is a difficult combination to live with unless you can give it a lot of exercise, attention and training. These Collies are extremely fast and agile and can be readily trained to be great competitors at agility trials. Border Collies really should be herding livestock on a farm but if this isnât possible you must substitute lots and lots of advanced obedience or agility, jogging, biking and Frisbee playing. Without lots of physical and mental activity, BCâs will become hyperactive and impossible to live with These Collies can get very destructive and bark continuously if they are left along in the yard. However if BCâs have the right owners, they can become great family dogs which are good with older children. BCâs are not a suitable dog for a novice or first-time dog owner.

Your obviously not that active from the fact you only want a dog to take to the park here and there. Most dog breed require daily walks of at least 30mintues twice daily. Alot of the herding breed do require 4km or more

If you want a pet, make sure it suited to your lifestyle

Dog breed 30mintues twice daily and a good run in fenced in yard
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Scotch Collie
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Shetland Sheepdog
Shetland Sheepdog

Dogs that require short daily walks-Much more suited to lazy owners.
Pugs
Pugs are strong dogs with short straight legs. They need to be taken on daily walks.

Affenpinschers
Although it is an energetic and active little dog, a lot of its exercise needs can be met with indoor play, HOWEVER, like all dogs, the Affenpinscher should be taken for daily walks

Brussels Griffons
These little dogs are very active indoors, however, like all dogs, they still need to be taken for a daily walk

Chihuahua
Although it is tempting to carry these dainty creatures about; these are active little dogs, who need a daily walk. Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs, however, as with all breeds, play will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk.

English Toy Spaniel
Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs, however, as with all breeds, play will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Chinese Crested
Havanese
Italian Greyhound
Japanese Chin
Papillion
Pekingese
Toy Poodle
Pomeranian
Shih Tzu
Silky Terrier
Yorkshire Terrier

How long will it take for me to lose the weight?

Maria Rose

hey everyone who answers this question.
How long will it take me to los e about 50- 60 lbs, if i excercise 7 days a week for about 35 min. to an hour a day. I walk Around a whole block which is about 4 street lights( about 2-3 miles ) i wear a plastic sweat suit, 2.5 lb. weights on my ankles, sweat shorts, a sweat waist band, a hooded sweater. or i sometimes bike ride from my house to a street named lampson - dale-chapman-katella-beach blvd and back to my house. about 3-6 miles. and i sweat about half a gallon.

Answer
The following healthy living recommendations will help you if youâre trying to lose weight, tone up your muscles, have aspirations of building lean muscle mass, are attempting to get a wash board stomach, or just want to feel better:

*1) Burn more calories then you're consuming everyday and measure your results using the following formula: Calories Consumed minus Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) minus Physical Activity minus the Thermic Effect of Food (TEF). A website that explains this formula in more detail and will help you determine how many calories you need to reach or maintain a certain weight is at http://www.primusweb.com/fitnesspartner/library/weight/calsburned.htm

Get a diet and fitness calculator that you can put on your computer or cell phone. This will allow you to easily calculate the above formula, set goals, log your daily calorie consumption, and register your physical activities.

Set realistic goals for your ideal body weight. Here are two websites that will calculate a suggested body weight:
Adults: http://www.halls.md/ideal-weight/body.htm
Teens/Children: http://www.kidshealth.org/kid/exercise/weight/bmi.html

It is difficult and unhealthy to lose more than one or two pounds per week. There are 3,500 calories in a pound. If you eat 500 fewer calories per day for a week you will lose one pound. If you burn through exercise 500 more calories per day for a week you will lose one pound.

*2) Eat natural and organic foods found on earth versus something created by a corporation to make money. Eat meals in small portions throughout the day and take a good multi-vitamin supplement.

Avoid âHigh Glycemic Load Carbsâ (sugar, pastries, desserts, refined starches such as breads, pasta, refined grains like white rice; high starch vegetables such as potatoes) and drink lots of water. Read this article for more information on high GL Carbs:
http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/carbohydrates.html

Do not try fad diets or diet pills. Here is an excellent food pyramid that anyone can follow: http://www.rayandterry.com/html/images/PyramidLRG.gif?osCsid=26a424be471d1337e7c2f105d5c64d9d

*3) Exercise on most days by doing cardiovascular training and/or resistance training activities.

Read a book or find a certified trainer to make sure your doing all resistance training exercises correctly. A great book to buy that teaches you the resistance training basics is âWeight Training for Dummiesâ. A superb magazine to buy with resistance training routines that will not get you bored is "Muscle and Fitness". Signup for the free newsletter. An excellent free online resource is at http://www.exrx.net/

A good book to buy that teaches you the cardiovascular training basics is âFitness for Dummiesâ.

*4) Get plenty of sleep. Sleep experts say most adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep each night for optimum performance, health, and safety.

*5) Educate yourself continually on health issues and make a life long commitment to good health. A great free publication is âDietary Guidelines for Americans 2005â. A superb book to read is âYou The Ownerâs Manualâ. An excellent periodic publication is the âNutrition Action Health Letterâ. A reputable test you can take to measure your biological age is at http://realage.com

Look at all areas where you can enhance your health. For example, make improvements in the quality of the air you breathe. Review outdoor air quality forecasts where you live and get an indoor air purifier. Send me an email or yahoo instant message to "gainbetterhealth" if you want an indoor air purifier recommendation and if you have any questions.

*Click on all the source links below to get the full benefit of the recommendations. The answers presented to your health questions are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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How do I prepare for my 1st long ride?

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jomesm

I've been cycling for 2 yrs now. I ride about 20-25 miles when I go out. I don't ride longer on account of 2 small kids. I'm riding my first 50 mile ride in May. It's a charity ride for MS. What the best routine to train for it? In the winter, I ride a stationary bike in the gym. Is that a good method for training?

Answer
A charity ride should be fun. There will be food and drink stop/s on the way make use of them. Don't get caught up chasing the leaders.Take your time and socialise.

Any time on any sort of bike will help. The more time you put in the better you will go. For a 50 miler if you do the same distance each week you will make it easily.

I have a trailer for my kids, they love it. If you can take them with you the extra load will do you good.

Roof mount bike rack for small kids bikes?

jmccrack65

Anyone know a good option for a roof mount bike rack that fits very small kids bikes (16" wheels)? Upright mount preferred since bike doesn't have quick release wheel.

Our SUV isn't compatible with trunk mount racks and I am pulling a tent trailer so can't use hitch mount racks.

So far I haven't found any options that would seem to fit very small bikes.

Answer
Most roof racks are geared towards 20" and larger wheels. You might want to look into a rack that mounts on the tailgate similar to a "trunk mount" type.

There are also some that allow for the use of both a hitch-mounted rack and a trailer.

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How does a skinny kid like me gain weight?

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Dooooooooo

I am 16 years old and i've always been skinny, constantly trying to gain weight. I workout 3 times a week and take weigh protein after each workout. What else can I do to bulk up. Nothing seems to work. I've been doing this for 2 years now

Answer
ok man, firstly im right there with ya.
secondly, its not impossible. heres some tips for skinny blokes building weight; muscle.

at 16 - 20 ur metabolism is still gunna be super quick. but watch it past 20 years old because it slows the f*ck down and then you start piling on the pounds o.O

however sometimes it doesnt slow down, anyway either way it doesnt matter. right now heres some tips.

when you do heavy weight training (anaerobic) you also need to do aerobic training for it to do any good. so the 3 days out of the week ur working out, make 2-4 days dedicated to aerobic (runnings the best i reckon). These can be during your weight training workouts at the gym aswell.

so normal fitness is important before weights. Running is excellent, seriously. it takes less time than all the others and gets ur body pounded way faster, and u can notice the difference between ur distances, running a little further each time, and it feels good.

if you got the cash get a nike+ipod adapter, nike ready shoes and an ipod nano and record ur workouts seamlessely =]

now. doing the weights.
there are sloppy as hell workouts, and then there are workouts that are gunna make a difference.

which one are you doing?.
have you noticed guys at the gym will spend only about 5 min on each machine before hopping on the next one?

i make it a rule to do as many reps of whatever it is as you can before you simply cant pull or push anymore, and then move on to another muscle group.


For skinny guys, squats, dips, military press, and bench press are a MUST. if you dont know what these are then google em.

get advice about squats. you should be squatting whatever kills you after 5 squats. the 6th you wont be able to get back up. then keep doing that until you can do 3 sets of 5 reps (15 squats) of that weight.

only then can you move on to heavier squat weights.

bench press is sort of the same. cept reps of 8 are good.

3sets of 8reps of bench press before you are KILLED is what you should be aiming for. have about 2 minutes break between sets, stretch during the breaks.

dips, same story. do sets of 20 and see how many sets you can do. 3 sets of 20 dips should get you on the ground aching.

after your almost dead in the gym, then hit the dumbells!

bicep curls. i do 10 X 3 on each arm with 12kg.
miliatry presses. 8 X 3 with 12kg.
lateral raises. 3 X 5(sets) with 8 kg

more sets with less resistance cause lateral raises are a bitch.

anyway after all that you will be curb f*cked. take as long as you need to get completely enhilated on each machine before moving on to the next, your muscles will love you for it.

protein shakes are great, but also solid proteins!

chicken, eggs, tuna fish, cottage cheese, almonds etc etc.

when you have a workout that intense, it may take you 3 days just to recover! which means your doing well. DURING those 3 days, AEROBIC EXERCISE. biking is good, running might hurt your pecs since theyre bouncing up and down.

horizontal / vertical cross trainers are the best choice! so youl need to go back to the gym to do your aerobics.

good luck =]

What age should my child learn how to tie his shoes and ride a bike without training wheels?

Kelly

I want answers from parents who have multiple children and know the correct answer to this question, PLEASE! no teenage kids that think they know how to give advice :o)
Please list the ages that your children were when they learned these things .. i am trying to figure out if my son is progressing as he should be .. he does have hyperactivity disorder and is on medicine.
Thanks :)
He turned 5 this month & isnt in kindergarten yet .. should i let loose and not worry so much?!

Answer
6 on the bike at least half of kids are riding a two wheeler without training wheels @ the start of 1st grade. The bike range though is the same as beginning reading 4-8 is the typical acquisition of these things. The bike is also how much access a child has to it. Because this generation of kids don't play freely outside unsupervised like we did, its growing later.

Tying laces, its expected by 2nd grade, most kids can do it earlier if they are taught. The velcro invention has really thrown the present generation of kids back on the shoe tying.

I'm 38, rode a bike @ 4 1/2, tied shoes @ 5 1/2

My children have complex developmental delays
they are 10 yrs today bike riding he doesn't do (dyspraxic), but read @ 6, tying shoes he can do sloppily and has been able to do since 7.

My 5 yr old has been reading since 3, can't ride a bike or tie shoes. Haven't begun either with him. He loves to peddle a trike though.

My 4 yr old does none of these he still has trouble dressing himself. He really doesn't even peddle a trike.

just look @ bikes in the toy stores. It used to be that a 12" bike came with training wheels, now 16" and even 20" come with them.

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About how long does it take for the average, non-athletic person to ride a kid bike 9 miles?

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anonymous

I just need to figure out what time to leave so I can get to work, allowing about 15 minutes for a couple breaks if needed. I only have a kid bike, nothing fast or fancy.

Answer
best way for you to know, is go for a test run on your day off. go at a pace you're comfortable with, and time yourself. too many factors are involved for us to say "an hour", "45 minutes", "2 hours".

How and where do I attach a kids bike trailer to my bike? I cannot find where it goes.?

jennifer

I bought a used only twice kids Instep bike trailer for my son and I don't know how or where to attach it to my bike. Any ideas?

Answer
Download the manual.

http://www.instep.net/manualdownloads.html?catval=TR

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Are 50cc gas powered dirt bikes legal for kids aged 13?

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William

I'm 13 years old, I've been thinking about getting a gas powered dirt bike for kids, there are trails about 40 blocks away from my house, I plan on riding there, doing a jumps, and riding back. Is it legal to do that?

Answer
XYZ is correct as are the others.
Your parent will have to haul the bikes the 40 blocks to the trails. You cannot operate this on the road. Illegal.
I will give you credit for asking before making the decision to spend money on a motorized toy.

What were those motorcycle bikes from the 90's called?

randumb

They were bikes for kids that looked like street bikes (motorcycles). I'm trying to find a picture of one and I can't!

Answer
Try Huffy and see if they have a model you want.

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I'm going to help with an organization that helps kids w/down syndrome learn how to ride bikes what to expec?

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And Then S

tomorrow we're all gonna be going out and helping them learn how to ride bikes--not exactly teaching them but encouraging them etc. I haven't spent much time around kids with disabilities that much and don't know how to act, what to expect from them/their behavior, suggestions/tips? Thanks.

Answer
That is terrific! My younger sister Katie is 8 and has down syndrome.
It depends, tricycles or bicycles. For tricycles, the best thing to do is just help them sit on it, and place their feet on the pedals, then tie their feet to them w/ a cord or something, then push their feet so they know what to do.
For a bike, help them on. One big thing. DONT tie their feet to the pedals, because when they fall, the bike will fall on top of them cuz they cant move their legs away. Show them where to put their hands and feet, then show them that they need to push w/ their feet. Keep one hand on the front, one on the back of the seat, and go.

They will probably cry or talk alot. When i taught my sis how to ride a trike, she kept saying "Eminee! (thats how she says Emily) Katie ride big bike!" and stuff like that. They will be verrryyyy happy.

Whatever you do, dont yell at them. Remember that they have a mental disability and if they do something wrong, you cant always blame them.
Encourage them and tell them "Come on! you can do it!"
and smile alot :)
and act friendly.

:) good luck. lemme know how it goes.

How can I learn to ride a bicycle?

Danielsan

I tried riding a bike as a kid but fell and was traumatized to the point that I never got back on a bike. Now I feel, as an adult ready to take on the challenges, but that little fear keeps encroaching back in. How can I make this a successful feat overcome, and finally learn how to ride a bike?

Answer
I had trouble learning to balance a bike and I know someone who thinks correct reach to the pedal is more important than reach to the ground and put my kids on bikes too big for them and they had nasty accidents that put them off for ages.

Here are some tips:

Get a trustworthy bike-shop or sensible and knowledgeable friend help you to work out a good frame size for you. Although most adult bikes are 26" (which is the height of the wheels) the length needs considering as well. But for now, as long as it doesn't seem too hard or too easy to reach the handlebars, that should do. When you are riding well and regularly for some distance, you'll work out what, if anything, is wrong. A call to a bike shop to tell them your height should be enough for them to tell you if you should be on a 26".

Make sure the front and rear brakes are working well and mainly rely on the rear brake for now. Preferably no back pedal brakes unless you feel that lacking in skill. If so, as soon as you feel ready, get onto a bike without because it will be easier to get fully competent.

To work out a good height for the saddle, sit on the bike and make sure that you can put both feet almost completely on the ground at the same time. Best not to be able to put both fully and completely on the ground because that will make pedaling very cramped and if you are too cramped, it will affect your balance. This is an excellent height for being able to stop yourself falling over in most situations or give you some control of the fall if you do lose your balance. This will help with confidence which is key to learning.

To learn to balance a bike, find a gentle slope with a safe ending, either going uphill or just levels off. Start at the top of the slope and sit on the bike saddle with your legs hanging out to the sides, not on the pedals. Let the bike roll and use your feet to lightly push you back towards centre if you start to go over. (If necessary, take the pedals off for this stage but children upwards of about 7 and adults probably don't need to.) Keep going back to the top of the slope and rolling down again; as you feel more confident about your balance, try putting your feet on the pedals (but don't worry about turning them yet). The slope doesn't need to be very long - the dead-end I learned on only had about 3 houses on each side. When you can balance the bike and get your feet on the pedals, start trying a bit of pedalling. Soon after this, you're ready for a longer slope or a piece of quiet straight road.

When you have mastered your balance and are starting to ride fairly confidently, start raising the seat a bit at a time, never going beyond what you feel safe doing, until your legs are just slightly bent as you sit on the seat and put your feet on the pedals.

It took me most of an afternoon to finally get my balance. My family had spent quite a bit of time helping me but I still hadn't got it. That afternoon of rolling down the slope was pretty much what finally got me going.

Also, stay away from bumps until you feel really confident and then just small ones until you work out what you can handle. And of course, *never* jump your bike up onto a kerb unless you have special wheels - they'll get damaged and go out of "true" and then the brakes won't work properly.

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is MMI a good school for harley davidson?

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Kyle

im 17 and when i get out of high school i wanna go to MMI harley, would that be to soon? and i dont know a lot about bikes, but i wanna learn and be come a harley machanic. what should i do?

Answer
Below is my answer to a similar question.......MMI is THE ONLY school authorized and sponsored by all the major manufacturers!!!! WyoTech has motorcycle courses, but is not factory authorized. If you are looking to get into a shop as a technician, go to MMI, no dealership will hire you without formal training by the factories and don't recognize WyoTech as official training since they aren't factory autorized.



Best Answer - Chosen by Asker
It is worth it.....if your heart is in it!!!
$25k is nothing for an education that can lead to a career. And the cost of tools......start out basic and build up as you go. I was at my last job for 2 years, a high-end custom dealership and I made $74k my second year on salary. I left there due to the economy's hard hit on the high-end bike sales, went from selling 200 units a year, to about 75. I have only been at my new job for 8 months, they initially wanted me to be a flate-rate tech, but I refused that, flat-rate is rushing to get the job done and out, rushing causes mistakes and costs you and the shop money.....I don't like mistakes, so I ended up signing an employment contract for $65k/yr for 2 years then a 10% raise bi-yearly after that.

I graduated HD's program at MMI in '91, spent 5 years at 2 different dealerships, left HD and went into building custom bikes, engines, and dyno tuning, R&D bike & engine builder for Titan and Stroker Cycles. Factory trained by Big Dog, American Ironhorse, Titan, Indian, S&S Factory for engines & transmissions, and have been to DynoJet's facility for certification on Dyno Operations and Tuning and, I just graduated MMI again in May...took HD Late Model for career updating....don't see too many Twin Cams at the custom bike shops. And the dealership I work for now, is sending me back next winter to get updated on the 2010 models.

The road to get where I am and farther is not easy and not cheap, but if bikes are your passion, it's worth it. I have seen people with skills better than mine fail at the business and I have seen people I wouldln't let fix my kid's tri-cycle make it big.......it's really all up to you.

Oh..and also...tuition re-imbursement from ANYONE is almost non-existant....in 20 years, i have never met anyone who found an employer to r-imburse them for their tuition. If you go to work for a dealer and they send you out for update training, they will pay for that.


EDIT: This is a reply to someone who answered a guy's question about getting a job at a shop by starting out changing oil and "apprenticing"......we are now in the 21st century!!!!......the age of FACTORY SPECIFIC COMPUTER SYSTEMS.....apprenticing just simply doesn't happen anymore....there is way too much technology and annual production changes for that without training............

"There is not a reputable shop in this country that will hire you with no experience to just change oil and learn from them. There are some bikes out there that if you don't know the procedure to bleed the oil system, you can fry the engine within a few minutes....YES THERE IS ACTUALLY AN ENGINE MADE MADE BY AN AMERICAN MANUFACTURER THAT REQUIRES YOU TO BLEED THE OIL SYSTEM, SIMILAR TO BLEEDING BRAKES!!! And, there is no way in hell you can learn on your own, the technical procedures for all the different makes and models of motorcycles...it REQUIRES EDUACATION AND TRAINING. I have been working on bikes since the late 80's, started with my Shovelhead and my friends all had Shovels, Pans and IronHead Sportsters, then I bought an '86 Softail with an Evo that had some extensive engine work done to it that needed some repair, although the bottom ends were almost the same, the top ends were a little different. It was at that point, I realized I could make a decent living do this, so I enrolled at MMI and graduated from HD's program in 1991, spent 5 years at 2 different dealerships, and then went into the custom field, I have built a couple BEST OF SHOW bikes, but super high-end bikes ($50k and above) are a royal pain the *ss to work on, ever been afraid to work on a bike with a $6,000 paint job or a $12,000 billet engine, due to fear of scratching it???...**** DOES happen, and eventually will!!! If anyone has ever dealt with a Big Dog or American Ironhorse bike, they know the electrics are not wired like old-school HD's...if you haven't been trained by them, you do not know what you are doing......Big Dog manuals are almost impossible to get by the public, if you aren't one of their dealers or svc centers...good luck...American Ironhorse doesn't (didn't) even make a service manual.
The new Harleys are all but impossible to work on if you don't have the HD Computer System called Digital Technician....ONLY HD Dealers have this system and the ONLY place you can get trained on how to use this system is MMI!!!

I am having trouble looking for a motorbike mechanics apprenticeship?

CrazyTurk

I was just wondering if there was anyone here with an apprenticeship that may know how to get your foot in the door and get noticed by a potential employer?
Its been really bugging me because im currently signing on at the job center and it isnt a good life ill be honest, ive got the bike to upkeep etc and i just cant hack it.
like i said, i would really appreciate any advice you guys may have for me =]
Thanks alot

Answer
Below is my answer to a similar question.......MMI is THE ONLY school authorized and sponsored by all the major manufacturers!!!! WyoTech has motorcycle courses, but is not factory authorized. If you are looking to get into a shop as a technician, go to MMI, no dealership will hire you without formal training by the factories and don't recognize WyoTech as official training since they aren't factory autorized.
Best Answer - Chosen by Asker
It is worth it.....if your heart is in it!!!
$25k is nothing for an education that can lead to a career. And the cost of tools......start out basic and build up as you go. I was at my last job for 2 years, a high-end custom dealership and I made $74k my second year on salary. I left there due to the economy's hard hit on the high-end bike sales, went from selling 200 units a year, to about 75. I have only been at my new job for 8 months, they initially wanted me to be a flate-rate tech, but I refused that, flat-rate is rushing to get the job done and out, rushing causes mistakes and costs you and the shop money.....I don't like mistakes, so I ended up signing an employment contract for $65k/yr for 2 years then a 10% raise bi-yearly after that.
I graduated HD's program at MMI in '91, spent 5 years at 2 different dealerships, left HD and went into building custom bikes, engines, and dyno tuning, R&D bike & engine builder for Titan and Stroker

A or B - which gift should I get my step daughter aged 2 & 1/2? (Please vote)?

best toddler bike uk image

Faith

Hi everyone

I first want to apologize by posting this question in this section. I have acknowledge many attend to this section and will really appreciate your votes on this question.


Out of these gifts, please help me choose which one you think will be a good gift for my step daughter:

A - http://www.toysrus.co.uk/Toys-R-Us/Bikes-and-Rideons/Battery-Powered/6V-Aloha-Jeep(0014515)

OR

B - http://www.mothercare.com/richContent/B000JFFCH2


I THANK THOSE WHO TAKE THEIR TIME TO RESPOND TO THE ABOVE CHOICE.
The Mrs. - Thank you for your suggestion, I am going to look into buy something similar like that in some months for her.
Punchybaggy - I am going to add learning activities as an addition to this gift. But out of these gifts I posted it in terms of leisure equipment as she likes activities of leisure.
Thank you so far everyone for elaborating on the safety..blessings to you all.

Answer
Agree with Zahrah Beauty 100%-B is prettier, but A is safer-toddlers still are shaky on the coordination thing, and she could fall out of B pretty easily.

What are toddlers "into" these days (in the UK)?

_butterfly

Hey everyone

I'm 22 and about to start full time work experience as a teaching assistant in a nursery class and have just realised how clueless I am! I love children, but have no siblings or younger cousins and at the moment the only experience I have at home is with 11-13 year olds (boyfriend's little brother and his friends)

So my question is what do 3-4 year old children like these days? More specifically what TV programs, toys, books, films, (magazines even) etc are targeted at children this age? I know which programs and cartoons I liked as a child but I'm pretty sure times have moved on...I'd really like to know in case they start talking to me about things they like and watch and do...

Any other advice and help also welcome :) Thank you!

Answer
my boys like
handy manny
mickey mouse clubhouse
scooby doo
toy story
timmy time
phineas and ferb
riding bikes
playing with there little sisters
going on there trampoline
running around the garden
pirates
cars
aeroplanes
going on there daddy yacht
football
swimming in the pool
playing with the dogs
dr. seuss books

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How much should it cost to replace a bike tire?

best price kids bikes image

Q. Before I call the local bike shop to get ripped off, I am curious to know how much others have paid to fix a little boys bike? Tire is flat and I can't get it off the bike. It's style with big trick rods in the middle of rear wheel. My son loves his bike but if I'm gonna spend more than $60 then I'd rather get a new one.
Oops, I meant the inner tube needs to be replaced. Bike Doctor won't work on his tires.

Answer
$10 to $15 dollars labor, plus price of tube (about $6) most shops make their livings with repeat customers, and will not try and rip you off. if the mechanic says the tire needs to be replaced because of a large gash, worn out tread, or cracking due to dryness, ask him to show you. new tires for that kind of bike usually start at around $12. he or she may be trying to make more money, but they also have the safety of your kid in mind as well. believe me, people in bike shops are not getting rich!

What kind of bike should I buy my toddler?

Laura

I want to buy my son a bike for the summer but I"m not sure whether I should buy a bike or a trike. He's 3 and kind of tall for his age, but he's not very physically strong or coordinated. Ideas?

Answer
Three is still really young for a bike. Some kids don't learn to ride a bike until they're like 6 or 7. I suggest a classic red tricycle. Every kid needs one at some point in their life. Check out some from the selection at Arsa Toys (http://www.arsatoys.com); they're really reasonably priced.

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Can I use a cannondale v500 as a road bike?

best kids bike mtb image

linux love

i have a cannondale v500 bike. it is a mountain bike (it has mountain wheels and tires on it) i would like use it as a road bike. that means putting road wheels and tires on it? can that be done?

Answer
While you can't put road wheels on it, you can do what many other have done. Putting a set of narrow 26" high pressure slick road tires. That is a simple and economical way to give your bike a big boost in speed for the road.

Your bike will never be as efficient as a road bike but a couple guys in my club do this and can stay in the pack on rides. If you will still ride off road it's best to get a nice light set of MTB wheels so you can switch out wheels quickly. I do this for tooling around town, riding with the kids etc. even though I have a road bike too.

were can i buy a cove stiffee fr bike in seattle?

mtb kid

Wheres a good shop that has cove bikes? If i cant find this bike what is a similar freeride hardtail thats good for all mountain?

Answer
@I: Are you thinking of some other brand? Cove is based in North Vancouver, B.C. In fact, I live almost within shouting distance of the shop! :-) It's just a couple hours drive north across the border from Seattle.

@mtb kid: Probably the easiest way to find an authorized dealer in Seattle is to phone or e-mail either Cove headquarters in B.C., or their U.S. distributor (Empyrean Distributors, based in Arizona). See the links below...

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What size unicycle should I get for my first one?

best kids bikes 20 inch image

Liv

I'm getting ready to buy my first unicycle and I don't know what size I should get. Ive heard 20 inch is the best one to start with, but I'm rather short (5'1) so I was wondering if I should get a kids size instead? Like one of the 16 or 18 inch ones.

Answer
i have a 20 inch but i'm 6ft so i'm not sure if a 20 will be small enough for you, you should go to a bike shop that sells them and see if you have trouble mounting a 20 or not, if you do have trouble then you should get a 18

My bike has a 100 lbs weight limit & i weigh 160, is there any way i can raise da weight limit like new tires?

r0brt98

I have a 20 inch kids bike that has a 100 lbs weight limit and i weigh 160, is there any way that it can hold more weight like new tires or the tube inside please help

Answer
just ride it til something breaks

though i would tighten all the spokes, regardless
or they will be the first thing to break

if the tires are flattening out, that;s bad
get higher pressure tires with a higher weight limit
as bob a says, though, 100x2 is a 200 lb limit

also, i wouldn;t do a lot of jumping with it


wle.

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what are some good child triathlon bikes?

best kids triathlon bikes image

Tim O

My son who is 8 wants to get into triathlons. What are some good bikes for his age?

Answer
I don't know that anyone makes a child's triathlon bikes, meaning one that has aero wheels and bars, etc. A child's road bike or even general purpose bike should be sufficient. Try attending a local tri that includes kids and see what the competition is using.

in a kid's triathlon are the events broken up between people?

slums77

what i mean is, one person does running, another swimming, and another biking. is this what happens in a kids triathlon? if not, what is the race i'm describing called? thanks much.

Answer
I've heard what you're describing called a "relay triathlon."

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How can I chill out and let me sons learn to ride really fast motorcycles?

best kids motocross bike image

DayZd Jugg

I raced motocross from the time I was old enough to walk until I was about 30 years old. I was really good at it, expert class, if you will. I have three sons and I want them to ride and race like I did, but I KNOW how it hurts and just how bad you can be hurt riding and racing and I also know it takes courage and a parent who isn't fearful for their child's life to allow them to practice and race.

Quite frankly, I am scared to death to turn my sons loose on a full blown race bike. We're talking about little 65cc motocross bikes that'll do 0 to 60 in < 5 seconds. I want them to experience the rush of racing, but ol'e Daddy here is just plain afraid to let them go.

HELP!!!!!!!! I am desperate to let them live, but I am afraid as I know how bad they "could" be hurt.
I am not pushing them into it. I have a dirtbike and they want to ride like I do. The problem is me letting them. I can see broken bones in their future and having broken both of my legs, my left ankle, losing my left kneecap and having it replaced, crushing my chest, splitting my head open, breaking both of my hands, my wrists and having steel rods in my legs and pins in the rest of my body, I am seriously concerned for their saftey. BUT, even with those injuries and fixes, I would not trade a moment of my memories of riding, racing and in general raising hell to NOT be pasted back together. It was more fun than you can possibly understand without having done it. And they have all the safety equipment and motorcycles. I just won't let them get on the KX65 or the CR85. I force them to ride the PW80 and the XR100. I'm going to have to let go, but I am afraid to and knowing the pain, almost feel irresponsible for even bringing these bikes into their lives, though they love'm.

Answer
I am also a parent and long-time motorcyclist, with my last 17-year old at home. It's tough to decide where that line is between freedom and safety, however motorcycling, especially MX and off-road motorcycling can be a safe and rewarding experience for them that will help teach them respect, courage and responsibility.

The first thing to teach them, as with any sport - is safety. Proper gear including leathers, chest & shoulder protectors, good MX helmet, goggles, boots, gloves, etc... Next teach them about the potential hazards - broken bones, dehydration, sprains or even death if it's not done properly.

Also coach them well, using positive reinforcement for good performance. If you think they will listen better to someone else other than their parent, then hire a coach. And most of all, watch them carefully and listen. If they are only doing this to impress you, then make it clear to them that you're impressed with them no matter what they choose to do - whether it's motorcycling or basket-weaving...

As with any sport - MX, soccer, little league or even track, there are always risks. Many millions of kids have successfully participated in these things and it's built their confidence and self-esteem, and once in a while a child unfortunately is injured. What's the alternative? We can't keep them in a box forever and by protecting them too much, they may be alive but won't truly be living. I know you'll make the best decision for them...

What dirt bike i should get if i want to get into freestyle motorcross?

Kennettboy

I want to know what dirt bike i should get if i want to get into freestyle motorcross? im 14 years old and realy love the sport i have no experience on a dirt bike, but i have a atv.What shoul i do.

Answer
Well if you want to do freestyle, you should get a 2-stroke 250cc. But with your inexperience I wouldnt recommend it. You being 14 and with no experience, I would recommend a 85cc. But depending on your size you might want to go with the Honda CRF150. Its a motocross bike made for bigger kids without much experience. Its a four stroke, but they are great bikes. Im a semi pro motocross racer, and freestyler, and I started with a 85cc when I was 7 and Im 17 now, with 10 years experience and I ride a YZ250F, so if you got ANY and I mean ANY questions about freestyle or motocross. You email me directly at coffinmotors@yahoo.com

If you get good enough, I might I have to put you on my team. lol

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