How hard is it to learn how to drive a sport bike?

best bikes for kids age 10 image

zach r

I owned and rode dirtbikes regularly from the age of 10 to 17 (I am 20 now and feel responsible enough to get one). I am a strong kid and about 5'11.

I am thinking about a 600cc bike...Is this a good first bike?
Thanks in advance.

Answer
It isn't that hard to learn. It is HARDER to learn on too much bike, hence a good first bike is not a good bike to keep for the long haul. EX: I started out as a beginner going out on track days on a Yamaha R1 and had a horrible time. I was coping instead of riding and never really got going. Then I switched to a SV650 and rode the snot out of it and had a blast.

Modern 600's are not a good 1st bike. HP and riding position are SUPER aggressive and not conducive to learning well. Older ones like Honda f3 are ok. Better yet go for the SV650, GS500, FZR, etc etc. Get something that isn't your dream bike and learn on it, be prepared to perhaps plop it over and not have it be a huge deal. These other bikes we are mentining are NOT slow! new 600's are rippers these days!

THEN after your first season, spring for the 600 if you are feeling initial competency. It is different then dirt. You are going to get a kick out of countersteering!

Good luck!

What are materialistic things young kids want?

Scrilla

What are materialistic things young kids want?
Ages 10 - 15

Answer
Mostly electronic goods including laptops, MP3 players, iPods, iPads, Desktop Computers, video gaming systems along with the actual video games. At younger ages it could be materialistic goods including action figures, dolls, (depending on the gender of the child), stuffed animals, etc. Many things are found in the interest of children between those ages. More expensive goods including recreational vehicles could also fall under that category. Also including bicycles, scooters, etc. Recreational vehicles would include ATV's (4 Wheelers), or dirt bikes. Hope this helps for whatever type of information you're attempting to find.

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where to buy "supporting" wheels for Kids bicycle?

best kids first bicycle image

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?

Infiniti q

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
This is a pretty good demonstration on how to fix a bike flat:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvuKlEnHVLc&feature=related

You will need tire levers, a patch kit or a new inner tube
Taking the wheel out isn't bad you just need a wrench an adjustable one is OK and loosen the two outer nuts on the axle. If it's a rear wheel with a coaster brake you also need a screwdriver to free it from the frame, and of course move the chain off the wheel.
To find the puncture, I put a little air in the tube and then put the tube in a bucket of water and see where the bubbles are coming from. If the leak is right on the seam you probably need a new tube as I haven't had much luck with patches applied to seam leaks. Once you see whats wrong with the tube look CAREFULLY to see what caused it whether broken glass, a thorn or even a spoke poking out too far. Take care of the cause and reinstall the inner tube.

It really isn't too hard. Those tires should come off pretty easily. If all else fails take it to a bike shop, the fix should be pretty cheap.

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How come I hear training wheels are bad for learning how to ride a bicycle?

best kids bicycle training wheels image

Pac 2.0

But I had training wheels, and I learned how to completely ride my bicycle in about 30-40minutes when I was 5 years old.

These same people come on yahoo answers and ask for advice teaching their children but many people say training wheels are bad (including the asker sometimes) and give a false sense of security and its better to lower the seat all the way so the feet touch the ground or something. It also may take them days to learn this way.

Answer
i think training wheel are a good way for a kid to learn the basics of riding and balance. but don't keep them on for years like some people, just a few weeks for them to get used to the bike

How old should my son be before getting his first dirt bike?

cat

My husband was riding his own bike before he was able to ride a bicycle with out training wheels but I don't know if I'll let our son do that which starts fights between me and the hubby. I've been out plenty of times to the desert and oceano dunes and it never seems safe but my husband insists it is for a little kid.

any suggestions on age?

Answer
I had my first dirt bike a 50 cc at 8 1/2 by the time I was 11 I was racing motocross*

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The easiest way to lose weight off your waist?

best kids 16 inch bicycle image

AmberAshle

Okay. I don't know about the rest of you guys, but I'm proud of my measurements: 36C-35-47 but I wanna lose some inches off my waist. Any tips or ideas? How many situps I should do, some other ways, etc..

Answer
Walking has got to be the easiest way to trim off the fat. Walk quickly, build up a sweat, get your heartrate up. The link below is a very cool site, the activity calculator is awesome it tells you how many calories are burned for like 200 different activities for any amount of time you enter , activities include housework, walking, jogging , rowing, coal mining, sitting in your ofice, bicycling, dancing, painting, gardening, child care, ironing, firefighting, sitting in class and many many more. Target training your abdominals won't be nearly as effective as a brisk walk everyday, with crunches and leg raises you will certainly tone your abs but you still wont see them because they will still be covered in fat. Walk walk walk its much easier than crunches or leg raises, when you trim the fat off then you can target train to tone them up(but I bet you wont need to). Please trust me on this. You wont need to walk many many miles, I live on an old radar base (pine tree line) and it takes me 16 minutes to do 1 lap around it. I sacrificed some TV time at night to get rest so I can get up earlier in the morning(6am) and go for 1 or 2 laps before breakfast(gonna make a commitment to do 4 laps in less than an hour every day) I have 2 kids whom I spend alot of time with so I have to "sacrifice" my own time at night to "invest" in my own health and longevity.

Wear proper footwear and tie them up good, you dont want your feet to slide around in them or you will get blisters very quickly. Dont consume any sugar before during or after the walk or you will drastically reduce the effectiveness, you want to burn your bodyfat not the sugars in your food or drinks. DO NOT DRINK POWERADE or anything like that they are like 250 calories a bottle and have lots of sugar.Drink water.

I'm preparing a crossword puzzle for 8yo kids. Answers have to be numbers 1 to 20, any good clues?

tazaru

Here are some examples: Colours of the rainbow. Ans:7;
Months in a year. Ans:12; Seasons in a year. Ans:4.

Answer
Eyes on a Cyclops= 1
Wheels of a bicycle= 2
Square root of 9= 3
Seasons= 4
Sides on a pentagon= 5
Legs on a ladybird/bug= 6
Colours of the rainbow= 7
Planets in solar system= 8
Months of pregnancy= 9
Years in a decade= 10

I'm getting burnt out...
Number of aliens Kevin from Ben 10 has absorbed/ players on a soccer team = 11
Days of Christmas/ inches to a foot= 12
Baker's dozen= 13
Lines in a sonnet/days in a fortnight= 14
Minutes in a quarter hour= 15

Scraping the barrel now...
The sweetest number= 16
Legal driving age (if you're in the UK)/Age to watch R rated movies in the USA= 17
Age of majority= 18
Eighth prime number= 19
Minutes in a period of an ice hockey game= 20

Not all great, but it's a start. Hope that helps.

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What is a good dirt bike for a little kid?

best bikes for kids image

Sami Rae

My son, Cayden is turning 3 on October 8th. Don't tell me he's too young to be riding dirt bikes. The kid has been riding dirt bikes and quads since my dad bought him a little ones on his first birthday. Right now Cayden is using my little brother's old dirt bike that he had when he was 3. I want to get him a brand new one but what is the best dirt bike?

Answer
DMR Transition dirt jumper is suitable for both amateurs and experienced riders. The great advantage of 26in Transition is its weight that encourages the riders to go for dirt jumping and you would not feel the weight when you are in full swing. Specifically designed drive-train of this jump bike gives great momentum and pushes the bike with good agility while airborne. No doubt, DMR Transition 26in is the right bike for dirt jumpers and street style riders.

Would you feel strange riding a bike in your neighborhood?

David

I have a treadmill and an exercise bike in my house but I often want to get out and see something other than my walls when I exercise. I thought about riding a bike around my neighborhood, but at 27 years old, I feel like this would be weird. I associate bikes with kids for some reason and would feel strange to be seen riding a bike down my neighborhood streets. I know this is stupid, but I can't help it. The only people I see riding bikes in my neighborhood are senior citizens and kids.

Would you feel strange riding a bike in your neighborhood at my age?

Answer
Not at all. Maybe it's all in your head. there is really nothing wrong with it. I've seen people your age riding bikes. Actually, different ages. Bikes are for everyone. It's not strange at all.

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I want a cheap bicycle to get around Buenos Aires. About how much could I expect to pay?

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Wilson Man

I'll be living somewhere in the Belgrano/Palermo area. First of all, actually, if I were to get a bicycle, would that be a safe option for getting around or is street traffic too dangerous for cyclists? And second, how much would it cost to buy a cheap bike, not necessarily brand new. Would it be possible to get one for under $50 USD?

Answer
Forget the bike!

Probably will end up costing a lot, difficult for storage at your Palermo/Belgrano apartment!

Plus, as said here before, you will end up below a bus in NO time. And I am NOT kidding!

BUT, the plus is Buenos Aires and of course both in Palermo and Belgrano is that you have, several very in-expensive and (quite) reliable public means of transportation.

1* Sub-way (and I do not mean the sandwich!)
2* Buses
3* Taxis
4* Trains (even from Belgrano, that will take you down-town in a jiffy for less than a ARG1.00!!!)
5* Remises (private company taxis)

How to get spray paint off a bicycle?

Joshua

My two nieces birthday. Was a while back (their birthday is like a week apart so we celebrate it on the day) and they both got brand new bikes. Well they got stolen recently and the kids who live down the street form them suddenly has bike that look like theirs, but spray painted, so i took them.

They're both at my apartment. Now it could just be a coincidence. There's only one way to find out i need to get the spray paint off.

Don't worry if the bikes aren't pink under the paint i'll put them back. But they have the exact same pegs as my nieces bikes. So if they are my nieces bikes i'll clean them off and give them back to my nieces. If tried soap and water and it didn't work.

What can i buy to get the spray paint off?

Answer
You must let the police recover the bikes or you could be committing a crime. If those are not the right bikes what will you do then? Spray paint them? You can use mineral spirits to remove the paint without damaging the original.

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Is is better to have a heavier or lighter bike for a beginner Bmx bike?

good kids bike brands image

twhitman6

What brand bikes are good for beginners? Also I have a Standard Mongoose Rebel and was wondering if should I get a different Bmx bike or keep my current bike or get a new one?

Answer
Lighter, the mongoose rebel isn't a BMX bike, it's a mountain bike for kids. A good BMX bike for beginners is the Sunday Funday Aaron Ross AM (AM standing for amateur). You can get it in Black or Purple

http://www.danscomp.com/101141.php?cat=BIKES

I would like to start bike riding to shed some baby weight what are the best bike trailer/bike combos?

Yeah Momma

i need a bike and want to buy a bike trailer, what type of bike should be used?

Answer
- how much do you want to/can you spend?
- what kind of trailer - cargo or kid?
- how long and where do you want to ride (urban/country, flat/hilly/mountainous)?
- commuting or sports/training?
- what's your weight - and do you do any kind of sports?
- are you fixed on a bike/trailer combo, or would a (two or three wheeled) bakfiets be a practical alternative?

Unless you want to lay down at least 4k$/â¬, there's no sense in talking about 'best'. You can start thinking about 'good' (enough for everyday use) with 2k$/⬠and either the willingness to learn basic maintenance or a friendly LBS within reach.

As a short guide to what I'd consider best (I'll just throw in a few buzzwords, use google or come back here if you want to know more):
- steel frame, touring geometry, Rohloff dropouts
- Rohloff internal geared rear hub
- SON front hub generator
- Edelux front bike light, b&m rear light
- Magura hydraulic disc brakes
- disc brake rims, Schwalbe Marathon Supreme tires in 26x2.00, DD stainless spokes
- Brooks leather saddle
- closed chain box, e.g. Hebie Chainglider

That'll cut down the yearly maintenance to the gear oil change and regular inspection (and occasional exchange) of brake pads and chain.

- Weber hitch
- brand trailer - for kids, Chariot or Croozer, for cargo, Roland or Carry Freedom

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What are some game ideas for a 5 year old's birthday party?

best kids bike 5 year old image

andybea

I'm planning a birthday party for a 5 year old boy (there will be girls and boys of this age at the party). Theme doesn't matter...just wondering if anybody has some games or activities that can be done?

Answer
well there is pin the tale on the donkey, the limbo, if its warm have a water fight, a clown if the child isnt afraid, watch movies, For girls dress up or playing house with the boys, the boys can ride their bikes or play with chalk, face paint, You can play a racing game with boys and girls, dancing with 5 year old music, what i think of when helping out with them, BE THE KID (smiles) Good luck!!

What are some activities to do with a 5 year old girl when babysitting them in the summer?

Lauren

I am 14 and babysitting a very active 5 year old. She can get bored easily so I need to find some ideas to keep her busy. Any ideas are welcome!! Thanks.

Answer
-Do her hair
-Dance
-Sing
-Play board games
-Watch movies
-Bake cookies
-Do crafts
-Swim
-Run through the sprinkler
-Make your own sundae day
-Watch her ride her bike
-Chalk
*The kids I babysit like to make their own towns with chalk. They make roads, houses, YMCAs, and Wal-Marts. You can even let her name the town!
-Play tag, or hide and seek
-Go for a walk
-Color
-Read

The Babysitting Box
Another good idea that I found: Make a box of the things you enjoyed around that age. They can be movies you liked(I know the kids I babysit really liked my Winnie the Pooh tapes), books you liked, or even toys you liked.

The Surprise Bag
Occasionally when you go to babysit, bring a large bag. In this bag you can put little surprises. They don't need to be big or expensive. Kids will be satisfied with anything from the Dollar Store, or even their favorite snack. I've given little stuffed animals I don't use anymore, a box of five crayons, a bouncy ball and many other things. Then every time you come to babysit with the bag, they'll get all excited!

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what is the name of a ground seated bike like device with handles but small wheels?

best kids seats for bikes image

butterflie

A long time ago, I took my kids to a Chucky Cheese like place in San Francisco where they had these bike-like things where you sat close to the ground and steered the handles side to side, but there were no wheels or they were extremely small. I don't know if they are still around, but I am interested in locating some. If I could only know what they are called.

Answer
Usually something liek that is a kart or a go-kart

How to do outdoor activities when you have kids?

Neyo

I have 2 kids and they are toddlers.I miss doing trekking, hiking and rafting activities..We do not have a nearby family but are willing to have babysitters.How much do baby sitters usually cost for a whole day?

Also, any tips to still have fun in life despite kids is appreciated.

Answer
If they're toddlers, they're still little enough to strap to your backs and go for a hike. Let them walk as much as possible, and you'll be amazed at how much they'll enjoy nature and how much they'll discover. I know plenty of people who hike and camp with small children. You might not be able to go as far as you used to, and you'll have to stop more often for snacks and/or diaper changes, but you can still have a good time.

My youngest is 4, and we have recently tried kayaking/canoeing, and he loved it, so it may not be long until you can do those things, too.

And if you like biking, just get a couple of child bike seats or a child trailer, and they'll probably love to ride along.

Actually, the more you gradually introduce them to these activities when they're young, the more interested they'll be in doing them as they get older.

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

best kids bike review image

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.

Can you please name me some safe, luxurious places my wife and kids can live?

Ryan K

I live in Albany New York right now working as a stock broker. I made the money, now I want to move out of my small apartment and move to somewhere safe and nice.
Thank you for your time and effort.
Ryan Kung
I am not spending over $5mill.
For all I know, I could get foreclosed and be sent on the streets.

Answer
Ryan,

Congrats on being in the current position you're in, getting ready to enjoy the fruits of years of your hard-earned labor. Being a combat veteran, I realize more than most that happiness is paramount, and a few years ago, I was blessed with enjoying the same opportunity you now face. The world was my "oystah", and I could live wherever in the world that I chose. For me, there was no other choice than the mountains of western North Carolina.

I now live in a town with a population of less than 24K, and can honestly say that, having travelled extensively and having lived in FL, CA, GA, and in the Raleigh area (Cary), I can't imagine ever living anywhere else permanently. If I can offer you any advice, I would say that your choice of where to live really depends upon what you guys are "into", the type of environment you envision being best for your children to grow up in, and what (if any) kind of employment you would be seeking once living there. Discuss with your wife the family activities you feel would make you feel happiest, then target the "best" locations worldwide supporting those activities.

If you enjoy outdoor recreation - hiking, biking, snowboarding/skiing, whitewater, or simply camping while visiting national parks & forests - look to the mountains. If beaches are your thing, obviously look to coastal communities. Although you do not want to live in the city proper, you will eventually have to visit one nearby, as smaller towns in rural areas don't have all of the amenities you'll find yourself needing. Whatever part of the world you decide you would prefer to live in, figure out what you feel is a reasonable drive time to "the big city" and base your search radius from it's midpoint.

For most people, it's a scary proposition to pack it all up & leave their comfort zone; if all you two feel at this point is excitement at the prospect of leaving, that's great - it means you're ready to leave & not look back. If that is the case, I hope two very useful resources for your research will be the list of US Chambers of Commerce located at www.50states.com and International buyer resources found on the source website below. If you like, you may also review some of my previous answers to other folks' questions by clicking on the profile picture for more relevant info. If more questions, please feel free to ask.

Take care, Ryan - and good luck!!

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Surry, British Columbia a good place to live and work?

best kids bike under 200 image

Wondering what the job market is like there (I am a paralegal) and if there is affordable housing (under 200,000) for a couple (not condos or rentals). Also, is there public transportation to the city of Vancouver, and if so, how long is the ride to get there? Is is a pretty place to live, with good mountain and ocean views? Crime rate? Anything you can tell me helps!

Answer
Surrey isn't as bad as its reputation says. yes, yes.. I know all the Surrey jokes (what do Surrey kids get for Christmas? Burnaby kids' bikes...etc etc..), but Surrey is one of the largest cities in Canada by area and the city encompasses a large variety of areas. Public Transit is in the eye of the beholder. If you live off the beaten path, you will be spending more time in transit and having less quality service.

South Surrey (don't let them try to tell you that they live in White Rock if they live north of 19th Avenue!!) and Panorama Ridge are quite expensive large homes.. you would be looking at houses STARTING in the $500,000 range.

Cloverdale and Port Kells are much more rural. Cloverdale is developing and there are plenty of new housing developments in the area. It's a nice community that gives the illusion of not being part of Surrey. It's got a lot of history.. but you will be looking at houses in the $400,000 mark.

Then there's Whalley and Guildford. And while these areas DO have problems with crime and drugs, just living in the areas doesn't mean that you will automatically fall victim to crime. Whalley is being developed and new townhouses and condos are going up as we type. My feeling is that in the next 5 years, Whalley is going to be a completely different place. But because of its reputation, the prices in Whalley will always be low.

However.. low is always a relative thing. Right now even the worst houses in the worst areas will be over $200,000. It's the entire Lower Mainland (Metro Vancouver). It's awful the way housing prices are going through the roof. And if you're wanting a view, well.. that will add $$$ to the price.

I'm not sure what the job market is like for a paralegal. The media is saying that there is a lack of employees out there.. If you are looking to live in Surrey, I would suggest to start your job search here. Perhaps you can get something without the commute!

Good luck!!

How do I pick a freestyle BMX bike?

argh.pirat

What brands are respected freestyle BMX bikes? I thought Mongoose where cheap kids bikes but they're everywhere. From what I can tell I should be looking for one that's 20". I'd like to ride street and vert for now and am looking for something under $150.

Answer
20" has a lot of possibilities... it would take a while to find one under 150, i would expect to find one under 200. go on danscomp.com , they have a lot of bikes. heres 2 under 200
(red looks better even though they dont have full pic for #1) http://www.danscomp.com/101140.php?cat=BIKES http://www.danscomp.com/101466.php?cat=BIKES

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What is the best gear to be in when you are going up hills?

best kids road bike image

Q. Me and my bf bought mountain bikes from Walmart. (Mongoose) I used to be in a biking club about 11 years ago but that was on a road bike, and my skills apparently have declined greatly. I couldn't make it up a faiir sized hill at all and I want to know if I should get a better bike and until then, what gear should I be in to make it up the hill. I feel discouraged right now.

Answer
Welcome back to cycling. Don't feel too bad, after 11 years, even for those of us who ride all the time our skill have probably diminished, we just don't notice as much until some 18y old kid on a old Schwinn Paramont blows by your fancy-smancy carbon-fiber rig... well that is a story for another day.

I'm just going to go ahead and assume you know all about shifting and big gears/little gears etc and skip right to some thoughts.

A mountain bike from Walmart is probably a gosh-awful heavy bestie to pedal up anything. There is little you can do about that right now. If you are used to road bikes the first time you clip into a mountain bike and encounter a big hill the instinct is to power up it like on the road. However, if you are on dirt or single-track on the mountain bike this really is the wrong approach and it is best to stay in the saddle and choose a very easy gear and patiently spin your way up the grade. The keeps your rear wheel from slipping in the dirt. Don't be afraid of the triple chain ring and drop to the smallest ring before the grade so you are not shifting rings on the hill, but concentrate on spinning through on the very small gears of the mountain bike (that is what they are there for after all!).

What do you recommend for a beginning road biker?

Lillian Ch

So I just found out my college has a cycling team. I've never competitively biked nor even own a road bike. I ride my cheap mountain bike to and from work frequently. However, I really want to join the team. What bike do you recommend for a beginner that isn't too expensive... as I am a college kid. I've been looking at craigslist at some old peugeots..

Answer
If you are going to become competitive you need atleast 105 components when its shimano. If its SRAM then you should go with atleast SRAM Rival Components. I am talking about shifters and derailleurs. You need something that shifts on command. Anything like Sora components will not shift on command and they will make you lose valuable momentum and time while the peloton starts moving away. I suggest spending atleast $1,100 for your first road bike. I think that is the lowest price you can get a decent road bike nowadays. My first road bike was $1,100. It had Shimano 105 components and I was willing to spend the extra because the other bike I was considering which had the Shimano Tiagras did not shift so well. I just purchased a nice bike. The money you spend on your bike is worth the investment considering the amount of time you will spend with it. You get to be outdoors as well.

I am not sure what could be a good bike for a female. Make sure you get the bike that is the right size for you. Dont end up getting suckered into buying a bike that is slightly too big or slightly too small at a local bike shop because they are trying to get rid of that bike to make room for new inventory. Some bike shops will do that to you.

I recently looked at a Kona Zing. Thought it was a good bike for the price. Its roughly $1,100 and it has components that are found on bikes that normally cost $1,800.

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How hard is it to learn how to drive a sport bike?

best beginner kids dirt bike image

zach r

I owned and rode dirtbikes regularly from the age of 10 to 17 (I am 20 now and feel responsible enough to get one). I am a strong kid and about 5'11.

I am thinking about a 600cc bike...Is this a good first bike?
Thanks in advance.

Answer
It isn't that hard to learn. It is HARDER to learn on too much bike, hence a good first bike is not a good bike to keep for the long haul. EX: I started out as a beginner going out on track days on a Yamaha R1 and had a horrible time. I was coping instead of riding and never really got going. Then I switched to a SV650 and rode the snot out of it and had a blast.

Modern 600's are not a good 1st bike. HP and riding position are SUPER aggressive and not conducive to learning well. Older ones like Honda f3 are ok. Better yet go for the SV650, GS500, FZR, etc etc. Get something that isn't your dream bike and learn on it, be prepared to perhaps plop it over and not have it be a huge deal. These other bikes we are mentining are NOT slow! new 600's are rippers these days!

THEN after your first season, spring for the 600 if you are feeling initial competency. It is different then dirt. You are going to get a kick out of countersteering!

Good luck!

Which size dirt bike is best for our kids?

FenWick

I know there are a TON of different models and years, but we're looking for something that will fit an 11yo girl and 9yo boy. Neither has any experience riding yet. Preferably 1998 or newer.
Any ideas, experiences, advice?

Answer
The best thing you can do is take them to a dealership or two and let them sit on a few bikes. But a lot does depend upon how big your kids are size wise. They may be best suited to starting small with something like a crf80. That is a basic 4 stroke with a seat height of 28.9 inches. If they are big kids for their age then something like the crf150f which has a seat height of 32.4 inches. Other similar bikes to the crf150f are the ttr125 and the klx 125. THey are all basic 4 stroke trail bikes suitable for beginners. These are not race bikes and not suitable for mx.

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What are my best options for toting three kids around with my bike?

best 20 kids bicycle image

B

Is there a trailer for 3 kids? Would it be ok to have a "trail-a-bike" type option then connect a trailer to that? Or get a child seat plus the trailer? Kids are 4 mos, 2.5 yrs, and 5 yrs old.. The 5 yr old can ride a bike, but very slowly and not very far.. Thanks!

Answer
You have a few option, although I agree with those who mention 4 mos may be a little young for any kind of biking. The only way I would bike with infants is if I can either carry them very close to me, or if I can strap them into a reclined seat where they don't have to fully support their head while going over bumps etc.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Bend,OR&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=40.460237,67.763672&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Bend,+Deschutes,+Oregon&ll=44.05157,-121.315155&spn=0.28771,0.529404&t=h&z=11 Front mounted seat.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FIH0EG?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwgalttechco-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000FIH0EG Top Bar Mounted

In Denmark they often ride with the youngest in a front basket or cargo bay laying down in blankets.

I've tried my kids in trailers at 9 mos and found it didn't work for me with any of them because I couldn't watch how they were doing and couldn't attend to their needs at all without stopping, dismounting etc. AND until over a year they didn't do well enough with head control. The trailers actually ride fairly jouncy and bumpy because the kids are sitting right on top of the wheels.

Moving on....

I have seen people do the tag along and the trailer, but for regular use it seems to long and unwieldy to me.

I'd go the cargo bike / long tail route: Madsen Cycles has a model that seats 4 with seat belts (takes the optional extra seat to get to 4 - standard is 2) http://www.madsencycles.com/
A review of cargo bikes: http://www.metaefficient.com/bicycles/longtail-bikes-a-review-and-buying-guide.html
And Riding triple on a long tail http://surfabike.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/mundo_bilby_side_m-preview1-jpg.jpeg

How do I install training wheels around a rear derailleur on a 20" bike?

StanleyLiv

Just purchased Wald training wheels for kids bike (16" to 26"). The right side has a gear derailleur on it, which extends further than the axle. I can't put the training wheel bar on the axle since I don't have clearance.

Can this axle be extended out farther somehow?

Answer
There are better ways to learn how to ride a bike. Remove the pedals and lower the saddle so they can flat foot on the ground and push them self around and learn to steer. Then try coasting down a small slop with the feet down and then lifting the feet. Next replace the pedals and gradually raise the saddle.

http://www.wikihow.com/Ride-a-Bicycle

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What bike should I buy 6 year old boy for first bike?

good kids bike brands image

Q. He's a little guy and kinda puny but I totally do not want to get him some "character" bike like spongebob or something. A grown-up big kids bike. Please be specific as possible. Thanks

Answer
I just got new bikes for my 5 year olds. We ended up getting a smaller size BMX style bike that has coaster brakes and hand brakes. That way they can start getting used to the hand brake but not have to rely on it. Once their hands get used to the hand brakes I'm going to switch out the coaster brake for a freewheel then the bike should last another couple years.

I would definitely get a 20" wheel (the standard size for bmx bikes) bike so they can grow with it for a few years. If you get anything smaller than that they will be grown out of it before the year is over and you'll be getting a new one for him to ride to school.

If you go to a real bike shop that sells trek, specialized or other name brand bikes they will have some you can look at and they really aren't that expensive when you look at kids size bikes.

I completely agree - avoid the cartoon bikes. They are silly and a waste of money.

What brand used mtn/comfort/hybrid bicycle to get for $100?

fourmechau

When looking on ebay or craigslist, I have come across: Roadmaster, Huffy, Magna, Trek, Pacifica, Mongoose as the usual brands that pop up for $100 or less. Should these all be avoided? I am a mom who wants to ride with her kids when we go camping, on some trails, around town. So, I am not an avid cyclist and do not need a wonderful bike/brand but also do not want junk. Thanks.

Answer
Well, for $100 used a Trek could be the best. Every brand you mentioned is very low end, except Trek. Trek makes good to very high end bikes. It'd be the 1st choice, but a BEAT UP Trek may be the worst choice. All companies make many models. It's like saying which car should I buy a $500 Chevy or Ford, hard to say.

I will say this, get one that fits you. Look for a bike that has v-brakes instead of side-pull. Stay away from thumb shifters, grip shift or rapid fire types work much better. Of couse test ride, if it works well, wheels are strait and it's in good shape you are set. If it's for camp riding etc. almost anything that work's well when you buy it should be OK. With infrequent use, a used < $100 bike could last forever.

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