Nash R
I have to buy a kids bicycle (20"). I noticed that pedals in many of these bicycles do not rotate freely in reverse direction. Is that a feature or a bug? It's useful to have them rotate freely so that you can easily bring to them to starting position when you're just starting your ride.
Answer
As others have noted that style of brake is known as a 'coaster' brake and is very common with bicycles designed for younger kids. It operates much like a drum brake in that when operated by pedalling backwards small internal plates are pressed against the internal shell of the rear hub. Kids bicycles have coaster brakes because smaller children for the most part do not have enough hand strength or have not developed enough coordination to operate a hand brake that you would see on most adult or larger kids bikes. Yet they do need to be able to stop, hence the coaster brake. On larger kids bikes -- with 20" wheels or BMX style frames -- you will often see a combination of a front hand brake with a coaster brake. This is sort of an inbetween bike, if you will, designed to allow the developement of the hand strength and coordination necessary to operate a normal hand brake.
As others have noted that style of brake is known as a 'coaster' brake and is very common with bicycles designed for younger kids. It operates much like a drum brake in that when operated by pedalling backwards small internal plates are pressed against the internal shell of the rear hub. Kids bicycles have coaster brakes because smaller children for the most part do not have enough hand strength or have not developed enough coordination to operate a hand brake that you would see on most adult or larger kids bikes. Yet they do need to be able to stop, hence the coaster brake. On larger kids bikes -- with 20" wheels or BMX style frames -- you will often see a combination of a front hand brake with a coaster brake. This is sort of an inbetween bike, if you will, designed to allow the developement of the hand strength and coordination necessary to operate a normal hand brake.
Bicycle Helmets.....?
RaLoh
We have 5 active children and they live in their bike helmets.... the rule in our house is "if it has wheels you had better be wearing a helmet". Bicycle helmets are required by Law here in NYS and it amazes me how many children come to my house without them. If they are at our home without a helmet they are not allowed on their bikes.
Is there a place I can contact for free bike helmets?? I would love nothing more than to make sure every kid in my town has one.... and wears it. Even though it is a law, it is not enforced, which kills me.
Thank you in advance for any information.
Answer
Contact some of your local bicycle clubs; I've seen some run fundraisers to donate helmets to kids.
But, sounds like these aren't "poor kids" but jsut that their parents don't enforce a helmet rule like you do. Why not just talk to Mom n Dad?
Or, you could go to any big discount store and find plenty of helmets under $20 each.
Contact some of your local bicycle clubs; I've seen some run fundraisers to donate helmets to kids.
But, sounds like these aren't "poor kids" but jsut that their parents don't enforce a helmet rule like you do. Why not just talk to Mom n Dad?
Or, you could go to any big discount store and find plenty of helmets under $20 each.
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