Best Kids Bikes (Special Gift ): 2014-03-23

Saturday, March 29, 2014

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.

Did you wear a bicycle helmet as a kid?

Summertime

I can not count the number of times as a kid I flew over my handle bars on my bike, and walked it home bloody knees and all...I have the scars to prove it.

I was not overly clumbsy, just a country girl that rode my bike most everywere.

I never wore a helmet or knee/elbow pads. But I see these kids now days that are wearing every protective gear short of being wrapped in bubble wrap and I wonder ...

will they have scar to show off when they grow up? isn't that just a part of childhood?

I understand the helmet for those that live in the city with ashphalt and speeding cars...but sometimes I think we overprotect our kids.

so..did you wear a helmet to ride you bike?
and do you make you kids wear one now?
I too do not think there were helmets when I was a kid, and I am not saying they are not needed, especially in the city...i was just curious as to who worn them and if their kids where them.

My 4 year old daughter has a couple of them for when she rides with Papa on the 4 wheeler (he drives really slow, but I still prefer her to wear it.)

Answer
Yes I wore a helmet. Scars are an inevitable part of childhood but massive hemorrhaging of the brain doesn't have to be. What, you think there are no trees or rocks out in the country you could whack your head on while flying over the handlebars?

mini motorcycles for kids?

Ricky R

ok, i was going to get one of those mini motorcycles for a gift a while ago, the harleys but minituzed for kids, they go like 60. now im 16 and thinking about getting a 2 seater, cuz that would be flipping sweet lol.. i cant seem to find them on google. so can someone give me a site? i wwant one under 600$ and goes over 50, 2 seats, whats a good site to find these?

Answer
You're a little old for little kids toys. Get a real bike, you can probably find a used 250cc for around $600

kids mini chopper kit?

Chris

i want to find a full kit to build a mini kids chopper

Answer
They are a pain. Just get a mini bike and be done. they are more fun, and handle better anyway.

I am looking for a 14" kids bike tire any ideas?

rebkha

gilrs strawberry shortcake huffy bike
I have checked several retail stores and it is an odd size. I have been told.

Answer
GO TO THE BIKE SHOP

can a 14 year old kid ride a 200cc dirt bike?

Curtis P

I'm 14 and I'm going to get a 200cc dirt bike but my friends say that I'm not ready yet but I've rode a 125 dirt bike before and i want to know if i should just get a 125 or stay with the 200.
i for got to add the stroke its a 4 stroke and its a racing bike and it cost 800 and i have sat on a 250 and i its 3 inches smaller
i for got to add the stroke its a 4 stroke and its a racing bike and it cost 800 and i have sat on a 250 and i its 3 inches smaller

Answer
if its your first bike no but if your an experienced rider go for it i just turned 15 last month and i ride a 250 but ive been riding for a long time make shure your comforatable on the bike first and can at least tip toe it but i think you would be better off getting a smaller 4 stroke bike for your first time trust me you wont regret it

GOOD Luck

does anyone know of a multi speed 18" tire bike for a small child?

dave

Answer
You'll only find 18" wheeled bikes in a very few stores catering to kids like Toys R Us. These bikes are considered "transition" bikes where the child is too big for a sidewalk bike and too small for a 20" wheeled model. They don't make multispeed versions because the derailleur would hit the ground.

You do have some options however depending on the amount of pain you want to endure:

1) Buy a junior framd 20" wheeled bike with gears. They are available from a several of companies in the US like Raleigh and Diamondback (about $200) and in the Pinnacle line from Evans Cycles in London http://evanscycles.com . Fair warning, the Pinnacle costs close to $400 but is a great bike;

2) Go to your local bike shop and inquire about a multispeed hub- 3 or 7 speed from Strumey Archer would be a good choice. Find out if they are able to build you a rear wheel with that hub. It is a pretty simple matter to then swap the rear wheel and add the cabling necessary. You can get internally geared hubs with coaster brakes so there is no need for calipers. This will likely cost you something over $200- just for the wheel;

3) Determine the number of spokes there are in an existing 18" wheel (there are probably 24) then wander around yard sales until you find a bike that has internal gears and a 24 hole hub, then have the wheel relaced. New spokes and doing the dirty work will probably run about $80-100.

YIPPEE! I found an 18" wheeled multispeed bike- but it is in England- at Evans Cycles. The Raleigh Hot Rod. It costs Â£104 (about $208) plus the considerable freight to get it here.

Planning a free day around London?

gjgfojgog

I want to take my boyfriend around London, he hasn't really been before. All i have planned is to walk down southbank, walk until we get to trafalgar square and then i don't know what to do after that would interest him. he's not really a cultural person more of a uninterested in anything person.

Answer
If he's not really interested in much, maybe it's time to try to find something that excites him...?

Have you thought about:
- being a kid again and rolling down the hills in Richmond or Greenwich Park? Flying a kite?
- walking around the markets? (Camden; Greenwich; Borough; Pentoville Road; Roman Road; Covent Garden)
- journeying over to a number of the museums and galleries? (Natural History; Science; National Portrait Gallery)
- getting a read in the British Library
- hiring a bike (reasonable cheap) and cycling around the side streets to see the independent shops and stuff that don't normally get seen by tourists?
- looking at the grafitti tunnel by Waterloo station?
- taking part in a Japanese karaoke bar?

Do you think that this was the correct course of action?

hendsbeex

I have a 3 year old boy. On Saturday, we were in our back yeard playing around his toddler pool (it is no more than 4 inches deep, with maybe a diameter of 6 feet) when the little girl next door came over. She is maybe 6 or 7. She started playing with my son, which I have no problem with as she comes over quite often to push him around on his bike, or car or whatever. The next thing I know, 3 of this girl's friends come out of nowhere, and start splashing around in the pool, they were all a good 3 years older than my son, which basically forced my son out as he was by far the smallest. I sent all the kids out of my yard, including the first little girl. This upset my son, as he had no-one to play with. The little girl came back later in the afternoon, and I explained why I did what I did, and told her that she, and only she is welcome to come over and play with my son. He does have younger friends that he plays with in some of the groups that he is in.

Answer
Absolutely. It was the correct and wise course of action. You not only had to be protective of your son who could have accidentally gotten hurt by the bigger kids, but also look out for the safety of the other children and have consideration for their parents who might not have felt entirely comfortable with them being in a pool or even in another person's yard without their knowledge. It was unlikely that an accident would have happened with you standing right there and them being older, but children have drowned in small amounts of water, and I think you should always have the permission of each of the parents whenever you have a child younger than 10 in any kind of pool. Had one of the girls gotten hurt, you could have been held liable, morally and legally. When I was 13 I was babysitting my younger sisters when a friend of theirs from the neighborhood came over, and her parents and mine were really upset I let them go into the pool, and that's when my parents said that each parent had to know whenever a kid went into a pool and to give consent each & every time. My mom is a doctor who once had a 2 year old with severe neurological problems for life because she fell face-down in a toddler pool and couldn't get up. You have to be so careful with all that.

It doesn't sound like you yelled at the girls or were unkind to them, and that you took the time to explain to the neighbord girl that she was welcome at your home, and to make her understand that you weren't angry and didn't dislike her.

You handled it really well.

I think my son has ADHD?

elainevdb

I'm usually the first to scoff at these kinds of questions ... but I'm honestly starting to wonder and worry about my 3-yr old. My husband says I'm being paranoid, too soft on him and he doesn't exhibit the same behaviors with him as he does with me. What my husband forgets is, that my son spends 90% of his awake time with me, so obviously he'll behave differently.

He's extremely hyper and all over the place. Nothing keeps him occupied for more than 5 minutes at a time, unless he's being active - like swimming or riding his bike, that he can do for hours on end. Sometimes, if there's a really good movie on, he'll watch it, but gets up frequently with little requests for things like milk or a snack.

When he gets upset or angry he'll lash out by hitting or shaking me - he goes into the naughty chair when he does this, and while he's doing it I'll tell him to stop, and he'll stop for a little while, but next time he'll do it again. This he only does with me, not my husband (that's why my husband thinks I'm just being too soft on him). He whinges, cries and throws tantrums whenever I say no to something. Every. Single. Time.

He babbles non-stop ... even when he's ignored he doesn't stop. He'll frequently interrupt conversations, and I'll tell him to wait his turn because I'm talking to his daddy now (for instance), but he just goes right on talking. He screams and yells, for no other reason than he can do it. When I tell him to lower his voice, he just keeps right on screaming, sometimes even during a regular conversation. He struggles to go to sleep, sometimes it can take up to two hours to get him to sleep, and then he'll wake up during the night a few times, but be up at the crack of dawn to get going again ... he doesn't nap at all. He'll start doing something, like painting a picture, then stops mere seconds later declaring that he's done.

He's extremely demanding of my time and attention. He can not and will not entertain himself, even if I refuse to give him any attention. He says no to everything. If I give him a task to do, he'll flat out refuse, or start doing the task then stop.

Apart from the hitting, I'm wondering if this is just normal 'boy' behavior or if I should have him evaluated. He's always been a busy little guy, even as a newborn (he crawled by the time he was 5 months old), but this is off the charts. I'm exhausted, and I get so depressed when he gets up out of bed for the 10th time at night demanding even more of my attention, just because he doesn't want to sleep. I don't mind giving him attention, but after 15 hrs straight of hearing nothing but mommy, mommy, mommy and looking for something new he/we can do that won't bore him, I do need a little down time too.

This isn't all of it, there are other little things he does that just doesn't seem like 'normal' kid behavior. The school has called me in already, because he won't sit quietly when they're supposed to do their work (he wants to go play), or he'll rush through a task to get it done or if he's really bored and can't get out of it, he'll just space out until he can get up from the desk. He gets exceptional reports though, so he's a bright enough boy.
@Ms. Nancy. First off, you're rude. Secondly, I NEVER switch the television on during the day, because I don't have time to watch television. I don't read magazines, I do however read fiction novels before bed, if that's quite okay with you? I do have the radio on, because my children enjoy listening to music and dancing. Is that okay? Or should we live in a dead quiet house? I haven't watched Oprah since I was 18, I'm now 33 ...

Perhaps try to be helpful instead of condescending.
Good grief. I don't want to medicate my child into submission. I want to help HIM - not me. Sure, we didn't have ADD and ADHD when we were children, and 100 years ago we didn't have schizophrenia either, just crazy people in asylums. Nor did we have antibiotics, but medical science advances, and now we don't die of infections anymore because of penicillin, and schizophrenia can be managed quite well with medication.

For what it's worth, I'm not a 'medicate them until they listen' kind of mother ... I'm asking if it's normal for him to be this way, and if it's not and he is diagnosed with ADHD, I'll try alternatives first before I'll even consider medication.

Answer
Take a deep breath...

If you're concerned, that's the first indication that you're doing a good job as a mother. We all worry about our children, and we definitely want to be proactive in handling any difficult situations such as his having a disability or illness. If you are truly concerned, I would definitely suggest talking with your pediatrician about it. However, I would also suggest holding off on any medications simply for the fact that children quickly build tolerance to medications and what may start off as a small dose at age 3 could lead to huge dosages by adolescence. Many times large amounts of medication may help with the symptoms, but they can also mask your child's personality.

It sounds like you definitely have an active and precocious toddler on your hands. I would suggest a few things:
1. Make a schedule for your day where your child knows exactly what he is supposed to be doing at any given part of the day. Of course, it will have to be flexible on any given day. Include in this schedule lots of active times for playing outside or playing games inside. Also, include some down time wherein he is expected to be still and color or watch tv (it's not all bad - just make sure there's a benefit to it). Start with the active times being much greater than the down times. When he gets used to having a schedule, you can increase the down time to give yourself some rest. Use a timer to that he knows that the down time is not unlimited.

2. Each week, try to schedule some time for you. If your husband works, ask if he would be willing to take care of your son during a week night or for a few hours on the weekend. As moms, we take on a lot, and it easily becomes stressful. If you have something to look forward to, it will help ease your mind during those times when you may feel like pulling out your hair.

3. When he acts up, let his "time out" place be somewhere with no stimulation. We use our spare room at my house; my sister has used a bathroom. Simply somewhere the child has no reinforcement. Limit it to one minute per year of life (i.e. 3 minutes for your son). When he comes out, take the time to explain why he was sent to time out. In addition, praise him as much as possible for even the most meaningless positive behaviors.

4. When he gets out of bed, have no discussion with him. Just go put him back in bed, kiss him on the forehead and go back to bed... This will probably keep you up for about 3 or 4 nights, I realize, but without the reinforcement of the attention and/or conversation, it may not be much fun for him.

With these suggestions, though, there are a few reminders:
1. The most intelligent children are going to be the ones who often give their parents a hard time. They see our weaknesses and will manipulate them to the end of the earth. Not because they don't love us but because that's what kids do.

2. You know your child better than anyone in this world. Your opinions do count, and you should always follow your instincts. Yes, there are people who have had many many years in school and are experts in their field, but you are the expert on your child.

3. When you are trying to extinguish behaviors, there are "extinction bursts" wherein the behavior gets worse before it gets better. So be prepared for that and work through it.

4. None of us have a manual on parenting...So, we're going to make mistakes sometimes... Even Oprah ;). In all seriousness - You're allowed to be frustrated, and you're not alone. Don't ever let anyone feel like you're not doing your job. If you're trying and you're loving that child with all you've got, you're doing a great job!

Friday, March 28, 2014

Best Road Biking Gear ?

meeeee!

My dad is an avid biker.
However, he is sacrificial and never buys anything for himself, only for his family, so he has done without the legitimate biking gear for years.

This Christmas, I want to hook him up with some legitimate gear!

It's cooler where I live, so I know he definitely needs some biking pants, a jacket, and like, biking glasses (he always rides with sunglasses, but I want him to have the legitimate gear) (:

Any other suggestions, please suggest away!

I need help!
Thanks so much!
(if you provide links, it would be greatly appreciated!)

Answer
You sound like my kids. I'm congenitally cheap. I do get legitimate gear, but I lean towards the sale bins and closeouts, while my kids get me the good stuff that I would never buy for myself. Yes, its always appreciated.

Some thoughts: Shoes are good, but you can't buy them online, since sizes and fit are all over the place even among different models from the same brand.

Gloves are always good. If you're dad's putting in any kind of miles, he's wearing out gloves constantly. Tights, jerseys, underarmour (I like that better than bike specific base layers)

Here's my favorite place for a variety of jerseys. They have other stuff as well. If you get lucky and find what you need in their closeout section, you can be stylish AND frugal.

http://www.primalwear.com/

The other place I get most of my bike stuff:

http://www.performancebike.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/TopCategories_10052_10551_-1?

Then of course there's your friendly LBS (local bike shop).

fastest road bike?

James

What is the fastest or best road bike for under $500?

Answer
Not the right wording on the question cause I can take a 100 dollar wallyworld bike and be faster than all the other people I ride with. Got 4 people who won't ride with me unless Im pulling my double bike trailer with my two kids in it. So I think you should ask

"What is the best road bike I can buy for under 500 bucks."

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Do you think cyclists should be allowed on the sidewalk (NYC)?

Yoshi

I do.

Teenagers don't belong in the road where they can easily be struck by a car or crash into a door. Teens are much safer (and adults as well) on the sidewalk. It's common sense to slow down if pedestrians are in your way, so I don't see cyclists on the sidewalks being a threat to anyone. Drivers on the streets are a much bigger threat to us.
In neighborhood areas, not in the city itself.
May, you idiot, I said "and adults as well".

Answer
Absolutely not, sidewalks are for pedestrians. If the road is too dangerous for kids and teens, walk. There is very little "Common Sense" being exercised today, especially by young people who apparently either failed to learn or were insufficiently instructed in courtesy and respect for the rights and safety of others. The other day I walked out the door of a bike shop and a kid, about 16-17 came flying by on a bike and brushed me with his handlebars as he passed and then flipped me the finger. No No No, no bikes on sidewalks, especially in the city.

Best Time to go to NYC?

avrod

When is the best time to visit NYC and Boston? Is January a bad time? I heard there's lots of snow storms during that period. But the only time I can travel is December-January. What can I do during the winter months in NY n Boston?

Answer
NYC is awsome. Especially if u live in a small town like I do. I have been out there 4 times and I always had something to do. Ice Skating, Rockefeller, Time Square is awsome to see at night. TRL if u sign up online u can make plans to be in the audience its free. If u go to the statue of liberty and want to take the cruise I would go online to the site and book 3 days ahead of time otherwise if u just want to see it from the view and dont want to go into the museum take the Staten Island ferry it takes u right by there. Central Park is really nice to see but u need a whole day to go through it and to see everything. took me from 11am til 5pm from top to bottom. they have these bike ppl that will take u through, its not that expensive and they show u popular places like the fountain on friends and where the bridge is at in Home alone 2 lost in new york and other places that was cool. If u r going to be there for a couple weeks and want to see everything u should get the NYC pass there are two different ones and u will have to go on the NYC site but its the cheapest way to get into everything. I wanted to go to the top of the tower but never made it there. The wax museum was cool. The beach at coney Island was nice. The world trade center was sad and there is a church there that was nice but emotional. If u do go out there, i wouldnt drive coz u can get the metro pass and u can take any subway train or bus anywhere in NYC and surrounding areas, it will get u anywhere and u can get a 7 day unlimited for $27 i think it was. Parking is outrageous. If u go plan to take some money coz u r gonna want to spend and nothing is that cheap. Dont eat at the chinese place at the rockefeller yeck it was gross, if u like chinese food and want good food go to Flushing Queens or there is a place on Canal Street but I dont know address. Pizzaria was a good place to eat pizza and that was in Woodhaven BLVD.
In boston we went whale watching and that was cool but it is only during certain months and I went in August.
It is really cold there in the winter. one day it was sunny and during the night they got like 4 feet of snow or more last year in just hours.. i couldnt believe it. There is just so much to do. I walked all over NYC so many shops.
It was great I think u will like it. Its not that hard to find things and to get around once u get there and see how things are. I went my first time alone and it was pretty simple. You will have a blast. If it wasnt for me having kids I would move there. Take care and best wishes.

12 inch kids bike tire replacement?

fic

My son has a 12 inch kids bike, and the tire says 12inch by 2.4 inch. Unfortunately, I have only found tires that are 12.5 inch being advertised on the internet. Will the 12.5 inch fit ok?

Answer
Yes but you should try taking it to a local bike shop.

what cc should a dirt bike for a kid that is about 54 inches?

Garrett Et

Answer
INSIDE LEG....

if your 12 feet tall but only have legs 12 inches long a bike with a seat 2 foot of the ground is no good

so more info would be good????

Can anyone recommend a baby helmet to soften falls?

tonymonton

We got her one, but she won't wear it because it falls over her eyes. Any suggestions?
for those of us who don't see the wisdom in fall protection, try this.. Fall head first onto a hard floor. If you still don't understand the trauma this causes to a baby, repeat until convinced.

Answer
I have been a mom for 28 years to 4 kids who are now 28, 26, 23, and 10. I am also grandma to an almost 12 month old grandson who has been working to perfect his toddling skills for about a month. Additionally, I have provided child care in my home for 20 years. Unless your baby has a medical condition necessitating a helmet a child who is developing at a normal rate does not need one. Falls and the accompanying bumps, bruises, and cuts are part of the learning experience and while I won't say never, I will say will rarely cause any permanent or long-lasting damage. I have never heard of a child with a permanent injury as the result of a normal childhood fall. Truthfully, most of the falls will cause various facial injuries rather than head bumps anyway. Right now I have my almost 1 year old grandson sitting on my lap with a bump above his eye that he got earlier today when he fell against a toy while practicing his walking skills. It caused a few tears, but some snuggle time and a kiss to make the "owie" better and he was up and trying again. One of my 2 year old daycare children has a scratch on his check no doubt received over the weekend in some toddler mishap. When babies are learning to walk they will naturally put their hands out to balance themselves and thus to catch themselves so they are not landing with a full impact on their heads/faces on the floor nor will they fall straight back, but usually fall on their well-padded little bottoms. In my many years of experience with infants and toddlers, the only child who needed a helmet was not for safety reasons but was a molding helmet to help with plagiocephaly, which is the misshapen head that some infants get. I am sure that you love your daughter very much and want to do what you can to protect her, but a helmet is really unneccessary unless she is riding on the back of your bike in a child seat or in a bicycle trailer. ADDED: It is just a part of life that babies fall while learning to sit or walk. The majority of the time it is not their head that hits the floor first. While learning to sit simply place pillows around her while she practices the balance skills she needs. While learning to walk, most falls are backward to the bottom. Frontwards falls are usually absorbed by the torso and the arms. Bumps to the head are typically not caused by falls but rather by running into something such as a door knob, a coffee table, or the kitchen table.

How do I get my parents to let me buy a bike?

Paul M

Okay, here is the situation...Im a 17 year old (well, in one month I will be) high school graduate. Im in college full time, and work part time. I need a form of transportation that is cheap,effective, and reliable. My parents are not letting me buy a 1993 Firebird as I wished because of the "Ungodly" insurance rates, which I understand. So Ive decided to buy a new Ninja 250R. I want a bike for the following reasons;

(1) GAS MILEAGE-up to 70 mpg.

(2) LOW INSURANCE- as low as $90 a month. (Hell of a lot cheaper than $250 a month for a Firebird ;)

(3) LOW COST- $4000 for a brand new bike.

(4) LOW POWER- There isn't enough power for me to get stupid with.

(5) LOW MAINTENANCE-Very low maintenance,only oil ,filters,and tires need replacement every few thousand miles

(6) RELIABLE- Ive never heard of some ones ninja breaking down on them.

But my parents are protesting my request to allow me to buy a motorcycle. They know that Im a responsible kid ( I mean come on, im in college and Im freaking 16), but my mother says that im going to get killed. No matter how much that I tell her that I'll take safety courses, and wear a helmet and FULL leathers, she refuses to let me start working on getting my M class license. She believes that leathers don't do anything but keep all your dead guts together in a wreck, which I know is not true. Apparently I am "taking my life in my hands" if I ride a bike. And she states that Im already shortening my lifespan by joining the Marine Corps next semester. lol

Sorry for the long read, but Im just really upset at her. I present her with all of the logical reasons to let me purchase a bike, but she is just sooo damn hard headed. What do I do?

Answer
Your parents will forever be against it. Having a bike is pleasurable, peaceful and fun, but also a very serious undertaking. Take a bike safety course and if you still decide to get one, try maybe a 600 instead. you will outgrow a 250 in about a week. Ride safe, wear a lid(helmet). Most bike fatalities stem from head injuries, think about it-if you fell down while standing and your head hit the pavement...imagine going 60 mph and that happening! Always expect the unexpected. Don't street race man, if you feel the need to get into the ozone, go to the track. Keep it on two wheels...welcome to biker world. Busa D.

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

What's a good street bike to start off on?

Benassi

I've always wanted one. I'm a girl (as if that matters) I'm 5'6 165lbs and I've ridden dirt bikes, fourwheelers, mini bikes, and jet skiis since I was a little kid. I want to know a good one to start off with, of course it will be used a bike but still. Any suggestions? Thanks
Ahhh, I've been looking at the cbr's and ninjas. I really like the cbr 600s but I think that's a little big to start off with.

Answer
"how tall is important blah blah flat footed" this person is a top contributor somehow but doesn't realize that they make lowering kits for just about every motorcycle on the market. hmm...

so yeah... figure out what STYLE of bike you want, then go from there. technically all non dirt bikes are street bikes... cruisers, sport bikes, sport touring, all street bikes. figure out which of those you want, then re-ask the question.

most people say ninja 250... no..... they are good bikes, but usually people buy them and a month later sell them because they aren't powerful enough and they out grow them.

if you're going to ride a sport bike, go with a 500, 600,650, or whatever they have in the model you want. then pay someone to LOWER it to fit you.

i say this because, like i said, people outgrow 250's pretty much immediately and regret not having spent a few hundred more for something that won't get you killed entering the freeway because it doesn't have enough power to pass at highway speeds.

Most people are telling you to get a 250 because you're a girl. that's just the honest truth. ignore that crap and go for at LEAST a 500. you'll thank me one of these days.

with that said, Katana's are comfortable, GSX-R are fast and handle like crazy, then there are about a dozen cruisers to choose from... Kawasaki Vulcan, Honda Rebel, Honda Shadow, Yamaha makes a bunch of them, etc.

there are SEVERAL women around here around your size or smaller who ride full sized bikes... harley's, honda shadows, V-stars, GSX-R1000's, BMW S1000RR's you name it.. size doesn't matter, age doesn't matter, physical strength matters no matter what you're riding, big or small, and mental capacity and FOCUS matter most. if you have FOCUS, you can ride anything... i.e. if you are scatterbrained and ADHD all to hell, i don't suggest getting a bike, you'll end up wrecking it.

Okay, i need to know about bikes! Help?

Beaux

Okay, i want to buy a 'road bike' you know. a bike for the road? Anyway, im just a kid and don't want anything 'to nice' and def. not 'to expensive'.

I'm even looking for a used one. But what should i look for wand what should i know...

where can i find a GOOD N' CHEAP one?

HELP! any addition info would be great, im using it to ride around, and ride to my highschool

Answer
Go for a mountain bike, MTB. Cool, tough, versatile.

Cheap? That get's a bit complicated.

Use the internet to educate yourself about MTBs. Then shop garage sales, flea markets, craigslist, whereever.

As a general rule, the most expensive bikes, tho not necessarily the best, will be at your local bike shop. There you get a lot of service before an after the sale.

Shop the box stores. Target may have the edge on Walmart for quality, a term used loosely for box store bikes. But, they are relatively cheap up front, and if you know what you're doing, might work out ok.

The internet is loaded with MTB shops. Look them over. You'll have to finish assembly and figure in shipping cost.

Is this a good deal for this bike?

nick

http://cgi.ebay.com/TREK-520-TOURING-BICYCLE-/220682193417?pt=Road_Bikes&hash=item3361af0a09

Answer
$900 for a bike that sold new in 2004 for $1,099.99? And then + shipping I guess. You gotta be kidding.

help buying a road bike?

Im a college kid in need of a road bike just to get to class and around to a few places.

and i found this

http://richmond.craigslist.org/bik/2145366663.html

i am 5'10" and i do not know anything about road bikes. Like zero. other than your legs have to be able to straighten out.

do you guys think this is a good deal? it is also OBO. so i could try and get it fro 150 but no more than 175. It is possible.

What do u guys think? should i buy it? will it last me? is their anything costly to replace/repair? Good deal? scam?
god damnit somebody bought it already

Answer
Same bike as on Bikes Direct for $389.95. Keep looking if it's gone. People sell slightly used road bike all the time. You just have to find a good one & jump on it --- FAST.

50cc dirt bike motor questions!!?

Anon

How many gears does it have, 2 stroke? 4 stroke? top speed. Best brand?
((><))

Answer
when i was little i had a 2 stroke yamaha, it was an automatic so i have no idea how many gears, and a 4 stroke honda, i think it had 3 gears. neither had a clutch. I would go with 4 stroke, they require less maintenance and a kid really doesn't need any of the benefits of a 2 stroke. honda's last. plus having to switch gears gets them ready for a real bike.

Are 50cc dirt bikes fun?

John D

When I get the money, I am considering buying a 50cc dirtbike so I can just ride it to my friends houses and stuff, just for fun. I already have an 80cc Honda, so I already have a bike that fits me. I just think it will be fun to have a small bike that can get me places. Should I get it or spend my money on something else? Help meeeeeee

Answer
only if you are small enough to ride it safely. they have little power and are made for small kids. since you already have an 80cc, just ride it.

How fast could a kid travel on a mountain bike?

Kate F

If the kid is reasonably strong and fit and on a decent bike.

Answer
Mountain bikes are not made for speed. If you can pedal very fast in the top gear you would get about 27 mph out of it.

BMX vs. Mountain Bike?!?!?!?!?

needhelpma

Okay, I'm getting a bike tomorrow and i was wondering what to get. I wont be going to any skateparks, just to school, around my neighborhood, and to friends houses.THX

Answer
Mountain bikes. BMX is really for younger, smaller kids or for people who just want to throw tricks at the bike park. In every other way, a BMX is more limited than a 26" mountain bike. I'd recommend you build yourself up a nice 26" jump bike... something like the Rocky Mountain Flow or Specialized P1.... It'll get you around town great with the gears, can handle some off road action and could even get down a bit at some bike parks too if you wind up there.

Monday, March 24, 2014

Whats the best kind of dirt bike for a 4 year old?

kingelkhun

Yeah you read that right, a 4 year old. Whats the best kind of 49cc dirt bike to get for a 4 year old? And Im talking a REAL dirt bike. Not a power wheel or a plastic wal mart razor electric imitaion dirt bike. Im talking yamaha, suzuki, etc etc. Whats the best dirt bike to get my 4 year old.

Answer
I agree with Yamaha pw50. That's what both of my kids learned on. It is shaft drive, so no chain to get caught in, no shifting or clutch, and the kill switch has a "start" position which will only let it idle until you switch it to "run", which prevents accidental take-offs. They are extremely reliable too.

is my 4 year old too young to ride his bike around the block alone?

brittany g

We live in a nice neighborhood and have always gone around the block as a family. All the neighbors know my son. He is also way independent and smart for his age. He knows all the don't talk to strangers and punch kick and scream if someone tries to take you and that stuff. He asked this morning if he could ride around the block by himself (which a lot of the kids around the same age do around here) I said okay, then secretly fallowed behind him in the car cause I got nervous. He did great. But wondered what others thought.
I know the risks and things, but I can see the other side of the block from my back yard. And he is, like I said, way mature for his age, and way more independent then any other 4 year old I've ever met (I've worked in preschool day cares for many years too.) All my kids are pretty advanced (not to brag or sound stuck up) So it didn't seem like that big of a deal, I just wanted to see what everyone else thought thanks for the impute. :)

Answer
Four is too young to be where an adult cannot check in on him easily.
There are lots of concerns here, not just "stranger danger".
What if someone's dog gets loose? What if older kids are unkind? There are a lot of things he has not had life experiences with.
Not to mention, he's still pretty small, size-wise. He would be hard to spot for someone backing out of their driveway in a hurry.

And, there's the fact that predatory adults are out there. The smaller and younger the child, and the more alone they are, the greater the risk, even if they are tough, smart, and mature.

A few years back, a little boy from the kindergarten class I taught was riding his bike with his older sister. He became tired and got off to walk, so she rode ahead of him to the house, not far away. A man in a pick-up truck pulled along side the little boy and began trying to get him to get in the truck, telling him that his mother had sent him to fetch him. He pointed down the street in the general direction of the child's house and told him there was an emergency and he needed to hurry; he'd get in trouble if he didn't hop in the truck right away.

The child immediately knew something was wrong, and his first instinct was to try to get on his bike and ride away. He just wasn't fast enough to make a speedy get-away from a standstill, though, and the man was able to throw him off balance by flinging open the truck door and grabbing the handlebar if the bike. Thankfully, the boy pulled free and ran across the yards to his house.

He was able to give a description to police that allowed them to catch the suspect, who was found prowling another neighborhood across town. Everyone who knew this child felt incredibly blessed that he made that split-second decision to leave his beloved bike behind, and to get up and run even though he had badly scraped his leg and lost a shoe. Even one moment of hesitation - to grab the shoe, or in shock over the blood on his leg, or to try to stop the man from taking his bike - could have had disastrous results.

In this friendly, upscale, family-oriented neighborhood, grown-ups began to think twice about letting their children out on the street/sidewalk without adult supervision.

Kids have to gain independence and freedom sometime, but please consider giving it plenty of time. Your little guy was a toddler two years ago, and has a lot of growing up ahead of him, even if he is very wise for his age. His life is too precious to gamble on nothing bad happening while he is still so young. Maybe, as a compromise, he could bike in your drive and on the sidewalk to the corner and back, where you can still see him at a glance to check on him.

Best Road Biking Gear ?

meeeee!

Which is better. A fixed gear (fixie) or a mountain bike?

John

I live in a small town where everyone rides their bikes to commute. I mean there are kids everywhere riding bikes. All my friends live across a bridge. So I'm wondering if a mountain bike, or a fixed gear would be better to go over the bridge. Everyday in the summer I will be going over this bridge so which one is better. Fixed gear, or mountain bike.

Answer
John, a bike with gears will help you go uphill allot easier, and downhill/level ground allot faster. If that's not important to you, and you are planning to ride on level ground only, a fixie could be a good choice. Now, if you are buying a bike just do commute or basically ride on roads, get a hybrid. It will give you a much more comfortable ride, mountain bikes are design for better performance on off-road in expense of comfort.

But in the end, I recommend you get a bike with gears. In the long run, it will be much more enjoyable and usable.

Sunday, March 23, 2014

Is it really all that bad if I buy a Walmart bike?

Blarg

I ask this question because I'm considering getting a Kent GMC Denali road bike.

I've been riding a seven year old Chinocrap imitation mountain bike (Rhino Outreach) for years, and it still has some life left (has well over 1k miles on it). I need a bike to last me till late next year, when I'll get a motorcycle, but I don't think my Rhino will last that long with my school commutes (13 miles round trip). I also don't want to get some nice used Trek or similar then have it vandalized or ruined by someone messing around the bike racks at high school, which is pretty likely. What do you think about the GMC Denali road bike? My friend has one and it's worlds better than my Rhino. Remember, I don't have the budget or a need for a high end bike.

Thanks.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/700C-GMC-Denali-Men-s-Road-Bike/12080282

Also, how does the Denali compare to this bike?

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Schwinn-700c-Varsity-Road-Bike/4698938

Answer
re: the other answer, I love it when clueless people make blanket condemnations of bikes because of some hidden agenda or some bone to pick with big-box stores or just misinformation from personal experience.

That being said, No they are not all junk. If you walk into any bike shop, 90% of the bikes (and parts) are made in China or Taiwan too. So is almost everything you buy whether you know it or not.

The bikes are fine, the parts are perfectly functional, but there are two caveats: They're going to be alot heavier (most of the components are made of steel instead of alloy, like the cranks, handlebars, hubs, seatpost, etc.) and two, they are very likely not adjusted properly (such as wheels not being in true, derailleurs won't always shift properly, tires underinflated, and bearings might be too tight or too loose) because big-box stores don't hire bike mechanics to assemble their bikes which is part of why the price is so low to begin with.

I do have to concede: If you buy any of the bikes from a big-box store and you don't know basic mechanics, first thing: take it to a bikeshop and have it tuned up properly. It will make a world of difference. (Try to ignore the snotty condescending attitude you're likely to get though. It's just a defense mechanism for the bike shops. Remind them you're paying them, and if they're helpful and friendly you will gladly give them repeat business.)

BUT If you're handy with a wrench and mechanically-inclined, the bikes with aluminum frames are bargains and good starting points for upgrades. The key is tuning them up properly and taking them for rides and seeing how they feel. Remember, with bikes everything is interchangeable. Seat too uncomfortable? Try a bigger gel seat. Bars too low or too high? Swap out for another pair. Changing your riding position this way will shift your weight and make the bike feel different, so try different things to test. Make sure your seat is high enough so your leg is almost fully extended at the bottom of the pedal stroke. If you're not sure, ask a bikeshop.
Replacing the steel components with alloy ones will EASILY save you an average of about five pounds.

(FYI I used to work as a mechanic in bikeshops in my youth, I own about 20 bikes; my latest project is an aluminum Mongoose XCom 700c hybrid I bought for $150 at KMart and upgraded as described above to a pretty impressive machine.)

To sum it up, not everyone has $600 or more to spend on a bike. So the bikes you list are decent compromises.

shimano genesis mountain bike accessories?

Gary

Hi,I spent my youth like others riding bikes and after years away from it my wife and kids got me a shimano genesis for my birthday.Ive been riding it at a local trail,for they have ideas of going on Long trails while camping this year.What are some things I could upgrade my bike with.And things I need to take with us. And where can I find them affordable and easily.I know it has a water bottle studs on the frame but I don't evan know where to get one that fits it.There isn't any bike shops local that Im aware of just a walmart.
Thank You.
Im in good health by the way lol

Answer
Shimano does NOT make bicycles. They only make bicycle components. Genisis is a low end discount store bicycle NOT intended for real off-road use. Read the owners manual.

To find a real bike shop, Google the words "bicycle shop" including your 5 digit zip code. Example "bicycle shop 90210". https://www.google.com/search?q=bicycle+shop+90210&aq=f&oq=bicycle+shop+90210&aqs=chrome.0.57&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

And even Wally World sells water bottle cages & bottles. http://www.walmart.com/ip/Schwinn-Waterbottle-and-Cage/17247654 Always carry a spare tube, tire levers & folding hex-head tool in an under-the-seat bag. http://www.walmart.com/ip/Bell-Bicycle-Saddle-Bag/17330710 And a frame pump - http://www.walmart.com/ip/Zefal-Zen-X-Pumpmaster-Mini-Pump/21679203

Better quality products can be found at a bike shop or Amazon.com. Do NOT try to upgrade the bike itself. Not worth it. Waste of money. I'd bet my last dollar you do have a bike shop somewhere within a 50 mile radius. Go there. See what a REAL mountain bike looks like. If you ever test ride one - you'll never want to ride that Wally World bike again.

MX dirt bike question. READ!?!?!?

dazed and

Im trying to find a dirt bike thats right for me. Sadly, i have outgrown my old honda CRF70 and i am currently looking for a new bike. I want a Kawasaki KLX140 Monster Energy which has a 30.9 inch seat. i am wondering if it is right for me. I am 13, 5'1, about 110 lbs. any advice?

Answer
A kid your age & size has no business riding a KLX 140. You need to move up from that CRF 70 to a CRF 100 or a KLX 110.

What age do kids typically start to learn to ride a bike?

Mikey's Mo

Sorry for such a silly question, but I'm just not sure.

I have a new toddler bike with training wheels for my niece. She is 2 now (3 in September). I'm not sure if she'll be able to start riding this summer, or if I should wait until her birthday or Christmas to give her the bike so she can ride next summer. Or, is 3 even too young?

Thanks in advance!

Answer
She can probably start riding now, depending on the size of the bike. You want a bike that is correctly sized. A child will go through several bikes. There is not a one size fits all. My kids are on their fourth set of bikes and they are 8 & 9. They began riding at 2 1/2. One was riding without training wheels at 3 1/2 and the other at 4 1/2.

I was without training wheels at 3 1/2 too.

It's easier when they are young. They have less of a fear. Only with age do we develop fear.

Letting 9 year old daughter ride her bike home from school?

Wendy

So mom's and dad's what would you guys do? Once it starts getting warm my 9 year old daughter wants to ride her bike to and from school we live less then a mile from school, most is neighborhood riding and just a little on a barely main road by the time she gets to the main road she can see the crossing guard... We also have a cop that patrols the street (I think more just to issue tickets for speeding in a school zone) then watching the kids... My husband thinks it's fine I am on the fence maybe I just don't want my little one growing up lol.... So would you guys let your daughter do so? Thanks everyone!
We live in a nice neighborhood and the only crime there is here is kids being kids type stuff...
Even knowing our neighborhood is completely safe i am still not 100% on board

Yeah we have a firefly cellphone she uses for sleepovers and checking in when at friends houses, there is a large group of kids that walk home (we have no buses) all kids are walkers or like me I drive my daughter to and from, she has asked to walk with the other kids a few of them are her friends at school, she has never gotten upset that I will not let her she just says OK mom maybe next year, lol which makes me feel worse about saying no! Our main road is only busy on school mornings/afternoons when the school traffic is coming other then that you see a car maybe every 10 mins!! Thanks everyone for the input now I don't feel so overprotective!!

Answer
I would let her ride her bike, provided she understands bike and road safety.

Your child is safer today from the unsavory types of people than they were when you or I were growing up, and none of us were kidnapped on our way home from school. Yet thanks to the over-hype we are more afraid than our parents ever were.

Keep in mind as well your daughter will be riding to school while there's other children and adults around - it's not as if you're sending her down the street at midnight.

Get her to buddy up with a friend if it makes you feel more comfortable, or hop on your bike and make the trip with her once or twice so you're convinced she knows road safety, but other than that I see no reason why she can't ride her own bike to school

What's the best vacation for kids, specifically a 9 and 11 year old?

Jenna K

If money wasnt an object, and I wanted to take my 9 and 11 year old on a week trip, and I wanted it to be something FUN, memorable, learning experience, as well as a bonding experience where should I take them?

Answer
Yellowstone National Park is pretty awesome for a week

Orlando or California theme parking, they are a good age for that.

A cruise on carnival or disney.

Oahu- go snorkeling, kayaking, biking tours, visit the memorial, parasailing, etc.

A river rafting or ocean kayaking expedition with a guide is a must do.

It'll all be fun if you don't overschedule, do goofy stuff, and don't stress trying to get too much done during your vacation.

Popular Posts