I need a new bike but I don't understand the sizing?

kaitlyn_ni

My bike was recently stolen and I'm in need of a new bike. My previous bike was a cheap beach cruiser from Walmart, but this time I'd like to get a nicer bike, preferably a road bike. I've been browsing for road bikes on the internet and I think I've found one that I like, however I'm not sure about what size I need to get. I am a 21 yr old woman and I am around 5 ft 10 or 11 inches. The link for the bike I'm interested is listed below, please help!

Thank you :)
http://www.amazon.com/GMC-Denali-Road-Bike/dp/B000FDDWB6/ref=cm_cmu_pg__header
Also, I'm at student at UCSB who needs a bike just to ride to and from campus and the surrounding Goleta/Santa Barbara area, I'm not looking to spend a fortune on a bike, but I'm not doing a beach cruiser again.

Answer
That is not a road bike. It's a "bicycle shaped object". http://www.google.com/search?q=bicycle+shaped+object&oq=bicycle+shaped+object&sugexp=chrome,mod=0&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8 You simply won't find a road bike with good quality in that low of a price range - PERIOD!

Several weeks ago I was COASTING downhill on a 2012 Giant Escape City hybrid http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/escape.city/8910/48611/ and passed a kid PEDALING one of those GMC bikes. His response? "What the F---?!"

REAL road bikes are measured in 2 cm increments from REAL bicycle shops. Ones on Internet sites you have to assemble & tune-up yourself. Can you do this? Brakes need to be lined up & adjusted. Derailleurs have to be adjusted. Or worse - wheels need to be trued up. There's not a bicycle in this world that comes ready-to-ride out of the box.

Those GMC Denali bikes may last a year. You want to waste money or spend money on a bike that will last for YEARS? If it's the latter of the two - see links below...and your authorized, independent, knowledgeable, friendly, local bicycle shop.

http://www.raleighusa.com/bikes/road/endurance/capri-1-0-13/
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/avail.5/11526/55908/
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/road/sport/1_series/1_1_h2_compact/#
http://www.schwinnbikes.com/bikes/road/fastback-2-womens

These are but 4 examples of "good" road bikes. You could take anywhere from a 53.5 cm frame size up to a 56 cm frame size. It's NOT universal from one company to the next. TRY B4 you BUY! Take 'em out for a test ride before you buy one. If you can't extensively test ride it - DON'T buy it!
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/technology/compact.road.design/57/

Someone who knows about mountain bike sizes, is this good?

PuterWitch

Im about 6'1 and am lookin for a good mountain bike. anyone have any recommendations within a 200 budget? Would this one be ok do you think? http://www.walmart.com/ip/Huffy-Men-s-DS-3-Mountain-Bike/23906571#ProductDetail

thanks

Answer
That's about the cheapest piece of crap you could possibly buy.

1) Wally World sells "bicycle shaped objects", not REAL bicycles.
2) That bike uses the LOWEST and CHEAPEST components possibly found.
3) The bike will be too small for you.
4) $200 will NOT buy a good MTB or any other type of bicycle.
5) Where will you be riding? If not off-road at least 80% of the time - you don't NEED a mountain bike. You NEED a hybrid or possibly a dual sport bike.

Start thinking $450 to $500 for a good bike. Or look for a quality used bike before buying anything from a discount store. On a cheap full squish bike like that, you will not ride down the road, you will B-O-U-N-C-E down the road.

REAL bicycles from REAL bike shops come in various frame sizes to fit people of all sizes from short to tall. That so-called bike would be the right size for a growing kid - about 5' 7" or maybe 5' 8". GTABS - Go To A Bicycle Shop.

"The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of a low price is forgotten" - Benjamin Franklin

This is a REAL entry level mountain bike...
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/revel.1/11523/55890/

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Teching kid to bike. What is the easy way to teach biking for a 4 yr old.?

Saravanan

I find it quite dificullt to bend down and run holding the bike. There are acessories like push bar for trike, is there any thing like that for bike. For example http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/sm-kettler-push-bar-tricycle-accessory--pi-1438946.html is useful for a trike, will the same fit for a kettler bingo 12' bike?

Answer
Does your 4 year old have trainer wheels on? If so, adjust them all the way up so they are not in contact with the ground all the time. I did this for my 4 1/2 year old and he has great balance now so, he COULD ride on 2 but, he still has the security of 4 if he starts to go over. I have taught him the skills he needs to be able to ride his bike properly with the 4 wheels in place so, he's gonna be good to go when I take them off.

If on 2 wheels only, walk behind them and just stabilize them with your hards on their shoulders. Once you feel they've got their balance, let them go without telling them. Bike riding 101 states you WILL fall but, that's the best way to learn, as long as they get back on and they are wearing the appropriate protection.

Best of luck!

What are balance bikes? Are they good for 3 1/2 year olds? Do they need training wheels?

KRISTIN

My daughter has outgrown her barbie, plastic tricycle from Walmart. I'm trying to find her a new bike-we like one at Walmart (Princess), but I just saw balance bikes at toysrus.com and was wondering what they are.

Are hand brakes better then foot brakes for her age?

Would a balance bike be better for a girl her age (3 1/2)?

Do balance bikes need training wheels?

Are there any bikes you personally loved for your kids that you could reccomend within my price range-I'm willing to spend $80 just on the bike because I also have to get a helmet, pads, and I promised her a horn and basket (if the bike doesn't come with one). She loves pink but theme isn't a big deal and other colors are fine if she doesn't mind. Its her bike so I'm trying to make her very happy with it-she loves the one at Walmart, but I'm trying to shop around and be smart about this. It has a foot brake, training wheels, and is adorable and perfect for her size (she's tall for a 3 year old). But any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much-this is my first time buying her a real bike and I'm afraid to pick the wrong one:(

Oh, is this the wrong category for this question?

Answer
Balance bikes have no pedals at all--they teach your child to build up speed with their legs and then lift them to balance. The thought behind them is to balance so that your children never learn to rely on training wheels at all.
http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/186-9456430-9274351?asin=B001AIONOU&AFID=Performics_Google%20Product%20Listing%20Ads&LNM=Primary&ref=tgt_adv_XASD0001

At 3 1/2, she is WAY too small for hand brakes--she does not have the coordination to understand how to use them and would end up crashing into things. She needs foot brakes if you get a bike with pedals. I don't think they even make bikes with hand brakes for her sized child.
http://www.target.com/Girls-Mongoose-Bubble-Sidewalk-Bike/dp/B002TQYWVG/ref=br_1_15?ie=UTF8&frombrowse=1&searchView=grid5&searchNodeID=16259291&node=16259291&sr=1-15&searchRank=price&searchPage=1&searchSize=30&id=Girls%20Mongoose%20Bubble%20Sidewalk%20Bike&qid=

EDIT: I missed the part where you said she's tall. The Mongoose bike is a 12 inch. The Toys R Us website has 16 inch bikes. I'd bring her to the store and have her sit on a 12 inch bike and a 16 inch bike and see which one fits her better. I'd be inclined to say that the 12 inch would work, but you don't want to get it home and have it only work for 6 mos. You want it to last a little while. You also want to have them assemble the bike for you-- assembling bikes is a huge pain in the butt--trust me...

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26" GT Aggressor Mountain Bike?

Wes

I found one of these on Craigslist for $150. Its six years old and rarely used. Im not too up to speed on mountain biking, other than I'm not suppose to get a bike at a department store (seems to be the consensus I'm getting).

How are these bikes?
Is this a decent price for this particular model?

Thanks,

PS, I ride mainly on pavements, pulling my kids in a bike trailer.

Answer
The #1 problem I see is - people always buying ATB or off-road bikes when they never go off-road. Get the point? Yeah...if you install some different tires on it, it would ride a lot better on pavement.
http://www.amazon.com/Kenda-Kross-Plus-Wire-1-95/dp/B001C6DE5O/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1364237973&sr=1-1&keywords=kenda+kross
http://www.amazon.com/Kenda-K-Sheild-Bicycle-Blackwall-1-95-Inch/dp/B002DWZE6S/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1364238039&sr=1-1&keywords=kenda+841

But you'll still have those suspension parts chewing up your energy. With every stroke of the pedals, part of your energy is soaked up by suspension parts & not transmitted to the rear wheel.

What type of bike(s) should I buy?

max3333

I have a 8 year old son who wants a "mountain bike" for his birthday. I would like to purchase a pair of bikes for myself and him to use. I have 15 acres of property that I would like to use these bikes on. It is mostly flat grassland but there is rough terrain and some 10 to 15-foot hills to ride over. These bikes will not be used on the street. Any suggestions on what type and brand of bikes for beginners(adult and kid)that can be purchased reasonably? For occasional use that can take a beating? Thanks for any suggestions.

Answer
For this terrain, one would suggest a "Double Boinger" or in other words, a full suspension mountain bike.

These can be quite expensive, so one may substitute a "regular" mountain bike, also called a hardtail. These have front shocks and no rear suspension, and they cost a lot less.
Make up the difference by using a springer saddle or a suspension seatpost. Either seatpost or springer saddle will cost about $20 each bike, so this method is far less expensive than a "Double Boinger" style.

At the $20 price range, the springer saddle is more reliable technology, and they were once considered a "required" part of the enjoyment of cycling. Bike shops have quite a variety and so does www.bikepartsusa.com and amazon.com. Avoid the "Web Spring" or "Mattress" variety and just go with the easy and simple two steel spring or two rubber spring sort to get some very enjoyable results.

While it is best to purchase your bikes from a real bike store, Schwinn and Diamondback will always give you usable quality bikes with name brand components at every price point. So, if you get a very cheap bike, do make sure it is one of those two brands. These can be found at Target in a limited selection of size ranges, but if you're taller than 5'10" then its off to the bike store with you. ;)
Lower priced options exist, but will cost you a great deal in repairs and lost enjoyment.

IMPORTANT: The point of sizing is to get a bike that makes you WANT to go cycling. Don't settle for less than that.

IMPORTANT: In any case, make certain that the rear derailer has the name "Shimano" or the name "SRAM" printed directly on it.

For your son. Get him as large a bike as he can stand over with at least an inch "clearance" to the top tube. It is not important if he can reach the ground from the seat, as that's not correct seat adjustment anyway--legs need to straighten fully when pedaling. Just make sure that he can stand over it and that it doesn't look like a toy.

For you, the same sizing applies, but for a different reason. Make sure that the bike is large enough to give you a comfortable reach for the handlebars.

While it is possible to re-size (UP) the $139 Schwinn mountain bike, the cost of the stem riser adapter and stronger seat post, plus installation, may inflate the price of the bike up to a bike-store-bike price, and you might as well just get the right size to start with. That's why I said that if you're over 5'10" then you really do need to go to the bike store. A Diamondback, Raliegh, or Schwinn dealer can still get you a good price.

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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

Good to buy a bike?

terse

I am going nuts trying to buy a bike. I am going to bike shops and getting very conflicting information. I don't know if I am getting fed a line of BS because someone is trying to make a commission or what.

My situation is that I am a good athlete that is new to cycling. I had a bike when I was a kid, but haven't been on a bike in years. I am a 30 year old male, 6'2" and 240 lbs. I am not looking to join the X-Games or Tour de France. I want a good bike that I can ride around on for excercise and enjoyment, mainly on pavement, but would also like to be able to go off road a bit. I would ride 3 to 6 days a week. One salesman told me the Trek Navigator 3.0 was the way to go. A different shop told me the Trek 7200 hybrid. Another shop told me to get a Gary Fisher mountain bike. Last shop I went to was hardcore about a Fuji bike. I am trying to educate myself and make a smart purchase, but it is difficult with all of the conflicting information.
A lot of great information here. To add a few notes:
When I am talking about going offroad, I mean a dirt trail in the woods. It is not specifically a bike path. There are some places with rocks and big roots to go over. It is nothing dangerous looking though.

I don't really a pre-set budget. I am not opposed to spending good money as long as I am buying the right thing. Ideally I would like to stay under $2,000, but that is not my main concern.

Is there a certain size bike you suggest? I think it can vary between mountain bikes, hybrids, etc.

Thanks again for all of the great input. If any of you guys that work in bike shops are in the New Jersey area, please let me know. I'd be happy to buy my bike there.

Answer
Very good answers here for a change.

I'll just add a few pieces...

I would personally suggest you go for a mountain bike. The hybrids or cyclo-cross bikes are fine, but seem to do neither terribly well.

The only real problem with riding a mountain bike on the road is rolling resistance. You'll work harder on pavement, but so what. If it is for fitness, who cares.

Moutnain bikes are certainly more comfortable. Later, if you want to do a triathalon, or become a roadie, you can invest in another bike. Mountain bikes are very good all purpose bikes, with good versatility and can take abuse.

You fall into what is affectionately known as the Clydesdales -- a big guy. Still, most anyone under 300 pounds won't have an issue with a frame unless you are dropping off of cliffs, getting big air.

And yes, bike shops absolutely will try to sell you on the their bikes, and disparage their competitors. Margins are slim, and bike sales are flat right now.

Your BUDGET will go a long way toward determining what you need. Do not go for a $200 Wal-Mart or discount bike. But, you don't have to spend $2,000 either. You can probably find a very nice hardtail that would meet all your needs in the $8000-$1100 range, perhaps less.

The vast majority of "name brand" bikes are made within miles of each other in Taiwan. They are all perfectly good, and offer good value. Bikes from Giant, Specialized, Trek, Gary Fischer, Kona, etc are all good choices.

I like Mountain Bike Review (link below). You do get biased opionions, but can at least screen the bikes you are looking at, and see if users have noticed fatal flaws. Read up, and you might be able to narrow your choices.

Try the bikes you are interested in. It's rare these days, but some shops do have demo models you can borrow or rent.

Don't be afraid to ask if they will discount a bike. There is a lot a shop can do to earn your business. Just reward them with your service needs later.

Good luck!

EDIT: Have a shop size you. It's the best way, and you can then feel the difference in person, rather than using the formula from a book.

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running your kids bikes over with the car?

blinled

Is it just me or is running your childrens bikes over with your car fun?

Answer
HAHA.. As a mother of 4 kids who are now 17, 15, 14 and 11... it does sound fun although I never did that but i did put them in my caddy trunk for about a week and let them think they got stolen because I was sick of them not putting them where they were suppose to when done riding them..... although I did this with house toys to when they did not pick them up as asked I would throw them in a trash bag and throw in shed 4 months later you take them out and it is like christmas and they learn to pick them up quickly lol

parents can be evil huh

Wrong for14yr old to ride ninja bike?

Charlotte

My dad traded my kid dirt bike for a ninja bike and i called him stupid for him thinking i was going to ride the ninja bike. he said it was alright and i still find it wrong because first he didn't even buy me the proper helmet for my dirt bike(bought a bicycle helmet) he says it's the same thing and to lighten up i still say it's illegal and him coming up with the idea is stupid!
and it's missing a foot pedal
he didn't trade it at a store! he traded with some other guy who wanted my dirt bike for his 5yr old.

Answer
Not many places a 14-year-old can legally ride on the road, so I would say the answer to your question is yes, it's wrong.

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whats a good sized GT bike for a 12 year old kid?

JANINE H

im 130 pounds and a little bit over 5 feet im hoping to get one under 350$
i live in the chicago land area so if you can also write a dealer who sells the bikes your telling me is good that would be great

Answer
1) The size of the bicycle (frame size) will depend on what type or style of bicycle. They are not universal. Road bikes are measured millimeters, other bikes are measured in inches. See first link below.

#2) To find a dealer near you, simply follow the 2nd link & insert your zip code.

#3) Don't get stuck on just one brand. Extensively test ride several brands from various bike shops. The one that "feels" the best & rides the best to you - buy it. You may end up with a Giant, but at least you'll know you gave the others a fair chance.

Seriously? Why are 12 year olds having sex?

Perfectly

When I was 12; I was watching cartoons, riding my bike around my neighborhood, making friends, and watching PG movies. Seriously?some are having sex at 12? I know protected sex is alot more safer, but honestly at 12 you don't need to be on top of another 12 year old. It's just gross, and gay when you think about. I wonder how they picture themselves. Girl: I'm so fully grown, and An AAcup. Boy: my thingy is 4 inches long! Seriously, so gay :( makes me wonders about our future generation.

Answer
Kids these days are maturing a lot quicker. Most 12 year old girls already have hit puberty. Therefore this is not gay sex and since it's between a boy and girl it's surely straight. Although I do not agree with this I choose not to let it bother me as you should.

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what size bike to buy my kid?

jessika t

my son is two and very small for his age his inner leg measures 11in or 28 1/2 cm he weight is 23 lbs i was wondering if i should buy a 10in or a 12in he wont be riding it till this summer really but i don't want him to get hurt if it is two big.. i have gotten on several web sites and none show a leg length as small as his one site said 14-17in is a 12in bike age 2-3 but he only has a 11in measurement so please help...
im not sure still i think i might get the 12in the size chart you gave me did help some but not alot he is only 27in tall so he is bearly 2 ft tall let along the 2 10 the site said that a 2 year old is but it help me realize i need to try him on it before ordering so online orders are out i was hoping to get it online but guess not thank you all for your help

Answer
Link below to a sizing "guideline". This is only a guideline - not fact. I don't care if it's a child or an adult...there's only one true way to tell ahead of time. TRY B4 you BUY!

To quote from the website..."This guide gives our customers general advice on choosing the right sized bike. It is a guide only and we always recommend visiting one of our stores or contacting one of the experts in our sales team."

Kids Bikes?

marie

Want to buy my nephew a new bike for his birthday. He will be turning 4. What should I look for? I know he needs trainning wheels, but don't know what size to look for.

Answer
If he's small or average for his age he will need a 12" bike. If on the larger side maybe a 16". Both normally come with training wheels. Best thing is to head over to Wal Mart, Target, Toy r Us etc. and see how they fit. If it's a surprise you can always buy one and take it back if not right. Make sure to not get something he will grow out of by fall.

I would not take a 4 yo to a bike shop - most don't even carry kiddie bikes anyway.

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Who in here lives on a island?

missthing_

write about it

Answer
I live on an Island. Sun rises over the Gulf and sets over the ship channel. Beautiful skies. FLAT! Hurricane country. birds: Seagulls, Pelicans (brown & white), Roseatte Spoonbill, Sand Pippers, Frickets, Blue Harron, Egrits, to name some. The Island is 18 miles long and 3 miles wide. Tiny town, no shopping except tourtist shops, 100 students in our whole high school. Many thousands of tourists come and go. Condos and developers taking over chopping down beautiful sand dunes, etc. to build mansion weekend houses. Coyotes, Taranchillas, Scorpions, Killer Bees, Centipedes, etc. all looking for new homes. It is very beautiful here but, ruined now by money hungry people. Locals are fishermen, boat captains, oil field. Surfs up here! Lots of surfers, fishing, kayaks, snorkeling, wind surfing, para gliders, miles of pristine beaches, birding facilities (lots of beautiful migrating birds), Whooping Cranes, too. Locals Rule! Every one knows everyone and all about ya...no secrets here. The days of my kids running down sandy streets chasing Jack Rabbits is gone....all paved now. People came here to "kick back" but, brought the city with them. We walk or ride bikes- they drive SUVs, FAST! We have many Dolphins you can play with naturally. Best fishing anywhere! Low crime...no way to escape. Drugs bad, no busts. The town is one mile long and one mile wide. 2 traffic lights, one grocery store. Well, that's about it. (P.S. Sorry spell check is out-just sound out the words, ha.) I saw your 360 page. Nice Island you've got there.

What are some cool things that you can make with common household items?

Nic

so far i have made a pengun, and a bad catapult. i want to know mostly how to make a good bow but also how to make other cool items.

Answer
I'm not sure what you mean by a bad catapult. You can make a good water rocket that works off compressed air from a bike pump and water as a reaction mass. Made from plastic soda bottles and various odds and ends. Depending on the level of sophistication, this can be anywhere from a half hour project on up. Lots of info available in web searches.
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If you mean a bow for archery, it depends on whether a nice piece of wood is a household item or not. If you have a lot of treebranches around, you may be all set, though you may have to let the wood dry. Again, many archery sites on the web will tell you how to do this. Look up how to make your own longbows.

I would guess that it's possible to make a pretty good bow from a bundle of fibeglass driveway markers, though I'd guess you'd have to bundle them together. I've used them to get a bit more power from a fiberglass kid's bow.
------------
Suggest you check out makezine.com Lots of weird projects made from household stuff.
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Another good source is this CD:
http://www.sciplus.com/singleItem.cfm/terms/10467
Many of the projects can be made with household items, though of course many can't. It's very entertaining. Includes a section on how to make a van de Graaf generator and then use it to power a small accelerator which apparently has enough zip to split an atom or two. Somewhat beyond the household items level, but not as far as you'd think.

The low tech article I remember is how to make underwater gliders from plastic models.

So the projects vary greatly in how difficult they are and in how many resources they use.

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I need to buy a bike...?

nicole

So, I haven't had a bike since I was a kid, but I'd like to get back into it. I am only 5'2", so is there a specific size bike to buy? Do they even make bicycles in sizes? Any help is appreciated.

Answer
You can choose bicycles 26-inch and 24 - inch many for you

The Right Ride
In general, bikes are broken down into three major categories:

Road and Racing Bikes--As a general rule, road and racing are built for speed and longer distances on paved surfaces. Thinner tires, lightweight 29-inch (700c) wheels, and drop bars that allow for a more aerodynamic position are the norm. Most road bikes, regardless of price, offer many gears for tackling both hilly and flat terrain.

Mountain Bikes--With their larger tires, hill-friendly gearing, and upright position, mountain bikes are very popular for all types of riding, both on pavement and off. Mountain bikes that are designed specifically for rugged trail use typically feature a suspension fork. Some may have rear suspension, as well. A quick change of the tires on any mountain bike--even one that you use regularly on trails--adds to its versatility and makes it a worthy street machine.

Comfort/Cruiser Bikes--For tooling around on bike paths, light trails, or for cruising a quiet beach-side lane, comfort/cruiser bikes are the ticket. With a super-relaxed riding position, padded seats, and limited or no gearing, these bikes are made for enjoying the scenery and having fun with the family.

The Right Size
Fit is crucial for comfort, control, and proper power and endurance on a bike. Here are some basic bike fit tips:

Stand-over Height--To find out if a bike's overall height fits your body, measure your inseam. Next, determine how much clearance you'll need between your crotch and the top tube of the bike. For a mountain bike, you'll want three to five inches of clearance. A road bike should offer between one and two inches of clearance, while a commuter bike should have two to four inches. Compare the stand-over height for a given bike to your measurements (inseam + clearance) to determine the right bike height.

could a man ride a bike with 24inch tires and get away with it?

Very bord

usually 24inch tires are for kids bikes.but I've rode with 24inch tires and never had a issue other than the pedels breaking off, and the seat cracking lol
My bike is off the road because it's tire is flat and I'm too stubbern to get it fixed because I feel the store I got it from should fix it. So, i'm borrowing my sisters bike. I covered up the pink paint with grey (manly colored) electric tape. but The bike has 24 inch tires, I'm not sure about this. I've ride girls bikes before but they usually have 26inch tires.
I'm asking if the 24inch tires are safe to use since I'm a big man. I don't want to bend the wheels or damage the bike because it has 24inch tires.
Bobby bobby bobby Listen before you judge.
The store sold me a faulty tire. It was old and was bound to pop. Reguardless, if I ran over a nail or glass, the tire would have poped anyways because, the tire they sold me was crapy that the tube bursted. And the tube burst before I ran over any nails or glass.
Most stores replace parts including tires if it was had a defect. and is it my fault for buying it that way? Nope, I'm not an expert in bikes, I assume the bike is in good working order when I buy it. What i don't understand is why stores sell used bikes with parts that are almost ready to explode. give me a break! For God's sake stick a $5 tube in it, and add $5 to the price when you sell it.
I'm not surprized at your arrogant answer. Most people on yahoo answers think that they are know it alls. You ride a bike and think your an expert. Or you read a 20 page book, and now you think your an expert. I'm mature enough to tell people that I'm not an expert in anything. Saying otherwise would make me a liar and in many ways a fool. I Still don't understand why people on yahoo answers think it's an intellectual game, to 'one up' others. That is actually a sign of stupidity.
Please answer the question in a mature and professsional manner.
Hoppy or whatever your name is.
First, I never said the bike was a kids bike. The frame is likely meant for 26" wheels. but the guy put 24" wheels on my sisters bike. This is unrelated to my own bike which is a cheap bike with 26" wheels. I'm borrowing her bike until I fix mine own.
My tire on my bike was not underinflated. It popped like a ballon, and it was bulging off the frame. You need to see the condtion this tire was in. serious, You should not be selling tires to people in that condition. give me a break.
If you had read properly what I said you would know what I was saying. I was talking about people on yahoo answers that are rude and write their answers with a negitive insulting connotation.
Anyways I really don't care about this. It's more of a ethical issue about customer service. I don't care about $5 bike tubes but I care about ethics.
Don't sell bad bike parts to people. It's that simple.
Your answer was good until the end telling me to grow up.
lol this turned out to be funny
ok I'm apolize, This was a PRANK question. hahaha did you fall for it? hehe

Answer
"First, I never said the bike was a kids bike. The frame is likely meant for 26" wheels. but the guy put 24" wheels on my sisters bike."

You never said that to begin with. Which brings up more questions. If the bike originally had 26" wheels & now has 24" wheels - how do you stop it?! The brake pads would come nowhere close to the rim. The bottom bracket & crank would sit at least one inch closer to the ground, meaning the pedals could quite possibly scrape the ground. Many other BAD scenarios.

Personally, I don't think you know what the h*** you're talking about.

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Suggestions for a CHEAP hybrid bike?

Jenny

I haven't ridden a bike since I was a kid but I want to start riding a bike to get in shape. What are some suggestions for a good, but cheap Hybrid bike from Wal-mart or Target? I want to be able to ride on the gravel trails around here, but not off-road, so I don't want a mountain bike. Any other suggestions are welcome. Thanks.

Answer
For riding on gravel trails, the hybrid bike is a good choice. It's got bigger wheels like a road bike and a more upright position. It also has mountain bike style gearing in case you run into hills. I own a hybrid for just that purpose and it works very well.

Don't go to WalMart or Target. The bikes they sell are one size fits all, are heavy, don't work very well, and don't last very long. Your local bike shop will have bikes at the low end of the price range, probably starting around $250 to $350. Brands don't matter. Bikes that cost the same are usually built the same and have the same components. Unlike the WalMart, a bike shop will have bikes that fit you. They know how to properly assemble them. You will be much more comfortable and much safer.

Above all, save enough money for a helmet. Don't put your butt on the seat without a helmet on your head.

HTH

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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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.

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Name some good bicycle helmets for kids 9-15 yrs and why are they so good?

mark_hensl

Is their any additional padding that a child should have on their little bodies, or will the helmet suffice?
Thanks.

P.S. is it a national law that parents must wear a helmet? If so what do you where and why? Any other pads? Thanks.

Answer
All Wal*Mart helmets or other chain / low cost store helmets have passed safety standards in the U.S. That's why thaey can be sold here...

So.. anything you buy will meet the same standards... Expensive or cheap.

Buy something that your child likes (color / graphics), otherwise they will fight wearing it...

The bigger the vents, the cooler they are.. probably not a critical thing for a child sitting in a bike seat not doing any strenuous exercise, but once your 9 to 15 year old is doing the hard work of pedaling, then a cooler helmet will be nice.

Expensive helmets are usually lighter, and have bigger vents... That's where the differences are... Not in the amount of protection they offer.

My state does not have a helmet law (bicycles or motorcycles). so there is nothing "National".. your state may have specific helmet laws.. you need to check on that.

BMX helmets give the illusion of offering more protection.. it may be more than an illusion though. They cover more of the skull. They are more like a hockey helmet... They have a higher "cool" factor than a regular bike helmet... since they are also used by the skateboard gang.. They may be a bit heavier though.

Fingerless gloves with padding in the palms are the only other riding item I would suggest...

Free 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 in my town, which kills me.

Thank you in advance for any information.

Answer
I'm in South Carolina and we have an an organization called "Safe Kids" if you google the name I'm sure that you can find a contact in NY. If not please contact them here in SC and they'll get you networked with the right person

Good Luck

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Kids Bikes?

marie

Want to buy my nephew a new bike for his birthday. He will be turning 4. What should I look for? I know he needs trainning wheels, but don't know what size to look for.

Answer
If he's small or average for his age he will need a 12" bike. If on the larger side maybe a 16". Both normally come with training wheels. Best thing is to head over to Wal Mart, Target, Toy r Us etc. and see how they fit. If it's a surprise you can always buy one and take it back if not right. Make sure to not get something he will grow out of by fall.

I would not take a 4 yo to a bike shop - most don't even carry kiddie bikes anyway.

Best BMX bike for small kids?

Ozean Okea

My son just turn 4, he has a Strider bike that he loves and fully controls but it's time to get him one with pedals. I want something lightweight and good to do tricks at the skate park because that's what he likes and wants to do, but everything in retail shops is heavy and bad quality. What brand would you recommend for a kid that is starting?

Answer
Regrettably, you really can't size a bike by age... kids come in all shapes and sizes.

If you are looking for a quality bike with 16" wheels you may as well forget it. Manufacturers make the assumption that the bike will be ridden for no more than a year until the child grows out of it... BUT, if you don't mind spending the money you could have one built for you. A frame and fork would cost about $800-1500, and a build kit would have to be pieced together which would cost about the same. There are VERY few light/ high grade small bike parts so any adult sized parts would have to be modified one way or another.

If 2 or 3 grand is more than what you want to spend I suggest that you visit a Diamondback dealer. They do a reasonably good job with their kids bikes and you may be able to get away with around $150.

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kids dirt bikes???????????

bryceyboi

my mate has a lad he is 10yrs and 135cm he wants a loncin what size would be best for him this is his first dirt bike.

Answer
Bring him to some shops to sit on the bikes.
Small engine bikes come in different sizes (seat heights).
A 10yr old should be able to handle something between 80cc & 100cc

If you want to surprise him, say you're going to a shop to buy a spark plug (or other parts) and ask if he would like to come with you.
While you're there, point to the dirt bikes and say "aren't those cool! - go ahead sit on some"

looking for a book where kid goes to a dirt bike camp?

anthony .

Answer
It's not quite "dirt bike camp", but check out "Mike and the Bike." The coolest kids book about cycling.

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What influenced the Wright brothers into building the airplane?

DT

Answer
The Wright Brothers much like modern day skater punks. Kids. They were swept up in the bycycling craze of the 1880s and 90s, Wilbur in particular loved whipping along country roads on his bike, flying along.
Flying has been on people's minds since they first got cr^pped on by birds overhead. Towards the goal of flight people have been experimenting with wings & balloons & kites since ancient times but for the sake of santity we shall concentrate on the hundred years from that December day in 1903 when they became truly airborn.
First balloons and then gliders were launched into the sky and as children Orville and Wilbur ready avidly about gliding clubs and baloonist. Headstrong & idealistic they had little interest in balloons but gliders fascinated them. In their teens they took their love of bycyling to the next level by becming bike manufacturers & dealers. Their business was succesful enough to pursue their interest in flight. Their passion for flight fueled by bycylcing trips that feeling of near flight when one is on a bike.
In fact the earliest impulse having achieved flight was to apply the lessons for steering a bike to the steering of an aircraft but that is a topic unto itself.

Peace............. // -------------- O .I. O-------------- \\

A list of EVERY single extreme sport including Free Running, Wakeskating, Rock Climbing etc.?

KoCo

I need a list of all the extreme sports for a project. References would be nice too. Water Sports, Climbing, skydiving. Anything that can be considered an extreme sport

Answer
Adventure Racing.
There seems to be no set definition of this. It is up to the organiser of the specific race to set what rules there are. It may include any of the following activities:
mountain biking, trekking, canoeing, kayaking, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, parasailing, and rope skills such as rappelling, abseiling, and tyrolean traverse.
Unusually these are often team events.

All-Terrain Boarding
Think of this as off-road skateboarding. The boards have bigger wheels and you can find people doing this up mountains.
Base Jumping
This is jumping from "Building, Antennae, Span, Earth" rather than an aeroplane.
This is often done by illegally gaining access to buildings etc. People die doing this.

BMX
As well as professional shows you can find online video of people riding across the roofs of buildings. Jumping can take riders 20+ft into the air.
Bungee Jumping
Jumping off tied to a piece of elastic? No I wouldn't!
What happens once you've stopped bouncing? You either get pulled back up or lowered down. Originally it was Indigenous people of the Penecoste Islands in the South Pacific who jumped from bamboo towers on ropes but in 1978 Oxford Dangerous Sports Club jumped from the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol, and thus modern bungee jumping was invented!
Canopying
Activities in the canopy of trees, such as abseiling and climbing.
Canyoning
Often involves following a mountain stream to its source.
Cave Diving
This is quite literally diving in pools in caves.
This UK based site has galleries of photos of people cave diving
Hang Gliding
Gliding off a simple frame. Unpowered.
You can learn to do the basics in about two days. launching, turning, landing.
However learnning about weather conditions is as vital as basic skills.
Kitesurfing
What is Kite Surfing? It is the ability to water ski or surf harnessing the power of the kite for traction.
Kite jumping is a sport that is extremely dangerous see this kite site for info on both
Land Luge
AKA street luge. Close to the ground on wheels (either flat board or some sort of bike.)
Boards have become wider than skateboards which inspired the sport, you turn bends by leaning and brakes using feet. Can reach 80 mph under right circumstances.
Motocross
This is off-road motorcycle racing. Tracks usually include a standing start, lots of turns and jumps, and is on a closed dirt circuit over rough terrain
Mountain Biking
Think of this as motocross without the engine.
Paragliding
paraglider pilots launch from gentle hillsides with their gliders already opened for flight. Pilot sits upright. Introductory courses lasting two days are available.
Parkour
One place defines this as Agressive Walking. Or the art of movement. Def worth online for some sites a look just to see people doing strange things. This is the main UK Parkour site with local sites listed.
Rock Climbing - I've rock climbed several times in the past at Salford Uni Climbing wall and at a place in Marple. I've even climbed outside a few times.
Roller Skating
Thats skating on wheels. Obviously the tame stuff we all do as kids doesn't count, but those inline skaters (have seen people skating on the roads into town... now if that isn't insane I don't know what is)
Skateboarding
This is probably one of the most known extreme sports.
Ski Joring
A sport in which a skier is drawn over ice or snow by a horse or vehicle.
Skiing
sport in which participants travel on skis
Skydiving
Jumping form a plane, then performing acrobatics in free fall before activating the parachute.
Snowboarding
Skateboarding on snow without the wheels.
Snowcross
Motocross with snow and special machines.
Surfing
Waves, a board and a lot of falling off. The more extreme version presumably chases bigger waves.
Wakeboarding
Like water skiing but with one board
Watercross
Use of buoys and floating walls to create a hard course to navigate round on a special water scooter
Whitewater Canoe and Kayaking
White water is fast water as in rapids or waterfalls - frothed up by mixing with air it appears white.
Kayak is a decked boat propelled with a two-bladed paddle from seated position.
Canoe, an open boat propelled with a single bladed paddle from a kneeling position
Whitewater Rafting
Using a raft to navigate fast flowing water
Windsurfing
A sail powered board

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What age do kids normally learn to ride a bike without training wheels?

Jazmyn

My daughter is almost 7 and doesn't know how and is scared she will fall. I'm just trying to figure out if she is behind other kids.

Answer
It is just fine that kids are learning at 4 or 5, but 7 is not too old either. There are so many factors, most of which are exposure and opportunity, that come into play. The avid rider's kids may ride much more often than someone else's so that one kid has 40 hours on a bike by age 4 when it takes another child to age 7 to get 40 hours. My main point is not to be concerned with being behind; many kids learn up to age 9, with the average age being around 6.
If her fear is really preventing her from trying, suit her up with helmet, elbow and knee pads. Tap the pads while on her so that she can know what it feels like. Be silly about tapping the pads, like it hurt your finger or something.

Kids bike help please!?

C W

Ok now I am looking at getting my son a bike (either for christmas or his birthday) and at the moment he is 36 inches tall and weights 37 lbs, now should I get him a 12in bike with training wheels or a 16in bike with training wheels? Oh and he might go through a growth spurt soon according to his doctor b/c he has been the same height and weight for over 8 mo.

Answer
If he's going to go through a growth spurt soon, I recommend the 16 inch bike with training wheels. You can always adjust the seat to various heights. One helpful hint: be sure to keep the receipt. I always find this useful when purchasing gifts for little kids. Sometimes you would choose the wrong colored toys or pick up something that they don't like. With the receipt you can return it and even bring them along when you return it and have them choose out something that they like in the store. If they choose it out, there's absolutely no reason why they won't like the toy!

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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!

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Is it just me or has supercross lost it's meaning?

Ben

Is it just me or does "the greatest season in supercross" seem like they just had a crowd of 2nd rate guys racing eachother and James Stewart crashing? Stewart is way faster than any of the other riders out there. I am so tired of the AMA and the sissie riders that refuse to go to motorcycle dealerships to sign posters for kids.

Maybe it's just me but when I was a kid Jeff Stanton, Jeremy McGrath, Larry Ward, Steve Lamson, Ezra Lusk, Damon Huffman, Damon Bradshaw, Mike Keidrowski, Robbie Reynard, Jeff Emig, John Dowd, Greg Albertin, Doug Henry, Mike Metzger, Jimmy Gaddis, Mike Jones, and all those other riders that I can't think of weren't as arrogant as the riders of today. They used to give their helmets, jerseys, goggles and all kinds of stuff away after finishing a race, even if they lost.

Today a "rider" walks out of the semi just to go strait to the track and right back. There is no Hi-5ing the crowd or tossing your helmet in the stands anymore. What happened to Supercross and Motocross being a family sport?

I still have Jimmy Gaddis's goggles and a signed poster from Ezra Lusk...
John Ramos #127?

Answer
The sport is definitely different.

I was never a national champion, but I gave a way jerseys, stickers and autographs to anyone who asked.

When I was racing 1980-1983, Hannah, Sun, Glover, Breaker, LaPorte, Howerton were better than the rest of the field, but they weren't arrogant. They would talk to the fans, sign autographs and were nice guys (except on the track...Howerton and Hannah, really didn't get along...lol...and still don't)

Now Supercross is all about "show". The racing has been cut down dramatically. Now it's all about theatrics. It's cheap and glitzy now, It's sad. The sport is about riding fast over difficult terrain, not about fireworks. They are treating motocross racing like wrestling events. All show, no go.

The other problem I now have with pro motocross is the 4-stroke rule. A privateer doesn't have a chance now, unless he is rich. Titanium and carbon fiber are nothing for a pro team, but a privateer can't afford the prices they are getting for that technology. It has become a race of the wallets. On a 2-stroke you could get a half of season out of a set of piston rings and piston. The price was usually under $200.00 for the season. On a 4-stroke your top end rebuild is going to cost you a grand and most top pro racers rebuild 4 times a year minimum. Not to mention the cost of the bike. The average open class 4-stroke is gonna cost you $8,000 - not pro race ready. You are going to need to spend another $4,000 to $10,000 to get the bikes power to weight ratio close to the top fours pro bikes. The way this was taken care of in the past was the "claiming rule". The claiming rule needs to be brought back. (the younger people won't remember, but a privateer won Marty
Tripes's factory Honda. The claiming rule allowed another competeror to put in a bid on the winner's motorcycle. This kept the factories from getting carried away with exotic materials. A guy put in for Tripe's factory Honda. The rest of the teams also put in for the bike. The AMA drew the name of the winner out of a hat and the privateer won. He had to pay $3,500 cash for the bike back then-average motocross bike prices were around $1,200, but it was to keep the guys with the fat wallets in check)

http://www.thumpertalk.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-811503.html

I paid $10,500 for the new Chevy car I drive to work with! The AMA also needs to change back to the rules for a higher minimum weight limit and allow 2-strokes of the same engine size to compete against the 4-strokes. This would give privateers a fighting chance. The major four threatened the AMA and the AMA knuckled under. The AMA needs to get some balls and a backbone and stand up to the major four. The AMA needs to put racing first and not cater to the top four's bottom line.

Here is Supercross the way it used to be:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9Sgof7j8YM

What type of motorcycle should I start out with?

Tanner

I am wanting to get a motorcycle this summer and I don't know what would be best for me. I haven't ridden an actual motorcycle before (but have with my dad on his with him controlling it). I can see myself on various kinds of motorcycles and enjoying them. I can see myself on cafe racers, sporty motorcycles, enduros, rat bikes, and also standard motorcycles. The reason i think I would like a cafe racer is because they have that history with them that I find amazing and I like the look of them too, I can see myself on a sport motorcycle like a cbr 250 or a ninja 250 because I have heard that they are really fun to ride. I like how enduros can go off road but they tend to be expensive (or at least that I don't find any decent priced ones). Rat bikes(: I love how they have personality but they tend to be hard to come by that I actually like. I'm only 17 and I would like to point out that I do not like the idea of american chopper looking motorcycles or touring motorcycles. I want a motorcycle that won't make me look like another kid on a motorcycle. I'm thinking about racing some friends on it and I would like to add in a possibility of doing it off road too. I think I would be using it for some fun in lively towns most but not stunts. I wish to learn how to drift on a motorcycle too like in supermoto or moto rally kinds of ways but I want to avoid enduros as much as possible. I will also be using this for my primary commuting vehicle too. If you have any suggestions please help me out on this because I need an expert of some level of help deciding.

Answer
The first thing you have to do is make up your mind. Do you want to drag race? track race? go off road? race off road? commute? Each of these forms of riding require a different style of motorcycle. No one bike will do them all.

If you are thinking of "racing your friends" on public roads, just stop now and never get on a bike. Not only is street racing quite illegal (you tend to lose your license when the police catch you), but you give respectful riders a bad name, and your crashes cause OUR insurance rates to increase. Buying a race class bike, Like a CBR600, r6, etc makes you what we in the motorcycle community call a squid, which is not a compliment. It means you are just a child on a motorcycle, who is on WAY more bike than they can safely handle, and who also tends to ride like a jackass and get hurt or killed.

That being said...

The best bikes for beginners, and especially younger riders, are sub 600cc single or twin engine motorcycles.
Sport / standards include the ninja 250 ,cbr250, ninja 500, gs500.
Cruisers include the Shadow 600, shadow 750, vulcan 900
Dual sports / enduros are not as popular these days, but a street legal honda xr250, klr250, or classic enduros make great learning tools. Their insurance is the cheapest of the bunch too, which is something you should check before buying any bike.

About your age, keep in mind that until you are 18, you cannot legally own or insure a motorcycle, or any vehicle for that matter, it will have to be your parents bike with you being insured on their policy until you are 18. Just food for thought.

If you are serious about a motorcycle being your primary means of transportation, you should consider what kind of storage comes on the motorcycle you choose. You will need a place to store your helmet, armor jacket, cloves, some basic tools, and any odds and ends you pick up while running errands and such. This is where bikes like the klr250, or klr650 shine. Many second hand ones can be found with weatherproof storage in the form of saddlebags and top cases. I recommend locking luggage, so that your things can be secure when you are away from your bike. Keep in mind you will need a full set of quality rain gear for inclement weather, and you will be caught in inclement weather. Rain hurts above 40mph and I will leave it at that.

Based on what you mentioned, I would recommend a dual sport for your first bike. They are relatively cheap to buy, maintain, insure, and are quite durable. The capability to go on and off road keeps you from getting bored too.

If that isnt your style, a ninja 250 is the most proven starter bike in the united states. Tens of thousands of riders have learned to ride on them and the are one of the most economical bikes on the road.

For your commuting purpose, a cruiser is hard to beat. I used my cruiser with a windshield and saddlebags for 1 year in college and can attest to the practicality of them as your main method of transportation.

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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

At what age can kids start riding dirt bikes?

Momof3kidd

I have a 7 year old and a 4 year old boy who are interested in dirt biking. What age would it be appropriate for them to start? I think they are a little young, my husband disagrees. What age did your kids start?

Answer
I think thats great that they want to start, there really is no age limit, you just have to go to a local dirt bike retailer and check some bikes out because they come in a bunch of sizes, i've been riding since i was 2 so i know what I'm talking about, its just takes practice. just make sure you teacher your kids and they should be fine.

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Which adult bicycles have seats for two kids?

snakeandmo

I have two kids: one is almost 4 and another one is 1. The older one is attending a pre school and it is very uncomfortable for us to go by bus. I have seen Dutch cargo bike like Winther Kangaroo and wanted to buy one; however, it is very expensive (> than £2.000). I am looking for a solution which would be much cheaper up to £200.00.
Would be very grateful for any links.
I am in the UK.
Many thanks!
The carriage behind I think is called a trailer. I am a bit unconfident about some of them when on the road; what if a car comes to close.
It looks as a bicycle trailer would be an option. Have took for the good one http://www.is-us.co.uk/

Cannot really understand why the front cargos cost that much.

Answer
http://www.is-us.co.uk/

That's the best thing. Lot's of peeps at school use them. It can be nervy on the road, but have a few practice run's on a 'quiet' Sunday (what's that then???) Yes I too think the other things are way too expensive. We got a tag along for my 4 year old and six yr old just rides his bike.

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

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

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is it legal to have kid seating at bike back in california?

jian l

if yes, what is the hardware requirement? and what is
the safety tips to carry a kid in bicycling?

Answer
A kid seat on the back of your bicycle is legal in California and a helmet is required. However, I strongly recommend against those seats. They make your bike top heavy and if you fall, your child falls with you. Your best bet is to buy a trailer to attach to your bike. They have roll cages and if your bike falls over, the trailer hitch has a pivot attachment which keeps the trailer upright. Also, if the trailer does happen to fall over, the roll cage (and helmet) will protect the child. Yes, trailers cost quite a bit more but ask yourself: Are you willing to sacrifice your child's life to save money?

Where can I find a bicycle trailer for three or more children?

Alasdair

Just wondering if anyone has ever tried to get more than two children aged between 1 and 6 years old in a bicycle trailer. I currently have a Schwinn trailer that is great for two at a time, but the two older kids have to be jammed in pretty tightly.

Answer
A standard carrier type child seat plus the trailer will let you carry three. (assuming the trailer attaches to chain stay)

I've seen a trailer attached to a tag a long. A bit dodgy though. With a good strong mount for the tag a long it might be O.K.. (preferably not a standard seat post mount.)
Your 6 year old will probably be too small for a Tag a long. (unless you can find a 16" version). Be very careful there is a lot of weight to pull up.

You should be able to get your 6 year old on a tandem with a set of kidback cranks. Pictured on this link (Late Great Sheldon Brown)

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/tandkids.html

This would be the best option as it should give a few more years service as the kids grow.

Edit ******as an after thought. Custom fitting one of these trailers with seats could do the job also, but it will be a bit of a fiddle getting it balanced.

http://www.bikesatwork.com/bike-trailers/

Throw on a 2 into 1 brake lever and fit brakes to both trailer wheels. Use instead of your normal rear brake then you will be able to pull up the extra weight.
http://www.trimuter.com/BL2-1-P13C4.aspx

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