best kids bikes 12 image
Rolly
I want to get a bike to get some exercise everyday and burn some calories and have a little fun riding around while I am doing it. Do I really need to spend $600+ dollars on a bike at a bike a store or can a $100 dollar Target/Walmart bike do the trick?
Also, what kid a bike should I get? Mountain, 12 speed, etc?
Answer
There are a number of differences between "department store" bikes and bike shop bikes. I am an avid mountain biker so this mostly relates to mountain bikes, but the principals apply to both on and off-road bikes. (I bought a relatively cheap bike shop bike about 18 months ago, a Mongoose Wing Comp ($450) with mid-range componentry but with bad rims; I have already replaced it with a Jamis Dakar XC Comp ($1,800). The Mongoose has a decent frame, but the componentry just won't hold up; I am a proponent of saving your money and buying a better bike; you will be much happier and you won't get stranded on a trail because of sub-standart equipment)
First, the frames are not designed to be ridden the same; on all dpt. store bikes, there is a sticker that will warn you that this bike is not made for jumping or competitive riding; the metal is much cheaper and often much heavier, more brittle, welds are not as good, the derailleru hangers are not replacable (MTB) which is extremely important when you start doing more off-road riding.
Second, the rims will more than likely be single-walled or extremely cheap double-walled that will not stand up to any abuse on an off-road trail. On my Mongoose mentioned above, I had to replace both rims within 4 weeks of buying the bike. The hubs will also be generally "recreational" and will fall apart after 3-4 months, if the rims last that long.
Third, the derailleurs will be bottom-of-the-line. They will more than likely need constant adjustment and maintenance. They also are much slower when shifting than the more expensive set-ups.
Another really weak point is the handlebars; they don't use a very expensive component and I have seen several broken handlebars in the past. This can be extremely dangerous and can cause you to really injur yourself.
Lastly (not really, but I'm talking too much), the dept. store bikes will all be one size and that might or might not fit you or your needs.
Bottom line, the department store bikes will work fine for you if you don't plan to do any serious off-road riding (jumping, rocks, downhill, etc.) or if you don't plan on riding every day. If you must buy a department-store bike, make sure you are buying something with Shimano "Tourney" or "Altus" deraillerus; the low-end SRAM or the Falcon that I have seen are not going to last and will require constant maintenance and adjustment; you won't be happy. Also, don't ride the bike harder than it was designed to be ridden. There are several bikes in the $400-$700 range made by Jamis and Trek. Also, since it is nearing the end of a model year, you should be able to find some 2007 models at discounted prices, sometimes as much as 25%. If you can find $400 to $500, then you will have some luck, you just have to look. Here are some websites that you might want to look at. BEFORE you buy anything, RIDE IT!!! Don't let anyone sell you a bike that they are not willing to let you at least buzz around the parking lot. Good luck and happy riding!!!
http://www.jamisbikes.com
http://www.trekbikes.com
http://www.giant-bicycles.com
There are a number of differences between "department store" bikes and bike shop bikes. I am an avid mountain biker so this mostly relates to mountain bikes, but the principals apply to both on and off-road bikes. (I bought a relatively cheap bike shop bike about 18 months ago, a Mongoose Wing Comp ($450) with mid-range componentry but with bad rims; I have already replaced it with a Jamis Dakar XC Comp ($1,800). The Mongoose has a decent frame, but the componentry just won't hold up; I am a proponent of saving your money and buying a better bike; you will be much happier and you won't get stranded on a trail because of sub-standart equipment)
First, the frames are not designed to be ridden the same; on all dpt. store bikes, there is a sticker that will warn you that this bike is not made for jumping or competitive riding; the metal is much cheaper and often much heavier, more brittle, welds are not as good, the derailleru hangers are not replacable (MTB) which is extremely important when you start doing more off-road riding.
Second, the rims will more than likely be single-walled or extremely cheap double-walled that will not stand up to any abuse on an off-road trail. On my Mongoose mentioned above, I had to replace both rims within 4 weeks of buying the bike. The hubs will also be generally "recreational" and will fall apart after 3-4 months, if the rims last that long.
Third, the derailleurs will be bottom-of-the-line. They will more than likely need constant adjustment and maintenance. They also are much slower when shifting than the more expensive set-ups.
Another really weak point is the handlebars; they don't use a very expensive component and I have seen several broken handlebars in the past. This can be extremely dangerous and can cause you to really injur yourself.
Lastly (not really, but I'm talking too much), the dept. store bikes will all be one size and that might or might not fit you or your needs.
Bottom line, the department store bikes will work fine for you if you don't plan to do any serious off-road riding (jumping, rocks, downhill, etc.) or if you don't plan on riding every day. If you must buy a department-store bike, make sure you are buying something with Shimano "Tourney" or "Altus" deraillerus; the low-end SRAM or the Falcon that I have seen are not going to last and will require constant maintenance and adjustment; you won't be happy. Also, don't ride the bike harder than it was designed to be ridden. There are several bikes in the $400-$700 range made by Jamis and Trek. Also, since it is nearing the end of a model year, you should be able to find some 2007 models at discounted prices, sometimes as much as 25%. If you can find $400 to $500, then you will have some luck, you just have to look. Here are some websites that you might want to look at. BEFORE you buy anything, RIDE IT!!! Don't let anyone sell you a bike that they are not willing to let you at least buzz around the parking lot. Good luck and happy riding!!!
http://www.jamisbikes.com
http://www.trekbikes.com
http://www.giant-bicycles.com
What can kids do to help out the environment and their community if they don't live in a neighborhood?
STEVE
If the kids are around 12-14 what is the best jobs that they can do to help out in their community and environment if we don't live in or near a neighborhood?
Answer
You mean you live on a farm? You have no neighbors at all? The nearest town is miles away? And you are home schooled and therefore never interact with other kids?
I suspect not.
NetAid has programs specifically for students in North America who want to help in the developing world. NetAid is now a part of MeryCorps
http://www.netaid.org
Many kids get involved with NetAid as individuals, then start a group at school to get other kids involved.
TakingIT Global is another resource for young people in the USA who want to do something to affect the situation positively in developing countries
www.takingitglobal.org/
http://www.change.org can help you know what causes are out there and how you can get involved with them.
You can also type in your city or zip code into:
VolunteerMatch, http://www.volunteermatch.org
Idealist, http://www.idealist.org
CraigsList, http://www.craigslist.com
Network for Good, http://www.networkforgood.org
http://www.1-800-volunteer.org/
ServeNet, http://servenet.org/
You can also look for ways to change your own family's practices regarding the environment: do you compost? do you have a garden? do you use your own cloth bags when you go to the grocery or other shopping instead of paper or plastic? have you replaced some of your light bulbs with energy-saving ones? do you put on a sweater when you are cold instead of turning up the heat? do you turn off the water while you are brushing your teeth? do you ride your bike or walk or take mass transit instead of always riding in a car? do you turn off the TV when you aren't watching it? do you unplug things when they are not in use?
You mean you live on a farm? You have no neighbors at all? The nearest town is miles away? And you are home schooled and therefore never interact with other kids?
I suspect not.
NetAid has programs specifically for students in North America who want to help in the developing world. NetAid is now a part of MeryCorps
http://www.netaid.org
Many kids get involved with NetAid as individuals, then start a group at school to get other kids involved.
TakingIT Global is another resource for young people in the USA who want to do something to affect the situation positively in developing countries
www.takingitglobal.org/
http://www.change.org can help you know what causes are out there and how you can get involved with them.
You can also type in your city or zip code into:
VolunteerMatch, http://www.volunteermatch.org
Idealist, http://www.idealist.org
CraigsList, http://www.craigslist.com
Network for Good, http://www.networkforgood.org
http://www.1-800-volunteer.org/
ServeNet, http://servenet.org/
You can also look for ways to change your own family's practices regarding the environment: do you compost? do you have a garden? do you use your own cloth bags when you go to the grocery or other shopping instead of paper or plastic? have you replaced some of your light bulbs with energy-saving ones? do you put on a sweater when you are cold instead of turning up the heat? do you turn off the water while you are brushing your teeth? do you ride your bike or walk or take mass transit instead of always riding in a car? do you turn off the TV when you aren't watching it? do you unplug things when they are not in use?
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