How do I fix up a kid's bike?

Lexie

Okay, so I gave my childhood bicycle to my mom's friend's kid and she THRASHED it! The once beautiful leather seat is trashed, the chain is rusty and I'm guessing I won't be able to use it, she took the back tire off, and the bike's been sitting in the hot sun for a few months now. I am not happy right now. My mom wants to take it to the dump, but I'm not letting that happen. So can anyone please tell me what I should do! I know I need a new bike and both the front and back tires need to probably be replaced, since she won't give me back the tire she took off. So can you tell me what I need to get and how I need to put it on. Like doesn't the back tire have to connect to the brakes? Thanks.

Answer
Hey Lexie!

I'm sorry to hear something so precious to you was so abused. =(

From the details you provided, it looks like you will need a new:
1. Chain
2. Back rim + tubing + tire
3. Front rim + tubing + tire
4. Seat

Honestly, repairing yourself is not hard at all. Just be prepared to get a little dirty.
And since I do not know the following:
Bicycle type (beach cruiser, bmx, mountain bike, etc)
Size
Make and model...
I wouldn't be able to provide any more information than what I already have said. =/

Your best bet is to go to a nearby Bike shop and see what they have to say as far as repairing your bike. And be careful, they may want to charge you an outrageous price just for assembly...


Email me if you'd like help with the assembly, or anything else.
Take care!

Is there a bicycle seat that is BIG so it doesn't hurt my butt?

Wonderment

Something a little bigger that doesn't hurt to sit on? Nice comments only please...I'm making an effort to no have a big booty anymore here :)

Answer
Getting the right size and shape of saddle is a problem that vexes everyone from the newest rider to the most seasoned pro. No saddle is comfortable when you first start riding. Frankly, you've got to toughen up the bottom. If, however, you are still miserable after a several rides over a couple week period, you probably really do need a new saddle.

Saddle positioning makes a big difference and what is comfortable for you is not likely to work for someone else. I would start with the saddle perfectly level. Then try tipping the front end down a bit. Then try tipping the front end up. Keep in mind, pointing the saddle too far down will tend to throw your weight forward causing numbing of the hands and fatigue of the arms and shoulders. Likewise, tipping the seat too far up may cause pain and numbing of the bottom. As stated earlier, what is right for you is what is comfortable.

Good cycling shorts make a big difference, as well. The chamois in the seat of the shorts goes a long way to minimizing friction and provide some extra padding. If you don't like tight, racing shorts a number of companies make baggy shorts with a chamois.

The type of riding you do and the length of your rides will make a huge difference on the type of saddle you want. A wide seat will be most comfortable on a bike you sit very erect on, for relativly short durations. If you aspire to ride significant distances, a wide seat will prevent you from adopting an aerodynamic postion and will cause lots of chafing.

If you have a "comfort" bike or a "cruiser" on which you sit upright to pedal, you'll want a wider "comfort" saddle. Otherwise, because so much of your weight is on your bottom, you'll feel as if a narrow seat is splitting you in half.

If you have a mountain bike or road bike on which you adopt a more aerodynamic posture, a narrower, longer saddle is better. A narrower, longer saddle will allow you to bend over the handlebars, spread your weight over its length, and minimize chaffing of the insides of your thighs.

With respect to saddle width, Specialized and perhaps other companies, have done extensive anatomical studies to make comfortable saddles. They make lines of performance saddles that come in different widths to accomodate different bone stuctures. The Specialized fitting system involves sitting on a gel pad and measuring the indentations your pelvic bones make. You then select the width of saddle that fits your pelvic bones. I found I have a very narrow bone structure. (My kids call me a tight _ss, but I think they are referring to something else.) In any case, I've found the Specialized saddles to be very comfortable.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

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?

Toddler Seats on Bicycles?

*DiZzLe*

I would just like everyone's opinion of the little bicycle seats you can attach for you kids? Does anyone have experience with these things? Are they safe? What about those little wagon type things you pull behind you (which i'd really rather not use). I want to take my son riding with me.

Answer
The seats on the back are perfectly safe if YOU are a safe rider (which as a mommy I am SURE you are) just make sure to get a helmet that FITS baby's head and ride in places that dont have TRAFFIC

(I HATE it when bikers go out to ride for their "health" on a BUSY street where they are SO likely to get hit!! ESPECIALLY w/ kids in tow!! And I have seen it A LOT!)

As far as those wagons that you can pull behind you... those are CRAP!! They are almost IMPOSSIBLE to control and steer making it VERY HARD for you to control your OWN bike. Plus the "drag" that it has makes you have to work a LOT harder when peddling and you can pretty much FORGET going uphill w/ one of those things!!

Hope that helps!

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

How can I learn to ride a bicycle?

best kids bicycle seats image

Danielsan

I tried riding a bike as a kid but fell and was traumatized to the point that I never got back on a bike. Now I feel, as an adult ready to take on the challenges, but that little fear keeps encroaching back in. How can I make this a successful feat overcome, and finally learn how to ride a bike?

Answer
I had trouble learning to balance a bike and I know someone who thinks correct reach to the pedal is more important than reach to the ground and put my kids on bikes too big for them and they had nasty accidents that put them off for ages.

Here are some tips:

Get a trustworthy bike-shop or sensible and knowledgeable friend help you to work out a good frame size for you. Although most adult bikes are 26" (which is the height of the wheels) the length needs considering as well. But for now, as long as it doesn't seem too hard or too easy to reach the handlebars, that should do. When you are riding well and regularly for some distance, you'll work out what, if anything, is wrong. A call to a bike shop to tell them your height should be enough for them to tell you if you should be on a 26".

Make sure the front and rear brakes are working well and mainly rely on the rear brake for now. Preferably no back pedal brakes unless you feel that lacking in skill. If so, as soon as you feel ready, get onto a bike without because it will be easier to get fully competent.

To work out a good height for the saddle, sit on the bike and make sure that you can put both feet almost completely on the ground at the same time. Best not to be able to put both fully and completely on the ground because that will make pedaling very cramped and if you are too cramped, it will affect your balance. This is an excellent height for being able to stop yourself falling over in most situations or give you some control of the fall if you do lose your balance. This will help with confidence which is key to learning.

To learn to balance a bike, find a gentle slope with a safe ending, either going uphill or just levels off. Start at the top of the slope and sit on the bike saddle with your legs hanging out to the sides, not on the pedals. Let the bike roll and use your feet to lightly push you back towards centre if you start to go over. (If necessary, take the pedals off for this stage but children upwards of about 7 and adults probably don't need to.) Keep going back to the top of the slope and rolling down again; as you feel more confident about your balance, try putting your feet on the pedals (but don't worry about turning them yet). The slope doesn't need to be very long - the dead-end I learned on only had about 3 houses on each side. When you can balance the bike and get your feet on the pedals, start trying a bit of pedalling. Soon after this, you're ready for a longer slope or a piece of quiet straight road.

When you have mastered your balance and are starting to ride fairly confidently, start raising the seat a bit at a time, never going beyond what you feel safe doing, until your legs are just slightly bent as you sit on the seat and put your feet on the pedals.

It took me most of an afternoon to finally get my balance. My family had spent quite a bit of time helping me but I still hadn't got it. That afternoon of rolling down the slope was pretty much what finally got me going.

Also, stay away from bumps until you feel really confident and then just small ones until you work out what you can handle. And of course, *never* jump your bike up onto a kerb unless you have special wheels - they'll get damaged and go out of "true" and then the brakes won't work properly.

What are the chances that I am unable to have get a woman pregnant/have children?

Douglas

Here is why I am asking. I am in my mid 30's and have never had any kids. The last woman I was with a few years ago, we were together for nearly 4 years. The entire time we were having sex we never used a condom and I ejaculated inside her every time. For nearly 3 years she never got pregnant. After cheating on me with another guy, she got pregnant. I have read several articles on several different sites that state if a couple is trying to conceive(we weren't) and having sex a few times a week that after a year of failing to conceive to go see their doctor to have the fertility checked. I have yet to go see my doctor, but am planning to here next week to get the process started. Just curious if anyone has any insight on what my odds are. Thank you.

Answer
Chances are you have a low sperm count from age,Childhood illness,etc.Only a doctor can isolate the cause.Impotence is one of the side effects of high blood pressure pills.Staying physically fit will increase your chances of getting her pregnant.Bicycle seats can put pressure on the prostate gland,blocking the flow.Pulling for you!

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

I'm going to help with an organization that helps kids w/down syndrome learn how to ride bikes what to expec?

best kids bicycle seats image

And Then S

tomorrow we're all gonna be going out and helping them learn how to ride bikes--not exactly teaching them but encouraging them etc. I haven't spent much time around kids with disabilities that much and don't know how to act, what to expect from them/their behavior, suggestions/tips? Thanks.

Answer
That is terrific! My younger sister Katie is 8 and has down syndrome.
It depends, tricycles or bicycles. For tricycles, the best thing to do is just help them sit on it, and place their feet on the pedals, then tie their feet to them w/ a cord or something, then push their feet so they know what to do.
For a bike, help them on. One big thing. DONT tie their feet to the pedals, because when they fall, the bike will fall on top of them cuz they cant move their legs away. Show them where to put their hands and feet, then show them that they need to push w/ their feet. Keep one hand on the front, one on the back of the seat, and go.

They will probably cry or talk alot. When i taught my sis how to ride a trike, she kept saying "Eminee! (thats how she says Emily) Katie ride big bike!" and stuff like that. They will be verrryyyy happy.

Whatever you do, dont yell at them. Remember that they have a mental disability and if they do something wrong, you cant always blame them.
Encourage them and tell them "Come on! you can do it!"
and smile alot :)
and act friendly.

:) good luck. lemme know how it goes.

How can I learn to ride a bicycle?

Danielsan

I tried riding a bike as a kid but fell and was traumatized to the point that I never got back on a bike. Now I feel, as an adult ready to take on the challenges, but that little fear keeps encroaching back in. How can I make this a successful feat overcome, and finally learn how to ride a bike?

Answer
I had trouble learning to balance a bike and I know someone who thinks correct reach to the pedal is more important than reach to the ground and put my kids on bikes too big for them and they had nasty accidents that put them off for ages.

Here are some tips:

Get a trustworthy bike-shop or sensible and knowledgeable friend help you to work out a good frame size for you. Although most adult bikes are 26" (which is the height of the wheels) the length needs considering as well. But for now, as long as it doesn't seem too hard or too easy to reach the handlebars, that should do. When you are riding well and regularly for some distance, you'll work out what, if anything, is wrong. A call to a bike shop to tell them your height should be enough for them to tell you if you should be on a 26".

Make sure the front and rear brakes are working well and mainly rely on the rear brake for now. Preferably no back pedal brakes unless you feel that lacking in skill. If so, as soon as you feel ready, get onto a bike without because it will be easier to get fully competent.

To work out a good height for the saddle, sit on the bike and make sure that you can put both feet almost completely on the ground at the same time. Best not to be able to put both fully and completely on the ground because that will make pedaling very cramped and if you are too cramped, it will affect your balance. This is an excellent height for being able to stop yourself falling over in most situations or give you some control of the fall if you do lose your balance. This will help with confidence which is key to learning.

To learn to balance a bike, find a gentle slope with a safe ending, either going uphill or just levels off. Start at the top of the slope and sit on the bike saddle with your legs hanging out to the sides, not on the pedals. Let the bike roll and use your feet to lightly push you back towards centre if you start to go over. (If necessary, take the pedals off for this stage but children upwards of about 7 and adults probably don't need to.) Keep going back to the top of the slope and rolling down again; as you feel more confident about your balance, try putting your feet on the pedals (but don't worry about turning them yet). The slope doesn't need to be very long - the dead-end I learned on only had about 3 houses on each side. When you can balance the bike and get your feet on the pedals, start trying a bit of pedalling. Soon after this, you're ready for a longer slope or a piece of quiet straight road.

When you have mastered your balance and are starting to ride fairly confidently, start raising the seat a bit at a time, never going beyond what you feel safe doing, until your legs are just slightly bent as you sit on the seat and put your feet on the pedals.

It took me most of an afternoon to finally get my balance. My family had spent quite a bit of time helping me but I still hadn't got it. That afternoon of rolling down the slope was pretty much what finally got me going.

Also, stay away from bumps until you feel really confident and then just small ones until you work out what you can handle. And of course, *never* jump your bike up onto a kerb unless you have special wheels - they'll get damaged and go out of "true" and then the brakes won't work properly.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

I'm going to help with an organization that helps kids w/down syndrome learn how to ride bikes what to expec?

best kids bicycle seats image

And Then S

tomorrow we're all gonna be going out and helping them learn how to ride bikes--not exactly teaching them but encouraging them etc. I haven't spent much time around kids with disabilities that much and don't know how to act, what to expect from them/their behavior, suggestions/tips? Thanks.

Answer
That is terrific! My younger sister Katie is 8 and has down syndrome.
It depends, tricycles or bicycles. For tricycles, the best thing to do is just help them sit on it, and place their feet on the pedals, then tie their feet to them w/ a cord or something, then push their feet so they know what to do.
For a bike, help them on. One big thing. DONT tie their feet to the pedals, because when they fall, the bike will fall on top of them cuz they cant move their legs away. Show them where to put their hands and feet, then show them that they need to push w/ their feet. Keep one hand on the front, one on the back of the seat, and go.

They will probably cry or talk alot. When i taught my sis how to ride a trike, she kept saying "Eminee! (thats how she says Emily) Katie ride big bike!" and stuff like that. They will be verrryyyy happy.

Whatever you do, dont yell at them. Remember that they have a mental disability and if they do something wrong, you cant always blame them.
Encourage them and tell them "Come on! you can do it!"
and smile alot :)
and act friendly.

:) good luck. lemme know how it goes.

How can I learn to ride a bicycle?

Danielsan

I tried riding a bike as a kid but fell and was traumatized to the point that I never got back on a bike. Now I feel, as an adult ready to take on the challenges, but that little fear keeps encroaching back in. How can I make this a successful feat overcome, and finally learn how to ride a bike?

Answer
I had trouble learning to balance a bike and I know someone who thinks correct reach to the pedal is more important than reach to the ground and put my kids on bikes too big for them and they had nasty accidents that put them off for ages.

Here are some tips:

Get a trustworthy bike-shop or sensible and knowledgeable friend help you to work out a good frame size for you. Although most adult bikes are 26" (which is the height of the wheels) the length needs considering as well. But for now, as long as it doesn't seem too hard or too easy to reach the handlebars, that should do. When you are riding well and regularly for some distance, you'll work out what, if anything, is wrong. A call to a bike shop to tell them your height should be enough for them to tell you if you should be on a 26".

Make sure the front and rear brakes are working well and mainly rely on the rear brake for now. Preferably no back pedal brakes unless you feel that lacking in skill. If so, as soon as you feel ready, get onto a bike without because it will be easier to get fully competent.

To work out a good height for the saddle, sit on the bike and make sure that you can put both feet almost completely on the ground at the same time. Best not to be able to put both fully and completely on the ground because that will make pedaling very cramped and if you are too cramped, it will affect your balance. This is an excellent height for being able to stop yourself falling over in most situations or give you some control of the fall if you do lose your balance. This will help with confidence which is key to learning.

To learn to balance a bike, find a gentle slope with a safe ending, either going uphill or just levels off. Start at the top of the slope and sit on the bike saddle with your legs hanging out to the sides, not on the pedals. Let the bike roll and use your feet to lightly push you back towards centre if you start to go over. (If necessary, take the pedals off for this stage but children upwards of about 7 and adults probably don't need to.) Keep going back to the top of the slope and rolling down again; as you feel more confident about your balance, try putting your feet on the pedals (but don't worry about turning them yet). The slope doesn't need to be very long - the dead-end I learned on only had about 3 houses on each side. When you can balance the bike and get your feet on the pedals, start trying a bit of pedalling. Soon after this, you're ready for a longer slope or a piece of quiet straight road.

When you have mastered your balance and are starting to ride fairly confidently, start raising the seat a bit at a time, never going beyond what you feel safe doing, until your legs are just slightly bent as you sit on the seat and put your feet on the pedals.

It took me most of an afternoon to finally get my balance. My family had spent quite a bit of time helping me but I still hadn't got it. That afternoon of rolling down the slope was pretty much what finally got me going.

Also, stay away from bumps until you feel really confident and then just small ones until you work out what you can handle. And of course, *never* jump your bike up onto a kerb unless you have special wheels - they'll get damaged and go out of "true" and then the brakes won't work properly.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

What to use for a 14wk baby and 2 yr old in a bike trailer? Helmets too big and car seat won't fit!?

best kids bicycle seats image

Aimee

I have a bike trailer for my two babies but I don't know how is best to keep my 14week old safest. A helmet won't fit until at least 18 months and her car seat won't fit in with my 2 year old as well :0( Don't want to be stuck in a stuffy, hot car all summer so would really like to keep fit and take them out on the bike! Help!! Thanks in advance :0)

Answer
The infant in the car seat cannot ride with the toddler -- so just get a bicycle child seat http://www.amazon.com/Bell-Classic-Bicycle-Child-Carrier/dp/B000ISXSSA for the toddler -- kid will be much happier being up there behind you and watching around the road. Also should be available at Target, locally.

Do police officers have to put children in carseats when they transport them?

sdj4u

I know buses are exempt from this law but are police cars also exempt? I don't think they should be because they get in accidents too and the kids aren't using the seatbelts as weapons. Oh, why don't they have to buckle their prisoners in either?
An officer transported my 3 year old to the station without using a carseat. My 15 year old offered to get the carseat out of my car to use but the officer said, "No, it'll be OK." Why isn't his actions considered child abuse because it threatened the life of a child! Can i sue for child endangerment?

Answer
We do buckle bad guys in. Our wagons don't have belts but safety padded bars that comes across the seated prisoners.
It is judged more effective than seat belts.
If an officer needs children transported in a non emergency situation they call for a sergeant.
In my city each sergeant has at least one child's car seat in the trunk. The sergeants cars are picked because they do not have cages.
Each sergeant has specific training, 4 hours worth, on the correct method of placing the two types of car seats we use in all of the types of vehicles sergeants use (not the bicycles).
All youth investigators have unmarked, uncaged cars and they get the same training as the sergeants. They do a lot of child transport during investigations.
Mounting a child's car seat correctly is complicated. Very very few parents take the time to find a approved instructor to learn.

In my city every firehouse has at least one trained instructor working days for the public to take a class in mounting a car seat.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers