Hitting The Pedal

For almost every kid that was fortunate enough to be raised in a family that could afford the luxury of purchasing toys, the most important gift of them all is one's first bike. Especially if the weather conditions allow such as an incredible toy to be driven at the designated parts of a town, the pleasure of owning a bicycle surpasses many of a person's joys during his or her lifetime. But before purchasing this amazing toy for your kid, you should be aware of what you need a bike to carry and what equipment you should also buy to keep your child cycling endeavors safe. The most essential features on a bike, and those you absolutely need to pay attention to, are its pedals that should easily go around, its brakes that should work and the shifters that have to do their job when your kid selects one of them. Everything else might be redundant, except perhaps the bike's back light in order for it to be seen by passing vehicles during daylight or night time. If your daughter prefers a bike that is pink and has ribbons on its steering wheel, you can go ahead and give her the pleasure of having her choice of bicycle, as long as the main bicycle characteristics described above are adequately covered. Now, if summer is on its way and you have decided that it is time you buy your son a new bicycle, before letting him head out your house door with his new bike and visit his friends and show off his beautiful new possession, you should take a few minutes to make sure everything is in good working order. Most importantly, you should teach your kid how to check for bicycle flaws or steering problems on his or her own. Particularly, if the bicycle is not new and it has been sitting idly for several moths, it is essential to check its functions, since it is a machine and like any machine it may need some attention before it is put back into daily use. In case your mechanical side is not very advanced and you do not feel that it would be safe for your son to drive a two-wheel vehicle that is not properly checked, you can visit a shop and have the bicycle professionally serviced. But in case you trust your mechanical experience or better yet, if you are an expert, then you have to pay attention to the following.  Begin by testing the effectiveness of the bicycle's brakes. Assuming that the bicycle has hand brakes, you should examine the breaks by pushing them as hard as you can. If in their maximum position the breaks have more or less than two fingers remaining between the brake level and handlebar, then the cables are likely loose and need tightening. In case anything is broken has to be repaired immediately. Next take a look at the brake block, which is the part of the brake touching the wheel. If it is not aligned with the wheel rim and it touches the tire or the stokes it has to be fixed as soon as possible and regardless of the whining your kid should not be driving the bicycle in such a dangerous condition endangering his or her own safety. Next you can check other bicycle equipment, like the chain, making sure it is snugly in place and well lubricated. Similarly, the pedal bearing should also be lubricated and any lost or worn pedal treads has to be replaced. Of course, the tires have to be properly inflated and the wheel spokes have to be firmly in their place; any loose spokes have to be tightened or replaced. Your kid's bicycle should also carry reflectors placed on the wheels (amber in the front, red in the back) to allow your child's bicycle to be visible from a 500-feet distance. Finally, you have to remember to point out how important is for your kid to wear his or her helmet. But because kids grow, last year's helmet will probably not be adequate for this year's rides. Of course your kid can use his or her old helmet, but only if it comfortably fits their head yet is snug enough so that the skin of the brow area moves when the helmet is moved from side to side. A good rule of thumb is that the front of the helmet should rest two finger-widths above the eyebrows. Additionally, apart from purchasing the right size and type of helmet you have to ensure that your little adventurer has in his possession all the necessary protection gear, like knee and elbow pads and wrist guards. If you have already taught your kid which are the rules of the road and he or she is familiar with what is allowed and what should be avoided, then you should let your angel exit the house. Do not overdo it with the do's and don'ts as it was day when the bicycle appeared in front of you and after all these checks and tips of advice, it will not be far before bed time.