kids bicycle ride-along image
Steve
I'm looking to buy a bike so I could ride along with my kids (4 and 7 years old). I'm thinking that a mountain bike would be better than a road bike, due to its versatility. However, I have very limited knowledge in brands, features, wheel sizes, suspensions, etc... I don't want to spend more than $600 on a new bike. Can you offer some suggestions to assist/guide me in shopping for a new bike?
Answer
Start by reading "How to Choose a Bicycle" on this link - http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/bicycle.html
I seriously doubt you NEED a mountain bike. Don't buy what you want - buy what you NEED. If you'll be riding on streets & light off road (groomed) trails you don't NEED suspension at all. A comfort and/or hybrid bike would work just as well & be easier to ride. Suspension parts soak up or 'zap' your energy. With every stroke of the pedals part of your energy is lost or soaked up into those suspension parts. Knobby off-road tires slow you down.
Features? Double wall rims and an 8 speed "cassette" rear cog - not a 7 speed "freewheel". The hub (axle) on the cassette is MUCH stronger. Too many good brands to recommend just one or two. See your local bike shop. Tell the salesperson "where & how" you plan on riding. What you NEED the bicycle to do for you.
Extensively test ride a few. The one that rides & just plain feels the best - buy it!
Start by reading "How to Choose a Bicycle" on this link - http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/bicycle.html
I seriously doubt you NEED a mountain bike. Don't buy what you want - buy what you NEED. If you'll be riding on streets & light off road (groomed) trails you don't NEED suspension at all. A comfort and/or hybrid bike would work just as well & be easier to ride. Suspension parts soak up or 'zap' your energy. With every stroke of the pedals part of your energy is lost or soaked up into those suspension parts. Knobby off-road tires slow you down.
Features? Double wall rims and an 8 speed "cassette" rear cog - not a 7 speed "freewheel". The hub (axle) on the cassette is MUCH stronger. Too many good brands to recommend just one or two. See your local bike shop. Tell the salesperson "where & how" you plan on riding. What you NEED the bicycle to do for you.
Extensively test ride a few. The one that rides & just plain feels the best - buy it!
Do cars have to stop at a zebra crossing when you are on a bike?
Huub
So on my way home I always have to cross the road with my bicycle, and at the place where I have to cross the road is a zebra crossing. I know they have to stop for pedestrians so I thought maybe since I'm on a bicycle I'm not a pedestrian? And they don't have to stop? Is this true?
Answer
If you are riding a bike you count as a vehicle, so if you cross a major road you have to give way to traffic on the road.
If you are pushing the bike you count as a pedestrian, and cars should give way to you.
If you are a little kid riding alongside a walking parent we'll cut you some slack.
At least, that's the way the laws are supposed to work. It ticks me off to see cyclists ride along the road, get to a red traffic light, loop around onto the sidewalk (pavement in UK, you posted in US), cycle across the crosswalk, and then down the other sidewalk, expecting both cars and pedestrians to give way to them. I expect to see vehicles in the road, going in the correct direction and obeying the traffic regulations. I'm not looking for them going the wrong way or on the sidewalk. I know one should be prepared for anything, but still, if everyone has to stop at green lights, too, the traffic will never move.
If you are riding a bike you count as a vehicle, so if you cross a major road you have to give way to traffic on the road.
If you are pushing the bike you count as a pedestrian, and cars should give way to you.
If you are a little kid riding alongside a walking parent we'll cut you some slack.
At least, that's the way the laws are supposed to work. It ticks me off to see cyclists ride along the road, get to a red traffic light, loop around onto the sidewalk (pavement in UK, you posted in US), cycle across the crosswalk, and then down the other sidewalk, expecting both cars and pedestrians to give way to them. I expect to see vehicles in the road, going in the correct direction and obeying the traffic regulations. I'm not looking for them going the wrong way or on the sidewalk. I know one should be prepared for anything, but still, if everyone has to stop at green lights, too, the traffic will never move.
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Title Post: Need suggestions in buying a new bicycle?
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Rating: 94% based on 932 ratings. 4,1 user reviews.
Author: Unknown
Thanks For Coming To My Blog
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