kids bicycle brakes image
Nash R
I have to buy a kids bicycle (20"). I noticed that pedals in many of these bicycles do not rotate freely in reverse direction. Is that a feature or a bug? It's useful to have them rotate freely so that you can easily bring to them to starting position when you're just starting your ride.
Answer
As others have noted that style of brake is known as a 'coaster' brake and is very common with bicycles designed for younger kids. It operates much like a drum brake in that when operated by pedalling backwards small internal plates are pressed against the internal shell of the rear hub. Kids bicycles have coaster brakes because smaller children for the most part do not have enough hand strength or have not developed enough coordination to operate a hand brake that you would see on most adult or larger kids bikes. Yet they do need to be able to stop, hence the coaster brake. On larger kids bikes -- with 20" wheels or BMX style frames -- you will often see a combination of a front hand brake with a coaster brake. This is sort of an inbetween bike, if you will, designed to allow the developement of the hand strength and coordination necessary to operate a normal hand brake.
As others have noted that style of brake is known as a 'coaster' brake and is very common with bicycles designed for younger kids. It operates much like a drum brake in that when operated by pedalling backwards small internal plates are pressed against the internal shell of the rear hub. Kids bicycles have coaster brakes because smaller children for the most part do not have enough hand strength or have not developed enough coordination to operate a hand brake that you would see on most adult or larger kids bikes. Yet they do need to be able to stop, hence the coaster brake. On larger kids bikes -- with 20" wheels or BMX style frames -- you will often see a combination of a front hand brake with a coaster brake. This is sort of an inbetween bike, if you will, designed to allow the developement of the hand strength and coordination necessary to operate a normal hand brake.
How to fix a flat tire in a kid bicycle?
Infiniti q
My daughters 12 inch bicycle has a flat tire though i could not locate the puncture. How do i get it fixed? Taking the wheel out is itself a challenge on those bikes. Can someone help or have somilar experience?
Answer
This is a pretty good demonstration on how to fix a bike flat:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvuKlEnHVLc&feature=related
You will need tire levers, a patch kit or a new inner tube
Taking the wheel out isn't bad you just need a wrench an adjustable one is OK and loosen the two outer nuts on the axle. If it's a rear wheel with a coaster brake you also need a screwdriver to free it from the frame, and of course move the chain off the wheel.
To find the puncture, I put a little air in the tube and then put the tube in a bucket of water and see where the bubbles are coming from. If the leak is right on the seam you probably need a new tube as I haven't had much luck with patches applied to seam leaks. Once you see whats wrong with the tube look CAREFULLY to see what caused it whether broken glass, a thorn or even a spoke poking out too far. Take care of the cause and reinstall the inner tube.
It really isn't too hard. Those tires should come off pretty easily. If all else fails take it to a bike shop, the fix should be pretty cheap.
This is a pretty good demonstration on how to fix a bike flat:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvuKlEnHVLc&feature=related
You will need tire levers, a patch kit or a new inner tube
Taking the wheel out isn't bad you just need a wrench an adjustable one is OK and loosen the two outer nuts on the axle. If it's a rear wheel with a coaster brake you also need a screwdriver to free it from the frame, and of course move the chain off the wheel.
To find the puncture, I put a little air in the tube and then put the tube in a bucket of water and see where the bubbles are coming from. If the leak is right on the seam you probably need a new tube as I haven't had much luck with patches applied to seam leaks. Once you see whats wrong with the tube look CAREFULLY to see what caused it whether broken glass, a thorn or even a spoke poking out too far. Take care of the cause and reinstall the inner tube.
It really isn't too hard. Those tires should come off pretty easily. If all else fails take it to a bike shop, the fix should be pretty cheap.
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Title Post: Why do many kids bicycles' pedals not rotate freely in reverse direction?
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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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