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

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.

shimano genesis mountain bike accessories?

Gary

Hi,I spent my youth like others riding bikes and after years away from it my wife and kids got me a shimano genesis for my birthday.Ive been riding it at a local trail,for they have ideas of going on Long trails while camping this year.What are some things I could upgrade my bike with.And things I need to take with us. And where can I find them affordable and easily.I know it has a water bottle studs on the frame but I don't evan know where to get one that fits it.There isn't any bike shops local that Im aware of just a walmart.
Thank You.
Im in good health by the way lol

Answer
Shimano does NOT make bicycles. They only make bicycle components. Genisis is a low end discount store bicycle NOT intended for real off-road use. Read the owners manual.

To find a real bike shop, Google the words "bicycle shop" including your 5 digit zip code. Example "bicycle shop 90210". https://www.google.com/search?q=bicycle+shop+90210&aq=f&oq=bicycle+shop+90210&aqs=chrome.0.57&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

And even Wally World sells water bottle cages & bottles. http://www.walmart.com/ip/Schwinn-Waterbottle-and-Cage/17247654 Always carry a spare tube, tire levers & folding hex-head tool in an under-the-seat bag. http://www.walmart.com/ip/Bell-Bicycle-Saddle-Bag/17330710 And a frame pump - http://www.walmart.com/ip/Zefal-Zen-X-Pumpmaster-Mini-Pump/21679203

Better quality products can be found at a bike shop or Amazon.com. Do NOT try to upgrade the bike itself. Not worth it. Waste of money. I'd bet my last dollar you do have a bike shop somewhere within a 50 mile radius. Go there. See what a REAL mountain bike looks like. If you ever test ride one - you'll never want to ride that Wally World bike again.

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What is the most comfortable mountain bike seat for a woman with a big bottom?

Myra G

I just bought a seat that looks comfortable but is not. Any suggestions???
yes, it has been a while since I have used a bike.

Answer
Hi Myra,

First let's get some basic terms squared away. Bike seats are called "saddles"... For the most part "seats" are found in bleachers, office buildings and in cars.

I have been an active cyclist since 1985, currently logging 200-250 miles per week... Now it is true that I am not a woman, nor do I have a wide bottom, but I can help you out a bit. Saddles are now being made women-specific. Most of these are narrower models, but as someone else pointed out, women naturally have a wider pelvic region (the whole birthing thing), so they will be shaped differently from a male saddle. If you went to a decent bike shop, you would see saddles with sections that look like they are missing, cut out or perhaps the maker forgot to finish building it. That however is the way they are suppose to look. The cut out region is to alleviate pressure on your pelvic region - and to weight weenies (what they call people who count every gram of every part that goes on their bikes) it is cool because that saddle will weigh less than solid ones.

If you weren't completely sold on a mountain bike, I would recommend a recumbent for true comfort while riding.. Those are the bikes that you sit in a very wide chair-like "seat", with your legs extended out to the pedals in front of you. Riding a recumbent would work certain muscle groups harder than a regular bike would. Your gluts (butt muscles) would be worked (abused - LOL) hard along with your leg muscles of course. The saddle on a recumbent is light-years more comfortable than a standard bike.

If you are already sold on the mountain bike idea, or perhaps you have one and saddle discomfort has become the principal issue at hand, then first thing I would recommend is to look at Performancebike.com. Click on the SADDLES link on the left. Then select WOMEN'S SADDLES. You will see a very wide shaped saddle there for sale for $39.99 (12% off) called "The Seat" by Ergo. It probably doesn't look anything like any saddle you have ever seen (and yes it is ok to call this one a SEAT! It is advertised as:

"Extra wide for unbelievable support and comfort"

"Short length provides a non-restrictive pedal stroke"

"Integrated rear reflectors for added visibility"

"Gel padding dissipates road vibration while providing plenty of padding for comfort"

Keep in mind that "The Seat" is a saddle that supports your body the same way as when you sit in a chair.

Shoot that almost sounds good enough for me! If it could recline and give me a massage I would be set! LOL! Just kidding of course.

Another thing to keep in mind that if you are riding a department store bicycle, you really should get properly fit on your bike. It sounds like you have a passion that makes you want to ride, but the dang pain in the butt part (sorry) has discomforted you and irked you enough to have you post a question here. A reliable bike shop can help you "Saddle Up" properly. They can tell if your saddle is too high or too far back. They can help if your crank arms are too long, or if the distance to your handlebar is too far away, too low or too high. All of the stated issues above can contribute to a sore backside.

Also on the Performance website you can see the Forté EasyRider Saddle. For the Forte EasyRider follow this link:

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=14747&PID=1204522

It too is on sale $19.99 (50% off the regular price)

You can also check out another famous online cycling catalog @ NASHBAR.COM for the following saddles:

Selle San Marco Travel Delux Womenâs Saddle

Selle Royal Ergo GEL Mid Cruiser Saddle

A little more insight can be found at: about.com (See below)

http://bicycling.about.com/od/equipment/a/saddlechoice.htm

If I can help further in any aspect of the sport please don't hesitate to contact me... HOW? Just answer any of the questions that "I ask" with the answer "BIKE HELP NEEDED" and I will do my best to get you the answers you seek.

Best Regards,
~CJ Smith~
Cyclist - Triathlete
Suncoast Cycling Club Member
Palm Harbor, Florida

How can someone make money in 7th grade!!!????!!?? Please Help me!! i need creative suggestions!!?

iluv46!

ive tried to babysit, but there are no kids!!
i tried making bracelets, but my neaighbor hood is so small, only one person would walk by my jhouse evey hour. does anyone have any ideas on where i should sell... and what to sell!?!?!?!!?!?!

Answer
One of the most common questions on âYahoo Answersâ comes from young people looking for ways to make money. I totally understand the question and the various responses with the traditional answers of babysitting, online surveys, lemonade stands, paper routes, etc. While the traditional ways of making money may work for some people, they certainly wonât work for everyone so itâs time to think outside the box and dare to be different.

In most states itâs illegal to hire minors (under a certain age) for employment. For some states that is somewhere between 14 and 18 depending on the job, the duties and the products or services being sold. The best resource for your situation is a chat with your local schoolâs guidance officer or Board of Education. These resources will be able to help you get a work permit, explain the laws and rules, and sometimes help you find employers that are seeking part-time student help. Let's face it⦠it wonât hurt to ask.

Now for those who arenât able to legally work for an employer, donât give up! You can, at any age, work for yourself and/or your parents. There are limitations such as selling drugs, alcohol, body parts and other products but that leaves a lot of things that you CAN sell and/or services that you can provide.

Your local library is a great resource. Check out books like âFast Cash for Kidsâ by Bonnie & Noel Drew. Talk to the Librarian for other referrals. You might like âThe Richest Kids in Americaâ by Mark Vincent Hansen⦠what a great book!!!

Check out the services of Junior Achievements at http://www.ja.org. Junior Achievements is a legitimate organization that works with teen entrepreneurs. You just might âclickâ with their website.

You will need to do a little homework before just dashing into a business of your own. You will want to find out about local laws and licensing. You might want to learn a little about marketing, accounting, selling techniques, advertising, taxes, etc.

Here are some ideas for money making that you may or may not have thought about for yourself⦠washing windows, recycling, teaching, tutoring, writing, crafts, selling online, fixing and selling skateboards or bicycles, refinishing furniture, cooking or baking, washing cars, growing and selling flowers or spices or even goldfish, printing tshirts or calendars, selling bumper stickers, energy efficient lightbulbs or programmable thermostats, shampooing carpeting, making and selling non toxic cleaning products, selling books or music or video games, or performing as a clown or other character or ⦠as you can see the list goes on and on.

Itâs really important to DO something to get your business started. Itâs great to think about things and plan how youâll spend your money once you earn it but youâve got to start doing something in order to take action. Learn how to write a business plan and then concentrate on writing it. You canât reach success if you canât describe it.

I started working at 12 selling calendars door to door from fall to winter every year and I raked in a lot of money just fifty cents at a time. But I didnât sit back waiting for the money to find me and you shouldnât either. Itâs time to learn about yourself, your industry, your customers, your suppliers and your business.

Every journey begins with a single step.

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TThis boy i like asked me to go to his dirt bike race tomarrow. what should i wear?

ashley

Answer
When I ask girls to come to my quadcrossi give them a jersey that's brand new

What should I get my bicycle enthusiast boy friend for Christmas?

animal

He's 20 years old and we live in nyc. He rides single speed or fixed gear or something like that (I don't know much about bikes) I'm already getting him some new bike shoes, but I'm having trouble thinking of other things.

Answer
Shoes is a perfect idea. You could get him a helmet depending on the one he has he might want to upgrade. Maybe he would want a jersey from his favorite team. You could get him some gloves or if he likes fixing bikes he would like a Park Tool multi tool kit. Because of the time of year he might want arm and/or leg warmers . Hope this helps.

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Are bicyle rodeos effective in helping prevent bicyle injuries?

adru09

As we all know bicyle rodeos are programs design to teach children to to safely drive bicyles, wear helmets, check bicycles, etc. Im doing reseach in whether or not these programs actually help prevent these injuries that could happen for the lack of this knowlegde. My research has come out rather dry. I was wondering if anybody had numbers, statistics, or information that could help me out. Please and thank you.

Answer
Well, I don't have any stats, but I do have personal experience.

I did a bunch of bike rodeo events when I was like 9-10, and just starting riding as a real hobby. My parents told me I had to do at least 3 of them before I could ride on the road. They really did help, because they teach you bike handling techniques, and teach you to ride through different conditions like narrow lanes, grass, rocks, etc. They set up an obstacle course at the end, and everyone had 2 chances to get the fastest time without knocking any of the cones down that they used to make the course. It was actually pretty fun, and looking back, it probably did help.

All in all, I say it definitely did help me. I guess it all depends on how much the kids actually pay attention during the class that regulates how effective it was.

Old Fashioned Fourth of July Fun....?

happygirl

I would like some suggestions for a community-wide Old Fashioned Fourth of July. Our celebration already has free bbq, free cake and homemade ice cream, a snowcone stand, free games (tug of war, gunney sack races, etc.) Lots of decorations, and all finished off with a fantastic display of glorious fireworks! What else can we do???

Answer
I remember one several years ago where they had a greased pole climging contest; the kids had a catch the pig contest. another had a carnival - with various rides and games. Another idea was a bicycle rodeo, where a course was set up where different obstacles and skills were tested.

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Should I just wait and save up more money for a new bike?

Zora N.

I have been asking tonnes and tonnes of questions here about potential bikes to buy; it seems that any bike that I like (or is within my price range, for that matter) is complete and utter crap (nicely said by one of the users here). I really didn't want to spend more than $275. But I have picked up a few tips from what I've learned here. All in all, it **seems** to me that the best bike I can afford is at least $500.

If you're wondering my purpose, I need it to bike to school and work (basically use it 1-2x EVERY day). I would use it on pavement road... and would probably end up riding an average of 2 miles per day. I'm also female (as you may have already guessed) and 160cm.

I realise very much that I am ignorant on these things, so I do request that you have a tiny smidge of mercy on me and not be mean :P
Thank you so so much!
@intrepidfae - Oooh in all my rush to buy a new bike, I didn't even consider used bikes from Craigslist. Good option, thanks :D
_______________________________________________
IF this rant is too long, here is the summary:

I want a good bike to use everyday. Only have $275. Should I wait?

Answer
OMG Zora, You have indeed learned something. Congratulations. I am not kidding and don't take it as condescending or patronizing. It is just such a rare happening around here. Most of the time, people tend to do exactly the opposite of what they are advised and then wonder why things don't work.

Knowing the purpose of the bike helps a lot. Now I understand that you need a reliable, dependable bike for commuting but only for 2 miles a day average. That opens some doors or at least softens the demands on the bike a bit. For a 2 mile commute "almost" anything will do but not just any piece of junk. You still want it not to break constantly on the way to work and I don't think that you are interested on getting the tools out a lot. For me, getting grease under my nails is ok, I do that for fun... when I am not at Y!A.

Back to your question. I still think you need to buy from a real bike shop. You will need the warranty, the after sale adjustments and the free tune ups. As well as help with flats and other issues that happens a lot. You see, there a few well known, first tier brands like Trek, Giant, Specialized and a few more that make great bikes but even the basic models will be a bit over what you want to pay. Then there are the second tier that are just almost as good but don't have the name recognition even if some have been around for ages. Kona, Motobecane, Raleigh, Fuji, Diamondback, and many more. You find those in the Local Bike Shop, LBS, for a fairly good price although some are only available on line which is not a good option for you at the time.

And then is the used bike option. Out of the 20 or so bikes I ever owned, only 4 were new. If you go used, get a used bike from the LBS. Clist is not for you. You wouldn't know what to look for, what kind of components. How much wear and tear is there. Most Clist bikes are asking 3x what they are worth and you will have to spend some money in repairs in the first month, maybe even several hundreds. some people find real treasures in Clist, but those people know what to look for and may take months. If you buy from a bike shop, you can trade up later, especially if they know the bike condition.

Hey, I can rant too. Feel free to ask.

The first link show my wife's new bike, 7.6 intended for longer rides and 200 mile tours. Even the 7.1 in that FX series will be a nice bike.

The second link is to an online store. Do not buy from there as you will need to do some assembly, use it for reference. You want a hybrid bike (not step through) with 700 tires, double wall aluminum rims. Make sure it has a cassette and freehub and not the old technology freewheel which is weaker. That should be enough to get you going. I sincerely think that you will out grow that bike and maybe will need a road bike later on.

Even a Diamondback wouldn't be a bad choice. I have one since 1989 with over 10k miles.

What kind of bike should I get?

Mini Mi

And by bike, I mean bicycle. I haven't had a bike in years, and the last I had as a kid, was a 10 speed, I think. Maybe, maybe not. It was just a simple bike, straight handlebars, with front and back brakes. That's what I want now. The STRAIGHT across handlebar kind (not the ones that curve back), front and back brakes, and one that I can use for a nice ride in the park. I looked online, and I don't want a "cruiser bike", or whatever it is. To me, I think that would not take hills well. And I live in a hilly area!! My bike experience: I probably maybe only had a five gear bike, yet I never switched the gears. I never understood when to use them. So if I have that, I wouldn't care either way. I want a bike that has the strength to go up hills, and is just a fun, basic bike for rides in the park. OH!! And I don't want some pricey bike. Something under $200, maybe $100-$200. You know, a KMart bike! Anywho, what would you guys recommend?

Thanks!!
Jake B: Yup!! I think you're right. After looking around (I was lazy, that's why I asked this), I found out that a bike looked just like I had remembered! A mountain bike, is what it was. Thank you!

It's purple too, my fave color!! And under 100 bucks. ;)

Answer
ANY mountain bike ;P

(They fit absolutely all of your descriptions perfectly)

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biking but seat causeing problems what to wear for protection fron front of seat?

jumbo20

i ride my bike alot i am a 15 year old male and when i ride my bike for a long time my penis and balls start to hurt alot. is there any thing i could wear to keep that from hurting so much

Answer
You didn't say if this is "casual" riding or riding a little more seriously and done for the sake of exercise. If it's serious, you should be wearing proper bike shorts, made of lycra and with a built in pad. (For god's sake DONT wear a cup on a bike--RU KIDDING????)
Next, is the saddle. It should be approximately level with the ground. Don't point the nose down or up. A lot of saddles have a cutout section in the middle which are designed to put less pressure on sensitive areas. They are very common--check the bike shop. Don't go for a "softie" seat. They are very amateur and for real non-bikers.

What are my best options for toting three kids around with my bike?

B

Is there a trailer for 3 kids? Would it be ok to have a "trail-a-bike" type option then connect a trailer to that? Or get a child seat plus the trailer? Kids are 4 mos, 2.5 yrs, and 5 yrs old.. The 5 yr old can ride a bike, but very slowly and not very far.. Thanks!

Answer
You have a few option, although I agree with those who mention 4 mos may be a little young for any kind of biking. The only way I would bike with infants is if I can either carry them very close to me, or if I can strap them into a reclined seat where they don't have to fully support their head while going over bumps etc.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Bend,OR&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=40.460237,67.763672&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Bend,+Deschutes,+Oregon&ll=44.05157,-121.315155&spn=0.28771,0.529404&t=h&z=11 Front mounted seat.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FIH0EG?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwgalttechco-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000FIH0EG Top Bar Mounted

In Denmark they often ride with the youngest in a front basket or cargo bay laying down in blankets.

I've tried my kids in trailers at 9 mos and found it didn't work for me with any of them because I couldn't watch how they were doing and couldn't attend to their needs at all without stopping, dismounting etc. AND until over a year they didn't do well enough with head control. The trailers actually ride fairly jouncy and bumpy because the kids are sitting right on top of the wheels.

Moving on....

I have seen people do the tag along and the trailer, but for regular use it seems to long and unwieldy to me.

I'd go the cargo bike / long tail route: Madsen Cycles has a model that seats 4 with seat belts (takes the optional extra seat to get to 4 - standard is 2) http://www.madsencycles.com/
A review of cargo bikes: http://www.metaefficient.com/bicycles/longtail-bikes-a-review-and-buying-guide.html
And Riding triple on a long tail http://surfabike.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/mundo_bilby_side_m-preview1-jpg.jpeg

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Why a 250 bike for beginner?

Chris

So I know that a 250 is the ideal bike for a beginner, but I don't know why a 650 would be difficult for a beginner. Can you list me some cons for buying a 650cc if you're a beginner?

Answer
When I was a kid, there were a lot of bikes around in the under-250cc range. Most of us, our first bike was a 90 or a 125, or a big hairy-chested freeway-legal 150! 8^) Elvis Presley made a film called Roustabout, about a motorcycle bum who joins a carnival, and he rode around on a big, menacing-looking Honda 305! The biggest bike Honda made in those days was a 350!

In those days, they used to say there was no reason a motorcycle needed to be bigger than 250cc! People routinely crossed the continent on them. But that was in the day when US highways were 45-50 mph. A 250 is all the motorcycle you will ever need if you never need to go faster than 50 mph.

Today a 250cc bike is about the smallest you can get (except for a scooter or a moped or something). We get the 'first bike' question here a lot and a lot of people insist you should learn on a 250 because it's small and light and easy to manage. Which is true.

BUT these days most people are going to want to cruise on the highway, and a 250 is just inadequate. A Honda Rebel 250 or Kawasaki Ninja 250 will go 70 mph (on a good day with the wind behind you) but the suspension isn't designed for that speed so the bike is all over the road, not comfortable and not safe. A good gust of wind can put you over one lane, and if there's a car there, you're toast. Plus the throttle is wide open, you have no power in reserve.

It really depends on how you see yourself riding. If you're just riding to school and back, to work and back, and perhaps the occasional weekend ride on back roads, a 250 would be fine. But if you ever want to go more than 2 or 3 miles on an Interstate, you need at least 500cc and 650cc is better.

A 500 or 650 is bigger/heavier than a 250, but I don't think it's that much more. A normal 18 year old could handle it. So long as you can sit on the bike with both feet flat on the ground.

People talk about 'too much power'. But in my mind that's not a problem. The bike is not going to just take off with you like a wild horse. If you're mature enough to ride a bike in the first place, you use only as much power as you need. A little extra, in reserve, is a good thing, when you want to pass someone on the freeway. If you aren't mature enough, you can get your fool neck broke just as easily on a 250.

Anyway that's what I think.

First bike.?

Drcracker

I've saved up, and want to buy a cbr 1000 rr for my first bike. everybody I know says it will get me killed since its my first bike. But, I've always wanted one. I grew up riding a bike, I can do wheelies, bunny hops. So, do you guys think I could survive? Also, does anybody know how much insurance would be for an 18 year old with a cbr 1000 rr?

Answer
i ride my motorcycle everyday. as a kid i grew up riding dirt bikes and four wheelers. but even with all the experience it still does not prepare you for what you will need to know for riding on the street. it is a whole different ball game. on the trails you ride more offensively. on the street it is defense. expect everyone you approach to pull out in front of you. expect someone to run the traffic light each time. oh yea dont forget the guy who just about missed his turn. that hurts too. bottom line is that no matter what size or type of bike you ride there is always a chance of getting hurt or killed. the main thing is to be mature with you riding habits. true bikes typically are faster then cars but if you will notice those speed limit signs are for all vehicles. obey them and you will be much safer. just remember defenseive driving. as far as the bike you want. everyone who says you will get hurt on it is probably right. even after years of riding atv and dirt bikes my first street bike was a yamaha virago 250. yes i said 250. and i am 6 ft tall and weigh 210 lbs. but at 100 mpg it was nice. i rode it for a year or so. enjoy cruising and had a great time...but guess what. my friend got a crotch rocket. guess who else got one? ME. it was a katana 650 maybe 600 cant remember now which it is they make. but either way. i rode it stupid. but the funny thing was that when me and all the guys hit the mountains to ride i could still smoke the 1000's. why? cause i could maintain a better speed. there bikes where faster. but they would be going so fast approaching a curve that they would be standing on the brakes as they approach it. i could just roll out of the throttle, set myself up, and then roll back into the throttle and accelerate through the curve while the big bikes are playing braking games. i finally grew out of the crotch rocket phase. now i am on a harley davidson road king. like it much better. carry the tent, sleeping bag, stop somewhere and pick up a chick and take a weekend get away. cant beat it. oh yea, as far as ins goes. my 250 was 125 per year liability. katanta was 800 per year full coverage, and the harley is 360 per year full coverage. my friend who bought a ninja 636. full coverage was 3200 per year. he was 26 and married at the time. so use those numbers to go by. and i am 30 years old now. just be careful and ride smart

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What size bike for 4 year old?

Mom to Mat

My son is going to turn 4 in 2 weeks. We decided we wanted to get him his first real bike for his b-day. We went last night to get one and we were talking to a salesmen about what size we should get for him. They had 12in and 16in. He told us that age 4 is kind of in the middle of the 2 sizes so it was more difficult so we decided since we didn't want him to grow out of it too fast we would get the 16in. I just wanted to make sure it's not going to be TOO big for him. Some reviews online said it would be good for ages 4-7 but others said 6-8. We got him the Disney Cars bike (that they sell at Walmart, Target & Toys R Us) it does have an adjustable seat and handlebars. Like I said he is almost 4 and is about 41-42in tall. What do you all think?

Answer
just bring the child to the bike have him sit on it and if he can sit on the seat and tip toe the ground and stand over the bar and not rack himself on it, it is the right size, or ask a friend whos kid is the same size to try it out or ask other parents of kids the same height as we are on here what size bike their kid uses

Whats the best kind of dirt bike for a 4 year old?

kingelkhun

Yeah you read that right, a 4 year old. Whats the best kind of 49cc dirt bike to get for a 4 year old? And Im talking a REAL dirt bike. Not a power wheel or a plastic wal mart razor electric imitaion dirt bike. Im talking yamaha, suzuki, etc etc. Whats the best dirt bike to get my 4 year old.

Answer
I agree with Yamaha pw50. That's what both of my kids learned on. It is shaft drive, so no chain to get caught in, no shifting or clutch, and the kill switch has a "start" position which will only let it idle until you switch it to "run", which prevents accidental take-offs. They are extremely reliable too.

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What to do in Toronto for summer??!!?

a_slipping

Hey guys, I'm dating a great girl who's visiting Toronto and will be leaving in August :( We've gone to Wonderland and some other great places already but I'm looking for some other fun places that don't kill my wallet each time we go out! haha I was wondering if anyone knew any nice bike trails where you can rent bikes and go for a ride, or even somewhere close for a night of camping? We haven't gone to the Toronto Island yet, which is definitely on the to-do list. Any money saving tips would be greatly appreciated, thanks! :) Oh BTW, I hate Ontario Place! Theres nothing to do there!! lol

Answer
Here are a few suggestions
1. Visit Canadaâs tallest building - the CN Tower.
2. Meander through the corridors, passageways and stables of, Casa Loma.
3. Visit the chic shops and indulgent restaurants in Yorkville.
4. Take in a show at the historical Elgin or Wintergarden theatres on Yonge Street.
5. Get a history lesson at the Royal Ontario Museum.
6. Marvel at the architectural wonders of Union Station.
7. Experience the urban living mecca that is the Manulife Centre, located on Bloor Street West.
8. Find produce from all over the world at Kensington Market.
9. Immerse yourself in the culture and Asian way of life in Chinatown.
10. Shop âtil you drop at the Eaton Centre mall.
11. Tour a Greek Revival row-house at the Mackenzie House.
12. Visit in November to be a part of the enormous Santa Claus Parade.
13. Lose yourself in a museum solely revolving around shoes at the Bata Shoe Museum.
14. Take a day trip on Via Rail.
15. Bust a sweat at the Wellington, an uber-swanky fitness club.
16. Explore the heart of Torontoâs gay and lesbian communities on Church Street.
17. Enjoy a concert or performance at the Sony Centre (formerly the Hummingbird Theatre).
18. Head to the One of a Kind Show and Sale, featuring 750 Canadian Artisans bi-annually.
19. View some of the finest art on the Toronto scene at YYZ Artistâs Outlet.
20. Take in a musical show at Massey Hall.
21. Ice skate in the winter and people watch year-round at Nathan Phillips Square.
22. Re-energize with an oxygen treatment at the O2 Spa Bar.
23. Catch a Toronto Maple Leafs game at the Air Canada Centre.
24. Tour the artsy shops of Queen Street West.
25. Live the Greek life in Torontoâs East Endâs Greektown.
26. Let the kids loose at the Childrenâs Own Museum.
27. Tour the maze-like underground Toronto world of The Path.
28. Laugh yourself silly at Yuk Yukâs Comedy Cabaret.
29. Experience a Blue Jayâs game at the retractable-roofed Skydome or a concert at Rogers Centre.
30. Roam through the campus of University of Toronto.
31. Observe the rich history of Torontoâs Old City Hall.
32. Compare Old City Hall with the architectural advances of New City Hall.
33. Tool through the âhippest address in town,â The Distillery District.
34. Visit the Museum of Television in its brand new location.
35. Check out the largest enclave of Victorian Homes in North America in the Cabbagetown Neighbourhood.
36. Be amazed by the beauty and grace of the National Ballet of Canada.
37. Wander amongst the vast offerings of Yonge Street.
38. Take a break from the hustle and bustle at Toronto Islands Park.
39. Shoot pool at the Andu Pool Hall on College Street.
40. Listen to the glorious sounds of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.
41. Head to services at St. Michaelâs Cathedral.
42. Watch the animals at the Toronto Zoo.
43. Go medieval at the Medieval Times Dinner Show.
44. Eat pasta at a restaurant in Little Italy .
45. Spend hours at the entertainment complex and night club, the Sound Academy.
46. Take in a show at the Canon Theatre (formerly the famous Phantom of the Operaâs Pantages Theatre).
47. See lives music at the Horseshoe Tavern.
48. Take in a show at the Canadian Opera Company.
49. Catch your breath at High Park.
50. And donât forget the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Best place for 16 year old to work In Toronto Canada?

Mark D

What is a good place to work at 16 near duffren and steeles in Toronto. Thanks.

Answer
Hey Mark D:

It depends what you want to do. If it's a part time job for the summer, you can't be too choosey once June is here. Many employers hire for summer jobs in February.No kidding. If you want one of the whipper snipper-grass cutting jobs with the city for example, check out their website in Jan-Feb 2011.

My suggestion is pick a place you want to work and keep knocking at their door. Let them know you are interested. If there is a decent restaurant nearby, the job of a "busboy" isn't too glamorous, but often the tips are shared between the servers, hostess and bussers. If you want to work in construction, find a job site and talk with somebody. Roofing? Avenue Road Roofing is advertising how busy they are. Call them up. Ask around. Talk with people, your neighbours, parents friends...

A lot of employers open doors to people your age. Pick what you want to do and what will look good on a resume someday or a job that may continue part-time through the school season.
The best part-time job is within walking or biking distance from home.
Good luck.

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What's the best bike rack for a PT Cruiser?

elb

We have a PT Cruiser. The bike rack we got years ago that was supposed to work on it, didn't. Now we're getting back into cycling and only one bike will fit in the car at a time and there are two of us and two bikes.

We've looked at REI and seen the trunk racks, roof racks and hitch racks, but we want to find one we know will work before investing the money.

The previous rack that didn't work was supposed to go over the back of the Cruiser, which is sort of a hatchback.

The Cruiser does have the factory rack on the top, with two rails going from the front to the back of the vehicle and two bars that go from side to side. The side to side bars can be pushed along the front to back rails to make one cross bar or be split to make two.

We don't have a hitch, so we're trying not to have to get one to get a hitch bike rack.

Has anyone with a PT Cruiser had success with a bike rack?

Thanks for your help.

Answer
I haven't dealt specifically with a PT cruiser but I have dealt with bike racks for a multitude of vehicles, small, medium and large.

The easiest (in regards to purchase and installation) and probably the cheapest way to go would be to get parts that fit your factory roof rack. I have done this on both my wife's S-10 Blazer and my full size SUV using Thule and Yakima trays. Yakima sells universal cross-bar clamps to work with many of their models. If you are mechanically inclined, you will find the installation very easy.

The downsides of having the bikes on the roof are: A) decreased fuel economy; B) increased chance of low-clearance destruction; and, C) having to lift the bike, sometimes awkwardly, into position.

To explain A further, the increased height of the racks and bikes causes wind resistance. The wind resistance causes your engine to work harder and uses more fuel. Even when the racks are not holding bicycles, there will be a slight decrease in fuel economy.

As for B, if you do this, beware of low-hanging drive-through awnings and parking garages (including the one at home). With C, if you're strong and tall, there's no issue.

As for me, I eventually opted to put a 2" hitch receiver on my wife's truck and get a 4-bike hitch rack that we can swap between our 2 vehicles with ease. We have a Saris that holds the bikes by their wheels and doesn't require their removal. It is easily removable for trips to the carwash and stores easily. The bikes can be loaded at a height that even kids can handle and it causes no fuel economy difference.

Depending on how many miles you drive, it may be worthwhile to invest in the hitch receiver just for the fuel savings.

Oh, and check Craigslist before you buy new rack components. You might be able to find what you need, slightly used for a fraction of the price!

How can Nashbar sell a carbon bike with Ultegra for $1500?

Reprobate

No one else seems to be able to.

How do they do it?

Referring to their CR3 (enter CR3 in Nasbar search - would love to post a link, but internet's down)

Answer
Are you never going to buy a bike? Just kidding.

There are many reasons that make this bike not-such-a-great deal. I have mentioned these issues a hundred times with other bikes and I'll do it again just for you.

1) Nashbar has cut off all the low hanging fruit. Every other part on the bike would be expected on a bike with Tiagra or Sora. This is a very common thing to do- put a couple of good things on and drop the grade on the "hidden stuff";

2) The majority of discount CF frames have some issues in common. First, they are made using old molds. Old molds are on the verge of being melted down and made into car fenders because they are almost out of tolerance for production. These things don't last forever. Also, it is common for them to be made up of CF scraps for the underlay... CF frames are laid up with multiple layers, and you'll never see the inside, and the CF is epoxied together, so whats the big deal? The big deal is that the frame may not have a good layup and have weak areas caused either by CF past it's expiration date (yep, it has an expiration date) or by less-than-proper (but still barely passable) layup. There are other things like filling in gaps with pure epoxy and stuff but I don't want to write a book.

NEVER consider a $1500 CF bike at ALL, much less one with Ultegra anything. They are NOT good deals.

EDIT: HIPPIE! I am now going to cut my eyes out. You called a Reynolds product cromoly. Blasphemy!

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Kids Bikes?

marie

Want to buy my nephew a new bike for his birthday. He will be turning 4. What should I look for? I know he needs trainning wheels, but don't know what size to look for.

Answer
If he's small or average for his age he will need a 12" bike. If on the larger side maybe a 16". Both normally come with training wheels. Best thing is to head over to Wal Mart, Target, Toy r Us etc. and see how they fit. If it's a surprise you can always buy one and take it back if not right. Make sure to not get something he will grow out of by fall.

I would not take a 4 yo to a bike shop - most don't even carry kiddie bikes anyway.

Can a Kid Troxel bike seat Fit on a Beach Crusier?

Tutii

Its a huffy beach cruiser

Answer
It should if the seat clamp is for the same diameter seatpost but you can buy a clamp for the seat or spread it out to fit but if you did that be careful and if I had a pic of the bike or link to the seat I can help you a little better, you could get another seatpost with a smaller top like these have in the links below.

http://rinienterprises.com/categorydetail.cfm?id=66&RequestTimeout=800

Also if you can see the seat clamp of the seat in question looks smaller than the top of your seatpost then do what I have said but if your seatpost has the top smaller than the rest of the seatpost then it should be the same, newer bikes use bigger seatposts than the 90's & older ones do.

Edit: Anymore help with your bike ask here at Ratrodbikes forum because they know a lot.
http://www.ratrodbikes.com/

Edit 2: I believe the asker is talking about a seat for a 16 or 20 inch bicycles like the one in the link below which was used on a kids Huffy.
http://i603.photobucket.com/albums/tt118/johnkiml/IMG_0716.jpg

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Can I make this bike work for my daughter?

Beth P

My tall 8 year old daughter won a size small women's frame Diamondback mountain bike at an event this summer. She currently has a 20in bike that we were going to upgrade to a 24 inch by Fall. She can ride this Diamondback with 26inch wheels but we need to help her get on and off. It looks too big for her and is too big for her. So now we are looking for a bike shop quality used bike for her and not finding anything so i got to thinking that IF we could trade out the Diamondback wheels to 24 inchers and trade out some handlebars that aren't such a far reach for her then *maybe* it would work for her. Any thoughts or advice? I think it'll be another 1-3 years before she can actually ride the Diamondback safely as it is. I hate to have that brand new bike sitting there for that long though she doesn't want to sell it either since it was so cool that she won it.

thanks.

beth

Answer
If the Diamondback bike has disc brakes, then you could put 24" wheels on there. With 99% of v-brake 26" wheel bikes, you can't use smaller wheels because there's no way to adjust the brakes that low to hit the new rim, so disc brakes are a must. Keep in mind, though....it wouldn't be easy, and it might not be all that helpful anyway. It will only drop the standover height about one inch, and even with a short stem and the saddle all the way forward, the frame will probably still be too long for her. If it's worth a try to you with the disc brakes, then you'll probably need to have your current disc hubs re-laced to new rims (with new, shorter spokes). I don't recall seeing any 24" disc wheels on the market, but if they're available then you might be able to buy a set cheaper than you could build one up. This is all assuming that the bike has discs now....if it has v-brakes, then the frame and fork need to have the built-in mounts for disc rotors if any of this is going to work.

I think the best thing is to hang on to the bike until she's older, or possibly sell it and use the money for a bike that will fit her right now. I have a friend whose 5 year old son won an awesome new GT bmx bike and he's way too small to ride it.....it's sad when you see that joy in a kid's eyes and the practical problems just won't let it happen. Maybe if you agree with her how neat it was to win something so expensive and fun, even if it won't work for her now, she'll turn around and agree with you that the best thing to do is get something that will. I dunno...that's a special thing to win, and kids are funny sometimes. lol.

You might even call up local bike shops to see if they'll work out a even trade for her. They just might. Little girls have a lot of power, y'know, and bike shop guys are usually pretty cool people. :o)

Good luck with it....I hope you can get her onto a bike she loves soon! :o)

I would like a new bike, what would you suggest I do?

Epic Parad

Okay, so I really have two questions for this one.

Firstly, my father does not believe that I need a new bike. I am riding about 50-100 miles per week on a bike bought on sale at Walmart. This bike is about a year and a half old. This: http://next-bike.com/models.php?model=pcm is pretty close to the model I ride now. I am a female, though I ride a men's bike at the moment. My biggest problem is that most of the time I am working against the bike while riding, instead of flowing with it. The breaks hardly work even though we have tried to fix them multiple times. It is heavy and uncomfortable, and I have to hunch my shoulders and set my hands very uncomfortably on the handle bars.

Now I have told my dad all of this, but he only said that if I really loved bike riding, he would have already gotten me a serious bike. How do I convince him to buy me a new one? I am not allowed to get a job though I work very, very hard around the house. I get a 15 dollar per week allowence, but my friends often invite me to the movies and such and it's times like these that I want to use the money for. My family is not "tight on cash" in any sense of the word. My dad got a kayak that he has never once used two years ago, just on a whim. He can buy me a bike easily, he just won't. Any ideas on how to convince him that a Walmart bike just doesn't cut it? He doesn't believe that they're any different than the big brands.

Now for my second question.

What sort of bikes would you recommend I look into? I ride on both streets and gravely pathways, sometimes in dirt. I spend a lot of time riding on the side of the road, whether that be on asphalt or in the gutter. I would like something that fits my body- I am 5'7"- and comfort is a huge goal for me. I'm pretty sure I be able to convince my dad on any bike more than $1000, and that is a huge upper limit. What would you suggest and where would you suggest I search for such a bike? I live in the suburbs of Chicago.

I'm sorry if that was long, thank you very very much for taking time to help me.
First of all I meant that I wouldn't be able to convince my dad to buy me a bike more than 1000 dollars, and that I wouldn't want to, not the gibberish that I typed.

Secondly, and this is directed to bad, I didn't mean to come off as self centered. However, the last sentence of your comment was downright rude and there was absolutely no reason to mock me. You don't know me or what I do. It's not as if going a weekend without seeing a movie will buy me any sort of bike, even the Walmart kind. Going for 30 weeks without doing anything with my friends? That's pushing it, wouldn't you say? I'm not a spoiled brat. Up until this point- a few days ago I almost got hit by a car beacuse the brakes weren't working- I haven't been looking for bikes because I didn't want to ask for something so expensive, so of course I wouldn't know what I would/should want. Still, at least you responded with something so I guess I can't complain too much.

Answer
Your questions are reasonable. Furthermore, grammar as proper as yours is seldom seen in questions asked here, especially by teens. What a nice change!

First, a bike is no better than its braking capabilities. If nothing can be done to improve the brakes on your current bike, it's just not safe to ride. It's no secret that the brakes on "department store" bikes are lousy. It's also no secret that the overall poor quality of parts and assembly on these bikes make them poor choices. The bottom end components found on dept store bikes make them very hard to repair and maintain, let alone work correctly in the first place. Besides, it doesn't sound like your current bike fits you well.

Perhaps your dad still thinks of you as a little kid. Rather than riding around in circles in the cul-de-sac, you rely on your bike for transportation. Or perhaps your dad doesn't see the difference in quality between bike purchased at Walmart and bikes purchased at a bike shop.

If you haven't done so already, I would suggest you visit your local bike shops (LBS). Ride your bike if you must, but don't bring dad with you this time. Talk to the staff; tell them about the riding you do and that you intend to replace your current bike with a higher quality bike. Take test rides on bikes that interest you and allow the staff to explain the features of each model. Then make sure you leave the shop with several catalogs featuring some of the models that you test rode or which otherwise interested you. Take the catalogs home and discuss the issue with your dad. Make him promise you to accompany you to the shop so he can see the bikes for himself. Also, if there was a particular staff member that was very helpful or whom you think would be most capable of representing your side to your dad, call in advance to be sure that salesperson will be there when you visit again.

If you want a bike that's good for traveling on paved and [smooth] unpaved surfaces, you'd be best with a hybrid. Depending on the brands your bike shop(s) represent(s), you should find a variety of hybrids from which to choose. Here are a few that would come in below your limit:

Trek 7.3FX WSD $640
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/bike_path/fx/73fxwsd/

Trek 7300 WSD $640
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/bike_path/hybrid/7300wsd/

Specialized Vita Sport $590
http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=38459&eid=121

Specialized Women's Globe Vienna 3 $610
http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=39276

Kona Dew $450
http://www.konaworld.com/09_dew_u.cfm

Jamis Coda Femme $550
http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/street/coda/09_codaf.html

Jamis Allegro 1 $635
http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/street/allegro/09_allegro1.html

You'll notice that with the exception of one model (Trek 7300), none of the bikes have a suspension. It's just not necessary for the riding you describe, and getting a decent suspension fork really increases the overall cost. Some "hybrids" have more in common with road bikes than other hybrids; the FX and the Sirrus are two such "flat bar road bikes." You'll find similar bikes from other mfrs, including Marin, Fuji and even Schwinn (not the Target line, though). They're good all around bikes for commuting, fitness riding, bike paths, and smooth trails. Your LBS staff can show you these and other bikes that would work for you. Most important is the fit and comfort, so be sure to take them for test rides. You can get great quality for $500-600. That's more palatable than the $1K limit you mentioned.

Two more points: First, I'm shocked you've ridden your Next for 1-1/2yrs and put on that kind of mileage. Second, don't ride in gutters...ever....for any reason. Not good for you or the bike.

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Can you recommend a bike for me?

t square

I haven't owned a bike since I had my banana seat cruiser as a kid. What I'd like to have is a folder so I can put it in my trunk, something to ride at the beach, or short trips around town and generally just for fun. I can't spend a lot of money on it, but I also don't want to throw money away on something I don't know how to buy. The bike shops in my area don't really carry folding bikes, so I think my options are to buy one online. Any advice or suggestions you have would be greatly appreciated. Info you may need... I'm female, 5' 6" average frame, i like quirky things, don't mind buying used as long as I know what I'm buying.
thinking around $200-300 (or less) :)

Answer
What's your budget, sweetcakes?

Any Suggestions On A Bicycle For Commuting to College?

Rae

I have a bike but it is totally falling apart and I would like to use a bike to help me get into shape, as a year of only walking and using a treadmill is getting dull.

I am 5 feet 3 inches and would be using the bike at least 3-5 days of the week going to class, 6 miles each day, maybe a bit more, so relative comfort is important. I would like it to be able to handle inclines (not sharp ones, though). I'm not totally athletic yet but I doubt I would have much of a problem with the inclines, but a little help would be nice :-)

I don't know much about bikes and how universal they are, but I would like it to have a rack attached to the back or at least the capability of having a small rack attached. (I'd probably just use my book bag but just in case...) Not a necessity, though.

I would also like it to have both front and rear wheel brakes.

And here's where the problem comes in... I have a budget of $300, but perhaps I could swing $350. So that pretty much knocks out the models in bike stores.

I've already been looking but since I'm a bicycle novice, number of gears don't mean much to me, nor do the tire heights, though I think the bike I have now is a 24" mountain bike, and I think it's a 10-speed (it's old). I've heard that people who are an inch or two taller than me have a bit of trouble with 26", so I kind of want to stay in the 24" range unless the seat on a particular 26" can be really lowered.

I tried doing all the research myself but now I just feel overwhelmed and I know there are people out there who know WAY more about bikes than I do! Thanks so much in advance for any suggestions!

Answer
I think you should consider a "beach cruiser" bike for the following reasons:

They are very inexpensive (try getting a second-hand one on craigslist, sometimes people are moving and just give them away!)

They usually have just one speed, which is fine for a beginner...you just stand up on the pedals and pump you're legs when going up hill (like a child does on a regular kid's bike).

One speed means less of a chance of the gears getting messed up

They put you in an upright riding position (easy on the back) and you can see traffic better, and they often have nice padded seats. (like a 'comfort' bike, but much cheaper).

They often have old fashioned balloon tires that make the ride comfortable, can easily handle a rack in back or a basket in front.

If you find a second-hand one, you can then take it into a local bike shop to have it 'tuned-up', if needed (greasing the chain, getting tires/gears)

Do a google search for "beach cruiser" and you can see the style that I'm talking about...Good luck!

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Power supply for child's electric bike?

Bradley

I have just been given a little child's bike that is said to be electric. It has a small motor and a few globes attached here and there. when a button is pressed the wheels spin. This is when I hook power to it from a converter from the wall. My question is, what is the best way to have it go itself with power on it and not a massive cord going to it from a power point!

Answer
Is there a place for a battery on this bike? If so, determine the voltage the motor takes and install the proper battery. I would guess that it would take a 12 volt battery, but make sure. Get a charger for it and let your kid(s) have fun.

What is so good about electric bikes?

hoffontour

Everyone seems to be riding them these days..
But it seems the range is limited anyway. and those DIY jobs look home-made
what is so good about them?

Answer
hoff

They are 'green', and give the rider the environmental benefits of a cyclists, without the work. It would also allow riders with health issues the ability to participate with their friends on cycling adventures. Like small motors, the electric counterpart is fickle, and prone to breakdowns. The 'home-made' only makes them potentially less dependable.

They also tend to be popular with youth riders, who (and the parents) often wrongfully thinking that it is legal for their children to ride these small motorized vehicles. In many cases they are not legal, but they are ignored by police from active enforcement.

Soccerref

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What type of bike frame should I get?

kmarbone

My husband and I want to buy a couple of used bikes to ride the neighborhoods with the kiddos. I've been looking on craigslist and found some interesting possibilities but I really have no clue how to determine the frame size and type that we should get. We'll be mainly riding on sidewalks and park trails (some of the sidewalks in our area are pretty uneven), what do you guys recommend I look for?
I'm 5'9" and my husband is 6'6"

Answer
This is a little long, but bear with me and you'll be happier with your decision.

I concur with the answers above. Your husband is going to need a really tall frame- a 22" or 23" (60 or 62cm) frame (with 700C wheels) and you should get a mens or WSD 16" or 17" (54 or 56cm) frame. If you don't know much about bikes the money you save will be quickly eaten up by the frustration you will experience as you discover the multitude of "little things" that make bikes fodder for hanging in the garage on a permanent basis.

There are 2 types of bikes that will suit you best. Hybrid and Comfort. The hybrid is kind of a middle-of-the-road car... comfortable enough for trips and economical enough for everyday riding, it is a "knocked down" version of a road bike. A comfort bike is just that. It is taken from the mountain bike and has added padding and more comfortable design. The problem is that if you end up riding more than 10 miles or so that the comfort works against you- you sink into the soft saddle and start to become chafed (trust me- not a good feeling) and the upright position starts to make the bike a drag to control as your back starts to ache. Hybrids distribute your weight more evenly between arms and butt for a better and more enjoyable ride.

I would suggest a hybrid bike which will handle your needs no problem and be much friendlier than a comfort bike. Figure about $250 each. If this is more than what you expected to spend, see below...

STAY OFF THE SIDEWALKS. This is not a good place to be for you or the potential "traffic" on them. Also, don't forget helmets. Although some people think that an adult head is harder than a kids head, it isn't the case. Besides, if one of you got hurt, what would the other do?

Regarding price, consider this: Around 1870 when safety bicycles (bikes with 2 wheels the same size) were introduced, it took the average person roughly 108 hours pay for a bicycle. Fast forward to today, and a bicycle of better quality (though still not great) takes about 9 hours pay on the average.
Would I suggest you spend 108 hours pay on a bike? Probably not. How about 40 hours pay? Well, maybe if you want to start getting serious. How about 20 hours? Yes. This is where you need to be for a solid entry level bike that won't give you problems.

My first BMX bike?

camx94

Hey,
I just got my first BMX bike yesterday. Its a blue Mongoose Brawler....Now the person who sold me this is a 4 year BMX racing champion. He said this was more of a universal bike. Which means it can go on many things...other then dirt. I do say its maybe a little to heavy....which may be good because he told me if I get a heavy bike....then I can do anything on a light bike....Now I'm looking for both street and dirt....so I was wondering if this is a good enough bike to bring the the skatepark sometime....I'm trying to learn flatland tricks...such as the bunny hop....very hard...all I can do is basically lift up my front tire....

Anyways I was just asking if this is truely a good bike/universal for stuff like that.
Please be honest I can take anything...

Answer
well the kid was right, the bike you got is a universal bike...you can use it for trials, skatepark, street, but for flatland...the geometry is completely different on the frame...alot shorter and whatnot. i woudl say that you have a good starter bike. the first year that you ride you are building muscle and getting used to your bike. when i started i wasnt able to bunnyhop for awhile, now i can hop over garbage cans, jersey barriers, and fences! its all in your arms and legs. you pull up as hard as you can and then you level your arms out as you are sucking your legs up...try it for a good day or 2 and it will come to you. even taking you pegs off, cutting of an inch on your handle bars, cutting down your seat post are some ways you can lighten up yoor bike as well if you think its too heavy. i have actually bought parts that weigh lighter for myb ike and it weighs 21lbs...which is rather light. stick with it man...BMX is a long hard road to go down if you want to get good, but you have to stick with it....and once you start landing tricks it is one of the most rewarding feelings you can get...well to me at least. keep shreddin!

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best beginner dirt bike?

Q. i am 14 6 foot and weigh 200 pounds and i am wondering what kind of dirt bike i should get, i do mostly trail riding but i also do a lot of hard packed dirt roads and trails, i have ridden dirtbikes before but i have always been a atv man. i want something that wont come on to strong but will also go good when i give it to it, and i would rather a 4- stroke also. please any information on dirtbikes would be great thank you.

Answer
Well your a pretty big kid plus your still growing so you shouldn't get anything less than a 400.
My best recommendation would be a 450 trail bike. You could also get a yzf426. But don't get anything under a 400 cause it wont be able to pull someone around your size with ease plus you'll grow out of it rather quickly.

How do I pick a freestyle BMX bike?

argh.pirat

What brands are respected freestyle BMX bikes? I thought Mongoose where cheap kids bikes but they're everywhere. From what I can tell I should be looking for one that's 20". I'd like to ride street and vert for now and am looking for something under $150.

Answer
20" has a lot of possibilities... it would take a while to find one under 150, i would expect to find one under 200. go on danscomp.com , they have a lot of bikes. heres 2 under 200
(red looks better even though they dont have full pic for #1) http://www.danscomp.com/101140.php?cat=BIKES http://www.danscomp.com/101466.php?cat=BIKES

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Have you ever seen a kid just not like a "balance bike"?

K

"Balance bike" = pedal-free "bike" that the kid scoots along on, lifts feet up off the ground to whizz along with after getting the speed up.

I think they are a fantastic concept. I have long wanted to get one for my kid.

I do not think she would dig it, though. I think she would be intimidated by the speed required to get it to go fast enough to lift her feet up. She has never been the physically daring sort, and for learning to ride a bike I think we are in for a long slow steady thing, and she will not be one of the kids who races down the block for quite a while.

But perhaps I underestimate...

But, have you ever seen a tot just not take to one of these bikes? Does this happen? People rave about them but when I watch the videos of them my knee-jerk is "No way, my kid just wouldn't. Too fast." Hmm.

Answer
Maybe you should stop making your kid look stupid and just get her one. I'm sorry but are you just SO damn intellegent in your eyes even your kid is a worthless piece of crap in your eyes? Your a horrible person. Maybe you should have "digged" classical music. Maybe your kid would be able to be smart enough to ride one them hmmm? If you actually read up you'd see many articles explianing that classical music has helped stimulate the brain. Even Einstein said that math and music go together. Maybe your kid isn't a lost cause afterall. Psh.

Where in USA can I buy Hip Kids Balance Bike?

keepontruc

This is a 2-in-1 Steel Balance Bike that converts to pedals & training wheels.
I can only find them listed in an Australian store that does not ship to USA.
I want to buy 2 of these (different colors), NEW.

Answer
I couldn't find a dealer for Hip Kids in the USA. However I did find these sites:

http://www.kidsbalancebikes.com/
http://www.balancebikeshop.com/?gclid=CJju7beKkasCFWUZQgod1yoIvg

Good luck with your search.

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Help finding a bike (In UK)?

James

Hey, can anyone recommend a good commuter bike to me? I'm quite fussy and finding it difficult to find a bike I like.

I'm looking for a bike with hub gears (at least an 8 speed), aluminium frame, disc brakes and possibly front suspension, though not necessity! if anyone can recommend one, or point me in the direction of a good site other than evans, it'd be a huge help! thanks in advance!

Answer
Hey mate,

Glad you're looking at hub gears for commuting - I'm a firm believer in the right machine for the job and have long questioned why you see so many commuters struggling through 27 gears designed for mountain cycling whilst weaving their way around a bus on the high street - plus changing gear while you are stationary in traffic can be a real leg saver!

Similarly I think aluminium or carbon fibre are a good thing if you can afford them, once you've had a lightweight frame, you really don't go back - I agree with the earlier comment - you don't need a road bike - these are racing bikes and have a very poor riding position after a long day at work, and the larger wheels just have more expensive tubes and tyres, as well as much larger turning circles. If you did find a mountain bike you like, you can of course just change the tyres for road ones, but I really would recommend the hub gears over derailers - less maintenance, longer life, more reliable etc.

As for discs and forks, these may be overkill for everyday commuting, but again this depends on where you're riding - you won't need hydraulic discs, but again the reliability, strength and long life of discs over especially cheap callipers may make them a worthwhile upgrade but if you're just going to be riding on predominantly flat ground in heavy traffic, you really will be fine with a good set of v-brakes or quality calipers. As for the front suspension, just think how often you're route goes around pot holed streets, shortcuts off road, or up on the pavement for those lethal junctions, and decide if you need it.

Finally the most important part - price! Please do not spend more than £500 on a commuter bike - this is a high-wear, high-risk bike. Get a work horse - absolutely nothing fashionable - high theft targets. If you want a quality performance bike, then you need two - one cheap sturdy commuter workhorse and one expensive road/mountain/downhill/bmx bike to suit your needs. Don't forget you are very likely to damage the bike in an accident during everyday commuting over the life of the bike, and that it must 'live' somewhere whilst you are at work and that bikes are very high targets for theft and vandalism - no lock is safe - use a cable/chain lock AND a D-lock (as these take different tools to open) and always remove any quick-release kit when you lock it up. (disc brakes and suspension forks say "expensive" to theives - maybe worth considering?).

I won't recommend a website because I think it's really important to go into you're local bike store and find a bike that really meets you're needs - the most important thing of all is that the frame fits you - this will make it much more comfortable, and efficient! Stick to you're guns about hub gearing though, it sounds as though you really don't need deraillers and they will offer you deraillers in the store - remember the staff are just going to try and sell you kit you don't need - they are just kids that ride bikes at the weekend, they probably know a lot about performance bikes, but very little about day to day commuting!

you sound like you know what you want so try and avoid the sales team and have a good look yourself. You may have to go to several shops, but as you will be using this bike day in day out, rain, snow ice wind and heat you want to get it right. obviously once you find the model you want, check you can't find it cheaper online (take into account some stores include a years maintenance in the price!

Hope that helps!

How to tell the kids our beloved dog is dying?

Q. Our dog Magic is 17 years old...so his days are limited. I had him at the vets today for his vaccines and the vet said we'd be lucky to get 3 months out of Magic. Magic is a very special dog. My Ex-husband got him for me on our 1st anniversary, the same day I found out I was pregnant with our 1st. And the kids don't know life without him. They adore Magic, he's there everyday to greet them when they come home from school, he sleeps on one of their beds every night, and he's just such a special dog. He's been there for them during the divorce, they've been through a lot. And I notice the kids like to talk to him, especially our son Gabe (11). Words can't even begin describe Magic. All the bizarre things he's done, all the amazing things he's done. He saved Gabriel from drowning at the beach, and he used to let Charlie ride on his back like a horse, and when my son Evan fell off his bike and broke his arm, Magic raised the alarm, and he followed us to the hospital by following the car. And sat outside A&E until Evan had his cast and was ready to go home.
Magic isn't your ordinary dog, So telling the kids will break their hearts. They are 16, 14, 11 & 9.

I honestly don't know how to tell them. Thank you
Trolling, our family pet is dying & you accuse me of trolling???

I need genuine help, I know the kids will take this hard. Maybe the explaining wont be so hard for the 2 older ones. But the younger 2 will take it hard. Especially my 11yr old Gabe. He loves Magic to pieces. And I don't think he realizes just how old Magic is.
I talk to my kids all the time. I just don't know what to say to them

Bella, a top contributor badge doesn't give you the right to be ignorant!

Answer
If your kids are even moderately intelligent (they must take after the other parent) they've already figured out the average life expectancy of a dog and know that the end is coming soon. I'm sure he's had failings that are tell tale about an animals age. The cats out of the bag poster, but nice try trolling though. You should try actually talking to each other once in a while. Hard to believe that people are so devoid of common sense.

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are bmx bikes sized differently than kid bikes?

.

I saw a 20" bike at target but it was too small. Yet i search on the internet and they say 20" would be good.

Answer
20" is just the tire size. The way you find different sizes on a bmx bike is by the top tube. If your height is 5'4 to 5'10 get a bike with a 20 to 20.5 inch top tube if your taller then 5'10 look for a bike with a 20.5 or higher. Bikes from Target,Wal-mart,K-mart,etc. are heavy and not worth buying at all. And they only come in one top tube size. Check out www.Danscomp.com they have a great selection of bikes,and remember the your top tube size so you can have comfort while riding.

Good luck

I need a new bike but I don't understand the sizing?

kaitlyn_ni

My bike was recently stolen and I'm in need of a new bike. My previous bike was a cheap beach cruiser from Walmart, but this time I'd like to get a nicer bike, preferably a road bike. I've been browsing for road bikes on the internet and I think I've found one that I like, however I'm not sure about what size I need to get. I am a 21 yr old woman and I am around 5 ft 10 or 11 inches. The link for the bike I'm interested is listed below, please help!

Thank you :)
http://www.amazon.com/GMC-Denali-Road-Bike/dp/B000FDDWB6/ref=cm_cmu_pg__header
Also, I'm at student at UCSB who needs a bike just to ride to and from campus and the surrounding Goleta/Santa Barbara area, I'm not looking to spend a fortune on a bike, but I'm not doing a beach cruiser again.

Answer
That is not a road bike. It's a "bicycle shaped object". http://www.google.com/search?q=bicycle+shaped+object&oq=bicycle+shaped+object&sugexp=chrome,mod=0&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8 You simply won't find a road bike with good quality in that low of a price range - PERIOD!

Several weeks ago I was COASTING downhill on a 2012 Giant Escape City hybrid http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/escape.city/8910/48611/ and passed a kid PEDALING one of those GMC bikes. His response? "What the F---?!"

REAL road bikes are measured in 2 cm increments from REAL bicycle shops. Ones on Internet sites you have to assemble & tune-up yourself. Can you do this? Brakes need to be lined up & adjusted. Derailleurs have to be adjusted. Or worse - wheels need to be trued up. There's not a bicycle in this world that comes ready-to-ride out of the box.

Those GMC Denali bikes may last a year. You want to waste money or spend money on a bike that will last for YEARS? If it's the latter of the two - see links below...and your authorized, independent, knowledgeable, friendly, local bicycle shop.

http://www.raleighusa.com/bikes/road/endurance/capri-1-0-13/
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/avail.5/11526/55908/
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/road/sport/1_series/1_1_h2_compact/#
http://www.schwinnbikes.com/bikes/road/fastback-2-womens

These are but 4 examples of "good" road bikes. You could take anywhere from a 53.5 cm frame size up to a 56 cm frame size. It's NOT universal from one company to the next. TRY B4 you BUY! Take 'em out for a test ride before you buy one. If you can't extensively test ride it - DON'T buy it!
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/technology/compact.road.design/57/

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kids dirt bikes???????????

bryceyboi

my mate has a lad he is 10yrs and 135cm he wants a loncin what size would be best for him this is his first dirt bike.

Answer
Bring him to some shops to sit on the bikes.
Small engine bikes come in different sizes (seat heights).
A 10yr old should be able to handle something between 80cc & 100cc

If you want to surprise him, say you're going to a shop to buy a spark plug (or other parts) and ask if he would like to come with you.
While you're there, point to the dirt bikes and say "aren't those cool! - go ahead sit on some"

whats better kids trailer or kids seat mount for my bike?

mommy of p

I am going to be using my bike as priotity transportation to and from work. i will be bringing my daughter home with me from work. what attatchment is the safest and best( what should i purchase) a kids trailer to pull her in or a seat of her own to mount on my bike( should i get a front mount or a back mount).

my daughter is 1 year and 2 months. she walks and everything and is tall for her age.

please nobody comment how stupid i am for bringing my daughter home on a bike. i am working my ass off for a car and my husband and i only have one car and he leaves for work in the middle of my shift. so please nobody be rude.

to all others thank you for your time.
i am a teacher at a school. she is going to school with me. what the hell do i need a babysitter for!!

Answer
I would say the trailer. It may be harder to pull, but I think it is more safe. With the seat mount, if you fall over, well your kid does too, but in the trailor, they just seem more protected, plus you can put her bag and your stuff in their with her, Maybe you can get a trailer with a pivoting mount so if you were to fall she the mount would just pivot, but I don't know because I've never had one. I don't think it is stupid, but I just always though the seat mounts were kind of scary and dangerous! If she is in a trailor and you take a spill, she won't skuff her knees or hands or anything!

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Which Child Bike trailer is the safest???

daniellenl

my son is 8 months old and i want to take bikes rides with him.. We are looking into bike trailers for him. which ones are the safest and the bes quality for the price??? thanks

Answer
I buy Child carriers for a large sporting goods company and I have also tested many out with my 23month old or my older nephews and nieces. I have three that I would recommend but say first that these are not the least expensive.
When I look at these, I look for quality and safety for the child and, almost more importantly, the rider since if it makes riding the bike unsafe, the child may get hurt even if the trailer cage itself is safe.
Chariot: The highest end trailer company that makes trailers that can do ANYTHING! You make it for which sport you do. You won't see these everywhere because they are high end but they are what I consider the best.
http://www.chariotcarriers.com/english/html/full_product_line.php

The next one is what I am currently using to see what it can take. It is also made by Chariot but is a less expensive brand and come with a Jogging Kit, Stroller attachment and the bike rig. I like it for it's ease of use from one style to the other. I usually have the stroller wheel with me when we ride so I can lock up the bike and go for a stroll if there is an open market or something. These are very affordable and I consider a best buy of all trailers.
http://www.croozerdesigns.com/croozer_kid.html

The last is Burley... I used to love Burley and then they got all weird and expensive. Burley was "The Brand" for the past 12 or so years in Child Trailers but their company Buy-out a couple years back has them trying to capture the High End market of trailers and not offering a good "Cost vs. equipment" value on all of their other models. I still say there is nothing wrong with Burley but their pricing has made me virtually stop buying from them for our stores.
http://www.burley.com/products/

Don't buy a "Mart" trailer. I shudder every time I see one being pulled behind a bike and please remember to get the child a helmet. No structure is 100% safe in every circumstance and a $20 helmet could save his or her life!

Baby child sear or bike trailer?

Tally

I love bicycling and now I have a baby. Noah is 8 months old and within the next month or so I'd like to take both bike and baby out and go for a ride.

Anyone have advice for me in regards to child seat for bike or bike trailer? Which one is better, safer? I'm only going to be bicycling on sidewalks and in parks with him on.

Thanks for you thoughts.
THANKS FOR YOUR THOUGHTS. :)

Answer
Use a bike trailer. Should you fall over or get hit there is less of a chance of your child being injured. Also, DO NOT start riding with him at 9 months old. The minimum age for a bike trailer or a bike seat is 12 months. He MUST be wearing a helmet as well. We are currently fitting our daughter for a bike helmet and have found that the Bell Infant helmets seem to fit the best:

http://www.bellbikehelmets.com/productDetail.asp?prodID=19

They fit heads starting at 45 cm, which is the smallest helmet we could find so far!

We are using a Chariot Carrier, which we have had since our daughter was about 3 months old. We have been using it as a stroller and a jogging stroller this past year as it has many conversion kits. It is the safest bike trailer on the market and by far the best designed trailer. Check them out:

http://www.chariotcarriers.com/

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