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When the riding
position, is set
correctly, the rider
should not have
to stretch for the
pedals at all. Make
sure also that they
know how to use
the gears and
brakes. And keep
reminding them
that the gears will
get bent if the bike
is dropped on the
pavement.
RiDing With jUnioRs
Kid’s bikes with 20 and 24 inch wheels
are usually smaller versions of adult
bikes. So for most maintenance jobs, go
to the front part of this booklet. As for
the riding position, they should be set
up like an adult bike, with the ball of the
foot just reaching the ground when the
rider is sitting in the saddle. However,
when a child is just starting to ride, it
might be a good idea to position the
saddle a little lower than usual to boost
their confidence.
Some smaller bikes are very different
from adult machines. The chainset is
particularly different because both the
cranks and the axle are all made in one
piece. And this is only made possible by
using a very different type of bottom
bracket. For work on the steering
bearings, bottom bracket or chainset,
see your retailer.
Inevitably, kid’s bikes take a battering,
being thrown down or dropped onto
the pavement and suffering general
neglect. Replacement is the only
solution when the pedals break up but
bent cranks can usually be straightened.
When you’re out with the children,
insist that they ride in front of you so
that you can see and control everything
that’s happening. Don’t shout continual
instructions as that will only confuse
and annoy the kids. Be ready to jump
off your bike and intervene if it ever
becomes necessary.
Don’t ride too close to the children,
however, because you’ll have to keep
braking and there’s a danger of you
crashing into one of them if they stop
unexpectedly.
Child Seats
Child seats are now
designed along the
lines of car seats,
with straps to hold
the youngster in
place and a proper
place for the feet.
The seat is mounted onto the bike itself
with a sturdy metal clamp and frame,
which allows you to remove the baby
seat with one movement. You can even
buy a second clamp so that the seat can
be transferred from bike to bike.
Suits children from 6 months onwards
until they reach 48 pounds (22 kg) in
weight.
Take care when using a child seat to
make sure your childs hands and feet
cannot be trapped by any any moving
parts of the cycle such as saddle springs,
wheel spokes and brakes.
IMpORTANT:
Child seats are not designed
for use with suspension bikes. Mounting
clamps should be located on the frame
seat tube and must not be fitted on the
seat post.
Check that the rider can
easily get off the saddle
and place their feet
on the ground. There
should also be sufficient
clearance over the top
tube when doing this.
Children should wear
a cycling helmet at
all times when riding
their bike. A good fit is
vital and so is a design
that appeals to the
individual. That way
they’ll be much more
likely to wear a helmet,
without having to be
encouraged.
Suggested add-ons
