[Kim in NJ]

Would like to know if anyone has any suggestions for adult bicycle brands/styles and trailers to go with them. I've been looking online and I want to know more before I walk into a bicycle store. I have an almost 5 year old daughter (33lbs.) and my husband and I would like to get a pair of bikes and trail her behind. I saw a Shwinn trailer online which was beautiful - but it was $300. Is that the going price? We live near the shore so there are no hills to contend with. I want to get a bike that has maybe 3 speeds - but I am most interested in comfort. I joined WW last month and I want to use this as a summer activity. I'm worried that if the bike is uncomfortable I will dread the ride. I will go to a local bike shop - but only after I have more info.
Thanks, Kim

[asta]

Hi! I have a trek hybrid bike that I like, it has a lot of gears (not sure how many) and I do use most of them even though in Dallas, we have very few hills. I also have a trek trailer that is big enough for two children and some room for other stuff, but for a 5 year old I would consider a trail-a-bike. It is basically half of a bike that attaches to the back of an adult bike and the child sits on it like they were on the back of a tandem. It is the right size for a child age 3-8 and they can pedal and help out if they want or just sit there. I felt like my older child learned to balance on a bike by riding on it. I tried it for the first time yesterday with my 3 1/2 year old and she did great and loved it. It is easy to attach and detach. The brand that I have is Adams, but I have seen other brands including one at target. Good luck!

asta

[Kim in NJ]

Asta - thanks for your comments. That tandem bike scares the heck out of me... Is your daughter a good rider- fearless? For example did she do well on her own bike before trying the tandem? We have a 150ft flat driveway and our daughter has a small little bike with training wheels. She is scared to death to be on it - even though her feet can easily touch the ground. We literally have to hold the back of the bike and wheel her around. My neice 6 has been riding since she was 2 and she has no fear. But no matter how often she tries to show our daughter - it hasn't done any good.

I love a few of the Trek bike models. WHich is the hybrid you have? Glad to know you like it. Thanks again for your comments.
Kim

[TonyaLyn]

Hi Kim ~

My DH and I just bought new bikes and a new trailer a few weeks ago. We bought 18-gear mountain bikes from Wal Mart (nothing fancy), and a trailer (I think Huffy brand) from Pamida. If you don't have Pamida's in your area, it is the same as Target or even Walmart, I have seen these trailers at both those stores. The bikes cost us $50.00 a piece, and the trailer was on special for $100.00. We have a 5 1/2 yr old daughter, and a 2 1/2 yr old son. We pull them both. We also have lots of hills in our town, so we probably couldn't do it without the 18 gears, (I know I couldn't do it with 3), but if you are only pulling one child, and you have a pretty flat area to bike, then no problem.

I must say, the kids LOVE it, and it is awesome exercise for me and DH.

Almost forgot, the trailer we bought is a trailer/stroller, which is double-awesome. Since my kids still like to be strollered around, I couldn't do it without one of those jogger strollers that are big enough to fit them both, so when we bought the trailer, we bought the trailer/stroller all in one, to fit both needs.


Good luck!!

[Kim in NJ]

Thanks Tonya... We went to Toys R Us last night just to look. The guy said they are having a big bike sale starting Friday. They didn't have much selection because they are getting rid of everything before Friday when they restock. But my husband also mentioned checking out Walmart. Since we are new at this he doesn't want to spend much $. But I may spend more on mine because I don't want to give up because I'm uncomfortable. We also had great fortune in finding someone with the tandem trailer that Asta mentioned. They are going to let us borrower it for a weekend to test our daughter out. But after seeing the pull trailer last night - she would LOVE that!!! She could even sleep if she wanted. Good luck with your riding..
Thanks, Kim

[trixiepup]

You might also want to try looking at used bikes. If you can get a good brand for the same price as a Walmart one, you'll be in good shape. The more expensive bikes are better made, and ride better. Check newspapers and local bike shops....lots of die hard bikers get rid of last year's model to buy this years....and if you are ever thinking of going in the mountains or off road, i strongly recommend getting shocks on your bike. However, if you are just starting out, get used to the riding first.
You could probably find one of those bike things through some children's consignment stores....I've seen the baby joggers at thrift stores....

As for comfort, if it's the butt thing, there are these special gel seats that my sister loves....I haven't actually used them, but they sound nice. There are also seats with cutaways to prevent pressure on certain areas. There is a male and female version. They're kinda funny. If you do the official bike shorts thing, with the funky looking lining, you wear them sans panties (I'm too chicken to, though). You may also want to check that your seat is at the right level...when at the bottom of the pedal, your leg should almost be straight, but not quite. A little bit of bend is good. If you are shifting back and forth as you ride to hit the bottom of the pedaling circle, your seat is too high.

Do you have any idea why your daughter is scared of her bike? Did she fall off pretty hard? Maybe try riding on the grass? Or if there is a basket, put a favorite stuffed animal in it and tell her it's her co-pilot?

Don't forget the helmets!

have fun!!!!

andrea

[Kim in NJ]

Thanks for all the advice. In the end I think you all helped me a great deal.

We ended up getting the tandem bike as Asta recommended and my duaghter LOVES IT!!! She is not frightened at all. She pedals her little heart out.

I got myself a Huffy 6 speed cruiser from Target and it is just great. (thanks Tonya) we checked around in many store but loved this model.

And Andrea.... I saw the jell seats you mentioned. They look VERY comfy. I seem to be doing ok now - but if I get sore I will be buying one. They are all squishy - what a neat idea.

Thanks again - have a great summer.
Kim