Kids' Bikes
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Kids' Bikes
May 2006
about to buy my 7 1/2 year old daughter her first (new)
bike without training wheels. it seems my choices are target
for $30-$40 or else any of several bike shops for $100-$150. i
don't particularly mind spending the extra money, but when i
asked the bike shops what i would be getting for the extra
money, the best they could come up with was that they will put
the bike together better and i'll have less need for repairs.
i'd much appreciate any experience or words of wisdom on
this topic. thanks...
doug
If you want to buy a bicycle for your child, do not -- DO NOT -- buy a bike from anywhere else
than a bike shop. I have been working for an attorney who is representing families from 10
states who have purchased bikes at Target, K-Mart, WalMart and Toys R Us. Many of these children
suffered serious injuries, including brain damage and loss of limbs. Why? Because the bikes sold
from these discount retailers are made of defective parts and are put together by people who
don't know what they're doing. While you may be saving money in the short-term, the actual costs
are horrible to consider. It is a shame that many families have no option but to buy from these
big stores because (a) that's all they can afford, or (b) it's the only bike shop within 50
miles. We have choices. Pay the money and save your child. Don't cut corners when it comes to a
bicycle. It's not a toy.
ms
May 2006
I am considering buying a 12'' bicycle for my 2.5 year old, and would
appreciate recommendations for or against different brands. The
prices range from $30 at toy stores to $120 and up at bicycle shops. I
know you pay for what you get and the more expensive bikes are really
nice and look they can last longer. but will my son tell the
difference? are there any recommendations for specific brands/models?
Thanks!
anon
I highly recommend getting his first bike at Wheels of Justice in Montclair. About $120, but
they upgrade to the next size (twice!) for $25 each time. 3-5 years worth of great bikes for
$170! And, the service, tune-ups, and plain old knowledge the staff has is the best!
WOJ lover
We bought our son a 12'' Specialized bike at Wheels of Justice in Montclair, when he was 2.9
years old. They have fantastic service and although the initial cost is a bit more pricey than
a Target bike (for example) they have a buy up program. When your child outgrows the bike, just
bring it in for the next size and pay only the difference between the new price and what you
originally paid (probably around $20). They then donate the old bike to charity. Another perk
is that your bike may be serviced free of charge. Jodi
IMHO a bike from Target, Walmart or TRU will work the best for that age or for the 7.5 yo in the
next posting. At that age they outgrow bikes so quickly, I don't believe in spending alot of
money. Better to save the nice bike for the 11-13 yo when they are hopefully more responsible
and will take better care of it. Sometimes toy consignment shops will have bikes (try Toy
Safari on Park Street in Alameda) or sometimes your local police department will sell bikes that
have been recovered but not claimed by their original owners at a parking lot sale
laura
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