While shopping for said bike with two wheels, there are certain criteria that this gift must meet and I'm not talking about high safety standards, non-rusting aluminum frame or helmet. To help future parents of daughters shopping for their first bicycle, here is the list of first two wheeler must haves:
1. Streamers. Multi colored are best, of course, but any dangling from the handle bars will do.
2. Basket. When Ellie mentioned her list of requirements, she needed a basket for Oxford. To my knowledge she hasn't yet seen the Wizard of Oz, so I'm not sure why she would think to put a miniature terrier in the basket of a bicycle but I can see how it would come in handy. A girl could have a favorite doll or stuffed animal that needs a ride or maybe she wants to bring a snack along on her trek, either way it's high on the priority list.
3. Bell. "How will I let traffic know I'm coming if I don't have a bell, Mom?" Good point. A preschooler's first two wheeler must have a bell. Parents, fear not, if the one you purchase does not have this as a standard feature, it can be bought for a few bucks and added on.
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| The *perfect* bike. |
4. Color. Color is uber important but it varies girl to girl. Ellie's first choice today is purple but it can switch to pink with the drop of a hat. Get a first and second choice color before shopping.
Now onto more practical requirements....
5. Size. Our local Trek bike shop has a chart that your child can stand against to find the perfect fit. A 12" bike is not going to last long but a 16" should last a few years.
6. Where to buy? Depends on your budget. While the Trek shop we visited is definitely on the highest end of our price range, they have ways to make a child's bike more affordable. You could purchase a used bike or do their kids' bike trade in program where you receive a discount on your next bike when you trade in a previously used one.
Toys R Us and Target were also on our list. Unfortunately our Target had not a single 16" girls bike available and the smallest that was on display was a 20". Toys R Us had a nice selection in various price points with all of the accessories you could need. Then there is also amazon.com and loads of places to buy online.
If you follow the above list you will have a thrilled child ready to tackle two wheeler riding. Now if you have any tips on teaching a kid how to ride a bike, I'd love to hear it!
I remember how big streamers were when I was a kid! I know have boys who all they care about is "Is it cool looking" and "can I do wheelies"
ReplyDeleteGreat list post!
Sam
http://www.themomanddadreviews.com
Great list post. Thankfully I am a few years away from buying a two wheeler for my youngest. However, in the near future I will need to buy a new two wheeler for my oldest - thanks to a teen-ager who thought he needed my son's BMX bike more than he did.
ReplyDeleteI love reading Ellie-town. Stopping by from SITS - 31DBBB
This is a great list post!
ReplyDeleteMy first two-wheeler bike was from a yard sale, ugly as sin. After a few years my grandparents bought me a brand new bike and it was tricked out, streamers, basket, it didn't have a bell...but it had a rear view mirror! It was pretty sweet ;)
I remember the first time I rode a bike by myself but for the life of me I don't remember anything about learning to ride. I had no trouble and I never fell...and the only thing I remember about the learning process was standing on the curb to climb onto my bike since I was on the short side.
Stopping by from SITS31DBBB
aw yay!
ReplyDeleteMy daughter who is about to be 5 needs a new bike but hubby thinks she can just use her older brothers old hot wheels one...um NO! It needs pom poms!!!!
I have no advice however on teaching them to ride a 2 wheeler. I remember teaching myself and practicing so when my older son was 5 I guess and asked me to take the training wheels off I was skeptical but as soon as we took them off he rode on 2 wheels on the first try!
My first bike didn't have streamers, and I do remember being very upset about it. lol Great list!
ReplyDeleteStopping by from the 31dbbb challenge!
wow, i can remember my first bike... streamers.. and a ring ring bell with a basket... and i can remember my oldest first and only bike... and my little lady actually loves a bike, just need to save up for a special needs bike lot more money they a regular bike! great list. glad you are joining me in the 31 day challange. beautiful girls you have love the name of your site!
ReplyDelete*waving,
shelley "the hostess"
http://www.im-stillstanding.com
Stopping by from #31DBBBB - i'm your newest follower! Great List post ;) This past summer my daughter got her first bike - Barbie with all the glitter and pink streamers a girl could want! For my 1st bike I wanted a banana seat bike - still to this day I remind my Dad about this! Instead I got the boring schwinn..lol
ReplyDeleteRemember the used Schwin we bought? It had most likely been previously used by a circus chimp...so tiny! You were riding without training wheels before you were 4, guesss it was a good choice. We never did training wheels and it was blue. Horrors.
ReplyDeleteI would guess 10 other little ones from the neighborhood learned on that same bike. Worth every penny of our $20.00!
I'd say it needs a banana seat - do they still makes those? And I think hills are really good for learning.
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