[RBW] Re: Folding bike = kids bike?
Mouton originally designed his wickedly stylish small wheeled bike as one size fits all. He thought it was dumb that a frame would only properly fit one height and proportion. He also claimed better performance and comfort but that has been contested. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bu...@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en.
[RBW] Re: Folding bike = kids bike?
The problem with a Brommie is twofold: first, the handlebars have a certain amount of rise that is essentially fixed and which may be too high for a smaller child, second, they're pretty pricey. I wouldn't dream of letting my 6 year old be responsible for a $1500 bike. Heck, I barely accept that my wife is responsible for her Bleriot! ;-) Other folders are much less expensive and might be the ticket for a kiddo. In the end, though, I've decided against a folder for now. He'll get a 20 wheeled Electra Townie this year. In a couple of years, he'll outgrow that and then I really think a Brompton will be his. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bu...@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en.
[RBW] Re: Folding bike = kids bike?
I like your foldy bike idea for a kid. My son (at 10) is still riding the Redline Junior he got at 5 or 6m but the seatpost is hyperextended. Mini and Junior BMX bikes are like the 'cross bikes of the BMX world. His bike weighs 15 lbs, and I added a front sidepull. They're pretty common on Craigslist for $150 ($300 new). http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/bik/2089766438.html Philip Philip Williamson www.biketinker.com On Dec 4, 6:24 am, Ron MH visio...@gmail.com wrote: The problem with a Brommie is twofold: first, the handlebars have a certain amount of rise that is essentially fixed and which may be too high for a smaller child, second, they're pretty pricey. I wouldn't dream of letting my 6 year old be responsible for a $1500 bike. Heck, I barely accept that my wife is responsible for her Bleriot! ;-) Other folders are much less expensive and might be the ticket for a kiddo. In the end, though, I've decided against a folder for now. He'll get a 20 wheeled Electra Townie this year. In a couple of years, he'll outgrow that and then I really think a Brompton will be his. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bu...@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en.
[RBW] Re: Folding bike = kids bike?
I realized that this had drifted off Riv subject, but was reminded that Grant had proposed (several years and Readers ago) the possibility of building a run of kids' bikes, with a buyback program when you kid out grew them. Has there been a breath of that since then? Am I the only one who remembers this? Philip Philip Williamson www.biketinker.com On Dec 2, 3:17 pm, Ron MH visio...@gmail.com wrote: Crazy idea here: My son is 6 and has just grown out of his 16 wheel bike and X-mas is just around the corner. After looking around, I've seen new - non department store - kids bikes in the $225-$350 range for his size. Then I spotted a Dahon Curve D3 folder (3 speeds) for $299 and asked myself, why not get him a bike that will literally grow with him? I'll have to double check that the seat to handlebar reach and the saddle to pedal distance are OK for his size. Even if there are minor issues there, I could, concievably use a handlebar with a bit more reach back and change out cranks to something with shorter arms. I'll also want to be sure that the gear range is acceptable. Even that is an easy fix with a larger rear cog, for example. Other than those measurements, can anyone think of any other reason not to get such a bike for a kid? Ron -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bu...@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en.
Re: [RBW] Re: Folding bike = kids bike?
I would love to see that. But it's almost a dedicated business. Islabikes in the UK http://www.islabikes.com/ has the best line of kid bikes that I know of. I s wish they had a NA distributer... On Sat, Dec 4, 2010 at 2:39 PM, Philip Williamson philip.william...@gmail.com wrote: I realized that this had drifted off Riv subject, but was reminded that Grant had proposed (several years and Readers ago) the possibility of building a run of kids' bikes, with a buyback program when you kid out grew them. Has there been a breath of that since then? Am I the only one who remembers this? Philip Philip Williamson www.biketinker.com On Dec 2, 3:17 pm, Ron MH visio...@gmail.com wrote: Crazy idea here: My son is 6 and has just grown out of his 16 wheel bike and X-mas is just around the corner. After looking around, I've seen new - non department store - kids bikes in the $225-$350 range for his size. Then I spotted a Dahon Curve D3 folder (3 speeds) for $299 and asked myself, why not get him a bike that will literally grow with him? I'll have to double check that the seat to handlebar reach and the saddle to pedal distance are OK for his size. Even if there are minor issues there, I could, concievably use a handlebar with a bit more reach back and change out cranks to something with shorter arms. I'll also want to be sure that the gear range is acceptable. Even that is an easy fix with a larger rear cog, for example. Other than those measurements, can anyone think of any other reason not to get such a bike for a kid? Ron -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bu...@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.comrbw-owners-bunch%2bunsubscr...@googlegroups.com . For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en. -- Cheers, David Redlands, CA *...in terms of recreational cycling there are many riders who would probably benefit more from improving their taste than from improving their performance.* - RTMS -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bu...@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en.
[RBW] Re: Folding bike = kids bike?
It is a fantastic idea and I wonder why more people don't do this. I've done this with my son. He is 4 1/2 and has been riding our bike friday tandem since he was 3. He can continue to ride it until he is about 6 foot tall. When he is ready for a 20 wheeled bike, I will get him his own Bike Friday. My wife and I both have S and S travel bikes, so he will need his own eventually. -Ely On Dec 2, 3:17 pm, Ron MH visio...@gmail.com wrote: Crazy idea here: My son is 6 and has just grown out of his 16 wheel bike and X-mas is just around the corner. After looking around, I've seen new - non department store - kids bikes in the $225-$350 range for his size. Then I spotted a Dahon Curve D3 folder (3 speeds) for $299 and asked myself, why not get him a bike that will literally grow with him? I'll have to double check that the seat to handlebar reach and the saddle to pedal distance are OK for his size. Even if there are minor issues there, I could, concievably use a handlebar with a bit more reach back and change out cranks to something with shorter arms. I'll also want to be sure that the gear range is acceptable. Even that is an easy fix with a larger rear cog, for example. Other than those measurements, can anyone think of any other reason not to get such a bike for a kid? Ron -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bu...@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en.
[RBW] Re: Folding bike = kids bike?
I've not ridden one and don't know the geometry. But I have a Raleigh Twenty and the handling is pretty squirrely. I don't know if that's specific to that bike or folding bikes generally with little wheels. Ryan On Dec 2, 3:17 pm, Ron MH visio...@gmail.com wrote: Crazy idea here: My son is 6 and has just grown out of his 16 wheel bike and X-mas is just around the corner. After looking around, I've seen new - non department store - kids bikes in the $225-$350 range for his size. Then I spotted a Dahon Curve D3 folder (3 speeds) for $299 and asked myself, why not get him a bike that will literally grow with him? I'll have to double check that the seat to handlebar reach and the saddle to pedal distance are OK for his size. Even if there are minor issues there, I could, concievably use a handlebar with a bit more reach back and change out cranks to something with shorter arms. I'll also want to be sure that the gear range is acceptable. Even that is an easy fix with a larger rear cog, for example. Other than those measurements, can anyone think of any other reason not to get such a bike for a kid? Ron -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bu...@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en.
[RBW] Re: Folding bike = kids bike?
Thanks, Eric. I'd forgotten about the hand brakes. I'll definitely either take detailed measurements of him and current bike and/or try one out with him. On Dec 2, 4:05 pm, Eric Norris campyonly...@me.com wrote: I have a Curve--great bike that I would recommend for anyone looking for a fun around town/take on the train bike. Although the seat post will go wy down (probably low enough for your son), I'd be concerned that the handlebars will be too far way for him. (On my Curve, the seatpost is also a pump, which means you can't cut it if needed to get the seat low enough for your son.) If you can, have him sit on it and try it out before you buy. Also make sure he's OK with the crank length (which will be a little on the long side for 6-year-old legs) and with using handbrakes to stop. --Eric Norris On Dec 2, 2010, at 3:17 PM, Ron MH visio...@gmail.com wrote: Crazy idea here: My son is 6 and has just grown out of his 16 wheel bike and X-mas is just around the corner. After looking around, I've seen new - non department store - kids bikes in the $225-$350 range for his size. Then I spotted a Dahon Curve D3 folder (3 speeds) for $299 and asked myself, why not get him a bike that will literally grow with him? I'll have to double check that the seat to handlebar reach and the saddle to pedal distance are OK for his size. Even if there are minor issues there, I could, concievably use a handlebar with a bit more reach back and change out cranks to something with shorter arms. I'll also want to be sure that the gear range is acceptable. Even that is an easy fix with a larger rear cog, for example. Other than those measurements, can anyone think of any other reason not to get such a bike for a kid? Ron -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bu...@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group athttp://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en.- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bu...@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en.
