NetNews Usenet Archive 1993 #3/NN_1993_3.iso/spool/misc/kids/33417

Internet Message Format | 1993-01-25 | 1.8 KB

Path: sparky!uunet!haven.umd.edu!darwin.sura.net!bogus.sura.net!howland.reston.ans.net!usc!elroy.jpl.nasa.gov!classy!lauraf
From: [e-mail] (Laura Floom)
Newsgroups: misc.kids
Subject: A First Bicycle!
Date: 25 Jan 1993 23:23:49 GMT
Organization: Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA
Lines: 28
Distribution: world
Message-ID: <[e-mail]>
NNTP-Posting-Host: classy.jpl.nasa.gov

Jeffrey is turning 3 soon, and we are thinking of buying him a 12" bike. He
seems to be ready. The other day we were in a sporting good store and he had
a lot of fun on a 16", even though it was way to big, he was able to peddle
a bit. We just started to look, and havent yet checked out the cheaper
alternatives (Toys R Us). We did go to a Bicycle Store today, and their
one model was $80 on sale, $100 normally.  I also just read the relevant
section of the Toys FAQ. I have some questions -

1. How long do they usually fit on a 12"? Jeffrey is normal height. I saw
   a few kids zooming around on them at the park this weekend - without the
   training wheels. They looked like they were about 5 y.o, or close to it.

2. The man at the bike store proudly told us that his bike had ball bearings,
   not bushings, like the ones at Toys R Us. What on earth is a bushing, and
   do I care? I dont expect that Jeffrey will be entering any races on this
   bike but I do care about safety. I also want a bike that will outlast his
   needs and his sisters. Will ball bearings give us more safety or durability?

3. What is a reasonable amount to pay?

4. We plan to make a helmet mandatory. Any suggestions about helmets for young
   kids?

Thanks! and if people are interested I will summarize. Maybe I can also
impose on Jonathon Rice and ask him to put it in the Toys FAQ.

Laura Floom