Training wheels (you know, for kids)

[Wendy]

After my 6-year-old son tried to go without training wheels on his new bike this summer, I'm realizing he's just not ready. So I went out and bought training wheels. The problem is that I can't get the wheels attached correctly. The part that attaches to the bike is fine, but the wheels either come loose or tighten up too much, depending on the direction of the bolt. Is there something I'm missing? Does it have anything to do with washers? I'd like to be able to fix this myself without another trip to the bike shop (I do love going to the bike shop, but getting his bike there is no fun).

[singletrackmind]

I know NOTHING about training wheels but am wondering if using a little loc-tite on the threads might help keep the bolts where they are supposed to be? Have you brought the problem up with the bike shop, maybe they'd have an idea that wouldn't require you to lug the bike to the shop and they should be familiar with the product they sold to you.

[Irulan]

There are lots of other solutions. Having seen some of the things I"ve seen, if I had it do all over again, I'd never go with training wheels.

there's this for little kids:

http://www.likeabikeusa.com/ which bypasses training wheels entirely and teaches balance skills,

and then I have read of many sucesses where the seat was put all the way down so that a kid can just put a foot down whenever they need to, and no training wheels were ever used. I know this doesn't solve your problems, but I'm just amazed when I see two and three year olds on two wheels.

Irulan

[KSH]

There are lots of other solutions. Having seen some of the things I"ve seen, if I had it do all over again, I'd never go with training wheels.

there's this for little kids:

http://www.likeabikeusa.com/ which bypasses training wheels entirely and teaches balance skills,

OUCH! $279... for a kid to walk while sitting on the bike?

Training wheels will do just fine... thanks!

I was just remembering learning how to ride a bike... I was around 3-4 years old... and in England (Air Force brat, until I was 4)... and my Dad was teaching me how to ride with my training wheels. Then, I got it in my head that I could do it all on my own. So, off the training wheels went. I had a few wobbly moments... but I was off and riding very quickly. I caught on very quickly.

[DirtDiva]

I got my first real bike for my fourth birthday. I was soooo excited! She was pink and blue with a basket and a bell and streamers and I'd been looking at her longingly in the toy-shop for months. The training wheels were great for going in a straight line, but they sucked for cornering. It took me a few months to work up the courage to have them taken off and just ride the bike, but I remember being surprised that it was actually easier to turn around without 'em.

I don't know that that's at all relevant to your question; I just wanted to reminisce...

[singletrackmind]

Dad taught me by holding onto the end of the banana bike seat and running with me until I got good enough, then he'd let go without telling me. I'd do great until I realized....Dad.....WAS......ON.....THE........OTHER.......SIDE.......OF.....THE.....PARKING.....LOT!!!!!!

Then I'd crash.
You know, I only have fond memories of learning to ride. I was 4. Maybe it was because I figured if I could ride my own bike dad would stop putting me up on his shoulders when he went for bike rides.

"Susan, you're covering my eyes (death grip)! Susan, hold my forhead, not my eyes (super death grip)!!! I CAN'T SEE (moving hands up while still maintaining death grip)!!! "
Terrifying but fun.