The Best Christmas Toy – A New Red Tricycle
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You never forget your first bike, right? If you’re thinking of getting a bike for your favorite child this year, make it an awesome a memory.
The outdated boring tricycle of our childhood has been replaced by new trikes that are much safer and have cooler accessories. The old red tricycle of times past is still a favorite but it has grown up. Generally speaking, tricycles are substantially safer and have more bells and whistles – literally – than the bikes we had. If you plan to give a trike as a gift for your child this year, here are some things to know as you make your selection.
1. Anti-Tipping
The leading criticism about some of the new styles of trikes is how easily it is to tip over. While some bicycles are constructed with handlebars shaped with a rounded curve, other tricycles are created with a straight-across design. A child who is riding a bike for the first time might not realize how much effort it takes to steer the bike. The child could unintentionally over correct and turn too far to the other side, thus tipping the bike to one side. Then, if the child loses confidence, they might lean too much and make contact with the ground.
Some bicycle designers are well aware of this simple fact when they plan new models. They will typically design the tricycle to have a lower center of gravity or will have a wider wheel base. A curved or longer handlebar is one fix that can be made. The modifications have made it simpler for the bike to remain upright. Though counter-intuitive, a bike is easier to control if it is moving.
2. Inexpensive Plastic or Welded Steel?
The bicycles from our childhood that still exist were in all likelihood made from steel, not plastic. Heavy steel. This durability created a bicycle that could tolerate the rigors of years of use. Radio Flyer was one of the very first companies to use the hollow steel construction in mass produced bicycles, offering strength without adding a lot of extra weight. Throughout World War II the use of plastics increased and many kids toys were converted to plastic as well.
Bicycles and trikes were redesigned to a plastic version but they couldn’t compete with the quality of a steel frame. The classic “Big Wheel” was an example of that. If you’ve even been fortunate enough to see a 20 year-old Big Wheel, it most likely didn’t look like it survived the decades very well. The modern-day steel bicycles are strong and durable while still being lightweight enough for a child to manage. The best choice in a bike or trike is steel construction, good quality rubber tires and a comfortable seat.
3. Additional Options
What tends to make a bike cool is the amenities and accessories. Kids aren’t the only ones who really like accessories; we grown ups really like our fancy add-ons, even if it means shelling out a few extra dollars. Youngsters are the same. They want the cool colors, tires, streamers, bells and lighting. There’s barely a manufacturer that doesn’t also include things like wire mesh storage baskets and toy GPS devices for their bikes.
Speaking of GPS units, I’ve heard of some parents getting a tracking unit that is permanently connected to the bike as an additional safety benefit.
4. Helmets
When riding a bike, a youngster should always wear an authorized safety helmet. Numerous devastating brain injuries result from simple tumbles from a bicycle. Those of us from a prior generation rode bicycles all day long without helmets! I’m in that group as well. That being said, our technology is much better now and while the chances are tiny that it will be your child who gets seriously harmed, it’s not worth the risk. It will give you great satisfaction if you know your child has the best protection you can provide them.
Dream big and get that amazing brand new bike to place next to the Christmas tree! Go to your local hobby store and pick up the largest red bow you can find. Tie it to the handlebars and watch the magic happen!
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Source by Janie Peterson Waege