Bicycles, Tandems And 3-Wheelers
What is a "third wheel attachment"?
A third wheel is an after market product that you can buy that attaches to your own adult bike. You attach it with a seat post. It's securely fastened there and it rides independently of your bike. It has its own wheel, therefore, third wheel. It has its handle bars and has a seat and has pedals. And the child can pedal right along with you, behind you and, if you had an idea of what a tandem looked like, it's almost like a tandem but with one wheel. And the child can have the freedom of riding a bike with you. You're bonding, you're together. It's higher than a trailer and a child can hold onto the handlebars as he rides with you. And it's a great way to enjoy cycling with your child if your child's not quite ready to ride their own bicycle with you.
At what age can a child ride a third wheel attachment?
Riding a third wheel can be enjoyed by any age. But, the child needs to be able to feel safe holding on back there by themselves. They need to be able to securely hold onto the handle bars. They need to be able to keep their weight on the seat when using a third wheel. You need to check with your child. Is it scary for them to ride back there? Is it making them too nervous? That can be anywhere from four years old to ten years old. You really need to get to know your child. You need to ask them. Put them on the unit; walk your bike along with them; see if they feel comfortable; and listen to your child. If they tell you they're afraid, then that's not what they want to be doing. Then wait until they're ready to ride the bike by themselves. But there's no really set age. They need to be at least four years old where they feel comfortable holding onto the handle bars and you as the parent feel comfortable having them back there, knowing that they can hold on when you start to ride.
How do I properly attach a third wheel attachment?
With regards to bicycles, tandems and three wheelers, the way to properly attach a third wheel is to first of all read the instructions. If you buy the third wheel attachment from a bicycle store bring your own bicycle in and have them attach it for you. Have them show you how to attach the third wheel to your bike. The great thing about the third wheel is that you can attach it, reattach it, take it off, use it and not use it. Therefore have the bike store show you how to properly attach it, try attaching it for yourself with the bike person watching, making sure you have done it correctly. You don't want to take a chance of having the third wheel not properly attached. It's really important that you take time to understand that and make sure you keep it in good condition, if you're not using it the third wheel attachment, store it properly, and when you are using it, store it properly. Don't leave it out in the rain, make sure that it's always working and treat it like a bicycle. Make sure the tyres are properly inflated with the handlebars and seat tight. Make sure you ask for help if you've never attached a third wheel before.
How do I ensure the quality of a third wheel attachment?
There's only a few manufacturers that make a third wheel, and the way that I recommend checking the quality is that you don't buy it online because you don't really know how to put it together if you do. Go to a bike store, have them put it on for you, go on Consumer's Report, check it out, go on web, on the web to see what's out there, but ask your local bike store. They really know about the third wheel and they can be a great resource for, for parents.
How can I keep my child safe while riding a third wheel attachment?
The way to keep your child safe when you're using a third wheel attachment is first of all practice in a safe place. Go out to the park where there is some grass. Ride the bike around the park on grass with your child on the third wheel attachment and look over your shoulder to see if they are enjoying it and also make sure they are holding on. So practice riding a bike with a third wheel attachment with them, but remind your child that he or she must keep her hands on the handlebars of the third wheel attachment, keep her feet on the pedals, and to pay attention just as though they were riding by themselves. That means you don't want them looking off to the side, you don't want them leaning left or leaning right; they have to ride the third wheel attachment well, sit up straight and tall and let the adult know if there is a problem. By saying stop, or slow down, or I need some help. So let your child know they have to communicate with you if they have a problem, or if they're scared or if they're going too fast or if they feel they're going to fall. So, communication is really important between the parent and the adult when using a third wheel attachment. Also make sure that the child knows that he is on the third wheel attachment by himself and he needs to hold on tight.
What is a "tandem bicycle"?
A tandem bicycle is a two seater. It's made for two people. There is a seat for the front driver and there is a seat for the passenger, but both of the cyclists peddle. It's really a relationship of making sure that you work together because you have to peddle together. You have to lean together. The front part of the bike has the breaks, so the person in the back needs to know when you're stopping. So, it's a true relationship. You really do have to have some communication going when you're riding a tandem. Tandems are usually bigger bikes. So it's usually two adults riding a bike. It's very hard for a young child to ride a tandem with an adult because their feet won't be able to reach the pedals. So, tandems are usually ridden by two people of the same weight and the same height, unless you are a very small adult in which case you could ride it with your teenager. However, it's a good thing to remember that you both should be the same height and the same weight to safely ride a tandem.
