112 - AMB
WORDS: JOE DODD
IMAGES: CHRIS HERRONCHRISTMAS IS COMING, SO WE THOUGHT WE’D DO A
RUN THROUGH ON A FEW TWEAKS THAT WILL MAKE
ANY BIKE BETTER FOR CHILDREN.Both the bikes pictured in this article are already setup really
well, so we’ll use them as an example. All the tips mentioned
could be used when buying a new bike, or setting up an older
bike that they can just fit on.HOW TO
TUNE A
KID'S BIKE
BRAKE LEVER REACH
This is an easy adjustment,
but is sometimes overlooked.
On almost all brake levers
there will be some kid of dial
or screw to adjust where the
lever sits. Most hydraulic
brakes without obvious
adjusters have a small grub
screw as pictured. Screw
this in until the rider's small
hands can reach the lever
comfortably.If you are adjusting cable
brake levers you will probably
need to adjust the brakes
after adjusting the lever
reach.If it is possible to fit a brake
to a balance bike give it a go.
It will get the child used to
using a brake and also save
you having to buy new shoes
so often!HANDLEBAR WIDTHIt’s easy to chop a little off to
make your child a little more
comfy on their bike. You could
even upgrade their bars to an
old bar you might have lying
around.