Not sure how I feel about this...

[ozzmonaut]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mjmjwfvg78k
Not cost effective compared to $6 for training wheels, but the technology behind it might be interesting
Sorry if this or something like it is already posted.

 

[sensor]

Both that and training wheels will not teach a child how to ride a bike. They teach them that leaning is okay and not how to balance. Pull the pedals off the persons bike that is trying to learn, have them push around with their feet, and after a few hours they will balance without knowing it. Then it's time to put the pedals on and they will be able to ride. Sounds simple and it is. It's also very effective.

 

[CCR]

My boy has no balance right now and he's content with what hes got now ( sturdy traing wheels and a pedal tractor) when the weather gets better I'm going to let him bomb down some grassy hills on a crank less kids bike, he will think that is a blast.

My brother learned how to ride his bike without training wheels at 4 when he saw me get a new bike for my birthday. My grandpa told him he would get a new one when he did. Grandpa didn't plan on it only taking a day though.

The gyro wheel may work for some but I would guess not for most.

 

[ozzmonaut]

Yeah, I imagine it would not hold against the weight of a leaning kid. I just like seeing a bike ride around on it's own at erratic speeds being pushed at intervals by an intern. I would guess that inside is a motorized weighted wheel with lobes on the sides that rub against the inner walls of the wheel both propelling it forward and pushing it opposite the way it's leaning to keep it upright.

 

[dragnusa]

I could see where the gyro wheel could be great for special needs kids

 

[yoothgeye]

Actually, if cost wasn't a big deal (and it is) and if this works (I didn't see any "non riding" kids trying this for the first time) then this would definitely work, as long as you didn't tell them the wheel was working for them, because once they got up to speed the wheel wouldn't be doing the balancing anymore, so this would be a confidence device. Then the riding would come naturally.

So basically this thing would only be useful for about a day.

 

[ozzmonaut]

So basically this thing would only be useful for about a day.

Then we send it overseas to the mine fields :lol:

 

[CRASH]

No pedals/crank! What a great idea! I've taught 2 boys how to ride the old fashioned way. Now with my girl I'll do it this way!

Thanks!

 

[yoothgeye]

No pedals/crank! What a great idea! I've taught 2 boys how to ride the old fashioned way. Now with my girl I'll do it this way!

Thanks!

Balance bike all the way, I'm a believer. I've made one for my youngest too and her feet can finally touch the ground on it!

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=41152&hilit=+balance

 

[Spokeshave]

I could see where the gyro wheel could be great for special needs kids

Great point.

 

[aka_locojoe]

Both that and training wheels will not teach a child how to ride a bike. They teach them that leaning is okay and not how to balance. Pull the pedals off the persons bike that is trying to learn, have them push around with their feet, and after a few hours they will balance without knowing it. Then it's time to put the pedals on and they will be able to ride. Sounds simple and it is. It's also very effective.

I agree.
I also found it helpful to let them coast down a small grassy incline.

 

[sensor]

So basically this thing would only be useful for about a day.

Then we send it overseas to the mine fields :lol:

I think you found the best use for it. One use, but one life saved, possibly.

 

[B607]

I agree. I also found it helpful to let them coast down a small grassy incline.

I learned coasting down a driveway with a slight incline. Gary