I have a couple of nieces and a nephew who are pretty good at sport. They focus on soccer but do a kids triathlon once a year as well . They are ~ 12, 9 and 7 . They do the bike portion on their MTB's. I plan on giving their rides a tune and taking a look at their fit. Maybe throw some "quicker" tires on.
I believe as a safety concern , just slab pedals are used. My main question is what sort of cadence should youngsters strive for ? Something about their running pace ? It seems higher revs would lessen odds for leg injury in the formative years. A little sound, simple advice is appreciated.
I have a couple of nieces and a nephew who are pretty good at sport. They focus on soccer but do a kids triathlon once a year as well . They are ~ 12, 9 and 7 . They do the bike portion on their MTB's. I plan on giving their rides a tune and taking a look at their fit. Maybe throw some "quicker" tires on.
I believe as a safety concern , just slab pedals are used. My main question is what sort of cadence should youngsters strive for ? Something about their running pace ? It seems higher revs would lessen odds for leg injury in the formative years. A little sound, simple advice is appreciated.
Fit check is good idea and is a regular need with growing bodies. I would forget about cadence, just let 'em ride and have fun - they'll work it out. MTBs should have plenty of gears. Skill development and fun is most important at that age. No structured training until at least 15 is what Australian cycling academies advocate.
Thanks brother Alex. I am very much in favor of the "laizez faire" method of bringing youngsters up with sport. Dropping in on one of their football matches confirms my thoughts. Those over the top lipping off to the ref and shouting at their kids parents are pitiful. ( we're in the US ) This is just a once a year thing for them, and I just want to give them all the free speed I can. I'll likely just expound on spinning vs mashing and let them try it out for themselves.
Mike Simmons
" If you dont run her down your WALKING home - do you hear me ? ..."
Encourage them to just ride. Try and get them to ride together and chances are they will start racing each other. You could set up wee obstacle courses for them and this will improve their riding skills.
I got a bike for my 1st grader with 24 inch wheels and 12 inch seat tube that fits the KK because she would run in place next to me while I trained indoors. She seemed to like it and was developing good pedaling efficiency on her own using the grip shifters but now she has become more attached to video games. Which makes me wonder if the computrainer with 3D graphics fits a 24 inch wheel that might make it just as fun and give me another reason to buy one.
