Bikes

NY Times - After your kids have mastered the balance bike method, it might be time to get them their first pedal bike. After testing 14 little bikes, we found a lightweight, beautifully designed option that delighted our testers (and their parents) with its fun colors and unique brake system. A really great little bike→
 
Erin Neil, NY TImes - I’m coming up on a decade living in New York City. And after nearly 10 years of sweaty subway commutes and far-too-expensive cab rides, I’ve been itching for a new way to get around. In theory, I’d love nothing more than to hop on a bike and jet across town with the breeze on my back — especially when the sun is shining. In practice, I’m a nervous person, so unprotected bike lanes, frenzied city traffic, and pothole-dotted streets make me apprehensive.  Luckily for me, I have many biking experts at my disposal here at Wirecutter, so I reached out to them about what I need to know to get started safely (aside from the actual bike and a really sturdy helmet). Here’s some advice if you, too, are hoping to become more of a Bike Person:

For staying safe: Staff writer Tim Heffernan agreed that the first step to getting comfortable is feeling safe. He suggested investing in a loud bell, some reflectors that snap on to the spokes, and a bright set of lights — anything “to make you conspicuous to motorists, which is the main thing for urban and suburban cycling safety.”

For easier navigation: A secure phone mount is the very best thing projects editor Phillip Zminda bought when he resolved to start biking around the city. Staff writer Evan Dent agrees: “It’s super helpful for directions, health tracking, and skipping ads in podcasts.”

Tire essentials: Cycling expert Christine Ryan recommends having a good floor pump at home to keep your tires inflated to the recommended pressure, which can help prevent one of the most common types of flat. She also says that a new biker should learn how to fix a flat before they start riding. With a good kit, it’s easy.

The best bike lock: You should be bringing a solid lock everywhere, says Christine. Even if you’re going somewhere with a bike room, you should still lock your bike to something once inside. “Too often,” she says, “thieves target bike storage rooms.”

For commuting: Editor Rachel Hurn swears by her pannier, a bag that attaches to her bike’s rear rack, for storing things. “I’ve used it for groceries, school supplies, work supplies, and even to go bike-packing,” she says. “We say it’s best for hauling big loads in bad weather, but for me the waterproof quality is just an added benefit to having a bag that will carry everything I need.”

The best way to teach kids to bike: “Experts agree: Skip the training wheels,” says senior editor Kalee Thompson. Try the balance bike method, which basically means using a bike with no pedals. Riders instead push themselves along with their feet. It’s intuitive, empowering, and accessible for most kids.