If They Can Stand, They Can Glide
A glider is a brilliant asset for an active child. It is so brilliant, in fact, that the concept has been duplicated around the world. Let us tell you what to watch for so you don't get stuck with a lemon; but first, let us tell you why gliders are so revolutionary.
Training wheels and pedals hamper balance
The conventional children's bicycle relies on pedals and training wheels. Training wheels prevent a child from discovering that when a bike leans he should turn the wheel in the right direction to restore balance. Worse yet, by preventing a natural lean, training wheels can cause the bike to fall over in a turn. As a result, the average child spends two to three years on training wheels. And pedals can make it very difficult for a child to learn how to balance because he can't get his feet off the pedals and on the ground quickly enough to restore balance, so he falls over. Not fun. Remove pedals and training wheels from the mix and you have a glider. With gliders, children learn on their own at their own pace, starting by walking and pushing, then graduating to gliding on two wheels.
What to look for in a glider
If you are in the market for a glider, consider a Mini-Glider or a Go-Glider. They are both made of a lightweight, high-quality alloy, weigh just about eight pounds, and are super strong. There's nothing to rust, not even a chain, which in Washington's rain is significant! Theses gliders combine a lower center of gravity and seat height with the front wheel being placed further in front of the handlebars, making the bike easier to steer, and more importantly, making it nearly impossible for your child to go over the bars. Adjustable BMX-style handlebars have an upright ergonomic seating position that grows with your child, and the ergonomic seat has a quick release clamp for tool-free seat adjustments. Unlike others, Mini-Gliders and Go-Gliders come with a front hand brake. Of course, your child can always stop by dragging his feet, but the brake on these gliders introduces him, in a non-stressful way, to what will be a typical asset on a regular bike. The footpegs are another unique feature -- children love having a place to rest their feet. Finally, the tires are solid, no-pump EVA foam tires, with lots of traction.
Equally valuable for children with special needs
These gliders are suitable for children ages one to nine years old. While any child will have a blast with a glider, we have found that they are particularly valuable for special needs children. Autism and other neurological conditions make riding a conventional bike beyond the abilities of many children. Cerebral palsy and other physical disabilities may prohibit biking, but if the child is mobile enough to use a walker, he may be mobile enough for a glider. Every glider is guaranteed to be free of manufacturing defects for one year.
Sizing information
Your child's inseam should be a minimum of 13" to Fit the MINI GLIDER. The seat will adjust up 18.5". The 16" GO GLIDER model has a minimum inseam of 17.5". To measure your child's inseam, have him stand up straight with his legs slightly apart.
Using a measuring tape, measure from his crotch to the floor. Record the length in inches; this is his riding inseam.
The best fit will allow the child to place his feet flat on the ground with a 40 degree bend in the knee when seated. A bike too large does not promote learning. |
