Are dynamos still used in a bike to power the bike lamp, or is there a better alternative?

Bicycles shops that still supply the old school double beam 28″ wheelsize steel bicycle like this are likely to stock some dynamos.

This is the kind of dynamos usually installed on such bicycles.




There are other version of dynamo light set that are more modern looking. This overstock Coleman folding bike made for the Japanese market has a different model installed.

As spare parts are difficult to find for dynamos, the better alternative will be a regular flashlight that comes with a battery charger because you can also use it in your car or at home. The curved edges of this flashlight are sharp enough to break glass windows in an emergency.



There are many kind of flashlight holders for bicycles but I like the one that can be rotated 360 degrees. This means that you do not have to change the direction of your bicycle to shine on areas you want to look at. Once the flashlight is mounted on the holder, you can easily rotate it.

It is easy to remove the flashlight from the mount to keep it so you do not have to worry that it will be stolen off your bicycle where you parked it.

Is it OK if your child's legs are not touching the ground while seated on his bicycle?

Training wheels are usually attached to bicycles with wheel size of 12″ up to 16″. These bicycles are suitable for children of age 3 to 4 years old.



It is alright if their legs are not touching the ground when they are riding on bicycles with training wheels.

For children who can cycle well, it is best that both the tips of their shoes are able to touch the ground when they are seated on their bicycles. That way, should they stumble during a mishap, they will have better control of their bicycles. The legs touching the ground can also help them to balance themselves if they have to cycle slowly because of obstacles or (human) traffic. Their legs can also work like a brake should they have to stop unexpectedly.

You can adjust the saddle height by lowering the seatpost if the tips of their legs are not touching the ground.  The bicycle wheel size maybe too large for their age if their legs are not able to touch the ground even after you have lowered the seatpost to its lowest position.

Take a look at this chart to see if you need to change the bicycle.

Should you buy a bicycle or a computer first?

If you have a budget to meet and you need transport to get you to school and a computer to do your school work, do you know what you should buy first?  A bicycle, of course.

Get one to cycle to the nearest public library to get yourself registered for a library card. As a member, you may even be able to reserve a computer to use for your school work.

A steel frame bicycle without gears is definitely more affordable than a computer. You can buy the cheapest bicycle and it can still take you where you want to go. 



But if pay for a low end computer, you will not be able to do your school work as quickly or as efficiently as you would like.  Why lead such a frustrating life walking or taking a bus to school when you can have some fun between your legs?

Why do kids like cycling more than jogging?

Check out the tricks a kid can perform on his BMX and you will understand why they prefer cycling it over jogging. 


There is nothing to brag about jogging but on a BMX the kids can show off skills that they have picked up.

They can’t jog to school or run errands when they have stuff to carry. With a BMX they can ride out to meet their friends and get to their destination sooner without too much sweat.

They can also enjoy modifying their BMX and learn to maintain it.

How do you find dedicated bike paths in London?

You can make where you want to go on your bike in London safe for you by joining London Cycling Campaign (LCC).

If you sign up for LCC newsletter, they will keep you up to date with the best rides, events and all matters regarding cycling there.

If you are not staying there on a long term basis, you can write to “The London Cycling Projects” to ask if they have a list of dedicated bike paths in London.

cyclingprojects@lcc.org.uk

Tel: 020 7234 9310

Meantime, you can download this “Making Space for Cycling: A guide for new developments and street renewals” and learn what you can do with your local council, to make roads you are cycling on safe for you. Found it at Making Space for Cycling.

Fabricate A Cage for Your Pet

There is a pet shop beside my shop and I have been asked how to ferry a pet on a bicycle. 

You can use 2 baskets for bicycle. 



Stack one over the other. 



Tie them together with strings, clips or wire cables at the top of both sides. 



You can use a cable ties on one side if you want it to become a permanent cage for your pet.



You can place the fabricated cage horizontally and strap it...

 

...on the rear carrier of your bicycle. 



It is smaller and likely cheaper than the ones you get at the pet shop, especially, if you need only one more basket to fabricate it.  

Is it reasonable for a person who usually bikes short distances recreationally to sign up for a 20 mile bike for charity?

If it is for charity, why not? Unless you are very competitive, there is no rule to say that you must finish the 20 mile course. You can always stop half way if you feel that it is too much for you.



The most important thing is to have fun and feel good that you are doing something good.

Just make sure that the bicycle you will be cycling on is of the right fit for you. Even if you do not plan to ride to win, it is best that you learn how to prepare for it and to build up your stamina for the long distance ride.

You will find some of the information I shared in the following articles useful.

What are some good rules of thumb for starting out long-distance biking?
How can you ride a bicycle without getting tired?
Which is the best bicycle for long distance ride?
How many miles should I bicycle per day on a world tour?