Device to Increase Difficulty When Cycling With Children
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Device to Increase Difficulty When Cycling With Children
Hello,
This is my first post in ages. I used to have an account years ago but I don't have access to that email anymore so here we go again. I just got my son his first bike with multiple gears in the hopes he could go on longer rides with me. So far it works mostly. He can go on longer rides with me. However, compared to my just cruising along speed he is painfully slow, through no fault of his own. I still love going with him but if I ride at his top speed my heart rate barely goes above resting. Does anyone know of a device, frictional or otherwise, that increases cycling difficulty when riding with kids. It would be fantastic if I could pedal at 250 or 300 watts and be going the same speed as him. I don't often have enough time to do conditioning riding and family riding. Any ideas are welcome. Thanks in advance!!
Jon
This is my first post in ages. I used to have an account years ago but I don't have access to that email anymore so here we go again. I just got my son his first bike with multiple gears in the hopes he could go on longer rides with me. So far it works mostly. He can go on longer rides with me. However, compared to my just cruising along speed he is painfully slow, through no fault of his own. I still love going with him but if I ride at his top speed my heart rate barely goes above resting. Does anyone know of a device, frictional or otherwise, that increases cycling difficulty when riding with kids. It would be fantastic if I could pedal at 250 or 300 watts and be going the same speed as him. I don't often have enough time to do conditioning riding and family riding. Any ideas are welcome. Thanks in advance!!
Jon
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I know where you're coming from, I got two treadmills so I can run next to my son as he walks over the winter.
Have you thought about getting a cheap hardtail mtb with 27.5+ and riding at low pressures?
I've seen a lot of entry level cheap fatbikes with 4" tires and heavy frame.
Have you thought about getting a cheap hardtail mtb with 27.5+ and riding at low pressures?
I've seen a lot of entry level cheap fatbikes with 4" tires and heavy frame.
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Hello,
This is my first post in ages. I used to have an account years ago but I don't have access to that email anymore so here we go again. I just got my son his first bike with multiple gears in the hopes he could go on longer rides with me. So far it works mostly. He can go on longer rides with me. However, compared to my just cruising along speed he is painfully slow, through no fault of his own. I still love going with him but if I ride at his top speed my heart rate barely goes above resting. Does anyone know of a device, frictional or otherwise, that increases cycling difficulty when riding with kids. It would be fantastic if I could pedal at 250 or 300 watts and be going the same speed as him. I don't often have enough time to do conditioning riding and family riding. Any ideas are welcome. Thanks in advance!!
Jon
This is my first post in ages. I used to have an account years ago but I don't have access to that email anymore so here we go again. I just got my son his first bike with multiple gears in the hopes he could go on longer rides with me. So far it works mostly. He can go on longer rides with me. However, compared to my just cruising along speed he is painfully slow, through no fault of his own. I still love going with him but if I ride at his top speed my heart rate barely goes above resting. Does anyone know of a device, frictional or otherwise, that increases cycling difficulty when riding with kids. It would be fantastic if I could pedal at 250 or 300 watts and be going the same speed as him. I don't often have enough time to do conditioning riding and family riding. Any ideas are welcome. Thanks in advance!!
Jon
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#4
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There's an expensive option:
AIRhub Pro
AIRhub Pro
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Thanks for all of the Reponses!
Thanks Again!
- The AIRhub Pro definitely looks like it would solve my problem. Exactly the type of thing I was looking for. But as with all things road bike the price is very impressive! I guess it makes sense because you basically have to buy a whole new wheel to go with it and the market is going to be very small for this device. Still ...Ouch!
- I have ridden my 27.5 at low pressures and put on an obnoxiously baggy jacket that basically act like a parachute. It works okay in the winter but is a no go in the summer.
- The Dynamo is an interesting idea but I think I'd need one that's at least 100 watts and I haven't seen one that goes that high.
Thanks Again!
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First, go for a ride, then drop the hamma and leave your son in your dust. When you get back to him, he'll be tired, and you can hook this thing up and tow him behind you!
Trailgator
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Last edited by Unca_Sam; 02-25-21 at 03:07 PM. Reason: pronoun agreement :)
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First, go for a ride, then drop the hamma and leave your son in your dust. When you get back to him, he'll be tired, and you can hook this thing up and tow him behind you!
Trailgator
Trailgator
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Low-tech version of the AirPro---adjust one or both of your brakes to rub constantly during rides with your son. Given how short the rides are typically likely to be, the amount of additional brake pad wear should be minimal.
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Get one of these seriously -- It's a great bike to ride and the increased weight will give you more of a workout + you can probably find one cheap
Schwinn Continental or Varsity
Schwinn Continental or Varsity
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Get an old 26" mountain bike and put on the knobbiest tires that you can find.
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The FollowMe Tandem was great for giving me a workout as my son learned how to pedal. Especially when he forgot which way was "helping" and which was "slowing down" and he'd smash his brakes as I tried to pull him up a hill.
This 43 lb beast was perfect for maintaining their pace in L gear, occasionally venturing into N.
Last edited by Unca_Sam; 02-25-21 at 04:13 PM.
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I got a TowWhee on the recommendation of Cyclingtips' Tech Editor James Huang. This may provide a solution.
But I really have to repeat what Unca_Sam wrote: Just enjoy the cruise with the kids. They don't stay that way long.
But I really have to repeat what Unca_Sam wrote: Just enjoy the cruise with the kids. They don't stay that way long.
#18
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Get a heavy bike, attach double kids trailer and add sand bags until you get some good resistance.
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Just ride with him. What I've done on occasion is go for my ride first, then swing back to the house for the kids. You could alternate pedaling with one foot er something. But I agree with the above: he won't be little long, enjoy the ride for what it is
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#21
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Tow Whee bungee strap. Just hook it up and go.
I thought it was a bad idea until I tried one, but the thing works like you wouldn't believe. Doesn't work so well on rolling hills but does great on the flats.
I thought it was a bad idea until I tried one, but the thing works like you wouldn't believe. Doesn't work so well on rolling hills but does great on the flats.