Originally Posted by PGHNeil

I have an adult son with special needs (level 3 autism, intellectual disability disorder, bipolar disorder, OCD, ADHD, etc.) who lives in a group home who isn't physically handicapped and has tons of energy (he loves to jog and jump) but can't ride a bike. There are big kid bikes out there but has anyone ever converted an old 26er to a balance bike? I'm thinking of doing so with my old hardtail to the right:



It's medium size frame and he's about 6'2" so he would be able to stand astride it. I've already semi stripped the drivetrain components off it so that he doesn't bash his shins. I'm also thinking of putting a dowel or something through the BB shell to use as foot pegs.

In the meantime, I ordered a DXT Drift Trike off Amazon for him to ride around indoors over the colder months. If he doesn't take to the balance bike idea I will swap out the "drifter" wheels on this for 10" pneumatic ones from the hardware store - and maybe even put in a more padded saddle so that he can ride in a local park/rail trails. This can be a wonderful way to provide him with additional opportunities for physical activity and fun. Given his energy and love of active play, this could be a great addition to his daily routine. I just recently read about autism and found here information . I just cried after reading it. I'm even ready to help you and advise you about your bike. Changing the wheels to pneumatic ones and installing a softer saddle will allow him to comfortably enjoy this type of activity at any time of the year.

What do you think? Bad idea?