3. Equipment and Safety

In order for the student to be successful, we need to first assess their equipment and make sure it is appropriate for our expectations.

Upon check in, it is important to make sure the students bike isn't too big for them to learn on. Have the student sit on the saddle and make sure their feet are both flat on the ground.

Many bikes have a quick release to adjust the seat height, some require a 4mm allen wrench, and other require a crescent wrench.

IF the seat is all the way down and the bike is still too big, the chances of success are greatly reduced. This is where the Woom bike is often used. 

We encourage parents in their confirmation emails to bring a smaller bike to the session in addition to the bike they think their child should ride. Learning on a smaller bike, almost always ensures success when they transition to the larger one. But starting on the larger one is much more challenging.

Also upon check in, air the tires to 40psi. This is a general pressure that will work for bikes of all sizes and types. 

Craftsman Tools makes a portable air compressor with a digital pressure gauge that is ideal for quick and easy set up. A standard floor pump with a gauge will also work.

One of the most common things we see at our workshops are old bikes with rubbing brakes. This keeps the student from completing the Frog Hop, Glide 15, and finally pedalling because the bike has too much resistance to roll easily.

If you aren't familiar with the different styles of hand brakes on children's bikes. Visit your local bike shop and ask them for some tips on how they work and can be adjusted.

We also have a video from Woom with common adjustments: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hclZ4JmPHJA

We require all students to wear a helmet for Step 3 and Step 4 of the system (Glide 15 & Find Your Pedals). Additional equipment (pads, gloves, etc.) can be worn if desired, and the helmet can be worn the entire time of the workshop as well.