Computers on kids bikes?

walkingbootweather

My 7 year old is badgering me for a bike computer just like his Dad. Do I get him one and if so which one?

grizedaleforest

Courses you do. It's part of the fun. But all they'll really want to know is how fast they go and how far they've gone - so the cheapest, simplest one you can find that does that is the one to get.

fnegroni

I think it depends on the kid's age and behavior.

I put a computer on my son's bike when he was four, and all he did was stare at the computer to figure out if he were going faster than before, paying less attention to the road.

After a couple of near misses, I decided to remove the device and he started looking where he was going, rather than down on the handlebar.

simon_e

walkingbootweather wrote:

My 7 year old is badgering me for a bike computer just like his Dad. Do I get him one and if so which one?

You're his dad. It's your call, not mine.

Daz555

walkingbootweather wrote:

My 7 year old is badgering me for a bike computer just like his Dad. Do I get him one and if so which one?

I voted no but I suppose as he has expressed an interest why not. My prime concern would be as raised above - that he will be distracted by it.

familyonabike

I put some on the stoker positions on our tandems when we were touring so the kids would stop asking 'how much further?' They really enjoyed keeping track of distances, max speed, averages etc. and it made quite a difference to their performance and contribution too. Not so sure about on their own bikes though, especially younger if it's going to distract. I guess it all depends upon the child and their skills and attitude regarding using it vs concentrating on the road/ride.

cycle monster

Computers are great. My boys want the same as Daddy's and love to see themselves achieve new milestones and to learn about time, distance etc. Kids tend not to stare at them and keep failing off, they learn the first time, if it happens. I cannot comment on the perceived problem of taking one's eye off the road, as this is the off road section.

zummerzet-lou

My 8 year wanted one ... just bought a very cheap computer and he loves it! It does, speed, trip distance, overal distance, average speed and max speed. Not bad for $20 NZ, about 10 quid!!

If it means he's motivated to cycle, and to cycle further I figure it's money well spent! Cost far less than a computer game ;-)

bartimaeus

zummerzet-lou wrote:

My 8 year wanted one ... just bought a very cheap computer and he loves it! It does, speed, trip distance, overal distance, average speed and max speed. Not bad for $20 NZ, about 10 quid!!

If it means he's motivated to cycle, and to cycle further I figure it's money well spent! Cost far less than a computer game ;-)

Completely agree... fun for them, and inexpensive. Just remind them not to keep looking at it and to concentrate on where they are going.

You'll know when they are ready for GPS and a Strava login, but it won't be for a while yet.