Want to learn how to install training wheels? Then you’ve come to the right place! Training wheels are a great way to get your kids started on a bike because they make it easier for little ones to maintain balance while pedaling on their own, which in turn reduces the risk of accidents.
There are all different types of training wheel sizes and types, and the best way to find one that’s suitable for your child’s bicycle is to measure it.
Either way, you’ll want to invest in training wheels for your kid’s bike as this will make their life that much easier. Buying training wheels is one thing, but putting on training wheels is a whole other ball game.
That’s why we’ve put together the following short yet useful guide on how to install training wheels safely and effectively.
Putting Training Wheels on a Bike
For as long as training wheels have been around, children have had a much better and easier time at learning how to ride a bike.
That’s why parents are always keen to learn how to put on training wheels, as this helps them to maintain balance while improving safety.
Before you start installing training wheels, you must make sure that you have the following tools first:
- An adjustable wrench
- A 15mm wrench (or any size wrench that’s suitable for your child’s bike bolt)
1. Loosen the Bolt
To start your training wheel installation, loosen the bolt using the adjustable wrench.
Start with one side of the rear while holding the other side of the bolt with the other wrench. This will keep the wheel from spinning as you pry the nut out of the wheel.
Once you’ve removed the nut, you’ll want to put it on the ground while making sure that you make note of the bolt’s direction in relation to the hub.
2. Check the Training Wheel Hole
The next step in putting training wheels on a bike is to make sure that the training wheel hole is aligned with the central bracket from which you’ve just gotten rid of the bolt.
This is to make sure that it will be a good fit. While you’re at it, be sure to check that there’s enough space for the axle so that you can fit the bolt and training wheel when it comes time to tighten it again.
3. Put the Bolt Back in Place
As you continue to install training wheels on your bike, connect the bolt back in its place while making sure that the thread is an accurate fit for the spot. You can then use the wrench to tighten it even more.
It’s important to use your fingers to tighten the bolt because this will make it that much easier to keep the training wheel in place. All without compromising your ability to adjust it when needed.
4. Do the Same Thing with the Other Training Wheel
Another important factor to learn on your journey to figuring out how to attach training wheels to bike is to repeat the above process with the other training wheel. The key is to follow it to the latter so that you have an equal outcome.
5. Do Some Adjustments
Of course, we wouldn’t teach you how to put training wheels on a bike without showing you how to adjust the training wheels.
You want to do this so that you can be sure that they’re 3 to 6 feet off the ground. To do this, simply lift the wheels off the ground and place the shims underneath them to make sure that they’re balanced.
You can use a book, stone block, or a piece of wood for the shims. The most important thing is to ensure that both objects are as thick as one another.
6. Tighten the Bolt
When you are satisfied that your bike’s training wheels are at the right height, you can then proceed to tighten the bolt using the wrench.
The goal is to ensure that the wheels are nice and secure as well.
7. Check the Wheels Regularly
Now that you know how to install training wheels it’s important to learn how to fix training wheels as well because you will need to inspect and maintain them every now and then.
Experts recommend checking them once a month to make sure that the bolts are still in place and not wobbling around.
There should also still be a balance between the training wheels when lifted off the ground so that you know your child is just as balanced and able to control the bicycle while riding it.
8. Adjust Again After Some Time
Another skill to perfect as you learn how to install training wheels is that adjusting the wheels as needed because your child will outgrow the initial adjustment after all.
The key here is to elevate ground clearance height after some time according to your child’s growth and needs.
Conclusion
Installing training wheels on a bike is no walk in the park but it’s well worth learning if you have a child because then you can share the joy of cycling with them safely.
You’ll have peace of mind knowing that your child can better handle bike control and safety while remaining balanced on their bike no matter what.
Remember to perform regular maintenance and check the training wheel installation at least once a month to make sure that everything is still in place as it was when you first installed it.
Otherwise, your child should be able to enjoy their training wheels for many years to come, until they cultivate the confidence needed to ride without them.
Have you ever used training wheels on your bike? What do you think? Do they actually work? Take a look at the comments section and let us know more please!