Do you remember the first time you rode your bike and the exhilaration you felt with the wind blowing your hair, your smile beaming brighter than the sun and all your cares seemed to be far behind you? I remember when I was younger and all the times I spent on my bike and all the imagination it entailed as I left my cares at the curb and just rode almost into the sunset!!!
Sadly my boyznberries are living in a new world of technology. Ipads, Iphones, Ipods, ” I DON’T WANT TO PLAY OUTSIDE” generation. Everything they need is a push of a button and instant entertainment. Don’t get me wrong I love technology and these electronics have been my saving grace when I have needed to have a few minutes to myself and I can just unleashed the electronic babysitter.
Last week I attended my son’s TK class open house and his teacher said, ” This is the first year in 30 years of teaching that she saw a decline in fine motor skills in her class.” The reason for this….the swipping of electronics. I was scared for our generation at that moment. After 30 years she saw a decline. YIKES….and these are just 4 year olds. I would love to hear what teachers have to say about the older classes.
So when we were asked to attend an event for Guardian Bikes, I was so happy. I honestly thought my kids were going embarrass me by saying the mantra of, “I’m bored” after five minutes in and want to go home and play on their electronics. What I didn’t expect was for my boys shut down the event.
Here is a video of my son on the bike; Guardian Bikes
I had to carry them kicking and screaming to the car. I wasn’t angry I was so happy that they longed to be outside and the joy they felt when ridding the Guardian Bikes. I felt like my kids were able to be kids, lathered in vitamin D and just enjoy the innocence of childhood. The thrill of imagination, the wind on their back and the happiness they felt. They liked the bikes and all their “Swagalicious” colors. I liked the bikes because they have a “Sure Stop” Braking system. This technology allows you 50% less stopping distance. The reason; both brakes are engaged using just “ONE” lever. Just like all wheel braking in your car.
“Guardian Bikes CEO Brian Riley’s main concern was bike safety. Riley was inspired by his grandfather and the experience with a terrible bike accident. He flipped over the front of this bike, landing him in traction. Desiring to keep other bike riders from having to endure what his grandfather did, Riley innovatively invented a new braking technology; “SURESTOP”. SureStop brakes employ a single hand lever that operates both the front and rear brake simultaneously, making it virtually impossible to flip over the front of your bike due to a sudden stop. Riley took things a bit further realizing there was a whole group of underserved people when it comes to bike safety: Kids. Riley Founded Guardian Bikes with the intention of preventing the millions of bike accidents that happen to children each year. Guardian Bikes uses SureStop brake technology, among other features, to allow children to explore the world in motion with confidence.”
I know I am not the only one who is neurotic when it comes to keeping their kids safe while still allowing them to be kids and enjoy themselves. So this is huge in the biking industry. I wanted to leave you with some cool facts and safety tips for Guardian Bikes; ….You’re Welcome!!!
Full List of Safety Features
SureStop Brakes
-No front wheel lockup
-Easier for children–only one lever controls both brakes
Easy Ride Geometry
-Wheel base is extended and bottom bracket is lowered
for an overall lower center of gravity, making the bike
harder to tip over and easier to ride.
Sturdier Steering
–Guardian Bikes’ steering components make it easier
for kids to steer as they ride
Lightweight
-Mostly made of aluminum, Guardian Bikes are easier
for a child to control due to their light weight
High Quality Components
-SureStop Brakes
-Shimano shifting
-Kenda tires
The Facts about Guardian Bikes
-For children ages 4-12
-Designed in 20” and 24” size frames
-Designed in bold colors and patterns
for both boys and girls
-The only children’s bikes with
SureStop brake technology
-Officially launching September 2015
-Will be available online and at specialty retailers
-Priced at $399