A $60 warehouse bike is a repair project, not a first ride

The no-brand 16-inch import bikes need adjustments before the first pedal stroke. Your kid deserves a bike that’s ready to go, not one that needs spoke-tightening at midnight. Size down and go light — a bike they can confidently touch the ground on will teach them to ride faster than a bigger one they’re afraid of. That Tuesday afternoon when they pedal away without you will hit you right in the feelings regardless, but a good bike makes getting there less frustrating for everyone.