Friday, September 26, 2008

How to Select Radio Flyer Tricycles

Radio flyer tricycles

Radio flyer tricycles are one of the classic era steel rides on toys. The tricycle is approached from steel right down to the classic spoke wheels which makes it great as a kid’s first tricycle. It has a retro look complete with a chrome fender and handle bars, red plastic grips with streamers and an old-fashioned working bell. Other useful features include a double deck rear step, rubber tires and an adjustable seat.

There are tips especially for radio flyer tricycles purchaser to select the best radio flyer tricycles. Firstly, we should take into consideration of our child‘s age. From that we know and able to analyze the size of radio flyer tricycles which are suitable for our child we're shopping for. Most tricycles are designed for 2- to 4-year-olds. Older children will do better on a bike with training wheels.

Besides, we should think about whether we want to purchase a classic metal tricycle or a modern plastic one. We also should know their trike riding ability and the features we want. Metal tricycles come with 10- or 12-inch wheels. Plastic tricycles come either very low to the ground or at a height in between a ground hugger and a classic trike. The Fisher-Price Tough Trike is a good example.

Notice that plastic tricycles come in a variety of styles. Fisher-Price makes a Barbie tricycle and Little Tikes makes a motorcycle tricycle. Some children may appreciate a tricycle with one of these themes.

Choose a tricycle the child can get on and off of easily, but one that won't be too small next year. If the child can get on a larger-size tricycle, it's usually wiser to buy it rather than a smaller one that will be quickly outgrown.

Lastly, we should consider how much we want to spend. Radio flyer tricycles range from $18 (Roadmaster 10-inch) to $130 (Kettler Jumbo Color Kettrike, a German-engineered tricycle). Realize that a tricycle such as the Happy Tricycle by Kettler (about $100) with a handle on the back makes it easier for an adult to push the child.

If you think these tips are not enough for you, we advise you to read online reviews by other radio flyer tricycles purchasers that can also help you select the best new tricycles for your child.

Guide to Safe and Durable Toddler Ride-On Toys (radio flyer pathfinder wagon)

By Michael Fenwick

The radio flyer pathfinder wagon is one of the most classic American toys. Since 1917 Radio Flyer has been crafting quality vintage steel ride on toys such as wagons, trikes, tricycles and other kids' ride on toys. Today, children around the world can enjoy these timeless classics as well as newer models. Here is a guide to some of the most popular kids' ride on toys from Radio Flyer.

The History

In 1917, Italian craftsman Antonio Pasin started making wooden toy wagons in Chicago. Six years later he started the Liberty Coaster Company named after the Statue of Liberty which struck him with awe upon his arrival to America. The company was renamed Radio Steel & Manufacturing in 1930 and started producing the first steel radio flyer pathfinder wagon. The name Radio Flyer was inspired by Pasin's fascination with flight and the invention of the radio.

The first wood and steel Radio Flyer wagon built in 1923 was the "No. 4 Liberty Coaster". Although modern Radio Flyer wagons are still built out of steel, some newer models use molded plastic. The #18 Classic Red Wagon is radio flyer pathfinder wagon and has been in continuous production since 1930. Not all wagons have been red, however. A yellow "Davy Crocket" and a blue "Mickey Mouse Club" model were produced in the 1950s as well as a yellow "Evil Kneivel" wagon and a patriotic "Spirit of '76" edition in the 1970s.

Red Wagons

There is no more classic image of youth than child being pulled along in a red wagon. The Radio Flyer Classic Red Wagon is the quintessential red wagon and has been in production for over 70 years. It's classic design has also remained relatively unchanged.

The radio flyer pathfinder wagon has a durable steel body, steel wheels and rubber tires for a quiet ride. Another nice feature is the steel extra-long handle (good for tall dads) which can be folded under the the wagon when not in use. There are also a few thoughtful child safety solutions such as a no-pinch ball joint to protect children's fingers, and a controlled turning radius to help keep the wagon from tipping.

Trike

One of the most durable and best-loved toddler ride on toys is the Radio Flyer Tiny Trike. It features a real wood body, chrome handlebars, non-marking rubber tires and is a cinch to assemble. Other nice features are the soft seat, plastic grips complete with streamers and an easy-to-use bell. The trike is one of the best toddler ride on toys for children who are too young to ride a tricycle.

Tricycles

Radio Flyer tricycles are one of the classic vintage steel ride on toys. The tricycle is fashioned from steel right down to the classic spoke wheels which makes it great as a childrens first tricycle. It has a retro look complete with a chrome fender and handle bars, red plastic grips with streamers and an old-fashioned working bell. Other useful features include a double deck rear step, rubber tires and an adjustable seat.

Scooter

The Radio Flyer Little Red Scooter is a retro version of the popular kids' scooter. It features a sturdy steel frame, high performance wheels and a wide wood platform with a grip tread. The scooter also adds double rear wheels for more stability, an adjustable handlebar height and a real bell that rings.

For great deals on Radio Flyer toys including radio flyer pathfinder wagon, trikes, tricycles, scooters and more, visit Vintage Steel Ride On Toys.

Kettler Kettrike Tricycle

kettler kettrike tricycle
Kettler Kettrike Tricycle

Big fun comes on three wheels equipped with many unique and patented features. All kettler kettrike tricycle are perfectly designed according to the children's anatomic roadmap of motor skills. Invigorating solutions are typical for KETTLER international tricycles. Kettler's Quik-Adjust frame, patented Auto-Freewheel mechanism, and Parental Control System all guarantee the highest level of safety. Kidproof engineering demonstrates that a low center of gravity combined with our KETTLER international tricycles exclusive patented features and exceptional manufacturing, give our Kettrikes utmost safety, quality and innovation. Each Kettrike is cleverly designed with a limited turning radius of 90 degrees which offers freedom in play, but at the same time reduces the danger against tipping over. Visit Toys-That-Last.com now to make your order.

Sebastian Fernandez (Tampa, Florida United States) quoted that:
First let me start with the good news. This is an excellent kettler kettrike tricycle, of solid construction and that has a definitely smooth ride. It does not have the klack-klack-klack sound when pushing it that some other options have, and which drives me crazy. The wheels are of a much better quality than everything else I have seen, and the option to lock the handle in a fixed position is really useful. Finally, the fact that you can adjust both, the position of the seat and the length of the body, guarantee that your kid can use this tricycle for a long time.

As you can see, once the kettler kettrike tricycle product is assembled, you will be hard pressed to find anything better in the market. The problem is that the process of putting this thing together is not a pleasant one. It is not that it is impossible to assemble this toy, but what frustrated me was that it took me one hour to do something that I could have done in fifteen minutes with the proper instructions. The steps are communicated only through drawings, and in some cases these are not clear at all.

I have a couple of pointers for people that are going to go through the process of assembly. The first thing I would recommend is that you try to figure out which screws / bolts are to be used in each step, and only start constructing after you do this. If you are used to assembling US products you know that you should try to avoid over tightening the screws and bolts. You need to forget about that rule in this case, since you are going to have to really put your strength behind this process, if not things like the handle's kettler kettrike tricycle will pop up after you are done. Lastly, even though the drawing on step 6 shows that you need to use a screwdriver to fasten the foot rest to the body, you will have a much easier time using the wrench provided by Kettler. At first it will seem that the screw is too big, but with the wrench you will be able to tighten it without trouble.

If you can manage to go through one frustrating hour while putting the tricycle together, then this is a product really worth buying. I recommend kettler kettrike tricycle that they update their instructions and make them clear, since this would make their product perfect.