missygreen

Can anyone help. l have a autistic son who can ride a bike but not handle gears. what type of single speed bike would be better for him? He will not be riding much on roads,more wet, cross country. He is 23yrs,5ft 8ins and weighs about 119lbs. He is wiry but strong. Any ideas

TejanoTrackie 

I would think perhaps some sort of singlespeed MTB might work for him such as this >>> https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/dawes/bullseye.htm

The tires are wide and grippy for loose and slippery riding conditions. The gearing is low and the brakes are easy to use.

LesterOfPuppets

Depends on the type of riding primarily.

1. Trails, some dirt - SS MTB with a nice mixed use tire.
2. Shopping, Library, School, other errands - something laid back maybe with a rack, slick but not skinny tires.
3. Riding fast strictly for exercise - a nice road oriented single speed.

Examples from Bikes Direct because I know where to find the pics. I imagine Trek/Specialized/Giant have all or most of these covered as well.


1:


2: Pic has gears but you can find single speed version also.

3:

missygreen

Thanks...those bikes look ideal for casual riding over uneven bumpy woodland.

Philasteve

I also agree with the guys up top def a mountain bike with thick knobby tires. That would be an awesome choice for your son.

LesterOfPuppets

Full blown knobblies will wear out pretty quickly on the tarmac, though. I like semi-slicks of some sort a little better, personally. Of course this isn't a major concern until he wears out tires or is just plain displeased with stock tires.

I like these for mostly pavement, under 600 grams, around $20, sometimes down to $15



These for at least half time on dirt, under 600 grams, same price range.

krustyone

Great idea! I work with challenged kids and adults and most love to get out riding, a few questions:
Are you familiar with bike/will you be comfortable assembling one? Do you know what size he will need?
Mail order might not be the way to go. Are there any bike shops near you? It would be worth going in and talking with them.

AEO

yeah, definitely hit up the local shops.
Take your son with you so the shop can get him on the correct size bike.
you might pay slightly more, but quite often they will offer free or discounted services with the purchase of a new bike so it is worth it for new riders.

missygreen

My Hubbie is familiar with bikes,we live in the UK,most bike shops would prefer to sell us a low gear bike and my husband adjust it. On the internet we could get a single gear bike mostly from abroad..but there are so many its hard to make the right choice,my boy just wants to ride..ride .ride, but thank you for your input,you all have been so helpful with your sugestions.

DiabloScott

I have an autistic nephew and I don't think he'll ever be able to ride a bike... but if he could... I'd buy this one for him.



28c tires, sensible wheels - good for hard dirt and rough trails.

If you're talking wet mud, then cyclocross would be a better choice but that really requires some skill... as in most non-autistic riders even have to practice a lot.

krustyone

+1 masi!!