My 12-year-old grandson told me his bicycle tires had been flat for over a year and the bike was too small for him. Rather than fix the bike myself, I talked him through changing the tubes. Until then, he had no idea bicycle tires even had inner tubes.
He showed a great understanding of mechanics, and his bike WAS too small. I had assembled bikes over the years, so I had a lot of tools in my home. I made him a deal. I told him I’d buy him a very nice new bicycle, but he had to build it himself with me only giving him instructions. He agreed. He picked out a well-fitted bike at the local shop, and then I suggested he order the parts. I didn’t realize how expensive parts had gotten (almost doubling the price), so out of earshot I told the store manager to take the new bike apart.
My grandson is in the process of learning to align the wheels. It currently looks like a huge metal potato chip but is slowly beginning to look like a wheel. I know he will take care of this bicycle because he is so proud to be doing this project and doing it with Grandpa. I may wait decades before I tell him that this is the original bike he picked out in the first place!
Grandpa Dave
He’ll Take Care of It Because He Built It Himself
