Brendan got his first bike when he was 3 - and we bought it a size larger than was recommended for a 3 year old so that he would get some growth-room out of it. Fait accompli.

Until this year - our child has shot up so much in height that he was beginning to look like Quasimodo as he rode up & down the driveway. He mastered the 16″ bike a while ago and has been known to speed around on both the pavement and the grass, but as his knees approached his elbows, I knew it was time to put him on the next size bicycle.

For a change, Craigslist didn’t disappoint. It’s been quite hit or miss for me - far more

“miss” than “hit,” though. I scoured for different bikes - I found a couple of gently used ones for far too much money, some that were amazingly worn down, and one that seemed … perfect. The ad stated that it was in “excellent condition,” and described its features. Part of what sold me was that it wasn’t a cheap bike from Generic Big Box Store, which is akin to the bike that Brendan outgrew. Not that I’m some sort of bike-snob, but there’s something sentimental for me about a Schwinn bike - it was my first bike, too. Of course, mine was girly-red with sparkles, a few streamers coming from the handlebars, and with the ubiquitous banana-seat. I'm pretty sure all Schwinns in the '70s had these features, but it made mine extra-special.

So I called the guy selling it and sure enough, it was still available. This 3 year old used bike was cheaper than a new one from a mass merchandiser, and a great value - it retailed for $279 three years ago, which is far outside of our budget for such things.

I packed Brendan in the car early the next morning and started to navigate my way to Northville, where the bike was located. It looked good. He was a bit gun shy at first, but with some coaxing, got on and it was a good fit for him. One of the main selling points for me? NO WRENCH NEEDED to adjust the seat! I about did a jig on the driveway as the soon-to-be-former-owner showed me the feature. I let Brendan give the gentleman the cash; we loaded the bike up, and left.

I think I then committed the equivalent of torture for my 7-year-old son; after we went to buy the bike, I ran errands. With the bike visible in the back seat. Actually, more than visible: Its front tire was sitting next to my son in his car seat, tantalizing him. It was well within reach for him, and I'm pretty sure he spent most of the trip home from Wayne county caressing his New Best Friend.

The selling point for Brendan? It’s black & red. And is “cool, Mama!” He wasn't quite sure what to do with hand AND pedal brakes at first, but he's figured it out, leaving streaks of black on the pavement as he's learned. And thanks to the generosity of his grandparents (my dad was thrilled - his first bike was a black & red Schwinn, too), Brendan’s been spinning around the yard and driveway like a speed demon. I’ll be fine - as long as he doesn’t tell me he’s going to pop a wheelie.

All photos © Sue Talbert, 2009