Why Every Kid’s Bike Needs a Back-to-School Tune-Up

Back-to-school season isn’t just about new shoes and sharpened pencils - it’s also the perfect time to check your child’s ride..

Yes, even your child’s bike needs regular maintenance. And at Playtri Sarasota, we see firsthand how small issues can turn into bigger (and more expensive) problems if left unchecked. If your child uses their bike to get to school, to cruise the neighborhood, or to keep up on family rides, a quick tune-up could be the difference between smooth rides and midweek meltdowns.

Here’s what we check when your kid’s bike comes in for a tune-up:

• Brakes: Are they grabbing? Squeaking? Too loose? We make sure your child can stop safely.

• Tire pressure and tread: Low air can make pedaling harder and uneven tread can lead to slips.

• Chain condition: Kids are hard on chains. We clean, lube, and adjust tension.

• Gears (if they have them): Shifting should be smooth, not a wrestling match.

• Bolts and fit: Growing bodies mean handlebars, seats, and pedals often need repositioning.

• Safety check: We inspect reflectors, helmet fit, and even recommend visibility upgrades.

Even if it’s just been a few months, bikes left in the garage through the Florida heat and humidity can collect dust, rust, and even dry rot in tires. An every-semester check-in keeps your child safer and avoids surprise breakdowns during busy weeks.

As a mom of four (and someone who has logged more pre-8 a.m. miles than I care to count), I’ve learned that if the bike doesn’t work, the morning doesn’t work. Our kids ride their bikes to school so we know it firsthand. Plus, Florida garages are humid. Even bikes that sit untouched can rust, crack, or dry out. That’s why I treat my kids’ bikes the same way I treat my own: a semester check-in, minimum. It’s safer, easier, and way less stressful than dealing with a breakdown during your already-packed week.

Bonus: A tuned-up bike can make your child more excited to ride - and that’s a win for their independence, fitness, and your schedule.

Stop by and let us take care of it:

📍 Visit us: 315 N Cattlemen Rd, Sarasota, FL 34235
📧 Email: sarasota@playtri.com
📞 Phone: 941-730-5565
🌐 Website: www.playtrisarasota.com

And if you haven’t looked at your own bike in a while, this might be the perfect time to book a family service appointment. Let’s keep everyone rolling smoothly into fall.

If it is time to get a new bike - we have a great selection of affordable and safe kids bikes that you can see here: https://playtrisarasota.com/collections/kids-bikes