• What layaway plans do you offer?

• Why should I purchase a bicycle for my child at a bike shop when I can get a cheaper one at a department store? They are just going to outgrow it anyway.

• I hear people talking about "mountain bikes" and "road bikes" and others. What are the differences between these types of bicycles?

• I don't race or ride very far. Do I really need a helmet? Do I ever need to replace my helmet?

• Standard Layaway -- Deposit of 10% or $20, whichever is greater. Non-refundable. Will hold 4 weeks longer if paid in 4 weeks.
• Sale Bikes or Special Models -- Deposit 10% or $20, whichever is greater. Non-refundable. Will hold 2 weeks, longer if paid in full at 2 weeks.
• Christmas Layaway -- Deposit 10% or $20, whichever is greater. Non-refundable. Layaway starting on October 1st, will hold through December 24th. Includes Sale bikes or Special Models.
• Spring Layaway -- Deposit 10% or $20, whichever is greater. Non-refundable. December 26 through March 1st, longer if paid in full. Includes Sale bikes or Special Models.
• Extended Layaway -- Deposit 10% or $20, whichever is greater. Non-refundable. No time limit. Dealer must have 4-week notice prior to pick-up. No price guarantee. Not responsible for supplier availability.
• One Day -- We will hold a bike for 24 hours without deposit.
• Clothing, Parts and Accessories -- Deposit 10% or $10, whichever is greater. One week limit.

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Why should I purchase a bicycle for my child at a bike shop when I can get a cheaper one at a department store? They are just going to outgrow it anyway.

• Department store bikes are made very cheaply from inexpensive components. Quality materials may not seem important for a product that will only be used for a year or two. But bicycles are moving vehicles--things like "stopping distance" are important for safety reasons.
• Often, department store bicycles are not assembled by professional bicycle mechanics. Again, bicycles that are not correctly assembled can pose a danger.
• Manufacturers of quality children's bicycles take into consideration the needs of a growing child. For example, Trek's kids bikes feature Dialed Fit-Specific Design, with elements such as adjustable seats, adjustable cranks, adjustable handlebars, smaller grips and smaller pedals. So the bike will fit your child today and tomorrow.
• Department store bicycles are rarely properly fitted for the child. This can lead to a child riding a bicycle that is either too large or too small for them, which can be uncomfortable and, possibly, hazardous.
• At Denny's Central Park Bicycle, we service children's bicycles with the same care as adult bicycles. And, as with adult bicycles, we offer a free 30-day tune-up plus one year of free minor adjustments to ensure the safety and comfort of the bicycle.
• It is not unusual for parents to bring department store bicycles into our shop to correct problems they are having with them. With the money they spend on the department store bicycle plus the tune-up, they could have purchased a high-quality bicycle from the start.

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• Mountain Bikes -- Designed for riding on off-road, rough terrain, such as dirt trails with rocks, logs and other obstacles. Mountain Bikes have fat, knobby tires for traction and stability. Handlebars tend to be flatter and the rider tends to lean over the bars, though in a more upright position than a road bicyclist. Mountain Bikes often have a shock absorbing suspension system. Mountain Bikes can be ridden on pavement as well but the fatter tires create a lot of resistance.
• Road Bikes -- Road bikes are designed for riding on pavement and the emphasis is on speed and aerodynamics. Tires tend to be skinny to decrease resistance, increasing speed. Handlebars tend to be curled down to allow the rider to be in a flatter, lower position. Because of the skinny tires, lower-riding position and lack of suspension, road bikes are not recommended for trail riding or off-roading.
• Hybrids -- Designed for comfortable riding in the city and on bicycle trails, Hybrids resemble mountain bikes but the rider tends to sit in a very upright position. These bikes can feature front-wheel suspension and some offer suspension in the seat post as well. Tires tend to be skinnier than mountain bike tires and are more similar to those on road bikes. These bikes work well for commuters and recreational riders and can be ridden on pavement as well as dirt roads and trails that are not too rugged.
• Cyclocross -- These bikes are designed for a specific kind of bicycling in which the bicyclist rides on a variety of terrains including pavement and wooded trails. They resemble road bikes but tend to have larger tires and wider clearances to account for the variety of terrain encountered.
• Cruisers -- Sometimes these are referred to as "beach bikes". Cruisers resemble the old-fashioned upright bikes of decades past. They tend to be heavier and have fat tires, though not as fat as mountain bike tires. They are often one-speed bikes and can come with either coaster brakes or hand brakes.
• Triathlon -- Triathlon bicycles are ridden in the three-part races called triathlons. These are races in which the competitors swim, bicycle and run all in the same race. Triathlon bicycles use "aero" handlebars, which put the rider in a very low, narrow position to decrease air resistance. The geometry (dimensions) of the bike are also different from a road bicycle to facilitate the transition from cycling to running.
• BMX -- These are generally one-speed dirt bikes with very short wheelbases and knobby tires used for riding in the dirt and racing.
• Freestyle -- Freestyle bikes are generally designed for the performance of tricks. They tend to all be the same size, regardless of the size of the rider.

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• Bicyclists should always wear a helmet, even if they do not race or ride very far. Any fall from a bicycle carries the potential of concussion or brain injury. Wearing a helmet is the best way to decrease your chances of sustaining such an injury.
• If you are involved in a crash, you should replace your helmet immediately, even if it looks perfectly fine. Helmets are designed to absorb impact and they often look fine even when they have sustained serious damage.
• Helmet manufacturers also recommended that you replace your helmet every five years even if it has not been in an accident. This is because the impact-absorbing materials break down over time, losing their ability to protect you.
• A properly fitted and adjusted helmet is your best protection from injury. We would be happy to help you select and fit a helmet.

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