Why is one training wheel higher than the other?
3 Answers
Training wheels are uneven because they were installed slightly off. The training wheels on a child's bicycle should be at the same height and slightly off the ground. The purpose of training wheels is to help maintain the balance of the bike. When riding, if the center of gravity shifts to the left, the left wheel will touch the ground, and if it shifts to the right, the right wheel will touch the ground, thereby maintaining balance and preventing the bike from tipping over. Precautions for installing training wheels: 1. The distance between the training wheels and the ground should not be too small or too large. If it's too small, the wheels may lift off the ground on uneven surfaces; if it's too large, the bike may tilt too much when the child is riding. 2. The protruding part of the limit clip should fit into the opening of the rear fork of the frame, and all components should be tightly connected without any gaps.
My child's training wheels had this exact issue, and we later discovered two main causes: first, during installation, the bracket angles weren't properly aligned – there were small markings on the frame, but we were so focused on tightening the screws that we forgot to align them; second, the child always leaned to the left while riding, which completely bent the left training wheel bracket. Now, every time we install them, I make sure the child holds the bike steady while I use a level to carefully adjust both wheels. If the bracket gets bent, I place a wooden block underneath and gently tap it back into shape with a rubber mallet. Actually, a roadside bike repair shop mechanic once said something very true – if the training wheels are off by more than 1 centimeter, the child's body will unconsciously lean while riding, developing bad posture that can cause even more trouble later.
Just helped my neighbor adjust this issue last week. The most likely cause is a bent bracket, especially for metal parts that have been used for two or three years—they can get misaligned after a few falls. Another possibility is wear and looseness in the screw holes for installation. For example, his family uses a second-hand stroller, and the screw slots have been worn into notches. Another easily overlooked factor: uneven tire pressure! If the two wheels are inflated differently, one side will sit higher than the other. I taught him a simple trick: place the child's backpack on the seat and observe the ground clearance on a flat surface—the side that touches the ground first indicates it's higher. When adjusting, use a wrench to grip the base of the bracket and bend it slowly. Avoid applying force directly to the wheel, as it can easily break.
