{Learning to Ride a Bike}

Dale's Cycles are Glasgow's oldest and largest local bike shop, and when we were asked to participate in a campaign to encourage kids cycling and learning to ride a bike, we jumped at the chance!

The eldest has a balance bike which is now a bit too small for him, and I felt he was ready to take the next step up to a bike with pedals.

The store is massive and there is a huge selection of bikes. We arrived for our appointment with Chris on a Saturday lunchtime and the store was busy - lots of customers milling about and staff hard at work.  We didn't need to wait long to be seen though and a bike had already been looked out for us as I had previously been in touch with my son's age and height.

I'm such a child, but the lubricant and performance centre signs had me chuckling!

Hotrock Kids Bike 16" boys

Chris really knew his stuff and as a parent himself he was great at talking to my son and engaging him in the process. I have to admit I wasn't listening as intently as I could have been because the littlest was adamant that she wanted a bike too, but she wasn't getting one! A bit awkward, but I can only apologise to Dale's for her screaming throughout our visit!! I've been told it's not uncommon!

Checking the seat height

Test cycle through the shop!

A few adjustments had to be made. Eldest watching intently!!

We also required a new helmet as the one we previously had was getting a bit too tight. We bought one in red/black which matched the new bike!

I was seriously impressed with the turnaround time and felt confident in Chris' knowledge and expertise. I would highly recommend you pay them a visit if you're looking to buy a bike, either for yourself or for your little ones. Dale's Cycles also participate in the Government's Cyclescheme which we felt was of interest.

Next stop was Crammond to visit R's family and let my son have a shot on his new wheels.

He absolutely loved it, but does needs practice. 

Concentrating hard on the pedals!

I'll be back in a few weeks to update you on our efforts. After our first week the eldest has been of the opinion that the pedal bike is too much like hard work and still wants to use his balance bike. I think it's time to remove the small bike from the house and force him to use the bigger one! He has been practicing in the new driveway which has been ideal for cycling/scooting and is starting to get better.

Watch this space!!

Dale's Cycles Ltd

150 Dobbies Loan

Glasgow

G4 0JE

Tel: 0141 332 2705

(free parking available at rear of building)

We received a bike for the purpose of this review. Opinions as always are honest and are my own.

{Review: New Glasses & Specsdirect2u}

The thing I love most about Specsdirect2u is that it's a family run business. Stuart & Neil, the owners, are brothers and Stuart's son also works within the company. I met all three of them when I visited their Duke Street premises the other week.

The shop is basic in comparison to the big retailers (there is a reason for this - they do not have to finance expensive high street premises and can pass cost savings onto the customer as a result) but there is everything you would need including a wee children's area to keep little ones amused.

My daughter making herself at home!

The selection of glasses is good with an even bigger range available online.

Glasses galore @specsdirect2u vine.co/v/b1lAVxQD2BE
— Sarah (@Glasgow_Mummy) February 4, 2013

The company pride themselves in offering glasses at decent prices and the price quoted on the glasses is the price you pay...yes - lenses are included. Frames, complete with single vision lenses, start at just £15. Because of their realistic pricing structure the brothers ship glasses across the globe to their customers. Stuart has been very honest on their website and explained in a bit more detail about optician's overheads, fees etc. which I would urge you to read here.

In the past I've been reluctant to buy glasses online for the sake of grabbing a bargain, preferring instead to visit an optician. However the fact that Specsdirect2u have four optical practices certainly increases my confidence. You can be safe in the knowledge that there are trained personnel on the end of the phone should you need help with your order and it is qualified opticians that will be manufacturing your lenses.

*** Internet prices on the high street ***

After trying on countless pairs of glasses, I chose a pair of Tom Ford ones. I was initially struggling to make a decision, narrowed it down to two and then Stuart gave me an honest opinion & helped me select the right pair for me.

Tom Ford designer glasses

I collected them this morning and I absolutely love them!!!

What are your thoughts? Would you buy, or have you bought, glasses online?

I received a free pair of glasses in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own.