That’s a good idea! All four of my kids can ride a bike now so I’ll never have to use this post again, but it would be good for others to know there might be some challenges!

Another earlier commenter noted that the chain on their bike was installed through the frame.” This is in fact the norm and if your own bike wasn’t built that way it’s an exceptional case. I’d recommend you update this post to flag this additional step that in most cases will be required. Removing a chain can be quite difficult and in most cases requires special tools (in other cases it requires some know-how). Plenty of videos available though on how to use a “chain tool.” On the plus side, for bikes built this way there’s no need to remove the rear wheel :)

Yep. You will need to ‘break’ the chain with a chain breaker tool available at LBS or take apart master link if your bike has one

I’m so glad! :)

I know, right?! Good luck! I know a couple people have had bikes that were designed a little differently than my son’s, so they couldn’t remove the chain completely. I hope it works well for you! We get our bikes pretty inexpensively too, so hopefully they are similar!

We actually put the pedals back on my daughters bike today and she was successfully riding around for the first time. I suppose all kids learn eventually, but you’re right…it’s so much nicer when they learn without tears and frustration!