My sisters and I had a shiny purple tricycle that became a neighborhood legend. Everybody wanted to ride it. But if Danny, a baseball-obsessed boy who lived a few houses away, ever took it out of our driveway and into the street, I’d become irrationally nervous about the potential for damage or theft. It was totally classic in build yet had a unique violet hue and metallic sheen that gave it some edge. It looked and handled better than my first car, a 1979 Pinto with ironic racing stripes. (Side note: I graduated from high school in 1995.)

While strolling and devouring a Flipside pie this morning, during which time Cody and Stella were off on grand adventures to both Gymboree and the zoo, I spotted a little beauty on the sidewalk outside the consignment store down the street. Made in Germany by Kettler, with a price ($60)  I couldn’t refuse, it seemed very sturdy and well made–destined for Stella’s fast and often furious feet. Cody and I had previously browsed new Kettlers at the toy store around the corner, where they sell for around $200. There is one big advantage of the newer models: as a parent, you can lock the pedals and navigate the stroller yourself (for faster, stroller-like transportation) thanks to a push bar attached to the back of the bike that now comes standard. I could buy a push bar separately (Kettler offers this and many other accessories) and attach it, but the pedals won’t lock, so I’m not sure that would work so well. As a result of this realization, I felt a touch of buyer’s remorse.

But then I remembered our fantastic old-school trike which we managed to navigate ourselves just fine. I never once though, “Gee, I wish I could just sit back and let mom take over. I hate being in control.” So I figure this one should work out just fine for Stella. She loved it immediately and can even use the pedals to a limited degree. Clearly this is another three-wheeled legend in the making!