The Bike That Was Too Big
A free A1-level English story for language learners, readable online in 7 languages, with an option to listen via the free Storyteller app.
Tariq rents a bike that is much too big for him and goes back to the shop for a better fit.
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Tariq walks into a bike shop near the beach. "I want to rent a bike, please," he says. The man behind the counter nods and picks a bike.
Tariq takes the bike outside and gets on. His knees hit the handlebars with every turn. The seat is too high for him.
Tariq rides in a slow circle and almost falls. A woman on the sidewalk laughs and points.
Tariq stops and looks down at the bike. "This bike is too big for me," he says.
He walks the bike back into the shop. "Sorry, this bike is too big," Tariq says. "Do you have a small one?" he asks.
"Of course, my mistake," the man says. He brings out a small blue bike from the back.
Tariq sits on the new bike and smiles. His feet touch the ground now. "This one is perfect," Tariq says.
He rides out of the shop and down the road. The wind feels cool against his face.
He turns toward the long path by the water. Boats sit quietly near the old wooden dock.
Tariq rides past them and waves at two fishermen. He rides all the way to the lighthouse and back.
