My daughter is turning 1 and we are excited to get back to bicycling. We have beach cruisers and stay on mellow terrain (just around the neighborhood, parks, etc). Need advice on whether to get a bike trailer or a mounted seat that goes behind my seat on the bike. Can babies even see out of those trailers? Thanks!
my 2 year old loves the trailer. she can see, can hold her cup, and i don't worry about falling and her getting hurt. she can wiggle in the trailer if she needs to without effecting the balance of the bicycle as well.
I prefer a mounted seat, I've had a trailer and if you want less maintenance get a mounted one, so there are less tires to fix-I got the double seated trailer for when i had two little ones, but if you only have 1 child a mounted with do great.
I think it really depends on how comfortable you are on the bike. If you are confident in your skills as a bike rider than I don't see any reason not to try the mounted seat. But if you have concerns than go for the trailor. I have a trailor just because I worry too much. My son loves it however. It is one that doubles as a stroller and trailor. I think either one is just fine and I think your daughter will love either one. Just go with what ever you feel most comfortable with.
We have a trailer and love it! Both our kids would happy chatter to us... and then... fall asleep!!! :) They loved it. I never put the netting over them, just the clear plastic cover and they could see out fine, they'd point out things... and always ask to get out at the fire station! My brother got a mounted seat and he said it was a total mistake. If your child isn't sitting straight, you have to compensate for it and you could wind up doing a whole ride slightly bent to the right or left to keep your bike upright!
Good luck!
I think it depends some on your little one's temperment. DD tends to fall asleep on walks and driving, so we're getting a trailer. If she were alert and interested, we'd probably be more likely to get a seat. I have some friends who swear by the seat and others who love their trailers, so it depends!
I just got a trailer last month for ds (2) and he loves it! he can see out, I can hear him talking and he can hear me, and he is able to bring stuff along for the ride.
For me the reason for getting the trailer over the mounted seat were:
1) the trailer doesn't change my center of gravity and he can't throw my ballance off my wiggling, shifting or reaching forward to grab me!
2) the way it attaches the bike can tip over without the trailer tipping, if I did fall over, he would still be fine.
3) if the traler did tip (pretty hard to do) the fall would only be a foot or so.
4) my son enjoys spending time with a friend and the trailer works for one or two together!
Since having the trailer I've been happy with all the reasons I chose it plus:
1) I get a little trunk to put my purse, a change of clothes, repair kit etc behind his seat.
2) If i go without him I can tow back our full week of groceries.
3) I haven't noticed any real difference in the ride with the trailer attached
4) Drivers give you WAY more room when you have the trailer! They usually change lanes to pass rather than just skimming past you!
Good luck with your choice and happy riding!
Definitly a trailer, Burley makes great ones and if your bike doesn't accomodate the hitch, their website has a retro fit hitch that works great. I have a two year old son and we are in it as much as possible, my problem is finding moms to go riding with. Also with the trailer there is room behind the seating to put stuff, food, toys, blankets etc. way more practical than a seat and also better for sun protection and even biking in drizzly weather for the kids. Good Luck and maybe we'll see ya on the trails!
We went with a trailer for safety reasons. The trailer will stay in an upright position, even if the bike goes down. I also like the fact that they are completely surrounded by the trailer housing. Additionally, when the kids are sitting with you on the bike, they can't really center their weight like an adult can, making for a more unsteady ride. I bike the kids everywhere (they're getting a bit heavy, but it is great exercise) and I haven't had any problems. The kids sit back there and can see quite well, often sharing a snack on the road. We all love it! If you're planning on having 2 kids, get the double trailer now. It works perfectly for 1 child, and they cost so much it is a shame to spend that much money twice.
