I want to buy a seat so my 2 year old can go on bike rides with us. I have found two main kinds: the ones that go behind the rider and the ones that go in front. I would like to know if anyone has an opinion on which is better (safer, more comfy, easier to use, etc). Thanks in advance for your advice.
Most parents suggested the trailers and says they have great resale values, and they are low to the ground, have 5 point harnesses, and you can carry more than one child. Look at the article for more opinions.
I recently had the same question for a co-work whose husband works at a local bike repair shop. They call the bike seats "child launchers." He suggested the trailers and says they have great resale values
I would suggest a bike trailer. It tows behind your own bike. With attatched seats you pose risk to your child if for some reason you drop the bike or fall or something. With the bike trailer that risk is elimenated.
We also love our pull-behind. They are low to the ground, have 5 point harnesses, and you can carry more than one child, or groceries from the store or a casserole to a neighbor with the child in the back also. They fold up to travel too. We slide ours on top of the car or our back seat and it attaches without tools in less than a min.
If you have already decided that you need a seat attached to the bike, I would prefer the back mounted seat.
I would think that the seat in the front would pose a number of safety issues to you and the child. I would think that the steering would be impaired also. Imagine your child screaming and crying because he/she is not ready to leave the park. Are you still going to be able to safely ride home with a tantrum in front of you? What if you have to stop suddenly? It looks like the child would be fine, but it would hurt to take that seat into your stomach.
I have one behind and it works great. I didn't like the one in front because it was uncomfortable and you have to flare your knees out, so it doesn't feel natural. Have fun!
I have the one that goes in front. I love it! I feel like I can talk to her and she is closer to me. When she was in the back I just felt weird. I recommend the front one.
We bike all the time with our 2.5 year old and have used the I-bert seat since he was 6 months old. It is awesome, comfy and safe. Whether or not you go with this brand (it is the best because it doesn't get in the way of your knees when you pedal) a seat that goes on the front is best because the child is more involved in the ride and you can talk to them. Have fun!!!
I bought a bike trailer because I heard that if you aren't completely coordinated, it can mess with your sense of balance. I know it's something I could've overcome, but I love my trailer! So does my toddler. The only advice I have is this: make sure you don't try to go as cheap as possible. I wish I would have spent the extra money for a nicer one. The one I have doesn't have a very good seat in it for her and I can't imagine how I'd fit 2 kids in there.
Plus, it adds a great deal of effort if you are biking for excercise.
We have a seat that goes in front, and we really like it. My husband actually took a minor fall with my son in it the other day (my husband's not the wisest rider), and he felt like he was better able to shield our son from the impact because he was in front (my husband used his arm to take most of the force). The one limitation of the front seats is that they force you to peddle with your knees a bit wider than is natural. We've gotten used to it, and it doesn't bother us, but I thought you'd like to know that. Oh, also, the straps on the seat aren't very good. We've had to rig another clip to hold them together at the shoulders (we use one of those chip bag clips that closes like a barrette).
the seats behind the rider are safer. the center of gravity of the bike and your ability to manuever safely will be much safer for all if the accessory seat is behind the "power" of the bike.
I bought a behind the rider seat. It did not fit with my bike. Its like a shwinn old fashioned one with a large seat and big handle bars. I ended up finding a buggy type thing that attaches and your child can ride behind you. Its in its own little tent and works great. Dosent knock me off balance at all. I found mine for 25 bucks the stores have them priced at 80-100 dollars. Good luck.
We have the trailer that goes behind and my son LOVED it, still does though we try to make him ride his own bike (he's 4 now). And we were also able to put both him & my niece in at the same time. It was a great workout for my hubby, and the kiddo doesn't fall if you happen to. The trailer hitch is such that it rotates if the bike falls, the trailer stays verticle. IMO that makes it much safer.
I was a little concerned about passing cars not seeing it, but it has this little flag so people can see it easily. I've also passed others using them while I was driving, and I think it's perfectly visable.
Have fun!
We got the Kangaroo carrier by WeeRide:
http://www.weeride.com/
and I do not like it. It is the one that goes in front of you. I cannot reach my handlebars comfortably because of my daughters head without my chest pushing her head down. Also, you have to peddle with your knees out to the side more so than normal. It just does not feel right. I have had to work real hard to ride with her that way.
Here is what consumer reports had to say about bike seats:
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/babies-kids/baby-toddl...
I like the idea of the trailer behind. I think we are going to look into getting that. :)
Let us know what you choose and if you like it or not! :)
We actually bought a topeak, but haven't been able to use it. My bike has disc brakes, and the bike rack below the seat won't fit on it. I'm trying to sell it for $40. If you look at the reviews online, it has received great comments and I haven't found a negative one yet.
