Kid Seats?
Thread started by
BICYKILLER at 02.1.10 - 1:09 pm
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So my son is old enough to ride in a carrier of some sort now and I wanted to see if any of you guys/gals have experience with them. I'm leaning towards the plastic type that attaches to the rear of the bike as opposed to the trailers and I'm planning on setting it up on my single speed. Any thoughts or advice on particular brands or a good deal would be helpful, I'm stoked to get him rolling with me!
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Oh man im so excited for this part of life! My wife is due the 19th of march and im already pumped to get him on my bike with me even though its still a ways away, but good luck to you man!
rub_my_crank02.1.10 - 1:10 pm
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are you gonna take him on bicykillers?
you guys can switch seats on the climbs.
REI had some sick lookin plastic seats that bolt on to a rear rack. they look pretty beefy too.
KiMS102.1.10 - 1:29 pm
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those seats that bolt onto the back of the bike are bad news. think about how high they are off the ground if you crash, even at a low speed. they offer decent coverage for the kid, and even if hes wearing a helmet bad things could happen. the extra weight makes your bike unstable at slow speeds. get a burly trailer instead.
ruinedbyidiots02.1.10 - 1:56 pm
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ahhhhh look at that guy! Holden Cash is gonna be a Ladykiller not just a Bicykiller ahaha
Roadblock02.1.10 - 2:01 pm
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holden killer diskin
KiMS1 responding to a
comment by Roadblock
02.1.10 - 2:04 pm
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Cute Kid!
What kind of bike will you use for this?
I worked at a store that sells these and I've installed a bunch. IMO, the best rear seat is Topeak Babyseat 2 for ~$100. It's pretty easy to mount (as long as you have decent rack braze-ons) and well made. It comes with a rear rack (get the disc specific one if you have disc brakes) and has a harness and rubber bumper type suspension for the seat. Weight limit is ~50lb. The seat slides off when not in use so you can use the rack just like any other normal rear rack.
But I like the front mounted seats way better. Check out the iBert Safe-T-Seat for ~$85. It mounts under your stem and puts your kid right behind the handlebars, sort of on the top tube. You can interact with the child and make sure they don't fall out; plus they can see more than just your ass. Handling is better because they're bolted to the handlebars; kind of like a front cargo basket, rather than back behind you and on top of a rack. These type are more common in Europe and Japan. My neighbor just got one, and I'm really impressed with it. When you remove the seat, the mount remains attached to the steer tube which is kinda dangerous cause it points right at your junk. Weight limit is ~40lb
I've seen some old school Japanese ones that mount to the top tube and are made from wire mesh. They're still sold overseas, but I've never seen them here.
richbell02.1.10 - 2:16 pm
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When my kids were that young, the front mounted seats were barely being introduced in the US and by the time I found one, they were too big. I thought my chlld would be able to see something and when I came to a stop, I'd be able to stay upright with the added weight of a moving child.
Instead, I had a rear mounted seat, similar to the Topeak. I like the Topeak because it looks pretty rugged but you're right, it really messes up your center of gravity, especially when you stop and have to get your kid out of the seat. I like the rack since you could move the seat from bike to bike.
My son didn't care for the seat because during a ride, all he got was a great view of my back. My sure your child has the neck strength to handle the added weight of a helmet.
They're really expensive but have you checked the Bakfiet?
http://www.bakfiets.nl/eng/
Josef at Flying Pigeon in Highland Park can help you out on that one.
mk4524 responding to a
comment by richbell
02.1.10 - 2:38 pm
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i have this one never used it tho-->
but im with ruinedby, its not the safest thing to put the mini rida in.
i only ride my boy around in a in-step trailer. it holds his scooter, food, backpack, etc. and is more safe . let me know if you'd like to try it out.
Jeff Yess02.1.10 - 6:44 pm
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I have new condition burley solo trailer for sale 50.00
crossbones02.1.10 - 7:50 pm
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Can you email me at bicykillers@me.c0m
BICYKILLER responding to a
comment by crossbones
02.1.10 - 8:38 pm
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that one looks preety cool...because you can see your kid at all times through your ride.
Huey555 responding to a
comment by Roadblock
02.2.10 - 12:01 pm
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can't wait to put my daughter in one of those.
Huey55502.2.10 - 12:02 pm
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My kids were never in a rear-mounted seat--always felt they would have a crappy view--predominately of my arse, and I never could see 'em back there. Similar to another poster above, I used one of the front mounted seats--and they were rather unheard of back then so I got one from Canada or some crazy far away place like that. I and my kid dug it. Bike remained stable, kid was between my arms, he had the same great view I did, and he could even lay his head down on the padded arm rest and take naps--which he often did. It worked great. If I still had it, it would be yours, but I passed it along to another cyclist years ago.
The dutch bikes are great if you're looking spend that kind of dough. They're not crazy expensive, and Flying Pigeon Josef can testify to their wonderfulness, but it could be more than you were thinking of spending. Probably not telling you anything new here.
Save this for a few years: no training wheels! Start him out on what was once only popular in Europe but now quite popular here, too--a straddle bike or walk-a-bike or whatever they're called. Basically a little bike with no pedals that the kid straddles and walks along with. Over time, they become comfortable enough and life up their feet and "coast"--meanwhile developing their balance on a two wheeled machine. And they will, from as early an age possible, know the joy of propelling yourself on a two wheeled wonder machine! Both my kids, now 6 and 8, have been riding with me for years, and I'm serious when I tell you, it's so much f-fing fun!
Then start planning some family/kid rides with me so we can indoctrinate the next generation to the wonderfully empowering and transformative power of the bicycle.
Enjoy.
@dudeonabike
dudeonabike02.2.10 - 3:13 pm
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My kids were never in a rear-mounted seat--always felt they would have a crappy view--predominately of my arse," HAHAHAHA
Huey55502.2.10 - 3:41 pm
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check out flying pigeon la..
they got box fiats and nihola cargo bikes.. perfect for carring a baby safely
mcstoney42002.2.10 - 4:12 pm
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please tell me you're gonna install a brake
sancho102.3.10 - 9:27 am
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Hell nah dog! I aint gonna bitch out an put breaks or brake on my fixie whip single speed coaster bike! I jus drag my shoes til I run into foos.
BICYKILLER responding to a
comment by sancho1
02.3.10 - 10:11 am
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Rear child seats are actually not that bad to control, unless you have a baby Huey, you should be fine, get one with a arm rest and have the kid keep his hands and arms inside in case you go down. I actually took my son Evan on a training ride once and he fell asleep on the way back so I would suggest you bring something to cradle his neck if he was to fall asleep and a blanket.
dannyzuko02.3.10 - 2:37 pm
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how about a kids ride?! day ride, bring the kids on trailers, copilots, etc.., ride down chandler bike path to a park where the mini ridazz can meet/play with fellow minis?!
Jeff Yess02.3.10 - 3:30 pm
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only if they ask us to buy beer for them
_iJunes responding to a
comment by BICYKILLER
02.3.10 - 4:21 pm
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im down to organise something for the kiddos.
2 juice box stops.
there WILL BE diaper changes!
bring what u need to have FUN, blocks, shovels, baby wipes. etc
no cry babies or stealing lollipops, you will not be welcome on this ride!
Jeff Yess responding to a
comment by BICYKILLER
02.3.10 - 4:54 pm
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I grew up on a child seat in the back of a bike, they're not bad, sure I have a couple memories of seeing my parent's backs, but you still get a great view out the sides. Besides, memory isn't that strong until the child is too big to be carried on bike anyway, but yeah, the back rack isn't that bad. That's however, the only experience I've had in them (as a passenger) the front ones weren't available when I was a kid.
Trailers are useful when the kid gets bigger, but have their own problems.
FuzzBeast02.3.10 - 5:03 pm
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Get thee to Flying Pigeon LA!
Bobike Mini and Maxi+ or Junior (~$200 each):
Above is a batavus personal delivery.
Nihola Family bike ($3,300 to $3,500):
Flying Pigeon Bakfiets ($1,600):
Workcycles Bakfiets ($2,850 to $3,000):
Gazelle Cabby (~$3,000)
ubrayj0202.3.10 - 6:14 pm
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Also, tips for riding with your baby (in real life not just through the park):
-Single speed bike is a bad idea unless you've got really strong knees.
- You will be carrying stuff for the kid. Where will you put it? A good pannier bag set or a massive basket held in place by a Hebie return spring or a ratcheting Shimano headest are best.
- It is LOUD in L.A. - earmuffs are a good way to keep your kid from being woken up by a loud bus pulling away from a stop or a truck rolling by.
-Those flimsy rear mounted baby seats you get at most bike shops and department stores are disgustingly flimsy, and sway all over the road. Bobike, Yepp, GMK, and WeeRide all make superior baby carriers. They can be resold later to recoup the cost of purchase.
ubrayj0202.3.10 - 6:19 pm
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I used a Chariot for a while... i think the bike trailers are the best because of the visibility...
The Chariot trailer I had even had some shock absorbers.... took the little dude on MR rides back in the day... he just knocked out... (i know im a bad dad)...
make sure you have a strong brake though, since you have a lot more weight to stop.... i think you can do single speed or geared, given the amount of hills, but you definitely need to have a strong brake to stop the added weight...
It will definitely make you wonder if you're doing the right thing... riding in Los Angeles traffic with your kid is dangerous, but it can be done safe(r).
Your kid thing will love it....
have fun and be safe...
md202.3.10 - 9:38 pm
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I use this type of child seat. I have both a trailer and a behind the driver type child seat, and I say that I like the seat over the trailer any day. Riding with a baby in a seat is about the same feeling as having some really heavy panniers strapped to the back.
I use my trailer for longer trips that include bike trails and such. I find trying to navigate anywhere near traffic with one of those is slightly horrific even on sidestreets. Just imagine being stuck at a light that does not change because your bike is on the censor, now your choice is to wait for a car, blow the light, or maneuver the bike&trailer combo over to the walk signal button(not fun).
I will often put the kid into the seat and bring the trailer to go get groceries at TJ's (now thats a sight)
I do like having the added security of the type of seat that has the rollcage type design.
a few tips,
1. Adjust your brakes more often (have brakes)
2. get sippy cups that fit into bottle cages :)
3. never rely on a kickstand, They are nice for pre-mounting but once the weight is on the bike nothing will keep it up.
4..Have fun
Oh, and I found using a MTB with slicks works quite well, first the gear range helps with the added weight, the 26inch wheels have a quicker starting rate (but heck thats what I had sitting around).
thegodofthor02.3.10 - 10:04 pm
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oh and as far as bringing your baby stuff.
I have used the backpack, but i really found it useful when a friend gave me a great touring handlebar pannier.
thegodofthor02.3.10 - 10:06 pm
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FYI--the next organized ride I'll be doing with my young(er) kids is CICLE's river ride on the 20th. Not specifically a kiddy ride, but CICLE's rides are not too long, easy paced, and with Joe Linton leading the charge (i.e., LA Creek Freak) you know there's gonna be all sorts of stops with some cool LA River history--and plans for the future.
Info here: http://www.cicle.org/cicle_content/pivot/entry.php?id=549#/?i=1
dudeonabike02.12.10 - 5:32 pm
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I use a Bobike mini seat which mounts in the front. My daughter (in the photo) loves to go for bike rides. I strongly recommend the front mounted seat as it is a much more intimate experience to be able to talk to your child and show them things with out yelling every word. Also, it just feels safer to have your child right in front of you where you can see what's going on. Since kids tend to fall asleep mid-route on bike rides, It's a good thing to be able to see them. I personally pull over and whip out a blanket for my daughter to take a short power nap before continuing.
Another reason to have your kid up front is that your kid gets to be in charge of the bell. When I take my daughter down Colorado Blvd., you'd think she was in the Rose Parade the way she waves at people the whole way and says "Hi" to every person and dog along the way.
Yeah, definitely good times. Keep in mind that the Bobike mini requires a stem that is compatible with threaded forks. I had to buy a bike just for the purpose of mounting the seat as my normal bikes all use the threadless type.
petr0lb0mb02.20.10 - 11:07 pm
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Also, tried a Bakfiets (box bike) at a rental place in Santa Barbara. The bike was nice and it felt pretty safe, but it just wasn't very fun for some reason. I guess that two kids would have a blast in one of these, but my daughter seemed to become bored rather quickly by herself. Also, the long wheelbase makes for unresponsive steering, which mean that you tend to have to swing widely back and forth to keep balanced, which makes it hard to keep this thing inside the lines of smaller bike lanes.
petr0lb0mb02.20.10 - 11:24 pm
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Yeah, the bakfiets requires some getting used to. When I bought mine, I went shopping with it and tried carrying lots of stuff, riding at low speeds, riding quickly, and practiced getting good with the handling and everything.
Your kid is bored because there is nothing in there for her to play with! My daughter sits in the bucket, facing backwards coloring or playing with other stuff. The bed of the bak' is usually lined with blankets so she can nap while I ride. I time the rides with her to coincide with nap time and we stop at parks (with everything we need in panniers) and play, eat, etc all car-free.
Just like any piece of technology, the bakfiets requires a different tool culture and operator mindset to really make it work.
You should try the nihola out (I am the only dude selling them in the U.S.). It's a tricycle cargo bike, and my daughter always gets mesmerized watching the road pass through the transparent front panel.
The nihola is at Flying Pigeon LA bike shop.
ubrayj02 responding to a
comment by petr0lb0mb
02.21.10 - 3:13 am
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Kid Ride would be great we could have a stop at Exposition Park, I'm down
dannyzuko03.2.10 - 4:48 pm
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Love that idea. I'm down for planning another kids ride right about now.
And the roses in Expo Park will be blooming soon enough, which may bring out more women. They're the indicator species of a vibrant cycling community, you know, and should be encouraged to come on out. I don't think I'll get any argument on that one.
dudeonabike responding to a
comment by dannyzuko
03.2.10 - 4:53 pm
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This is an Adam's trail-a-bike, 24", 7spd rear trailer.
They make sweet 'runner' bikes for 2-3 year olds, and trailers like Burlys too.
http://www.trail-a-bike.com
I got this one for $109 on e-bay, brand new, in the box. MSRP $300+
We've had it 3 weeks and put 65+ miles on it already. Its awesome.
When's the kids ride :)
ChaosRR03.2.10 - 6:18 pm
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p.s.
I used the rear mount 'bucket' seat when she was little, never had a problem. They're pretty safe in those solid plastic buckets, they are (should be) 4-5 point harnessed into it and wearing a helmet.
Check out the 'runner' bikes for little kids though, amazing way for them to learn without you having to chase them holding onto the back of the seat. Skip the whole training wheels thing altogether!
ChaosRR03.2.10 - 6:23 pm
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-->
Ridazz Roulette!
When he gets a bit bigger, these look cool.