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Hamax Siesta review
Looking to take your little one on biking adventures without breaking the bank? The Hamax Siesta is a great rear-mounted option for around half the price of some other models tested
By Mumsnet HQ | Last updated Dec 19, 2023
Safety is a number one priority in this seat. Our mini-tester couldn't reach the spokes or anywhere little fingers can be trapped. Like other seats tested, the Siesta also boasts a 20 degree recline feature, but this didn’t always prevent our passenger’s head from lolling forward when asleep.
The most distinctive feature of the Siesta was the harness, as it’s a slightly confusing double-buckle three-point-system. Although it was very secure and looked extremely difficult for the child to make their way out of (due to needing to squeeze in 3 different places to undo), it also looped over the child’s head. This meant we had to put our mini-tester’s helmet on after they were fastened in the seat – not a killer but definitely slightly frustrating.
As you’d expect, although the seat is largely adjustable, the mechanisms weren’t as seamless as some of the more premium models we tested. The foot harnesses were a little fiddly, and to adjust the height of the foot rests there were plastic clip brackets instead of any fancy mechanism. The dial to adjust the seat position is also a little cumbersome compared to the Thule seat. However, it was still fairly easy to adjust the seat while the child was in it, and for a cheaper seat we can’t complain too much.
The installation instructions are clear, and an Allen Key was also provided which could be attached to the fitting bracket while not in use for complete ease. The seat can be attached by just one person relatively easily, and it can be moved from one bike to another, too.
I'd not cycled for a few years but have loved getting out and about with my 11mo. It did take a few trips to get used to the balance but now I'm fine, and my little girl has fallen asleep in it a few times so must find it comfy!
The cheaper price tag comes at a slight cost, as we found that this seat didn’t feel quite as sturdy as some others tested. When we were setting up the bike seat, a small piece of plastic snapped off the bracket. It’s therefore definitely worth taking a lot of care with this bike seat, as it may not be quite as robust as the pricier models.
Comfort-wise, there were some snags. The straps didn’t come with padded covers for the buckles, which our tester said looked uncomfortable even though there were no complaints from toddler. Depending on the size of your bike, you may also find your feet graze the bottom of the bike seat as you pedal – although this should be easily resolved with a few adjustments here and there.
As for appearance, the seat is simple and functional looking, and can be wiped clean with lukewarm soapy water.
The value for money you get when buying the Siesta cannot be overlooked, and for what you’re paying you get a great bike seat which does exactly what it says on the tin. Any minor grumbles about the way the seat works could be easily overlooked for this impressively mini price tag.
The specs:
Front or back mount? Back
Dimensions: 48×39×71 cm
Weight: 4.3 kg
Safety harness type: Three-point, with extra chest bracket
Age range: 9 months up to 22 kg
RRP: £75
Average resale price: £31.50
Colour and design options: Either comes in grey/black, or grey/orange
Bike specifications: Hamax state this seat can be mounted on bicycles with frame tube diameters from 28-40 mm, and may be fitted to bikes with or without luggage carriers. It cannot be mounted on bicycles with oval or square down tubes. More information can be found on their website.