Bike seats

[Mummyliz]

Sandra asked for advice/comments about using a bike seat in the Noticeboard area. I thought I would reply here, because others might be interested or have comments to add.

My daughter is 2 1/2, has had a bike seat for over a year and she loves it. It's much more fun than the boring old buggy. And definitely less hassle than trying to get child, buggy, bags, etc. on the bus. We use it to go to the park, the one o'clock club, visiting friends locally - nothing further than about 20 minutes away. The advice I have seen says not to start using them until the baby is 10-12 months old and can sit up on their own. We waited a bit longer just because I did not fancy cycling with a baby in winter. As to whether if you bought one it would sit gathering dust, I guess that depends on how much you like cycling. For me it was certainly worth it. Liz

I was wondering if any mums could give me advise regarding child bike seats. Am thinking of purchasing one when my baby is older and more mobile but from what age can they be used and are they a good buy. Would hate to purchase one and find it sits in the back of the garage gathering dust? I know there are now reclining ones which I presume are for younger kiddies. would appreciate some comments

I have 2 kiddies - nearly 2 and also 4 months. I guess I'm going to need a trailer for my bike, not seats. Anyone got one/used one? Are they heavy, difficult to cycle with? What age did you use yours from ( Iknow 4 months is too young, but I've been told 6 months and 1 year - quite a wide span). Thanks

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I have a reclining and a fixed bike seat. I waited until my chidren could sit up well unaided before using a bike seat. I initially bought the recliner and then moved my eldest to a fixed seat to use the recliner for my youngest. The recliner is great when they fall asleep,it saves their head from lolling about. My youngest still falls asleep at 2. The recliner cost about double the fixed seat.
I also have a bike trailer. The one I have can be used from about 12 months but I have seen a trailer that can have a car seat attached inside for younger ones, I think it was made by Burley.
My children are 3 and 2 and fit easily into the trailer. Inside it has little pockets for books, small toys and snacks. It also has luggage space at the back so that I don't need to wear a rucksack. It has been a very good buy, I use it two or three times a week.

Blackbird - thanks for your comment. Do you use 2 seats on the one bike? How is your trailer - heavy or easy to cycle with? Does it convert to a pushchair also? If so, is this a simple process. Did you buy it in a shop, or mail order or internet? I'm keen on getting mine asap. and I'll just have to wait for the little one to join us, but I'm not sure what to look for, which features are necessary/a waste of time, price etc. I guess a trailer is better than seats in bad weather?

Sorry, I wasn't very clear, I don't have both seats on my bike, but I have seen seats that go on the crossbar so it is possible. I'm not sure how stable or safe it would be but if you want to try this out you can buy one from The Great Little Trading Company or Urchin. Both of these companies also sell the bike trailer that I have. It doesn't convert to a pushchair but Burley make one that does, have a look at their web site www.burley.com. I find it easier to cycle with both my kids in the trailer than with just one on a bike seat, but there's no escaping the fact that you're towing two kids !
They are protected from the elements in trailer but I have see a cover for bike seats rather like a poncho that fits overhead and with elastic around the edge that grips to the seat. I haven't tried one but it looked like a good idea. If you're interested I'll try to find a company name for you.
Price was a main concern when I bought my trailer. I had already used one at Centre Parcs and knew that I liked it but wasn't sure how much I would use one. Mine was about £200 but I have seen them for a lot more. If you want to be able to use your bike without the trailer look for a hitch that can easily be removed. Pockets inside are essential for toys, books and snacks as is a luggage carrying space for bags and shopping. My trailer sits both children on the same side but I have seen trailers which sit the children opposite or staggered and this would give more shoulder room for bigger children but I think that by the time they are big enough for shoulder room to be an issue they would be too heavy for me to tow ! I bought mine mail order but I knew the model that I wanted. Your local bike shop should be able to help and may even have one that you can try out. Let me know how you get on.

Sorry to take advantage of this board, but I can't resist: is anyone interested in my ad on the ads board for my Danish box-bike? I got it when we lived in Denmark, it's a good-carrying trike with a big box about 90 by 100 cm at the front for two or even three kids if they're small. Safer than the trailers and really fun, but my kids are too big now. I live in London, contact me at [email protected] if you'd like to know more.

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Had a catalogue from Urchin this morning - they do a little bike seat that goes on the crossbar, rather like an additional saddle. It is suitable from 2 to 5 years. Can't remember the price though. It was called something like cycle companion. Their web site is www.urchin.co.uk.

Blackbird, Are there any disadvantages to your trailer? I'm thinking of getting the one from GLTC - is that the same as yours? Do you think the seat is comfortable enough for the kids? Does it un attatch from the bike easily enough, and can you fold it up for travelling? Do you feel fitter?

Can anyone recommend a particular rear bike seat to go on a "normal" bike for a 2 year old? We've been to several bike shops in the area and each one seemed to stock - just one - different seat which they all maintain is the best thing etc etc. As they do only have one in each it is very difficult to compare. One feature we are interested in is ease of transfer to another bike i.e. moving from mine to my husband's if I was finding her too heavy etc. Mostly we will cycle as a family with 2 older children as well and will be on bridle ways etc as well as roads. There was one make Hamex I think which switched easily but what about safety?
Alternatively, can anyone point me to other sources of information that might help me compare them?
Thanks.

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Can anyone advise me on a good but inexpensive cycle trailer for my two children. Ive done a lot of internet research, but am having trouble making a final decision. Anyone got some good points to make and advice to give? Top of my list at the moment is the Adams Stagecoach...

Checkout the mumsnet noticeboard, general sales for a bike trailer for sale.

Rozy

How long do you think your son will be able to use the tag-a-along bike? I have been thinking about buying one for my daughter (now 5) who has outgrown our child seat (now needed for new baby also) but isn't quite competent/strong enough to accompany us on her own bike on long rides - would it be worth buying one for a 5 y.o.?

try the Urchin catalogue for a good selection. They are also online (I think www.urchin.co.uk)

Thanks Rozy,

I'll see if I can track somewhere down where I can try one out - I'm realy looking forward to getting out when DS can sit up properly.

Heidi

Before I buy the bike seat (looks like it will be a Hamax judging from the recommendations here), I have to buy the bike. We only have a really weedy Halfords close by, and I haven't owned a bicycle for ages, so I want to be clued up before I take my employer's interest-free cycle loan cheque shopping.
I'd want my bike for mostly road cycling in an urban area, but suitable for bridle paths too. I don't need something you can ride down staircases or will make me look like mutton dressed as lamb.
There seem to be some knowledgeable and keen cyclists out there so if any of you are still reading, I'd really appreciate another parent's advice. I can spend up to £300.

I bought a Raleigh Ladies Pioneer, it cost about £250. It has what they call town/trail tyres, so it is good for roads, but can be used on rough terrain occasionally without getting a puncture. The handles bars are traditional, not straight, so you don't lean over, you sit up straight. I also have a hamax child seat on the back!

Alibubbles, thanks, that is exactly what I needed to know - I have been looking at the Raleigh website and saw the Pioneer range, but could not pick my way through the jargon to work out whether it matched my spec. Cheers!
Marina "keep death off the roads drive on the pavement".

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