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suitable bike for child seat - at back.

by alexlowe76
Fri, Jul 31, 2015 14:31
4

Afternoon all....
longtime lurker now going 'live'..
need to get a new bike so i can put a child seat on the back for the 2-yo.
my knees will not thank me if i do this on the single speed, and the road bike is not suitable (nor do i want to do this)...
so, been looking at a variety of hybrids / flat bar / cycle-x bikes, and was looking for some input from you guys.
my questions are:
1. given the seat attaches to the seat tube, and this will therefore take the brunt of the weight - is there any particular type / make of bike people would NOT recommended and would recommend for this?
2. is a back seat the best option - (don't want a carrier affixed to the back) and i am quite a tall guy (so don't think a seat on the cross tube would work)?
3. Anyone have any suggestions or recommendations on makes and models..?
thanks all,
Alex.

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4 comments

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DaveE128 | 9 years ago
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See my comments on this thread:

http://road.cc/content/forum/159555-child-seat-road-bike

In summary, I'd recommend a Topeak Babysitter II on a hardtail or rigid MTB with rack mounts. Reasons why at link above.

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alexlowe76 | 9 years ago
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thanks for the comments lads, couple more points on my situation.

- we live in London, so i am not getting a trailer - just not safe in this city.
- would love a cargo bike (we have number 2 on the way - and i think we will get one at some stage), but i don't have the ££ spare currently to get one, and then there's the logistical nature of where to store it safely & securely..
- the wee chap is 2, so a tandem (as cool as it would be) is not an option.
- I will likely flip the MTB and single speed, and get a hybrid / flat bar to use for this, and for my commute.

I think it will be a seat on the back - and from your comments, i will prob just grab a £500 hybrid / flat bar bike from one of the big boys.

thanks!

Alex

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saintbob | 9 years ago
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I've been doing the school/work run for 3+ yrs now, started with bike seat on back of Raleigh Tourer, now the lad is bigger we have a bobike junior, which is great, but have gone up to something you ought to consider, a tandem, honestly it is a stunning improvement, more stable, and suits our UK weather, plus the wee lad feels really engaged (mostly I'm moving his legs around but occasionally you feel a wee burst when he starts to peddle). We bought a second hand Helios Circe. It's a great deal as the bike is set up to go up and down in sizes, can also take a baby seat at the back (copilot). I've used box bikes, tourers, etc and the tandem beats them all for speed and stability. The Helios can go through most doors when stood vertically. Which we need as we have limited space.

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levermonkey | 9 years ago
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The CTC have a guide to cycle child seats on their website. Have a look at that first. BikeRadar, TwoWheelingTots, BikeHub and MumsNet have done some fairly comprehensive product reviews in this area as well.

Which? have also looked at them but you need to be a member to get the reviews.

Have you considered the options of either a cargo bike or a trailer (Burley do a good one)? In both of these options the child is less likely to be injured in the event of a fall.

I personally do not like rear child seats but as you have realised crossbar mounted ones can impede your pedalling.

I know you wanted a product recommendation but this is one of those situations where the decision has to be a personal one. Sorry!

Edit: As to bike selection, most seat posts are more than strong enough so once again personal choice.
If you do go down the trailer route then any of the bikes in your stable can act as a tug. Your single speed would do the job with ease. Trailers can also be hitched and unhitched without difficulty so you only need to hitch up when you need to. Don't forget, once your dropped the child at kindergarten you can do the shopping on the way home or leave the trailer at the kindergarten.

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