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Child Carrier
NB: Originally posted elsewhere on the Global Riders Network and appears via syndication.
Hey guys,
My little boy is about 10 months now and I feel it's time to start getting him out on a bike. I have a commuter and would like to set up a system so I can take him out on mellow street cruises.
I'm thinking a rear rack style, but would be interested to hear any BMORCer's experiences or reccomendations.
Thanks,
Chris
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I used a rear rack style for a few years with two kids. Was very little to say about it except it was a pretty sturdy one compared to some of the cheaper looking ones. Also just look at the strapping and see whether it looks adequate, some looked a little dodgy as far as being able to hold a child in.
have a look at other peoples that you see and see what you like and dislike about them.
Main thinis you notice how hard it is to pedal suddenly and also balance once they start moving around more.. I didn't like riding clipless with the kids and went flats on that bike.
When they get too big you notice because you start breaking spokes and get more flats... time then to go for a half-bike.
Its great riding with them on the back though, lots of fun and chatter.
I only ever used rear mounted child carriers (because I don't recall anything else being available - kids are all in their 20's now).
My reservations are:
1. rough ride - no rear suspension (or front) back then and the hard plastic was pretty unforgiving. I used to put a layer of HD foam under them, but particularly my eldest was prone to falling asleep and I worried about neck damage once his head started to flop.
2. no view - kids get a bit bored looking at Dad's ar*e all the time and not seeing where they are going, increasing the likelihood of nodding off.
I've seen more recent models where the seat is mounted on the cross bar (could be problematic with many current frame styles), but the kid gets a much better view and you can keep a better eye on them. Haven't ridden with one, so not sure how it impacts on pedalling / handling. Next step up is the half bike with the kid having their own seat, bars, drive train and rear wheel. This sits further back so provides the kiddy with a better view that the rack mount seat. Have seen one of these out at Cascade Hut, so they can do off road with the right sort of engine
Then there's always the trailer option....
The 2 year old is in a seat on the back of Beth's bike while for longer rides the 5 year old is on the trailer bike behind me. I'm in Winmalee if you want to come and have a gander.
I've been using one of these for 2 kids now ...
http://www.childsbikeseat.co.uk/wp-content/uploa...
some minuses
i) make sure you have enough seat stay to get the locking mechanism as high as possible. ie, if you have a cable guide in a bad spot or a sloping top tube then this will mean the seat will rub on the rear tire pretty much every bump. Not a big deal, but it does put you off, you lose momentum and pretty much eliminated any kind of trail rougher then a bike path.
ii) make sure you ALWAYS, strap their feet in ... even when they are older. believe me you don't want to go through the accident of getting a foot stuck in there.
Other then this, mine has been pretty awesome. my kids are now 4 and 6 and its just getting to the point where it is sagging a little too much under their weight ... but I have it raised pretty high now and its all good (Brodie Big Shot if that helps).
My son still regularly likes to ride on the back, even though he can ride his own rig now ... I think he likes using me as slave labour.
http://www.binet.lv/go.pl?IMG=48879711O1211
I also have one of these ... I although I haven't used it (was given to me) ... I think this would be better in that it has a bit more support to reduce bouncing.
You can actually have this if you like (not exactly as pictured but pffft its free) ... PM me and we can talk
http://www.getprice.com.au/images/uploadimg/1402...
My mates rave about this, and although I'm skeptical ... apparently its more stable and at a younger age you have more direct interaction & support for the lil one.
Definitely great riding with them ... we've done heaps of Ks over the years