Thinking of buying a rear mounted child seat for my daugher (18 months), probably and entry level Hamax model or similar. I have got a trailer, but sometimes its a bit of hassle to set it up from folded when you just want to head out for a wee trip. I also think a seat would be best on my single speed urban/commute bike – trailer is a bit of a handful with one gear! anyone used a rear seat, what are the thoughts? they seem well made and safe but obviously raise the centre of gravity – is it best to put up with hassle of trailer?
7 Comments
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
I’ve used the type that clamps onto the seat tube and the type that clips onto a Blackburn rack. Both worked faultlessly although the seat tube one felt a little more secure/less wobbly. Did miles along canal paths with both daughters – I found myself staying away from traffic areas as far as I could and obviously riding more steadily. You’ll notice the bike feeling different, but seats are far less challenging to use than a trailer – which I’ve got for my son. Experience with my daughters and bike seats was they’d fall asleep within 15 mins of starting, so I’d go for one with good head restraint/security. Thoroughly recommended – you’ll have a ball.
Child seats on the back of the bike are a great idea. All three of my boys enjoyed being on the back of the bike. Trouble comes as kids get older and start to get bored. For this time carry plenty of buscuits, fruit etc for them to munch. Keeps them quiet and stops them swinging from side to side as they think this is good fun. (Good for your ballance practice though)
Have fun.
Groundskeeper John
Stephen,
I had one of the blue Hamax seats, for my daughter, that clamped to the seat tube. It did make the steering a little lighter, especially when she was getting bigger. I had no problems with it at all. They also have a little adjustment back and forward. I actually gave it away in exchange for some beer to someone in the club. I knew it was time to buy Holly her own bike when the seat rubbed on the tyre.
Forgot to say, the actual clamp was 4 bolts onto the seat tube with was always on.The seats slid into this and locked in position. It was a 2 second job to put the seat on and take it off.
I’ve been through the whole set up trailers ,trailgators,bike seats etc..best for slightly older kids somewhere between rear bike seat and trailgator hook on is a wee gem i found on tinternet.It is a small saddle type seat that goes on the cross bar with bolt on foot bar for the downtube. The kids can hold on to the bars and it is as if they are going the bike themselves. My two loved it best of all.I’ll see if i can dig out a link unfortunately mine went to a good home a few years back.
With regards to above message about child seat the top tube one I mentioned can be had from rutlandcycling , in the child seat accessories section and is a leco top tube mtb child seat universal it’s about £23 well worth it.
A mate in work got one for his little un and she is nearly too big so he says he will let me know if he is selling it on if your interested, but not particularly in a hurry just now.
Cheers for all the advice, opted for a rear seat in the end – stuck with Hamax which seemed to be a good brand, and went for a recliner option – the new ‘seista’ seat seems to go back 20 degree recline which I reckon is better for a sleepy child! I did see the top tube seats, but as both my single speed cross bike and MTB have fairly short top tubes I though it may be a bit cramped. I like the idea that you van just leave clamp on and clip the seat to it when required – I also noticed Hamax do a great wee poncho for the seat – I think given the lovely weather we have been having, it could be essential.
I am now thinking of just selling the trailer as my other daughter is too big for it – I think the child seat may work better for my single speed. Any takers for a Ridgeback AT2 trailer – £75 (cost £180) very good condition 🙂