2 kids to get to school

[stewed_rabbit]

Just asking if anyone has any recommendations for getting 2 kids (4 1/2 and 6yrs) to school by bike?
I'm not keen on the tricycles with seats in a box as I want the kids to at least contribute a bit (they're heavy and we live in hilly Derbyshire). The only options seem to be the Pashley U+2 tag along (if I can get one as they're out of production) or a tandem with kiddiback or kiddicranks plus a tag along or follow-me attachment?
Adams do a single wheel tandem tag-along but I'm not keen as the kids between them are more than half my weight and I'm concerned about stability.
My question is has anyone had any experience with the U+2 on bumpy lanes (we live on a farm and have 2 miles of potholed private roads to negotiate) - will the coupling survive?
I'm not sure about the tandem option as it is going to be a long bike and I have to return home afterwards so will have to cycle the tandem on my own - how possible is this (for a used-to-be-fit-before kids mum)?
Any suggestions/experience welcome please!

 

[Bigtwin]

I've been wresting with this with a 3 and a 6 yr old. Tried all sorts.

Tag alongs are well built and sturdy (read heavy) - I'd say this is the best bet. Just don't go too fast and you'll be fine. Several people do my route with a double and they seem to hold up fine to some abuse. I've only tried with 2 joined together (!), and one with a child seat on the back of the ordinary seat. Hardware was fine, but both solutions were a "tad" unstable.

The tandem option works fine too, though it's a hassle depending on route. I find that the solo element isn't too bad so long as you have no big hills and aren't in a great hurry.

 

[tandemman]

I cycle my tandem solo quite a bit, it needs a longer turning circle but is not very different to a solo, there is a third option of a triplet, or if stability is a problem a tandem trike with a tag-along.
Thorn used to do a triplet, and are starting doing them a again, and there is sometimes one or two for sale on e-bay.

 

[stewed_rabbit]

Thanks for the replies - I think I'll join the crowds fighting for a U+2 when they come up for sale as this looks like the cheapest option plus it looks like you can get replacement coupling's still from Pashley if it can't take the bumps. Still might try a tandem for 1 passenger at a time when they get older - school run is 2 miles private road then another 2 on A + B roads - don't think my daughter has the road sense or legs for that yet!

 

[Arch]

I cycle my tandem solo quite a bit, it needs a longer turning circle but is not very different to a solo, .

I imagine the worst thing is 'witty' people shouting out that you've lost your passenger...

 

[ufkacbln]

Tagalongs have a "flick" when the child changes position that is transferred to the puling bike. This is not a problem with a single, but with a single wheel tandem this is a real problem. The U+2 solves this by having a two wheel base that means the flick is not as severe.

 

[Bigtwin]

a single wheel tandem

????

 

[Muddyfox]

I'm not keen on the tricycles with seats in a box as I want the kids to at least contribute a bit (they're heavy and we live in hilly Derbyshire).!

No doubt once they start cycling they'l both lighten up a bit

Simon

 

[stewed_rabbit]

Jake's Dad - unfortunately with an ex-rugby prop forward as a dad they are never going to be flyweights - at least they've got powerful legs to help pedal though.

 

[ufkacbln]

????

Voila!!!!

 

[ufkacbln]

Or......

 

[Wilsonclan]

off road on U plus 2

We have been using our U plus 2 for the past 10 months (3 and 5 year old) on the school run - country roads, but have also off roaded in the forest of dean and bowland forest too. Has held up well and no signs of wear as yet! Just have to make sure you brief the children when approaching major potholes so they hold on!! We've only heard screams of delight so far!

 

[ufkacbln]

We have been using our U plus 2 for the past 10 months (3 and 5 year old) on the school run - country roads, but have also off roaded in the forest of dean and bowland forest too. Has held up well and no signs of wear as yet! Just have to make sure you brief the children when approaching major potholes so they hold on!! We've only heard screams of delight so far!

On a flat piece of track, stop pedalling and meke them push your bike along!

The kids love that one!

 

[Wilsonclan]

Yeah we tried that!!! It didn't take them long to discove just how fast we can go when they both pedal.... now they take great pleasure in scaring the wits out of me as we fly down the local hills even without me pedalling!!! Have to say that this is the most fun ever! And although both boys can ride their own bikes a couple of miles and like the independence of this, having the option to triple up gives us far more flexibility and on the local, fast country roads less to worry about and more to enjoy.

 

[lukesdad]

I know what Id like to do with mine (3 &5) take em to the end of the drive put em on their bikes, give em a push and say bye !