Carrying kids.

[col]

Iv noticed a few do this and it makes me shudder thinking about it. I mean even a loss of balance and a topple could be nasty, but all the other things that could happen make me cringe when I think about it.
Now Im not having a go, but I couldnt do it, Id be as nervous as hell all the time on the road.

 

[Globalti]

We had a bad experience with a tag-along. The one we bought had a quite badly designed link arrangement, meaning that the tag-along was free to slop disconcertingly from side to side by a few degrees. Once this slop reached the height of the seat and bars it gave quite a bit of movement. One day setting off at a roundabout I jogged the bike sideways as I got moving and it threw our small son off into the road. Luckily the driver behind was ready for it!

 

[LordoftheTeapot]

When our two where babies we carried them around on a tandam trike... Must dig out the one and only photograph of us all on it. Then I bought a trishaw (See photograph elsewhere in this forum) Then they got their own bikes.

 

[PrettyboyTim]

In general I've felt okay when I had my son in the child seat, and fine when he was in the trailer, but yesterday I put one of those 'trailgator' devices on my bike, the ones that lift the front wheel of the child's bike and convert it into a trailebike and I didn't feel happy going on the road with it. I did for a short spell and was passed rather too close and fast by someone in a blue BMW. We did the rest of the journey to the park on the pavement.

I might go on the road again if I attach a couple of those orangle lollipops to right hand side of our handlebars, but it still wouldn't prevent him from falling off. What I'd really like is a tandem where the child can go in front like the Hase Pino (wipes drool from chin...) but there's just no way I can afford it.

 

[bonj2]

makes me shudder as well. dangerous. Especially when the seat only attaches to the seat post. The kid could (in fact probably will) fall asleep and could loll to one side.
Best bet is get a trailer, and ride on the pavement/cycle path where possible (note that carrying a kid is the only circumstance under which I would condone that)

 

[rich p]

makes me shudder as well. dangerous. Especially when the seat only attaches to the seat post. The kid could (in fact probably will) fall asleep and could loll to one side.
Best bet is get a trailer, and ride on the pavement/cycle path where possible (note that carrying a kid is the only circumstance under which I would condone that)

I've noted that in my diary Bonjy baby in case it's brought up in court later.

 

[Globalti]

Could I get one of those for work?

 

[Night Train]

Fortunately the manufacturers are ahead of you and have designed harnesses that stop the child lolling around and unbalancing the bike.

But unfortunately it doesn't stop a determined kid throwing their weight from one side to the other just for kicks (swift kick up the backside is what they would get and an instruction to walk the rest of the way!).
I prefer a trailer with kids, it is easier to pretend that I can't hear them.

 

[Mr Pig]

I know what you mean. Years ago I got a child seat for my bike. I used it a couple of time but I never felt very comfortable with it. Ended up getting rid of it.

For me personally I felt the risk to the child was too great. Maybe more imagined than real but the feeling was enough for me.

 

[dellzeqq]

I found the child seat a doddle - although the kid was a lightweight.

 

[summerdays]

I thought this was going to be about those who have them balanced on their bike. I noticed one Dad at my kids school had a large lump - 4 inches of gaffa tap on his top tube and wondered why. The next day saw him and noticed this is obviously to make it more comfy for the child balanced on the top tube.

 

[Bman]

I found the child seat a doddle - although the kid was a lightweight.

Your not supposed to get them pi55ed!

 

[Bman]

On a serious note. I used to be ridden around as a young child in a seat, by my Mum. I never fell out or off. In fact, I enjoyed it.

But now, having a young child of our own, have been debating the safety of these seats with the Mrs. She would prefer a trailer, I would prefer a seat (especailly as she is still quite small). I would prefer only to swap to a trailer when she gets bigger.

Looks like I'll be putting the seat on *my* bike then

 

[papercorn2000]

Go for the trailer! Mines was in a trailer from about 7 months. Loads more stable, more space for picnics etc. and (I reckon) comfier for the passenger.

 

[Bman]

But then i'll have no excuse for "Just picking up a few things from the shops" It'll be "You can bring the trailer and get <insert massive shopping list here>"