Hi there, I haven't ridden my bike since before I got pregnant but I would really like to be able to get around on it with my son since we only have one car and it would be a fun option when we're off to the park. I have seen seats in front of the rider by the handlebars, the more traditional seat behind the bike seat and trailers and am wondering how to choose. Any thoughts? I am interested in my son's safety of course, the affect the placement of his seat has on my ability to pedal and maneuver, his comfort and his feelings of fear vs. security, price, removeability (in case I go out alone), He's 18 months and is very interested in bikes when he sees them on the street. Since we live in SF, I also have hills to contend with.
In my opinion trailers are the safest. They're enclosed, there is a harness to keep little ones from getting up or moving around, and they're close to the ground so no falls! We had a Burley trailer and my daughter loved it. She could bring a few books or small toys, and I could haul a picnic in it and head to the park.
I feel safer with the seat in front, but the weight they accept is less than the rear seats and they're pricey. Can you try a friend's bike seat to see which one you both feel more comfortable in? Also, check out Craigslist for used ones. Not sure what neighborhood you live in, but Valencia Cyclery staff helped me a lot when choosing a bike seat and GG Park on Sundays is a great, safe place to practice getting comfortable using it!
The rear-riders seem like they would last longer... I also like that they have sides in case of a tip over or crash. BUT... I personally want to buy one of the front-rider ones. People I have talked to say that you do have to ride a little bow-legged, but it's nice to be able to see what your kid is doing. I also think it would probably be a better view for kiddo too.
I agree with Bobbi. We have a Chariot trailer that has gone through 2 kids. My hubby and I ride a lot. We also live in northern CA, so lots of steep decents and climbs. It is good for bringing along toys, snacks, and your child can nap fairly comfortably if they fall asleep (similar to the car seat while driving). After researching, we felt like the trailer was the safest option for us. It only takes a minute to hook up or remove. I would visit several bike shops and see if you can test a few options out, just to see how each thing feels. I also know from experience that if you are dealing with hills (5% grade or more) it will take getting used to pulling the extra weight of the trailer, but I think your child will be safer in that than a rear or front seat. I would think that if you had a bad crash, the front or rear seat would not protect the little one very well. If you crash with the trailer, it is designed to not roll, and the "walls" of the trailer would help protect from road rash. It also seems like the front seat would throw off your center of gravity a bit. It also comes down to how much riding you do and what KIND of riding you do. Strolls around the park are a lot different than a RIDE - up and down hills, several miles, traffic, etc. I have heard of many cyclists who ride with the trailer empty sometimes, just so that cars will give them a wider space when passing (It comes with a big red/orange flag you attach with a post so that you are that much more visible). When cars see that thing, they know to stay away! Good luck in making your decision.
I bought an ibert for my handle bars and on 3 different bikes my knees hit the bottom of it messing with my stroke - if used for more than the 5 minutes to daycare it could have casued me serious knee injury! So I returned it, and hoped to get a rear seat so I could still touch my daughter during the ride and talk to her at stoplights - but never got the seat because I was given a trailer as a gift.
I havent been able to use it yet, but I think it will be a hit - at 20 months she's become a fan of looking out the windows at things on the street and pointing at cars/dogs/bikes etc - but I also live in santa rosa and use bike lanes! What do you see other SF mamas doing? I woudl buys something form REI, try it out, and they will take anything back! Good luck, and happy bicycling!
I got one of those seats that fit on the back and never used it. I found it hard to ride with and my daughter cried when she got on. We ended up selling it on craig's list. I would suggest you try whatever you chose before you buy, if possible.
Good for you for wanting to ride with your son! I've commuted daily with my three and a half year old for 2 years and commuted with my now six year old before that. I've used both front and rear mounted seats. I LOVE my front mounted seat (we have an ibert). It's much more stable than the rear mounted seat, you can easily talk to your child, and it's fun for them. See if you can try each type out to see which you prefer.
As for safety-probably awash. Trailers are safer because you can tip and the trailer stays upright.
BTW my commute is 800 feet uphill, so hills are fine with either seat!
Happy Riding!
