Bike Chariot/Trailer for 1 Year Old

timetoquit on 17/08/2021 - 23:51
Last edited 17/08/2021 - 23:54

Hey all,

Just started doing a little research but it is all fairly new to me. My little loves going outside and I think he is getting sick of the stroller/ pram/ trike.

Anyone have any recommendations on Bike Chariot/ Trailers?

The two brands I have looked at are the Thule/ Burley and Hamax range- any other brands I should look at?

Does anyone have any personal experience and know of a retailer/ online or store, we also plan on having 1 more so a double seater is most likely the way to go. I think it would be a good way to keep fit (dad bod happening) and provide some new surroundings for the little one.

Do these often go cheaper on marketplace/ gumtree? I don't mind spending the money $500-1k if it will provide some longevity and many hours of fun- or is it one of those items that get used a few times and goes into storage? ha.

Thank you!

Sports & Outdoors Bicycle Accessory

Comments

  • bobkin on 18/08/2021 - 05:47
    +2

    This is not answering your question directly, but have a look at this page - it may raise some points you had not considered. We use a bobike exclusive mini plus front carrier and have been very happy with it. It feels quite secure and it’s nice to be able to talk to each other while riding. Kids were a bit older when we first put them in it

    • sph on 18/08/2021 - 07:25

      Upvoting this - I would have purchased a front carrier had I known they existed, much better than the trailers in my opinion.

      • 87percent on 18/08/2021 - 08:49

        yeah i second a front carrier (3rd?)

        used a rear carrier and never really liked it. One good thing though, is that my kid would always fall asleep and he could lean forward on me when he slept

    • timetoquit on 19/08/2021 - 00:30

      Hey, thanks for the link I'm glad I didn't just dive in head first. I hadn't really considered it to be honest - the what ifs, dangers and being only 13 months. After digesting it I think I will wait a little longer. Our little boy is a miracle for us and whilst he is healthy, walking and doing what toddlers do I'd rather not have to worry about his safety to the point where we both can't enjoy it.

      I think I'll do the sensible thing for now and patiently wait.

  • sph on 18/08/2021 - 07:23
    +1

    We purchased a bike trailer from Aldi for just around $150. More than adequately does the job, and was regularly used for 10km round trips to daycare.

    I wouldn't be spending too much money, as likely will only get a couple of years out of it, and then the kids may want to ride their own balance bikes, or to use a trail gator.

    Suggest looking on Facebook market place or gumtree, as I regularly see them secondhand for free or cheap.

    • ESEMCE on 18/08/2021 - 08:57
      +1

      Also factor storage… They're pretty bulky

  • Porker on 18/08/2021 - 10:08

    As others have said, a front carrier works nicely. I have the Thule Yepp which I used when my son was 1 year to now still (3 years). It's nice because we can talk to each other and sing and I get to cuddle him while riding. Plus he likes to hold onto the bar to feel he's controlling the bike.

    Only issue to consider with these is how you get on and off your bike, and what type of bike it is. As example, when I get on and off my bike I stand forward of the seat and then step down.

    The Thule Yepp has the child placed between the handle bars and the seat such that I am unable to get off the bike without tilting it over so my foot can land on the ground while still seated. I am unable to step forward as that area is occupied by the seat.

    My bike though has a dropper seat post so I lower my seat in anticipation of stopping (so my foot can touch the ground).

  • tsunamisurfer on 18/08/2021 - 10:47

    I have tried a wide variety of kids biking options, Front seat, trailer, tag-a-longs The trailers are good in that you can carry 1 child plus some baggage or 2 children.

    The pulling of the trailer takes a bit of getting used to as acceleration, turns, stopping is a bit harder.

    Due to space constraints I settled on the Weeride Deluxe front seat and it was great. I could converse with my daughter along the ride and she can point to things / places, the ride was easier as the weight was centred. I left the mounting bar on semi permanently and it was not a big inconvenience.

  • timetoquit on 19/08/2021 - 00:34

    Thanks for the suggestions everyone, I'll keep them all in mind when the time comes and will most likely look at front carrier. I've decided to hold off for now until I feel he has developed a little more and physically stronger.

  • Euphemistic on 19/08/2021 - 18:35

    Trailer is good if you need to cart more than one kid. I have a cheap Big W one which can fold pretty flat for storage and had luggage space for school bags etc. Had to put a cushion behind the kids or they slumped too much and they couldn’t wear a helmet either because it pushed their heads to far forward. Wasn’t perfect, was cheap and as fun though.

    I had a rear seat which was OK, means you can cart a larger child than in front if necessary. Also your pedalling and steering isn’t compromised by having the child in between your arms and legs. Hard to hold a conversation with someone behind you though and get child cannot see directly where you are going because your butt is in the way.

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