Recommendations for Kids Bike Seat

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  Crossgates on 06/01/2024 - 09:55

  +1

  Are you looking for a seat that fits onto your bike? If so, the Topeak Babyseat II is one of the best on the market in terms of quality, comfort (built in cushioning) and ease of use/fitting. There are cheaper versions from other brands, generally the lower the price the less cushioning/padding/support. The alternative is a trailer, such as a Thule Coaster XT, though these are a lot more money, but they make the bike easier to ride, have the benefit of being able to carry other stuff like nappy changing gear, food etc. If you buy used, make sure all the original parts are included as these things come with a load of different washers/spacers etc to suit a variety of bike styles and sizes.

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    Francis82 on 06/01/2024 - 13:21

    Cheers mate must look topeak up! Have you tried the mid bike before the handlebars setting ones?

    • 

      Crossgates on 06/01/2024 - 14:40

      Yes but they are awkward to ride with and the kids tend to outgrow them fairly quickly

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        Francis82 on 06/01/2024 - 15:00

        Cheers many thanks!

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      sumyungguy on 06/01/2024 - 14:47

      Depends on how many accessories you want to progress through. WeeRide only works within a narrow age/weight range. When you move to a rear seat I too rate Topeak because they make great racks. I'm not sure seat post mounts are strong enough at the upper limit. When your kid has learned to ride I recommend Trail Gator. All of this stuff readily available pre-owned due to time-limited use. If you're planning on doing decent mileage for some years consider a cargo bike.

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  bargaino on 06/01/2024 - 13:57

  There are 3 types:
  - front mount, which looks awkward to fit and ride with
  - rear seats that mount on a rack which is included, attaches to bike like a normal rack.
  - rear seats that clamp on to your seat-post - works better for bikes that cannot take a normal rack.

  All should be easily removable when not in use. Kids can see plenty from a rear seat, and don't care about seeing ahead.
  Extra soft padding is more aimed at appealing to parents than genuinely improving comfort.
  Beto is another brand similar to Topeak.
  Gumtree and Marketplace are a good idea, as these tend to be high turnover. When she is a bit bigger you can get a "tagalong" trailer, that lets her pedal. So you won't be using the seat for long. At least, not until the next baby.
  Have fun!

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  Francis82 on 06/01/2024 - 15:01

  Cheers many thanks !!

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  Euphemistic on 06/01/2024 - 16:43

  Had a rear mounted seat. Not sure of the brand but it was Ok for the kid. Makes getting on and off the bike a challenge as you need to first load a child over the rear wheel and then try to keep it balanced while putting your leg through the bike rather than swing it over the saddle - so child doesn’t cop a foot in the face. My kids fell asleep in the rear seat a few times so it can’t have been too uncomfortable.

  Also had a trailer for a while. Was handy to be able to carry extra stuff and easier to load 2 kids while the bike was laying over etc. did need a bike with decent brakes and gearing because of the extra weight and also needed to be a little more aware when passing posts etc as it was quite wide. The cheap one I had seemed to push the kids head forward a lot so they couldn’t wear helmets and also often used a pillow behind them to sit more upright. Quite a few times is took one kid and 2 school bags in mine while riding to school. Good for a grocery run too.

  Never tried a mid mount one, but from what I’ve seen looks harder to pedal ‘around’ the kid and they do grow out of them very quickly.

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    Francis82 on 06/01/2024 - 17:20

    Cheers some great points there,lol definitely could vision the foot in the face happening 😂.

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      dtc on 06/01/2024 - 18:30

      I also recommend a trailer if possible (although it does limit where you can ride). It’s a lot safer - if you fall off your bike or hit a random dog whatever, the bub is not going to be injured. It’s also much easier to balance (eg at traffic lights), get on and off your bike etc.

      That said I used a rear bike seat for a few years and the kids seemed to like it; but it was always a bit stressful and nowadays trailers are pretty cheap/easily available and I would go for them

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      Euphemistic on 06/01/2024 - 20:28

      A step through frame would help. Might be a ‘ladies’ bike, but in reality, it’s just easier to mount/dismount.

      Another minis for your kid is having to look ‘around you’ or they are staring at your butt.

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  Francis82 on 06/01/2024 - 17:20

  Quite a few American topeak videos on YouTube