Hi - I'm ready to start biking with our soon-to-be 12-month old son and wanted to hear any thoughts on front vs. back child bike seats and bike seat vs. trailers. We live in Logan Square and do most of our biking around the city, to the lake, etc. Plus, most of the time I envision being able to just throw the little guy on the back of the bike and just take a cruise around the neighborhood.
Anyone have any thoughts or recommendations on brands? How about where is the best place to buy?
Many thanks!
After lots of online research, and thanks to the advice from mamasource mamas, I bought the Topeak rear bike seat plus an extra rack for my husband's bike. I bought the bike and extra rack on Amazon.com, finding the best deal online there. We had to take both to Village Cycle on North Ave b/c they had the expertise and tools to do what was called a "complicated install" by our local bike shop (which really disappointed me). But Village got it in no problem! And I also need to recommend Kozy's on North Milwaukee, just north of Belmont, for taking such great care and time to fit my son's bike helmet. Being a 12-month old, it wasn't an easy task, but they had two solid options and one of the guys there had 5 kids and so recommended one helmet over another because of the way it was fitting on my son's head. I couldn't recommend Kozy's more, and will go back there for any of our biking needs.
Thanks to all who helped! And, hope this helps someone new.
Regards
E.
I've used a back seat and a trailer. I prefer the back seat, as the trailer is kind of bulky and not so easy to maneuver. I started my youngest daughter at about 8 months in the back seat.
Hi E.,
My husband purchased our kid's seat in our 'hood from Boulevard Bikes about 2 years ago. My husband is not a comparison shopper, so I don't know how the price compared, but I do know he felt very satisfied with the customer service he received and felt it was the right product for us. We have the Topeak babysitter Child Seat http://www.rei.com/product/638420.
I know it's easy to remove and remount it, if you're riding solo and don't want the seat on the back, as that was a concern for my bike-commuting husband. Hope this helps!
Hi E.,
If it comes to safety I think all seats here in america are very safe. If you look at the aspect of what's more fun it will be a front seat. This way you can point out things and see your sons reaction, it's so fun + you can put some gear on the back .
happy biking!
Mirjam
We have a "side car" thing for our bike. It's by Chariot. I like it b/c it puts the child on the curb side, you can look right down and see them, and it has a nice big tire with its own suspension (so not such a bumpy ride for them). We got it at Rapid Transit Cycles on North
As an avid biker, I began by having a front seat for my then toddler. He could see much better and I could keep my eye on him. As he out-grew the front seat, I got him a seat in back. As he grew older still, we moved to an attachable tandem. What a blast we had! He stayed on the tandem until I felt he was skilled enough to ride his own bike on the street.
My husand loves the front seat for our little girl. He feels that it is better balances than using a seat behind him. Also you can hear her singing and humming to herself (she will be 2 next month). Her favorite word is BIKE!
He also said he almost had a mishap and although nothing happened he felt as thought he could better rptect her with her in front of him.
M. P. (Mom of 2 in Elmhurst)
Not sure what brand you use, but Huggies Supreme seem to be the most absorbent (I've changed my son;s diaper in the morning when it must weigh 5 lbs and no leaks!). Also, a good thing to try is the Huggies supreme in a size larger than she usually wears. My son always has water by his bed and he used to drink a cup of water while we read stories and over the past year we've had no leaks with the size larger huggies supreme (red and purple box). Recently, to save money I bought the regular huggies at Costco and we've probably had 5 leaks in the past month....annoying. Good luck!
Hi E.,
I have a very nice bike seat that I bought about 4 years ago, but only used twice, so it's like new. It's sitting in my basement collecting dust. You are welcome to it, free of charge. Let me know if you are interested. I work in the downtown area. I drive downtown on Mondays and Wednesdays and would glady bring it with me and you can pick it up there.
J.
Hi E.- I've purchased a bike seat by Co-Pilot last summer and my 2 year old loves it! The company offers 2 types- I originally bought the less-expensive one but immediately returned it for the upgrade. The quality is better and the seat is more comfortable for my little one!
Good luck!
