Bike + baby
January 26, 2011 12:44 PM Subscribe
BikingWithBaby: Seeking recommendations for baby bike seats and compatible bicycles.
I haven't really rode a bike since adolescence, but I find myself living in a nice bike-friendly area of the East Bay, so it seems proper to get a decent used bike and bring my 18-month old kid along.
Browsing past questions it seems I should get a road bike, as I expect to be doing the vast majority of my riding on paved trails and roads. I'd also like to get a bike seat for the kiddo because the trailers seem too bulky and too expensive for my leisurely purposes.
I've been reading good reviews of the front-mounted baby seats, like the iBert, Bobike, or WeeRide. Does anyone have any experience or recommendations?
Also, I am concerned that the crossbar on a road bike might be too high to ride comfortably with the front-mounted seat. Should I consider a hybrid or cruiser with a lower crossbar to make it easier? Comfort is more important than performance - I mostly expect to be biking around El Cerrito/Albany/North Berkeley and along the greenway.
Finally, any good places in the Berkeley/East Bay area to buy quality used bikes?
I haven't really rode a bike since adolescence, but I find myself living in a nice bike-friendly area of the East Bay, so it seems proper to get a decent used bike and bring my 18-month old kid along.
Browsing past questions it seems I should get a road bike, as I expect to be doing the vast majority of my riding on paved trails and roads. I'd also like to get a bike seat for the kiddo because the trailers seem too bulky and too expensive for my leisurely purposes.
I've been reading good reviews of the front-mounted baby seats, like the iBert, Bobike, or WeeRide. Does anyone have any experience or recommendations?
Also, I am concerned that the crossbar on a road bike might be too high to ride comfortably with the front-mounted seat. Should I consider a hybrid or cruiser with a lower crossbar to make it easier? Comfort is more important than performance - I mostly expect to be biking around El Cerrito/Albany/North Berkeley and along the greenway.
Finally, any good places in the Berkeley/East Bay area to buy quality used bikes?
Forgot to mention - I have a cruiser. We're in Houston in the suburbs.
posted by pomegranate at 1:09 PM on January 26, 2011
posted by pomegranate at 1:09 PM on January 26, 2011
I read a discussion about the benefits of bike seats vs. bike trailers on a bike listserv once, and the response was overwhelmingly in favor of bike trailers as safer than bike seats. A bike trailer won't tip over if you crash your bike.
Another popular option is the Bakfiets, or some version thereof. These are stable, and you can keep an eye on your child. They're popular in the Netherlands, I hear.
When your kid gets older, it can ride on a trail-a-bike attachment. These turn up on the Bay Area Craigslists all the time, so you're set!
I don't know when kids can ride in a trailer on their own, and when they'd want a bike trailer equivalent of a car seat, but someone else can probably speak to that.
Congrats! As far as I'm concerned, having a kid to tote around on a bike is pretty much the best reason to have a kid.
posted by aniola at 1:16 PM on January 26, 2011
Another popular option is the Bakfiets, or some version thereof. These are stable, and you can keep an eye on your child. They're popular in the Netherlands, I hear.
When your kid gets older, it can ride on a trail-a-bike attachment. These turn up on the Bay Area Craigslists all the time, so you're set!
I don't know when kids can ride in a trailer on their own, and when they'd want a bike trailer equivalent of a car seat, but someone else can probably speak to that.
Congrats! As far as I'm concerned, having a kid to tote around on a bike is pretty much the best reason to have a kid.
posted by aniola at 1:16 PM on January 26, 2011
For used bikes there's Recycle Bicycle in South Berkeley, and the Recyclery in San Rafael.
A trailer is actually a good way to go for toddlers, if they will tolerate it. Some do, some don't. My daughter liked it but my son hated it, even though he's a Cat1 roadie now! There are many currently listed on CL for under $100.
posted by TDIpod at 1:17 PM on January 26, 2011
A trailer is actually a good way to go for toddlers, if they will tolerate it. Some do, some don't. My daughter liked it but my son hated it, even though he's a Cat1 roadie now! There are many currently listed on CL for under $100.
posted by TDIpod at 1:17 PM on January 26, 2011
P.S. Quality used bikes can be found on Craigslist. There are also a bunch of community bike collectives in the Bay Area.
posted by aniola at 1:19 PM on January 26, 2011
posted by aniola at 1:19 PM on January 26, 2011
Our eldest son started out with a rear-mounted bike seat (on a Raleigh shopping bike) and then moved on to a trail-a-bike. He now rides his own bike everywhere.
I often question the wisdom of front-mounted bike seats for kids, as well as the ones that slot in behind the handle bars, in front of the parent who is powering the bike. Mounted on front, there is nothing to protect the child. Mounted in the middle, it seems so easy to squish the kid in an accident. A rear-mounted bike seat seems to be safest, but I would only use one with a bike where you can easily mount or dismount, and don't have to swing your legs over the top tube to get off.
With our second son, I've bought a bike trailer (covered with two wheels). Hopefully he will take to it, because we'll have years and years of bike riding fun once that happens!
posted by KokuRyu at 1:53 PM on January 26, 2011
I often question the wisdom of front-mounted bike seats for kids, as well as the ones that slot in behind the handle bars, in front of the parent who is powering the bike. Mounted on front, there is nothing to protect the child. Mounted in the middle, it seems so easy to squish the kid in an accident. A rear-mounted bike seat seems to be safest, but I would only use one with a bike where you can easily mount or dismount, and don't have to swing your legs over the top tube to get off.
With our second son, I've bought a bike trailer (covered with two wheels). Hopefully he will take to it, because we'll have years and years of bike riding fun once that happens!
posted by KokuRyu at 1:53 PM on January 26, 2011
Front mounted bike seats are basically incompatible with drop bars, so if you do get a road bike, make sure it has straight bars.
I personally have a rear-mounted seat for the little man and prefer that, though possibly as much for the "well, it was good enough for my parents" irrational reason. However, a loaded bike seat of any sort significantly changes the balance and handling of the bike. Since you don't have a lot of riding experience, and especially not with heavy loads on the bike, the trailer might be the way to go.
posted by Dr.Enormous at 2:12 PM on January 26, 2011
I personally have a rear-mounted seat for the little man and prefer that, though possibly as much for the "well, it was good enough for my parents" irrational reason. However, a loaded bike seat of any sort significantly changes the balance and handling of the bike. Since you don't have a lot of riding experience, and especially not with heavy loads on the bike, the trailer might be the way to go.
posted by Dr.Enormous at 2:12 PM on January 26, 2011
My wife used to work in a bike shop and held firmly to the belief that ALL mounted bike seats were highly dangerous and that a Burleigh trailer is far, far safer. I know you said your tendency was against that but thought I'd put that out as an important consideration.
posted by norm at 2:18 PM on January 26, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by norm at 2:18 PM on January 26, 2011 [1 favorite]
I've totally just fallen over on my bike a couple of times for no good reason, once just by getting my foot tangled up in my toe clips. A kid in a bike seat could easily be injured in such a fall, and the weight of a kid way up in a mounted chair makes such spills more likely. The bike trailers are much safer because they don't your kids at risk of falling like that.
posted by chrchr at 2:31 PM on January 26, 2011
posted by chrchr at 2:31 PM on January 26, 2011
Response by poster: Thanks for the answers so far. I know trailers are way safer. I would probably relent from my mounted-kid-seat stance if I can find a used trailer on the cheap. I'm sort of worried my kid won't tolerate riding in the trailer, but I guess that would give me more flexibility in choosing a bike for myself.
posted by gnutron at 2:32 PM on January 26, 2011
posted by gnutron at 2:32 PM on January 26, 2011
Best answer: I had a Wee Ride mounted on my bike(s) and my kids absolutely loved it. There are several other front mount options that are nice too.
The front mounted seat does not mess up the bike's balance at all and gives your child a great view rather than a great view of your backside.
There are some caveats to consider though. If you are short then you'll have clearance issues, especially if your bike has flat bars. I found the Wee Ride was far more comfortable on my cruiser with mini ape-hanger handlebars.
The other thing that really made the Wee Ride such a winner in my book was that it made it really easy for pedestrians and other bikers to see that there was a child on board the bike which meant they nearly always gave me more room to pass.
And, last thing, my kids liked the Wee Ride enough to even fall asleep with their head on the little rest place!
posted by fenriq at 2:47 PM on January 26, 2011
The front mounted seat does not mess up the bike's balance at all and gives your child a great view rather than a great view of your backside.
There are some caveats to consider though. If you are short then you'll have clearance issues, especially if your bike has flat bars. I found the Wee Ride was far more comfortable on my cruiser with mini ape-hanger handlebars.
The other thing that really made the Wee Ride such a winner in my book was that it made it really easy for pedestrians and other bikers to see that there was a child on board the bike which meant they nearly always gave me more room to pass.
And, last thing, my kids liked the Wee Ride enough to even fall asleep with their head on the little rest place!
posted by fenriq at 2:47 PM on January 26, 2011
I have the cheap front mounted bike seat (I got it at either Target or WalMart) and I love it. My son has almost out grown it, but it is great. I'm not a big person and I don't have a problem riding with him on my bike. I have a one speed cruiser. By the way, the seat came with its own bar that mounts to my bike. Where the bar on my bike is located is totally irrelevant.
My husband has a hard time with the seat, he can't ride comfortably with it. I have to slightly spread my legs and pedal, he just can't do that. YMMV. Husband rides a Giant brand mountain bike. Mine is a cheap Huffy one speed cruiser.
posted by TooFewShoes at 3:26 PM on January 26, 2011
My husband has a hard time with the seat, he can't ride comfortably with it. I have to slightly spread my legs and pedal, he just can't do that. YMMV. Husband rides a Giant brand mountain bike. Mine is a cheap Huffy one speed cruiser.
posted by TooFewShoes at 3:26 PM on January 26, 2011
Best answer: i work in a bike shop. we no longer sell rear mounted bike seats, and only special order front mounted seats. while convenient, both are fraught with risks to your child. "In the event of a crash, with rear child seats -- even a well designed one with heaps of safety features -- the child is likely to suffer at least minor arm and neck injuries."
as a safer, more child-friendly (ie: more comfortable, stable) alternative, we sell a variety of bike trailers. they are a bit more expensive. but worth every additional penny, imho.
plus, trailers, once outgrown, tend to retain a pretty decent craigslist value... and likewise serve in retirement as excellent grocery-haulers.
get a trailer, ftw.
posted by RockyChrysler at 6:41 PM on January 26, 2011
as a safer, more child-friendly (ie: more comfortable, stable) alternative, we sell a variety of bike trailers. they are a bit more expensive. but worth every additional penny, imho.
plus, trailers, once outgrown, tend to retain a pretty decent craigslist value... and likewise serve in retirement as excellent grocery-haulers.
get a trailer, ftw.
posted by RockyChrysler at 6:41 PM on January 26, 2011
Best answer: Former bike store manager here, as well. All bicycles are inherently dangerous. Adding a child to the equation is just a terrible idea. I had one mechanic work for me who not only refused to install child seats,but wouldn't even work on bikes that had them. He wouldn't even put air into the tires. Get a trailer, please.
posted by PareidoliaticBoy at 7:22 PM on January 26, 2011
posted by PareidoliaticBoy at 7:22 PM on January 26, 2011
Response by poster: Great input, all. Upon reflection, I think I am gonna get a trailer. Safety FTW.
posted by gnutron at 9:54 PM on January 26, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by gnutron at 9:54 PM on January 26, 2011 [2 favorites]
Life-long cyclist, bike mechanic, bike shop employee, industry insider, and parent, etc. here.
As mentioned, above, do the bike trailer. But here's the scoop...
Bike shop bike trailers are priced at what they are priced at simply because parents are willing to pay $300.00 to $800.00 for them.
The $150.00 Schwinn trailer from K-Mart that Daughter Shmoobles rides in is as safe, functional, and reliable as the expensive bike shop models in my opinion.
My only qualm with the trailer is when transitioning from street to bike path sometimes the trailer is a bit wide to fit through the vehicle barricades, so I have to slow way down to avoid bumping into the stanchions.
posted by No Shmoobles at 10:46 AM on January 27, 2011
As mentioned, above, do the bike trailer. But here's the scoop...
Bike shop bike trailers are priced at what they are priced at simply because parents are willing to pay $300.00 to $800.00 for them.
The $150.00 Schwinn trailer from K-Mart that Daughter Shmoobles rides in is as safe, functional, and reliable as the expensive bike shop models in my opinion.
My only qualm with the trailer is when transitioning from street to bike path sometimes the trailer is a bit wide to fit through the vehicle barricades, so I have to slow way down to avoid bumping into the stanchions.
posted by No Shmoobles at 10:46 AM on January 27, 2011
If you don't need to buy in a hurry, set up some Google Alert searches to comb Craigslist or other local classified sites for you. Trailers are often lightly used, and buying used may save you a bundle.
If you do buy new, one option I'd be curious to test-ride is a sidecar trailer. While it would make your bike wider, at least it would be easier to keep an eye on. I've had a few times getting used to my trailer where I would ride through a narrow opening and get the trailer caught behind me.
posted by anthill at 7:11 PM on January 27, 2011
If you do buy new, one option I'd be curious to test-ride is a sidecar trailer. While it would make your bike wider, at least it would be easier to keep an eye on. I've had a few times getting used to my trailer where I would ride through a narrow opening and get the trailer caught behind me.
posted by anthill at 7:11 PM on January 27, 2011
From the link posted above:
"Child seats certainly have the advantage, especially in an urban area, of not adding to the size of the "foot print" of the bike, which may lessen harassment by motorists."
This is my biggest problem with the trailer (I live in NYC). When riding on a protected bike path trailers are fine, but I'd get really anxious with a child inside that rickety dangling appendix to the bike, under the field of view of a maneuvering motorist. I understand the risks of the child seat, but the worst case scenario seems better than a trailer being run over by a car.
Granted - this fear may be completely irrational.
posted by falameufilho at 11:15 PM on January 29, 2011
"Child seats certainly have the advantage, especially in an urban area, of not adding to the size of the "foot print" of the bike, which may lessen harassment by motorists."
This is my biggest problem with the trailer (I live in NYC). When riding on a protected bike path trailers are fine, but I'd get really anxious with a child inside that rickety dangling appendix to the bike, under the field of view of a maneuvering motorist. I understand the risks of the child seat, but the worst case scenario seems better than a trailer being run over by a car.
Granted - this fear may be completely irrational.
posted by falameufilho at 11:15 PM on January 29, 2011
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posted by pomegranate at 1:08 PM on January 26, 2011