I'm getting a bike! Now I need a baby seat + accessories
December 19, 2018 8:00 AM Subscribe
Shh! It's a surprise and my kids think I don't know, but I'm getting a women's Electra Loft bike for Christmas (small size). I'm going to need some accessories, and I'm going to hit the after-Christmas sales! The #1 thing I need is a rear child seat for Nano McGee. #2 is some carrying capacity. More details within.
So the goal of this bike is to ride the little nearby shopping area or to the library or to the park with my kids. These are all less than a mile away, on low-speed roads. So I need:
1) A child seat for the back of my bike that you absolutely know can attach to the Electra Loft (small). I can look up seat reviews easily, but it's hard to find what can and can't attach. I've seen some seats that are easy on/off of a rack, so you can have the rack when not hauling toddler? That would be nice, but not necessary. (Nano McGee is currently 2; she'll probably ride behind me until she's big enough for training wheels.)
2) Some way to carry a few groceries/library books. Storage integrated in child seat? Front pasket? Rear panniers? I'm wide open!
3) Your other fave accessories for an in-town bicyclist. Cool handlebar bags? Purses that convert to handbar bags? Good locks? You tell me!
So the goal of this bike is to ride the little nearby shopping area or to the library or to the park with my kids. These are all less than a mile away, on low-speed roads. So I need:
1) A child seat for the back of my bike that you absolutely know can attach to the Electra Loft (small). I can look up seat reviews easily, but it's hard to find what can and can't attach. I've seen some seats that are easy on/off of a rack, so you can have the rack when not hauling toddler? That would be nice, but not necessary. (Nano McGee is currently 2; she'll probably ride behind me until she's big enough for training wheels.)
2) Some way to carry a few groceries/library books. Storage integrated in child seat? Front pasket? Rear panniers? I'm wide open!
3) Your other fave accessories for an in-town bicyclist. Cool handlebar bags? Purses that convert to handbar bags? Good locks? You tell me!
Consider a bike trailer. Safer for the kid, detaches when she's not riding with you. Ours had space behind the kid seat for some groceries and whatnot.
posted by gnutron at 8:54 AM on December 19, 2018 [5 favorites]
posted by gnutron at 8:54 AM on December 19, 2018 [5 favorites]
All the parents I know really prefer the toptube-mounted child carrier like WeeRide. It gives a better experience for both parent and child. It also lets you put on a rear rack and panniers, which are preferable to a front basket (loads are more stable when they're heavier).
My other favorite accessories are locking skewers. They are things that attach your wheels to your bike and can only be removed with a special key. It means that I don't have to lock up my wheels, and I can carry a small kryptonite u-lock to lock the frame to a post.
posted by entropone at 9:17 AM on December 19, 2018 [2 favorites]
My other favorite accessories are locking skewers. They are things that attach your wheels to your bike and can only be removed with a special key. It means that I don't have to lock up my wheels, and I can carry a small kryptonite u-lock to lock the frame to a post.
posted by entropone at 9:17 AM on December 19, 2018 [2 favorites]
It's not clear from the pictures on the Electra site how easily a rack will mount to the back. When I worked in a bike shop, I successfully mounted several of the Topeak Baby Seat II rear carriers to itty bitty women's bikes that lacked all of the rack mounts, but some extra (relatively inexpensive) small parts were required. One or both of something like this seatpost collar or extra long mounting brackets. The Topeak carriers are just what we kept in stock, but they seemed well built and popular with parents. They do have the easy-on, easy-off feature and are sold with a matching rack that will work with common panniers when the seat is not attached.
posted by gang of puffins at 9:40 AM on December 19, 2018
posted by gang of puffins at 9:40 AM on December 19, 2018
Definitely the dual kickstand (Linus version--a quick search did not reveal an Electra branded one).
My Basil Mirte shopping bag is my best-loved pannier. I routinely carry the night's groceries or a case binder home in it. It's much more comfortable to carry off the bike rack than any Ortlieb I've ever touched, while retaining a good capacity. AND it remains upright when you set it down,
My Crane painted bell is my third-most commented on accessory. My second-most is the U-lock holster from Walnut Studiolo (no longer listed on their website, sadly) and my first-most is my Torch helmet.
posted by crush at 10:36 AM on December 19, 2018
My Basil Mirte shopping bag is my best-loved pannier. I routinely carry the night's groceries or a case binder home in it. It's much more comfortable to carry off the bike rack than any Ortlieb I've ever touched, while retaining a good capacity. AND it remains upright when you set it down,
My Crane painted bell is my third-most commented on accessory. My second-most is the U-lock holster from Walnut Studiolo (no longer listed on their website, sadly) and my first-most is my Torch helmet.
posted by crush at 10:36 AM on December 19, 2018
This is the sort of thing that if you're buying from a bike shop, they can really help you with. If you go with a rear mounted seat (which should last longer for your growing kid), you will probably need a rear rack. It looks like the Electra Lofts can have rear racks mounted. The rack will need to be able to hold the weight of your kid. Given it's a small bike, it might not be big enough to accommodate a seat and rear panniers. They should also be able to help you with a double kick stand, which makes loading and unloading kids so much easier.
I like front baskets to hold my lock and stuff, and it looks like they can work with the Lofts. Or get a front rack for panniers? For handlebar bags, I really like these bags from North St that can be attached to the bike or carried like a normal little bag. A bell is a must! And lights.
posted by kendrak at 10:38 AM on December 19, 2018
I like front baskets to hold my lock and stuff, and it looks like they can work with the Lofts. Or get a front rack for panniers? For handlebar bags, I really like these bags from North St that can be attached to the bike or carried like a normal little bag. A bell is a must! And lights.
posted by kendrak at 10:38 AM on December 19, 2018
Best answer: My wife has a front basket on her bike that detaches. Useful for the bike and just general carrying. Looks nice too.
She has a seat on her bike (Thule Yepp Maxi) that sits on her bikes built-in rack. It does have an easy remove function but we never use it. It also has an adapter that will attach to the seat post (I think) that should work for any bike.
On my bike I have a rear rack with paniers and a trailer. My son vastly prefers the seat on my wife's bike and the basket is easier for just throwing stuff on and riding so if I'm taking my son on a bike then I'll ride her bike instead of mine.
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 3:44 PM on December 19, 2018
She has a seat on her bike (Thule Yepp Maxi) that sits on her bikes built-in rack. It does have an easy remove function but we never use it. It also has an adapter that will attach to the seat post (I think) that should work for any bike.
On my bike I have a rear rack with paniers and a trailer. My son vastly prefers the seat on my wife's bike and the basket is easier for just throwing stuff on and riding so if I'm taking my son on a bike then I'll ride her bike instead of mine.
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 3:44 PM on December 19, 2018
Response by poster: I will definitely be doing this at a pro bike shop and having them do the install, but I want a good idea of what kind of setup I want before I head to the shop. :)
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 6:03 PM on December 19, 2018
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 6:03 PM on December 19, 2018
No personal experience, but I think the WEEHOO bike trailers are neat. Kids can pedal! Storage!
posted by oceano at 6:19 PM on December 19, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by oceano at 6:19 PM on December 19, 2018 [1 favorite]
I've had all the toddler carrying contraptions on my bike and my favorite by far was just having a simple trailer hooked up. One that had a detach pin that slipped on and off, so when I wanted to bike by myself it was simple to take the trailer off. Having the rear carrier made the weight distribution weird, especially once my kids got big, and the front ones got in the way of my steering. The front one was definitely better than the rear one, so if you're going that way you really should go for a front mount.
The bonus with a trailer is that it leaves space for panniers and a basket on your bike. Plus, if you only have one kid then there's room in the trailer for things too.
I think we got my trailer at WalMart for $100 and it folded up for storage. Worked like a charm. We had to replace tubes and tires a couple of times over the years, but that's just basic maintenance.
posted by TooFewShoes at 1:47 PM on December 20, 2018
The bonus with a trailer is that it leaves space for panniers and a basket on your bike. Plus, if you only have one kid then there's room in the trailer for things too.
I think we got my trailer at WalMart for $100 and it folded up for storage. Worked like a charm. We had to replace tubes and tires a couple of times over the years, but that's just basic maintenance.
posted by TooFewShoes at 1:47 PM on December 20, 2018
Best answer: I don't have kids, but I have spent the past 20 years using bikes for transportation and volunteering with assorted bike orgs and also I have valet parked bikes for several summers. Here are some things I have learned.
1. I would get the kids trailer. Imagine you crash your bike into a tree or something. Your kids are on the bike with you. The trailer is still upright behind you. I have a kids trailer (just used it today to haul a load of cardboard) and I can say from experience that it's pretty nice to be able to flop your bike over on the ground and the contents of the trailer are still safe and sound.
2. Bucket panniers. They are cheap. They are waterproof. You can overload them and they do not sag into your wheel (unlike all fabric panniers). You can put bumper stickers all over them. They are easy to make. There are instructions online.
3. Yes to the bell. Think of a bicycle like a car. Everything a car needs, a bike needs, too. A car needs a horn? A bike needs a bell. A car needs fuel? So does the rider of the bike. A car needs a flat fix? So do bikes. A car can keep you dry? Get rain gear. And so on.
My favorite lock is this combination U-lock. I don't like carrying keys.
If you want a mirror so you can keep an eye on your kids, the "safe zone" mirror is the best option. It attaches to your helmet, goes where you put it, and doesn't fall off. Unlike with handlebar mirrors, you can look anywhere behind you (once you get used to it, which takes a ride or two).
Speaking of purses that convert to handlebar bags, Po Campo is located in Chicago.
Bonus relevant info:
A. One of the main consumers of electric bicycles are people who have to haul children around. At the bike valet, I think was mostly seeing commuters who then had kids and wanted to keep biking. It's something to keep in mind if you ever want to expand your radius.
B. If you are considering getting a trail-a-bike, know that Weehoos (mentioned above) are way better built than the trail-a-bikes. Also they make two-kid versions.
C. One time I was on a goat ride where a crowd of people biked around to some of the houses in town with goats, and an adult showed up with a kid in tow and I thought the kid was on a trail-a-bike, but then the kid's bike detached from the adult's bike and they magically had separate bikes. I was SO IMPRESSED. This is that magical connector whatsit.
posted by aniola at 6:52 PM on December 21, 2018
1. I would get the kids trailer. Imagine you crash your bike into a tree or something. Your kids are on the bike with you. The trailer is still upright behind you. I have a kids trailer (just used it today to haul a load of cardboard) and I can say from experience that it's pretty nice to be able to flop your bike over on the ground and the contents of the trailer are still safe and sound.
2. Bucket panniers. They are cheap. They are waterproof. You can overload them and they do not sag into your wheel (unlike all fabric panniers). You can put bumper stickers all over them. They are easy to make. There are instructions online.
3. Yes to the bell. Think of a bicycle like a car. Everything a car needs, a bike needs, too. A car needs a horn? A bike needs a bell. A car needs fuel? So does the rider of the bike. A car needs a flat fix? So do bikes. A car can keep you dry? Get rain gear. And so on.
My favorite lock is this combination U-lock. I don't like carrying keys.
If you want a mirror so you can keep an eye on your kids, the "safe zone" mirror is the best option. It attaches to your helmet, goes where you put it, and doesn't fall off. Unlike with handlebar mirrors, you can look anywhere behind you (once you get used to it, which takes a ride or two).
Speaking of purses that convert to handlebar bags, Po Campo is located in Chicago.
Bonus relevant info:
A. One of the main consumers of electric bicycles are people who have to haul children around. At the bike valet, I think was mostly seeing commuters who then had kids and wanted to keep biking. It's something to keep in mind if you ever want to expand your radius.
B. If you are considering getting a trail-a-bike, know that Weehoos (mentioned above) are way better built than the trail-a-bikes. Also they make two-kid versions.
C. One time I was on a goat ride where a crowd of people biked around to some of the houses in town with goats, and an adult showed up with a kid in tow and I thought the kid was on a trail-a-bike, but then the kid's bike detached from the adult's bike and they magically had separate bikes. I was SO IMPRESSED. This is that magical connector whatsit.
posted by aniola at 6:52 PM on December 21, 2018
Response by poster: So I had to trade my bike in for a slightly smaller bike, for lo, I am short, now I have an Electra Townie instead of a Loft. We ended up with the Thule Yepp Maxi Easyfit, and my husband and I BOTH got racks for it, and Nano McGee MOSTLY ends up riding on the back of his bike because she's started preschool so I can run errands solo in the mornings, and she likes to ride with daddy when we all go somewhere as a family. (Also daddy is a much more expert and steadier rider than I am.)
I acquired two of the Po Campo bags and they are AWESOMESAUCE. I have the handlebar bag and the bike trunk, and the bike trunk is just perfect for going to the library or to my kids' schools for meetings or to pick up prescriptions at the pharmacy and things like that. (The handlebar bag goes with me when I run to restaurants or out for ice cream or things like that.)
I got a helmet-mounted rearview mirror, which I'm still in the learning curve for, but it's working pretty well. Have been borrowing panniers to try some out before deciding!
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 6:22 PM on September 2, 2019 [1 favorite]
I acquired two of the Po Campo bags and they are AWESOMESAUCE. I have the handlebar bag and the bike trunk, and the bike trunk is just perfect for going to the library or to my kids' schools for meetings or to pick up prescriptions at the pharmacy and things like that. (The handlebar bag goes with me when I run to restaurants or out for ice cream or things like that.)
I got a helmet-mounted rearview mirror, which I'm still in the learning curve for, but it's working pretty well. Have been borrowing panniers to try some out before deciding!
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 6:22 PM on September 2, 2019 [1 favorite]
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The other first accessory too many people forget is a good floor pump. Proper inflation prevents flats. I like this one. I use a fancier version of it that's a bit of overkill.
On bikes like yours, I like two legged kickstands. Check these out in real life to know how well it will work with your bike. It makes wrangling the kid and stuff much easier then the bike stands up more stably than a one legged stand.
posted by advicepig at 8:53 AM on December 19, 2018