Child bike carriers, your experience needed.
June 22, 2019 6:49 AM Subscribe
What kind of child bike carrier for a Motobecane Le Champion bike? Not interested in bike trailers.
I really want an Xtracycle but even used ones are out of my budget at the moment. I have been walking around the city so much since my baby was born and would prefer to get back to cycling. My old bike was a fixie so I'm buying a used Motobecane Le Champion bike today... I think it will be a good town and commuter bike and possibly for taking around baby. What would be a good child bike carrier? I am not interested in a child bike trailer. I was looking at something rear mounting like this or front like this.
I'd like some input on how the Motobecane would do with a child carrier on it, if it would fit and attach. I would prefer a rear carrier just because I have some experience with them with my younger siblings. Any input or thoughts appreciated.
I really want an Xtracycle but even used ones are out of my budget at the moment. I have been walking around the city so much since my baby was born and would prefer to get back to cycling. My old bike was a fixie so I'm buying a used Motobecane Le Champion bike today... I think it will be a good town and commuter bike and possibly for taking around baby. What would be a good child bike carrier? I am not interested in a child bike trailer. I was looking at something rear mounting like this or front like this.
I'd like some input on how the Motobecane would do with a child carrier on it, if it would fit and attach. I would prefer a rear carrier just because I have some experience with them with my younger siblings. Any input or thoughts appreciated.
Depending on how old your kid is, mine really liked this setup from the ages of about 3 to 7.
posted by trbrts at 8:12 AM on June 22, 2019
posted by trbrts at 8:12 AM on June 22, 2019
An old steel vintage Motobecane, right? Not the relabeled BikesDirect kind?
Totally depends on the rack/fender mounting pattern (you should get fenders). I imagine there’s some variation between old Motobecanes. For safety you might should get a pro to help install, especially if there are no dedicated rack mounts.
In general: For a kid who can sit upright, front will give you more control and better balance and long as you can reach past them. All else equal, lower is better. This is a case where you might especially want to try a few things out at an LBS; what’s tolerated by one kid might not be for another.
posted by supercres at 9:02 AM on June 22, 2019 [1 favorite]
Totally depends on the rack/fender mounting pattern (you should get fenders). I imagine there’s some variation between old Motobecanes. For safety you might should get a pro to help install, especially if there are no dedicated rack mounts.
In general: For a kid who can sit upright, front will give you more control and better balance and long as you can reach past them. All else equal, lower is better. This is a case where you might especially want to try a few things out at an LBS; what’s tolerated by one kid might not be for another.
posted by supercres at 9:02 AM on June 22, 2019 [1 favorite]
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I rode with my kid in a rear mounted Yepp Maxi on Breezer City bike. We started when they were 10 months old and they weren't into it for the first 3 months, but then loved it. So much that when we got a new bike they were so distraught that their seat was gone (it was being mounted on the new bike).
I know lots of people like front seats, but for my riding geometry (I'm short with not super long arms) I prefer rear seats. The kid has been riding with me for almost two years and still loves it and still fits in it.
posted by kendrak at 7:53 AM on June 22, 2019