Getting used to riding with kid in rear seat?

My little guy has outgrown the ibert front seat we were using, so I cheerfully ordered and installed a rear seat. I rode around the block without him to get a feel for it, then popped him in and whoa! Totally unnerved me. I think maybe I'll try strapping in a big bag of potatoes or something to try to get used to having the weight back there. Does anyone have any other tips?

Views: 603

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by annlaura on April 1, 2013 at 4:52pm

Good thoughts about falling, Anika, thanks. Not sure I could get the little guy to try it, but maybe on the right day...

I did manage to get moving with a sack of potatoes today. Haha. And I hooked up the older's trailer bike and we managed a spin. I think one of my problems is actually the Mary Poppins handlebar position. I like the step-thru, but I think I am more used to my hybrid's handlebars.

Permalink Reply by Tominator on April 5, 2013 at 8:06am

Get a tag-a-long as soon as you can.

Permalink Reply by annlaura on June 9, 2013 at 11:51am

So I just wanted to update this. I worked on getting used to the rear seat on my Schwinn Breeze, and I *could* ride with my son in it, but it never felt comfortable. I finally decided it was the Schwinn. Put the rear seat on a Giant Rincon, and rode off no problem. Leaning forward more and having straight handle bars seem to have made all the difference. Added the trailer bike and we're good to go. Literally. Yay! Thanks for all the advice!

Permalink Reply by Tom Z on June 9, 2013 at 2:57pm

For people considering riding with a child, if you can afford it, the best thing is a trailer. This way the weight of the child is on the trailers wheels, also they can move around more without affecting the balance of the bike.

Permalink Reply by annlaura on June 9, 2013 at 3:34pm

I don't want to use this thread to debate trailer vs seat, but I will say I have a trailer. And sometimes use it. And enjoy it. I have had a couple of close calls with larger vehicles not seeing it behind me, even with the flag and flashing lights. Also, my 2 boys weigh too much combined to both be in the trailer any more, but the older isn't ready to ride in traffic near us yet. So rear seat + trailer bike is a good fit for us right now for many of our rides.

Permalink Reply by Allen Wrench on June 9, 2013 at 4:02pm

Glad you have a solution that's working well now. My old Schwinn is tolerable with a rear seat or loaded panniers but not as good as a lot of other bikes - must be something in the basic geometry because I changed the bars out and it still isn't perfect. Still use it often, not with kids on it much.

I don't like using kid trailers in the city at all myself anymore but they're good in other settings or filled with cargo.

Another good option with less likelihood than a trailer that traffic won't see everybody aboard is a tandem with a rear seat added on. Schwinn etc about $300 and fancy ones all the way up. Some, like Bike Friday, can even be ordered with more than one back rider.

Or box bike, or trike, etc etc. Lots of options.

Permalink Reply by annlaura on June 10, 2013 at 3:21am

Glad I'm not the only one with Schwinn trouble. I love the bike, just not with the kids. If money grew on trees, I'd be all over a bike Friday, or an onderwater.  So dreamy........

RSS

Groups

© 2008-2016   The Chainlink Community, L.L.C.   Powered by

Disclaimer  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service