Fans of outdoor activities, especially cycling, who prefer to ride with children, are well aware of how important it is to ensure the safety of their movement. For these purposes, there are special chairs for children on a bicycle. They are mounted on the trunk or frame and feature robust construction. But how to choose the right model?
Inspect your bike
Yes, before choosing a chair for a child, evaluate your bike, its profile and frame features, since it is the seat that will be attached to it. The best option is a round frame on which you can attach child seats to a bicycle of brands such as Flinger, Belleli, Hamax. If the frame is oval, retention devices of brands such as Polisport or Belleli can be selected.
No less important is the diameter of the frame in the place where the bicycle seat will be attached. It is important to read the full description of the models in order to understand whether the fasteners of a particular model are suitable for the size of the trunk or frame. After you have completed all the necessary measurements, it's time to evaluate the design features of your vehicle. Any non-standard solutions in the form of unusually planted upper feathers, a frame pipe or the presence of a rear shock absorber can interfere with the high-quality installation of the chair.
Study baby
Choosing chairs for children on a bicycle is necessary in accordance with the weight and height of the child. For example, on the front frame you can carry children up to 15 kg and small stature, and on the trunk you can place a chair designed for a weight of 18 to 22 kg. But you should not be limited to the size of the chair, because the child can be large, and then he does not fit in a spacious, in general, device. So it’s better to try on an accessory.
Modern chairs for children on a bicycle are a variety of models that have a well-thought-out design. In addition to size, they can differ in the maximum lifting of seat belts or style of design.
Can I get around the seat?
Previously, a child was transported in a simple seat on a frame. It is noteworthy that even now such a solution - economical and the simplest - is in demand. But whether this is safe is a moot point. It seems to many parents that this design is reliable, allows you to control the child and gives him the opportunity to see everything that is happening around. But compared with seats, a child seat on a bicycle is still not the best solution. Let's analyze the points:
- There is no level of protection in such a seat. In modern models of bicycle seats, there is side protection that prevents injuries to the child’s legs.
- There is practically no fixation of the child, so the legs can easily fall into the knitting needles, and this is very, very painful.
- Age and weight. Many parents do not take these factors into account when choosing a child seat on a bicycle. In fact, it can carry children up to a maximum of 8 years old, but not older.
- There is no emphasis on the head. Modern chairs are complemented by a high back, which can be tilted if the child falls asleep. In a simple seat there is no such remarkable function.
Thus, it is immediately clear that the seat is not the best option, especially if your plans include long trips with your child.
For positioning on the frame
Armchairs that are mounted in front are called front. They can be mounted on the steering column, pipe under the saddle or the bottom pipe of the frame. Such models are designed for weight up to 15 kg. A child seat on the front frame is convenient in that you can control the child while moving. At the same time, the trunk remains empty, and it can be adapted for certain purposes. Among the disadvantages of the front models are:
- small size and, as a result, the child’s weight limit: up to a maximum of 15 kg;
- it will not be very convenient for the driver to transport a child who will occupy enough space in front.
Many modern brands offer comfortable chairs for transporting children on a bicycle. With compactness they are characterized by comfort and a high level of security. Among the popular models, one can note the Polisport bicycle seat for children with a deep seat, designed for children from three to five years. The advantage of the model is in the fixing bumper.
Seatpost Models
You can install the chair on the seatpost. Such a solution is advisable if you are carrying one child and are used to riding a bicycle, throwing your foot behind the saddle. Many interesting and functional devices are offered by the Polisport brand. Deep landing, high-quality bumper, stable shock absorbers - all this makes this model very popular. This children's bicycle seat received only good reviews, despite the fact that its cost reaches 10,000 rubles.
Rear bicycle seats
The rear bicycle seat has many advantages: it is more convenient and comfortable, does not interfere with the driver to freely ride a bicycle, it is safe. Of course, the child’s view is significantly narrowed, but on the road, it is precisely the safety that matters. Such seats are placed on the seat tube of the frame or on the trunk - it all depends on the specific model. The rear seat for a bicycle for a child on the trunk is designed for children weighing up to 22 kg, has a high back, which ensures a comfortable fit for the child.
Most of the rear seats are designed for children under 5-6 years old, are spacious and easy to use. Best models that are equipped with shock absorbing and quick-detachable mounts. Such design features are good in that they level the effect of irregularities on the child.
Mounting features: if the back seat ...
The trunk seat is fastened as rigidly and securely as possible, so the child will not bounce on the bumps. Most often, the device is mounted on the seat tube: first, a lock-holder is mounted, in which the steel "mustache" is fixed from the seat. It turns out that it hangs over the trunk, as it were, and therefore, during movement or sudden shocks, it behaves smoothly and gently.
The seat is mounted on the pipe so that there is still a centimeter gap of 10 between it and the wheel. Mounting on the seatpost is not possible with a small or, conversely, too large diameter seatpost, especially if its cross section is oval, square. It is not recommended to install a back seat if the bike is cushioned.
The front seat is attached directly to the frame, and the installation will be rigid. If there are cables for the brakes on the upper edge of the frame, you need to choose models that will be mounted either on the lower pipe or on the steering column.
Flinger
When choosing a chair for transporting children on a bicycle, pay attention to its size and suit the characteristics of the frame. Flinger brand products have proven themselves well. Its feature is versatility, that is, the seat is suitable for all types of bicycles and is mounted either on the seat tube or through a pin. It is important that the device is able to withstand a load of up to 22 kg. This bicycle chair is made of durable plastic, which repeats the anatomical shape of the child’s body. There is a soft headrest upholstered in fabric. Thought out and the system for adjusting the backrest in accordance with the position of the child. According to customers, the car seat of this brand is a great way to ensure the safety of your child while spending time together on a bicycle.
Polisport
Many parents prefer outdoor activities with their children, and some even ride a bicycle to work. Especially for such active lovers, Polisport has created a number of practical, ergonomic and comfortable chairs. With a simple design, each chair has a robust and lightweight construction that can withstand many days of operation. The popularity of the products of this brand is explained by the presence of an exclusive fastening system, thanks to which you can install the seat without using any tools. The child's protection system is also thought out: special holding and safety belts in combination with side protection can ensure the safety of the baby when traveling. For a child’s seat on a bicycle, the price depends on the specific seat model. On average, the cost of brand devices starts at 5,000 rubles, but these are the simplest models.
Bellelli
The chairs of this Italian brand are rightfully considered an example of high quality and safety. A wide assortment of models for different weight categories are presented:
- the front seats are designed specifically for the smallest children with whom parents want to ride bicycles from an early age. Installation of such models is carried out on the steering glass or front frame. The maximum weight of children is 15 kg;
- rear on arches: these are the most convenient models for fastening and comfort, which provide the convenience of transporting a child. Such bicycle seats are designed for children weighing a maximum of 22 kg. But the models of this brand are not designed for bikes with square tube frames and too wide luggage racks.
The products of this Italian brand are in demand due to its ergonomics, maximum comfort. In such chairs the child will be comfortable, even if the trip is delayed.
Römer
This German brand offers a wide range of seats, which are distinguished by unique indicators of safety, reliability and comfort. Thanks to the introduction of the latest technologies, the company can offer well-thought-out designs that will ensure the comfort and safety of the child. Among the popular models of this brand, two can be distinguished:
- JOCKEY RELAX. In this bicycle chair, maximum safety and a high level of comfort are ideally combined. The adjustable backrest can be moved from a vertical position to an inclined one. Thought out maximum protection against knitting needles, there is an adjustable footrest in various positions. Installation is very simple: the kit includes a durable spring steel bracket. The seat is suitable for touring and sports bicycles and is mounted behind the driver.
- JOCKEY COMFORT. This child seat features a high level of comfort. The headrest is adjustable in 9 positions, a convenient system of seat belts that can be adjusted with one hand is thought out.
Hamax
Bicycle chairs for children of this brand are convenient designs in which the child is securely fixed. Ergonomics of models are designed in such a way that the child in movement can take any position. Adjustable clasps are easy to change parallel to the growth of the child. Thanks to the special design, the seat belts cannot be unfastened while driving. All brand models comply with existing safety standards.
What bicycle seat for a child to give preference? Choose models that match the brand of your bike. And also appreciate how comfortable your child is in the chair.