Moving with the baby requires parents to have certain devices for transporting the youngest member of the family. This issue also applies to cycling together. For such purposes, there are special child seats that can be placed on a bicycle frame.
Advantages and disadvantages
Children's bicycle seat is a popular device among parents, and it has its positive and negative qualities. First, consider the positive aspects of the operation of models installed in front.
- For the baby, during the trip, there are no obstacles for viewing in comparison with the seats that are attached to the bicycle from behind - then the child sees mainly the adult's back in front.
- As for the parent, he will be able to fully control the actions and position of the child in front of him. This point is a significant advantage not only for the psychological peace of mind of an adult, but also helps to avoid discomfort in children, especially in newborns who need eye contact with their father or mother.
- The child seat, mounted on the frame, will not interfere with the adult while driving.
- From the point of view of the load sharing of the cyclist, the presence of a front child mount will be more convenient than an additional few pounds on the trunk.
- A bicycle saddle for a child on a frame is ideal for unhurried walks along the city alleys. This moment will allow mom to replace the use of a stroller for daily walks with the baby, combining such a pastime with cardio and physical activity.
However, the option of front mounting a bicycle seat for a child is not without some drawbacks. These include a few features.
- For a mountain bike and other sporting varieties, such an additional device will complicate handling. An alternative would be to purchase a universal small seat for an extra passenger.
- In the front bicycle seat, the child will not be protected from the wind and other negative weather conditions. Therefore, walks should be strictly coordinated with forecasts.
- Front mounted models do not allow for backrest adjustment. And if the child falls asleep on a walk, he will be forced to be in the original position.
- It is worth noting the increased injury risk of such options for seats for children, since a child in the event of a fall can suffer much more.
- If you put a hyperactive baby forward, then he can become a serious obstacle for an adult when driving a bicycle. This point should be considered in advance when choosing the appropriate option for a bicycle seat.
Which are there?
Today, manufacturers offer consumers the following types of seats on the frame:
- simple saddle;
- a full-fledged bicycle seat for the baby.
The first variety stands out for its affordable cost, in addition, it provides maximum control for the parent. But simple and affordable design does not provide for additional protection for the child. This applies to the special emphasis for the head and spine. In addition, this type has a number of restrictions regarding the age group of children who can be carried in them.
A bicycle seat has a higher cost in comparison with the previous version, but it can transport children from a very young age, as well as protect them from possible injuries. Present on sale models with stepsthat can be used for children with disabilities.
The most common option for mounting bicycle child seats is their fixation on the seat post with a lock. This option will be faster and easier in terms of installation, and will also allow you to adjust the height of the chair to the characteristics of the bicycle and adult from behind.
As additional functional components, bicycle seats can have:
- handles for the baby;
- adjustable footboards;
- Belts
- various type of seat belts.
How to choose?
To purchase a truly practical bicycle seat for fixing to the frame, when buying, you should adhere to the recommendations of specialists.
- First of all, you need to build on the choice of an adult bike model. There are varieties for which the fixation of the seats in front is not provided for by design features. Most of the instructions for the bike should indicate the nuances regarding the mounting options on a carbon or other frame along with the parameters.
- It is worth paying attention to the material from which the seat is made. It is recommended to refrain from acquiring products that have an unpleasant chemical smell. In addition, the raw materials should not crumble, be fragile to the touch.
- Seat belts are an important component of the model for transporting babies. Preference should be given to devices that have a simple fastening option so that, if necessary, an older child can cope with belts without the help of an adult.
- As for the dimensions, the most safe and comfortable models will be with a high back, a bend under the helmet, as well as high side sides.
For the youngest passengers, functional models with a front side can be considered, which will not only protect the baby, but also serve as a mount for a variety of toys, so necessary for long walks.
Famous models
Today, many domestic and foreign brands offer similar products.However, several models of child seats use increased attention from consumers.
Topeak
Child seat design It provides almost all the nuances regarding comfort and safety for the baby. In addition, such options are notable for ease of installation and removal. Inside the seat has a soft lining. As for safety issues, the chair is fixed to the frame in several places. As a rule, such a model when installed on an adult bike does not serve as an obstacle to control. Besides, The products of this manufacturer belong to the affordable range of the middle class.
Hamax Caress Observer
The chair is designed for a load of up to 15 kilograms, which allows it to be operated with children of different ages. The manufacturer recommends its products for installation on a frame, the diameter of which will be about 22-40 mm, fixing is carried out by the bracket. For the convenience of the child on the back of the seat there is a soft liner. The model is equipped with footrests, which can be adjusted according to the position if necessary, and they also have fasteners.
Seat belts will also be able to adjust to the needs and sizes of each passenger, which minimizes the discomfort of their use. There are handles on the sides of the seat, which is significantly expands the horizons of the baby while moving, and also gives him a sense of security.
Bellelli rabbit handlefix
A universal child seat, which can be mounted not only on the trunk at the back of the bike, but also on the seat post to the front frame, using an additional original lock. The model is calculated for the transportation of children under 7 years. The products of this brand are notable for their original design, as well as a high level of comfort and ergonomics of seats.
The cost of Bellelli seats allows you to attribute them to the category of budget products with a good level of reliability and workmanship.
Special attention of buyers deserves the Bellelli Rabbit Handlefix chair, which able to withstand loads of up to 15 kilograms. The model's mountings are made of high-strength stainless steel, while the case itself is made of plastic, inside it is additionally equipped with a soft gasket and several ventilation holes. The baby foot platform has protection on three sides.
Sheng-Fa YC-699
A multifunctional model that is implemented at an affordable cost. A notable feature of the chair is the presence of an adjustable platform for the legs, as well as the presence of armrests, which is considered an additional point in terms of the convenience of the child. The seat has a soft liner in the form of a mattress, and in addition to the standard 3-point seat belts, this bicycle seat model has a protective chain.
The seat itself stands out ergonomic shape. Consumers note the convenience and ease of fixing the seat to the frame by pressing a single button. The chair is designed for load up to 15 kilograms. A handle is offered in the kit for the chair, the backrest contains several vents.
Bellelli Tatoo HandleFix
Another interesting model from the Italian manufacturer, designed to transport children weighing up to 15 kilograms. Among the positive features of the seats of this model is worth noting the presence of a soft seat, holes in the back for ventilation.
A notable characteristic of the seat is the possibility of mounting a bicycle seat for a child not only on the frame, but also on the steering wheel.
The chair is designed for pipe diameters from 21 to 26 mm. Belts can be adjusted in height and length, and also, if necessary, you can adjust the location of the steps to the features and sizes of the child. The footboard has three-sided protection, the feet can be additionally fixed with straps below.
Next, you can watch a video review of the children's bicycle seat on the frame.