All about baby bike seats

Bicycle chairs are a useful invention and guarantee the safe transportation of your baby on a bicycle. Their high popularity and demand are due to wide consumer availability, ease of installation and ease of use.

Bicycle chairs for children were developed relatively recently - no more than 20 years ago. Innovation confidently stepped into the market of bicycle accessories and was appreciated by active parents. Compared with previous methods of transporting children on large bicycles, such as riding on a frame or on the rear trunk, bicycle chairs appeared before consumers as an example of comfort and safety.

The old ways of transporting children were quite a risky event and often ended in injuries, in addition, the child was forced to sit almost motionless in order not to accidentally shift the center of gravity to the side and not upset the balance.

In addition, the metal frame and the trunk were very uncomfortable for the baby, and even tying pillows on them and installing an additional seat on the frame did not add to the ride comfort. Moreover, during such transportation depreciation was completely absent, as a result of which the baby felt every bump and pothole on himself.

The advent of bicycle chairs completely solved the problem of transporting children on adult bicycles and contributed to the development of family cycling and joint parent and baby bike rides. Now adults do not need to worry about the fact that the child catches every hole and at any moment can slip to the ground. Modern armchairs have side protection, comfortable seat and secure fittings, which together provides comfort and complete protection of a small passenger.

The classification of children's bicycle seats is based on such features as location, method of attachment and size. The determining one is the location of the chair, since the comfort of the baby and the psychological comfort of the parent depend on it. According to this criterion, two types of bicycle seats are distinguished - front and rear.

In this case the bicycle seat is located in front of the rider, between the seat and the handlebars. There is no unequivocal opinion regarding the convenience of such an arrangement, opinions of parents are divided approximately equally. Some argue that the front seat is much more convenient than the rear and allows you to visually control the child throughout the trip.

Others, on the contrary, are sure that such an arrangement worsens the maneuverability of the bicycle, does not allow you to pedal freely, scatters the adult's attention and worsens the view. In addition, if the bicycle has a frame too short, there is always a risk that the child may accidentally hit the parent with his head in the chin. This, in turn, can lead to a loss of balance and a fall in the vehicle.

Another argument of opponents of the front bicycle seats is the fact that such models are usually much smaller than the rear, which is why they do not provide maximum protection for the child’s head in case of force majeure. In addition, in most cases, transport in front seats only small children are possible whose weight does not exceed 15 kg.

Parents also don’t like the fact that the baby is completely unprotected from the headwind, which makes it necessary to wear it in windproof clothes. Moreover, on the front seats, the backrest is static and cannot be adjusted, so if the child falls asleep, he will have to ride while sitting.

Adherents of the front seats claim that this method of transportation, on the contrary, is very convenient - it allows the child to contemplate the surrounding space at a wide viewing angle and to be constantly supervised. In addition, with front placement, the rear trunk is always free and allows luggage to be placed on it. A lower load on the spine of the child is also noted than when it is located above the rear wheel.

Most cyclists consider this type of bicycle seat a more optimal choice and actively use it. In this case, the child is located behind the adult and is reliably protected from the wind. The advantages of the rear options include more reliable protection for the baby, which is provided by the reinforced design of the seats. They are much wider and higher than the front counterparts and are often available with a reclining back, which allows the child to fully relax during the trip. In addition to adjusting the backrest, most models have function to regulate the steps, allowing you to change the position of the baby's body during long trips.

Besides, the child in the back does not interfere with the operation of the bicycle, unlike the child in front of the parent. Another advantage of the rear seats is the fact that they can be installed on folding bikes that have a folding mechanism on the base frame and do not allow the front seat to be mounted on it.

The disadvantages of the rear seats include the narrow viewing angle of the child, because of which he has to ride with his head constantly turned sideways, as well as the low depreciation of models attached to the trunk, which is especially true for road bikes. Among the minuses can be noted and loss of visual contact with the baby behind the parent, however, the installation of rear-view mirrors solves this problem. Thus, the rear bicycle seats are a more versatile view and allow you to make long trips on bicycles of any design with children under 6 years old.

In total there are 4 options for attaching bicycle seats to a bicycle: on the steering column, on the frame, on the seatpost and on the trunk.

This type of mounting involves the installation of seats for very young passengers, whose weight does not exceed 10-12 kg. This is due to the fact that the transportation of older children on the steering wheel makes driving more difficult, creates a large weight load on the front fork or shock absorber, and makes viewing difficult.

When placing the child in front, the seat is mounted on the carrying frame of the bicycle. In most cases, such designs are used on bicycles with rear shock absorbers. The carrying capacity of frame samples usually does not exceed 15 kg; steps are often absent. Such models have a number of installation restrictions and cannot be fixed on frames with speed and brake switching cables running along the upper crossbar.

This type of fastening is the best option for transporting large children, as chairs with such fasteners have a sufficiently large load capacity. The trunk easily withstands a child weighing up to 25 kg, which the steering wheel and frame cannot afford. In addition, seats with this type of fastener are suitable for almost all models of bicycles with a trunk, which compares favorably with frame models, which can be installed far from every bike.

Another undoubted advantage of such fasteners is the fact that it is possible to install wide seats with luggage racks on the luggage racks, which in no way affect the handling of the vehicle and do not upset its balance. The disadvantages of this type of mount include low depreciation which, however, is easily solved by acquiring a bicycle seat with integrated springs.

Bicycle seats fixed to the seat post are a very convenient option and are most often chosen by parents. The advantages of such samples include high carrying capacity and versatility, allowing their operation on virtually any bike.

The exception is non-standard exclusive vehicles in which the seatpost and pin have a rectangular or square cross-section, or too small (large) diameter. Among the advantages of such models is noted high carrying capacity, allowing the transport of children aged 6 and even 7 years, weighing up to 25 kg.

Another advantage of such chairs is ease of installation. To do this, install a special lock on the seatpost, into which steel "mustache-fasteners" are inserted and snap into place.

This mount is indispensable for long trips when both parents move on bicycles. In such cases, it is recommended that you purchase and install a separate lock on each vehicle. This will allow parents to take the baby in turn, moving the chair from one bike to another.

Among the shortcomings of seats with seatposts can be noted the inability of parents to constantly keep their children in sight and the small viewing angle of the baby. In addition, such models are not recommended for use on bicycles with a rear shock absorber. Another significant drawback of seats attached to the seat post is the effect of wobbling, resulting from a shift in the center of gravity and improper distribution of weight relative to the base of the bicycle.

When buying a bicycle chair, you must take into account the age and weight of the child. Despite the fact that there are quite miniature models on the market, designed to transport very young passengers from the age of 6 months, pediatricians and sports medicine doctors do not recommend transporting such young children. According to most experts, joint cycling can only begin when the child is one year old.

Otherwise, there is a risk of excessive overload of the fragile spine, which can cause negative consequences in the future. However, besides age, it is necessary to assess the level of individual development of the baby. So, some children begin to sit from 6 months of age and are able to remain in a sitting position for a long time by 9-11 months, while others by this age have just learned to sit on their own and are not yet ready to withstand a stationary stay in a sitting position for a long trip.

The most optimal age for starting a joint trip is considered the age of one and a half years. At this point, most children show an increased interest in what is happening around, and a ride on a bicycle causes them positive emotions. Many parents take their children by bicycle to kindergarten or to the nearest park to the place of walking. If the road to the destination is too long, then so that the child does not get bored, toys are hung in the chair.

When using a bicycle seat, you must follow so that the child’s weight does not exceed the maximum load capacity of the model and, if necessary, immediately replace the old chair with a new one. For each weight, it is recommended to purchase your own version, without practicing “growth” purchases. The maximum permissible carrying capacity of most models is 22-25 kg. Children over 7 years old should buy a separate bike.

The modern market for bicycle accessories offers a huge selection of child seats from different manufacturers. Below are the popular models, reviews of which are most often found on the Internet.

One of the leaders in the production of bicycle seats is this A Norwegian company, operating since 1958, releasing its first seat in 1981. As an example, consider the model Hamax smiley worth 7490 rubles. The model is equipped with soft, but at the same time very durable 3-point seat belts and has an ergonomic back that allows the child in the helmet to lean back.

Belt buckles are made using a special technology that prevents self-unfastening. The product is fixed to the seatpost oval or round pipe with a diameter of 28 to 40 mm and is installed at the desired height. The chair is suitable for mountain, sports and speed bicycles, Designed for babies over 9 months old and capable of supporting up to 22 kg. The model itself is quite light and weighs only 4.35 kg.

The Italian company is known in the world market since 1994 and produces bicycle seats and accessories. For an example it is worth considering model Pepe Clamp worth 3873 rubles.The chair is designed to be mounted on the trunk of a bicycle, designed for children weighing up to 22 kg and is equipped with special shields to prevent feet from entering the knitting needles.

The belts are equipped with soft padding and the back is perforated, which contributes to natural ventilation. The model has a European TUV series quality certificate.

Considering well-known brands, one cannot fail to mention the Russian company that developed and launched production unique Velogruz model. The singularity of this chair lies in its high load capacity, reaching 35 kg. The model is mounted on a frame and equipped with a windshield that protects the child from the headwind and dust.

The product is designed for children from a year old and is equipped with a children's steering wheel that makes the baby’s trip interesting and memorable. The chair is designed in such a way that does not displace the center of gravity of the bicycle and does not interfere with control. Such a product costs 4300 rubles.

Another interesting model of Russian production. The bicycle seat is designed for children weighing up to 30-35 kg and has a slightly unusual configuration. Its design consists of a saddle, a mounting bracket, a T-shaped footrest and a removable static handle with soft grips. Mounting is done on the seatpost of the bicycle, however, the child is not located at the back of the parent, but in front.

It should be noted that the center of gravity with this arrangement of the baby does not shift to the front wheel, but is located in the middle of the bicycle. The seat is patented, certified and meets all safety requirements. The cost of the model is 2200 rubles.

The company is well known to domestic bike lovers, as it produces solid competitive products. The most budgetary model of the company is the model JL-190, representing a folding bicycle chair-stool. The product is installed on the trunk of a bicycle and is designed for babies weighing up to 15 kg. The model is equipped with small steps, has seat belts and costs only 900 rubles.

When choosing a children's bicycle seat, you need to pay attention to several important points.

• Make sure that the model you like is compatible with the bike. This is especially true for seats with seatposts and frame mounts. So, if there are cables on the frame, you will have to refuse to buy a front seat, and with a square section of the seat tube you need to buy an option with a mount on the trunk or frame.
• The next important condition is the presence of 3 or 5-point seat belts with soft linings, which must necessarily be adjustable in length and have a reliable latch.
• It is also necessary to pay attention to the presence of lateral protection, which ideally should cover the child from the top of the back to the footboard. To prevent injury to the baby's hands in the event of a bicycle fall, it is better to purchase models with armrests.
• When buying a bicycle seat for a very young passenger you should choose a model with an adjustable back. This will make it possible to change the position of the baby's body during the trip and will allow him to put him to sleep on the way.
• You should pay attention to the back of the chair. The upper part of it should be designed so that the child in the helmet can calmly lean back and sit comfortably.
• It is advisable to pay attention to the presence in the free sale of spare parts for the selected model. Otherwise, a small damage or failure of even the most insignificant element will turn the chair into an unusable thing.

Also, when choosing a bicycle seat, you need to consider that all models differ from each other in the degree of protection.

• To the third category shallow seats that hide only the baby's hip joint. The footboards of such models are represented by sliding rods, the back barely reaches the upper third of the back, and the body is fixed at the level of the belt.When the bicycle falls, the child's legs and arms suffer, and when passing close to the bushes, the entire side of the body is scratched. These points should be taken into account and used only for short, leisurely trips along the flat and wide alleys of the park.
• Second category protection is represented by models with a deeper seat and leg protection over the entire height with the help of plastic chippers. The backrest of such chairs is also not too high, the child is fastened with a lap belt, and the legs are firmly fixed to the steps. When the arm falls, the legs remain intact and unharmed.
• Models in the first protection category, have a high back, with a head hiding the child, and a deep seat. Fastening is carried out crosswise from the shoulders to the belt, and the legs are securely fixed on the steps. When falling, neither arms nor legs are affected and the only thing that can happen is minor bruises on the hip and shoulder.

When buying a bicycle seat for a child, you must take care of the availability of additional accessories that will make the trip more enjoyable and comfortable. The complete set of a chair can be supplemented with a sun screen or visor, warm blanket, raincoat, reflective reflector or LED indicator. Also, it does not hurt to purchase an adapter and additional brackets that allow you to install the chair on a custom bike.

When using a child bicycle seat, safety rules should be observed and the advice of specialists should be followed.

• You can’t put a child in a chair earlier, than he turns one year old.
• Fasten luggage to the seat or placing it in a chair with a baby is strictly prohibited.
• When driving a bicycle the child’s feet should be fully footed on the footboard and secured with straps to avoid getting into the wheel.
• Before every departure you need to check the integrity of the bicycle seat and the reliability of its attachment to the bicycle.
• Before you put your baby in a chair, it is necessary to put on a protective helmet and make sure that his body does not touch the wheels, steering wheel, parent saddle, chain and cables.
• Dressing the child before the ride It should be slightly warmer than an adult dressed. This is due to the passive state of the baby during the trip and a headwind, which can cause hypothermia of an easily dressed child.

See how to choose a baby bike seat in the next video.