child bike seat & ride along bike

We have one of the trail-a-bikes.  They are all basically the same.  Check Craigslist for a used one.  They attach to the adult bike's seat post with a clamp.  I would not use one on a carbon seat post however.

The kid does need to have some sense of balance.  The bike cannot fall over but if they lean wildly to either side you will feel it in your bike.

Edited by TriRSquared 2013-05-09 9:35 AM

I just wanted to comment that I have some very early and good memories of riding behind my Mom in a bike seat...and a few scarier memories of being a bit older and riding behind my older sister who would forget to unbuckle me before laying the bike down . Lots of opportunity for family fun with bikes.

Another awesome option if you're not sure your older one is ready for a trail a bike is a Wee Hoo trailer.  They are supposed to be coming out with a double this summer too.  It's like a recumbent trail a bike with a harness and pedals.  Our super tall 2 yo outgrew our Burley trailer by height so we got one and she loves it!  http://www.rei.com/product/808195/weehoo-i-go-trailer-bike it has been a great investment in my bike training.   http://rideweehoo.com/

Ihave seen pictures of people doing the double tow with a burley and a wee hoo too.

ETA- They have amazing customer service too!

Edited by Moonrocket 2013-05-09 12:43 PM

I'll pass along the suggestions, thanks all!

Yes definitely be aware that the child leaning one way or another (and subsequently over-correcting in the other direction) will potentially throw your balance off as well. I have 3 kids 5 & under (well 4, but one's a newborn) so here's what we are rocking most days:







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What brand is that? Are you happy with it?

ETA - I can't even imagine pulling that weight!

Edited by doxie 2013-05-10 10:53 AM

It's an Adams brand and I'm very pleased with it (well, now that I have the seat post clamp mounted correctly!) I bought it used off Craigslist and the previous owner had taken excellent care of it.

As far as the weight--let's just say you don't want to start your ride on an incline

I picked a Novara (REI) branded trail a bike last summer for our 5 year old. She loves it and gives me quite the hill workout. I'd only use it with bikes that have metal seat posts. I run it on my Redline cyclocross bike and behind my road fixie. When the little one really moves to one side or torques on the bars it will up set your balance a little. Not enough to crash by any means but enough that you'll be asking them to stop that. I got mine from REI simply because they had a 25% off coupon and Craigslist was coming up dry for me.

We have a Chariot with the bike attachment and I've been tempted to hook that up for our dog. But he does not really fit in the Chariot very well. I'll give it go this summer just for kicks.

Xtracycle.





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