You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
Morning all,
Simple really just need a bit of advice from parents that have been there and done it
What are the pro's & con's of this
[img] 
[/img]
with one of these...
[img] 
[/img]
My bike is a 2007 Orange P5 with the eylet thingymabobs for the bike rack, I guess theres disc brake specific ones.
Or one of these, alot more expensive i guess?
[img] 
[/img]
cheers for any help, pointers.
The answer depends what you want to use it for - age of child, terrain, distance etc.
As an owner of an LOCT I would also suggest you also look at seats that put the child above the top tube.
Depends on what you're going to do with it - are you thinking more in terms of taking the bairns out on the trails, recreation etc? Because I wouldn't fancy a trailer on busy roads if you were using it to drop kids off at nursery or something like that.
The trailer is probably a lot more comfortable for the child. The child seat can be quite harsh over the bumps - it is higher up though so they get a good view. You're obviously a lot more manoueverable with the child seat, but you'll never be ragging it around with a child on the back so this is less an issue than it might appear.
The trailer on the road is probably OK even - when have you ever been rear-ended by a car for example? So more of an irrational fear but I still wouldn't fancy it.
hi sorry forgot the important bit,
my daughter will be 2 in june, to start off it will be along the local canal and take the bike on holiday around the campsite etc.
i wouldnt dare go out on the road with her (just me !)
i was given the top tube seat but don't fancy it to be honest.
I have one of those seat things in the shed a hammax siesta, good bit of kit in good nick, £40 and it's yours ( I live in the midlands)
There's also an issue of exposure to exhaust fumes. I've used a rear seat from aldi,, up to the age of four its been no problem with gentle offroad. The children love it, although being berated by a four year old for slowing down near the top of Worcester beacon with the suggestion I have a drink of water was a particular low point!
I went from rear rack to top tube and it improves both the ride the child experiences (they get some benefit of front suspension and loads on a full suss bike) and the handling.
Down sides? Well steep smooth drops are more difficult I suppose...
mrs antigee had a bee in helmet, greasy hill incident with a behind rear seat kiddy carrier - both survived but a bit upset - they aren't especially stable - can be (very) hard to get kid in/out with no one to help hold bike - plus less supported than when in a trailer and then fall asleep - which they do.
Kids seem to prefer seats as a bit more contact and can see a lot more - i'd say a trailer is easier to manage weather wise and for longer rides other than some anti motor bike barriers - especially the wooden box things
not used a top tube carrier as couldn't find one to fit more available now and probably much more stable and versus trailer being able to talk is probably healthy
By the way, the child thinks they are riding along in a big cuddle with a top tube style seat - which makes a difference to what they are happy with at 2 years old.
cheers all, i think i will give the top tube one i was given a go on the weekend, as stated above it did worry me having the rear fixed one with regards stability, also i can imagine as above it will be less harsh and give a bit better control.
cant wait now, she will 'hopefully' love it! might be a bit messy with the gear and brake cable ontop