The official Riding with Kids thread

[Wet Ears]

I know I am reviving a very old thread here, those in the know, what would you advise iro safety, handling and comfort (for both cyclist and ankle snapper) - a front (Weeride) or rear (Giant) child seat. Or is it a much of a muchness?

[katotter]

[udxcob]

My son haulin buns down magik forest on his bmx with me holding with one hand, i think he is going to be a good bike rider

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj310/udx-bmx/Joshmajic.jpg

 

They grow up so fast hey

 

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj310/udx-bmx/IMG_1066_zpsbdbef455.jpg

[Bizzmark]

I know I am reviving a very old thread here, those in the know, what would you advise iro safety, handling and comfort (for both cyclist and ankle snapper) - a front (Weeride) or rear (Giant) child seat. Or is it a much of a muchness?

 

Weeride gets my vote. I have both.

 

The seat at the back has two problems. One balance, you have to be careful as your center of gravity changes a lot. You really have to take it easy.

Second and even more frustrating - is junior is not involved. They have to stare at your sweaty back the whole time... where is the fun in that?

 

The Wee ride has a great center of gravity. You can stand, and handle a green level mountain back track with ease. You do feel safer with the tucked up close to you. Huge plus and after safety the main selling feature.... junior is involved and having fun. They can see things, feel the wind against their faces and experience the joy of cycling...point things out to you and just have a blast.

 

The downside is some angling of the legs while pedaling... it is however slight and if they are far forward ... not a major issue. Small price to pay for the enjoyment your child will get.

 

In fact World Champion lady triathlete trained with one and found it to be adequate for her to get ready for an event with junior in tow.

 

Weeride was one of my best purchases ever.

[The Ouzo]

Lets ride dad. Got this for her last Christmas.

 

And this is her present this Christmas.

 

This is her wishing me luck for the 94.7

[Percyzn]

 

 

thanks. it is a silverback eclipse. has been a great bike for him, but it is being tested to the extreme now. i am actually starting to look around for something a little better. Anyone know what the best option for a 6/7 year old would be. Saw a ktm dualie for kids at cyclelab some time ago but not there anymore, besides it was pretty expensive. but would like something a little more "proper mtb" for him soon. Better shock, a few more gears (got 6 on this one). Must say the twist grip gears are a def must for kids and mtb's.

 

Momsen JSL40. Awesome 24" bike.

[Grebel]

 

 

Weeride gets my vote. I have both.

 

The seat at the back has two problems. One balance, you have to be careful as your center of gravity changes a lot. You really have to take it easy.

Second and even more frustrating - is junior is not involved. They have to stare at your sweaty back the whole time... where is the fun in that?

 

The Wee ride has a great center of gravity. You can stand, and handle a green level mountain back track with ease. You do feel safer with the tucked up close to you. Huge plus and after safety the main selling feature.... junior is involved and having fun. They can see things, feel the wind against their faces and experience the joy of cycling...point things out to you and just have a blast.

 

The downside is some angling of the legs while pedaling... it is however slight and if they are far forward ... not a major issue. Small price to pay for the enjoyment your child will get.

 

In fact World Champion lady triathlete trained with one and found it to be adequate for her to get ready for an event with junior in tow.

 

Weeride was one of my best purchases ever.

 

I couldn't agree more. Been using a Weeride a few years ago and I haven't regretted it. All points are valid as mentioned. the legs "issue" while riding took some getting used to. The interacting while riding is amazing. Just one thing to bear in mind though, be careful with your dismount. Getting off the front of the saddle might be difficult depending on the type and size of your bike. I run a dropper post on my trail bike so no problem (another plus point for a dropper post).

[katotter]

I am a total noob at cycling, but the Giant halfwheeler is super amazing. I have been riding everyday for a bit more than a week and my laaitie is loving it. Although he is too short to peddle, he still love the ride along. He clings on for dear life. It is a bit tricky from time to time with the balance, as he wants to look around and sometimes behind him, but not too serious. The only thing that gets to you is when you are at an uphill climb and he decides to stick his shoe in between the frame and tyre, brakes you like mad. We are getting better and stronger after every ride, so one of the days we will be able to enter races in the new year, then we will put the halfwheeler through its paces. I must say his, in the manual and on the box it clearly states for road use only. For what reason I do not know, but for his safety I'd stick to the rules.

 

BTW, is there a thread somewhere about your daily ride?

 

Wouter

Edited December 17, 2012 by katotter

[Wayne Potgieter]

I am a total noob at cycling, but the Giant halfwheeler is super amazing. I have been riding everyday for a bit more than a week and my laaitie is loving it. Although he is too short to peddle, he still love the ride along. He clings on for dear life. It is a bit tricky from time to time with the balance, as he wants to look around and sometimes behind him, but not too serious. The only thing that gets to you is when you are at an uphill climb and he decides to stick his shoe in between the frame and tyre, brakes you like mad. We are getting better and stronger after every ride, so one of the days we will be able to enter races in the new year, then we will put the halfwheeler through its paces. I must say his, in the manual and on the box it clearly states for road use only. For what reason I do not know, but for his safety I'd stick to the rules.

 

BTW, is there a thread somewhere about your daily ride?

 

Wouter

how old is he?

[katotter]

how old is he?

He is two years and three months, and a kortgat. But loving every km on it.

[TYGA]

He is two years and three months, and a kortgat. But loving every km on it.

 

Someone had one of these at SSWC and they had cable tied wooden "platforms" onto the pedal, crank and chainstay to form footrests for the kid on the back. I've found with mine that my son doesn't keep his pedals level on singletrack so if you're not careful you sometimes connect rocks / roots etc...you have to keep reminding yourself to take it easy and turn wide. I guess it's not designed for singletrack but it does the job! Alex just turned three, he is quite tall and he is able to pedal though he usually just parks off and makes you do the work. These were taken on Eselfontein farm this weekend.

 

 

Edited December 18, 2012 by XTC1

[TYGA]

Here he is a couple of months back....the scoot bike is his most loved and prized posession (after his tonka toy digger loader of course....), I sometimes cringe when i see how fast he shunts on it.

 

[katotter]

 

Someone had one of these at SSWC and they had cable tied wooden "platforms" onto the pedal.

That looks like a solution, will see if I can make a plan similar to this one. He is short a few millimeters. So a wooden support should do. Thanks.

[MTBc]

we all started riding together in the last few months. their xmas list this year consisted of 80% riding-related stuff.

 

[DamMTBer]

Guys,

 

Have any of you taken kiddies on MTB race??

 

Say on those Giant rear carriers??

 

Opinion

[Kanga]

Use the Giant, my 20 month daughter loves it. Would love the WeeRide but she is just to tall for it.