Child bicycle seats on the frame
Moving with a baby requires parents to have certain devices for transporting a younger family member. This question also applies to bike sharing. For such purposes, there are special child seats that can be placed on a bicycle frame.
Advantages and disadvantages
The children's bike seat is a popular device among parents, and it has its positive and negative qualities. First, let's take a look at the positive aspects of operating front-mounted models.
- There are no obstacles for the view during the trip for the baby in comparison with the seats that are attached to the rear of the bicycle - then the child sees mainly the back of the adult 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 moment is a significant advantage not only for the psychological calmness of an adult, but also helps to avoid discomfort in children, especially in newborns, who need eye contact with their father or mother.
- A seat for a child, attached to the frame, will not interfere with an adult while driving a bike.
- From the point of view of load distribution for the cyclist, having a front child mount will be more convenient than the additional few kilograms on the trunk.
- A bike saddle for a child on a frame is ideal for leisurely walks along the city alleys. Such a moment will allow the mother 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 a front attachment of a bicycle seat for a child is not without some drawbacks. These include several features.
- For mountain bikes and other sporting varieties, such an attachment would complicate handling. An alternative would be to purchase a universal small seat for an additional passenger.
- In the front bicycle seat, the child will not be protected from wind and other negative weather conditions. Therefore, walks should be strictly coordinated with forecasts.
- Front-mounted models do not have backrest adjustment. And if the child falls asleep while walking, he will be forced to be in the original position.
- It is worth noting the increased risk of injury of such options for chairs for children, since a child in the event of a fall can be much more affected.
- If you put a hyperactive toddler forward, then he can become a serious obstacle for an adult when driving a bicycle. This point should be considered in advance when choosing a suitable bike seat option.
What are they?
Today manufacturers offer consumers the following types of frame chairs:
- simple saddle;
- full-fledged bike seat for the baby.
The first variety stands out for its affordable cost, in addition, it provides maximum control for the parent. But a simple and affordable design does not provide additional protection for the child. This applies to the special head and spine support. In addition, this type has a number of restrictions regarding the age group of children who can be transported in them.
The bicycle seat has a higher cost in comparison with the previous version, however, it is possible to transport children in it from a very young age, as well as to protect them as much as possible from possible injuries. There are on sale models with footreststhat can be used for children with disabilities.
The most common option for attaching bicycle child seats is to secure them to the seatpost 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 seat to the characteristics of the bicycle and the adult in the back.
As additional functional components, bicycle seats can have:
- handles for the baby;
- adjustable footrests;
- belts;
- different types of seat belts.
How to choose?
To get a truly practical bike seat for fixing to the frame, when buying, it is worth adhering to the recommendations of specialists.
- First of all, it is necessary to build on the choice from the model of an adult bicycle. There are varieties for which fixing the seats in front is not provided for by design features. Most instructions for the bike should indicate the nuances regarding the attachment options to 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 purchasing products that have an unpleasant chemical odor. In addition, the raw material should not crumble, be fragile to the touch.
- Seat belts are an important part 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 the belts without the help of an adult.
- As for the dimensions, the safest and most comfortable will be models with a high back, a bend under the helmet, as well as high side bumpers.
For the smallest passengers, you can consider functional models with a front side, which not only protects the baby, but also serves as a mount for a variety of toys that are so necessary for long walks.
Notable models
Today, many domestic and foreign brands offer similar products.However, several models of child seats are receiving increased attention from consumers.
Topeak
Child seat design provides for almost all the nuances related to comfort and safety for the baby. In addition, these options are notable for ease of installation and removal. The inside of the seat is padded. As for the safety points, the fixation of the chair to the frame is carried out in several places. As a rule, such a model, when installed on an adult bicycle, does not serve as an obstacle to control. Besides, the products of this manufacturer belong to the affordable middle class line.
Hamax Caress Observer
The chair is designed for a load of up to 15 kilograms, which allows it to be used 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, fixation is carried out by means of a bracket. For the convenience of the child, there is a soft liner on the back of the seat. The model is equipped with footrests that can be adjusted according to the position if necessary, and they also have fasteners.
Seat belts can also be tailored to the needs and sizes of each passenger, which minimizes discomfort from their use... There are handles on the sides of the seat, which significantly expands the baby's horizons while movingand also gives him a sense of security.
Bellelli Rabbit Handlefix
A universal child seat that can be attached not only to the rear rack of the bike, but also to the seatpost to the frame in front, using an additional original clip. Model calculated for the carriage of children under 7 years old. The products of this brand are notable for their original design, as well as a high level of comfort and ergonomics of the chairs.
The cost of Bellelli seats allows us to classify them as a budget product with a good level of reliability and workmanship.
The Bellelli Rabbit Handlefix armchair deserves special attention of buyers, which capable of withstanding a load of up to 15 kilograms. The mounts of the model are made of stainless high-strength steel, while the case itself is made of plastic, inside it is additionally equipped with a soft gasket and several ventilation holes. The child's foot platform is protected on three sides.
Sheng-Fa YC-699
A multifunctional model that is sold at an affordable cost. A notable characteristic 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 pad in the form of a mattress, and in addition to the standard 3-point seat belts, this model of the bike has a protective chain.
The seat itself is highlighted the ergonomics of their forms. Consumers note the convenience and ease of fixing the seat to the frame by pressing one button. The chair is designed for the load up to 15 kilograms. The chair comes with a handle, the back contains several ventilation holes.
Bellelli Tatoo HandleFix
Another interesting model from the Italian manufacturer, designed for the transport of children weighing up to 15 kilograms. Among the positive features of the chairs of this model, it is worth noting the presence of a soft seat, holes in the back for ventilation.
A notable characteristic of the chair is the ability to attach a bicycle seat for a child not only to the frame, but also to take out the steering wheel.
The chair is designed for pipe diameters from 21 to 26 mm. The straps can be adjusted in height and length, and, if necessary, you can adjust the position of the footrest to the characteristics and size of the child. The footrest has three-sided protection, the feet can be additionally fixed with the straps at the bottom.
Below you can watch a video review of a child bicycle seat on the frame.