Babes on bikes...any tips for what to get and where to go for riding with babies/toddlers?
I've got a 14 month old that I'd like to start riding with around national parks etc - any suggestions for what gear to get or good spots to go? Thanks :)
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Lawrence Teoh on -
Firstly, you need to go spend money. Get a hybrid and and a baby seat to put on the back. Then go riding on the Linear track along the Torrens. However, watch out for other cyclists, pedestrians and fallen branches. You want to consider a bike rack to carry the bike instead of throwing it into your car / 4 wheel drive.
The Belair National park is good for starting out and getting used to the bike and the kid on the bike. Balance dynamics can be tricky till you get used to it.
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Permalink Reply by Emily Byrne on -
Ive seen some baby seats that go between you/the bike seat and handles...any thoughts on what's better?
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Permalink Reply by Lawrence Teoh on
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that would not be good as it would get in your way for maneuvering the bike. Most popular ones are those where the seat is behind you.
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Permalink Reply by Edward @bikeadelaide on -
BoBike make the seats that sit in front of you. I am starting to see more of them. You can get them through Gazelle Bikes:
http://www.gazellebicycles.com.au/products/bobike-child-bike-seats/...
Another type is available through a UK company although I'm not sure if they'll ship them for you over here:
http://safe-t-seat.co.uk/index.html
Also, Gazelle make a bike called the Bloom that can carry up to 2 children; one in front and one behind:
http://www.gazellebicycles.com.au/gazelle-2011-collection/bloom-200...
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Permalink Reply by Emily Byrne on
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Thanks for the tips...!
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Permalink Reply by MARK FERGUSON (SPARTACUS) on -
Oh dear I saw the title "Babes on Bikes" and I thought of something else than babies/toddlers, darn it!
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Permalink Reply by MARK FERGUSON (SPARTACUS) on
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I'm a bad boy!
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Permalink Reply by Emily Byrne on
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Sorry to disappoint...!
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Permalink Reply by Chris Hutchinson on -
Emily - some good articles in Australian Cyclist magazine
http://www.australiancyclist.com.au/article.aspx?aeid=11198
Linear Park obviously is great & lots of spots to stop & let them have a run around if they are getting restless!
Have you already got a baby seat? If not Bike SA has two bikes with babyseats (which you can loan for a day for free) - always good to try before you buy!!
Belair National Park is great - you can ride on all the sealed roads and some of the dirt tracks (if marked they are bike friendly paths) Kuitpo forest could be fun too.
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Permalink Reply by Emily Byrne on
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Thanks Chris, that's really helpful...here's hoping the fine weather holds out a little longer o make the most of it :)
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Permalink Reply by heather on -
An AC member has a small child seat at the front of his bike. He vetoed the US ones because too large or too far back, making it awkward for him to ride. I believe the one he bought is Dutch (The Netherlands cater for everyday or utility cycling), but he still needs to keep his knees to the side as he cycles.
AC group Cargo and Utility Cycling has pictures of Xtracycles, which have a long rack on the rear where one can seat two children. With a 14-month-old may need something added so the child can be seated without falling off. AC member Jeremy Miller may have some hints on this. I suggest you join that group. I do not know if the advertised bike has been sold.
There is also an AC group Cycling with Kids. Join that group and ask for hints.
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