The missus wants to talk our youngster on her bike
I have no idea whatsoever what to do
I was thinking trailer rather than seat but any safe suggestions
We have both and our little one prefers a seat on the back to the trailer. Trailers also limit, to some extent, where you can go on the bike. A child seat will go whereever the bike will go. Trailers need a wider path and are a pain at any gates etc one might encounter.
We used a 'Weeride' you need to ride a bit bow legged but you're hardly likely to be speeding around with your child on board.
Our reasoning for the front mounted seat was that Jnr can see where they're headed(instead of a great veiw of your butt) and it's easier to talk to them and point out things to look at.It was good up to 3 years old after that weight started to become a real issue.
One of these. http://www.weerideuk.co.uk/
Much better than a rear seat for a child that is big enough. They are right between your arms, which seems much safer. You can chat and point at stuff, wipe nose and administer snacks as you ride along. The downside is that I end up taking the bar on and off quite frequently. Also you need either to have space in front of the saddle so you can put a foot down at junctions or do what I do and dismount keeping one foot clipped in.
Rack mounted seat. Topeak one. Our toddler loves it but its easy for them to get cold so wrap them up.
And make up endless variations of The Wheels on the Bike go round and round.
We have a trailer and seat and a tag along.
When they were both small they loved the trailer, as did i, just felt safer.
The older one (now 6) loves the tag along as she feels like she is actaully helping daddy (as if)
The younger one now 3 1/2 prefers to but up on the seat.
I kind of think the seat is not as safe as having them strapped into a decent trailer. I have the Trek GoBug which is an exeptional trailer.
One good thing about the trailer was we could fill the 'boot' with picnic stuff and blankets when going out for the day. Something i miss as i now have to carry it all on my back!!!!!
Find someone you can try the various options out before you buy.
One other thing with the weeride is that other road users don't realise that you have a child on board. If you have rear seat people do seem to give you a more space.
Had seat and trailer, trailer now gone as she much prefers sitting high up and seeing what's going on, plus it's easy for me to keep chatting to her.
Rack mounted Copilot like the one in st mag on the salsa Fargo, been great for both my boys, got a trek mt trailers too, gets them pedalling which is useful.
I think the OH has seen the weeride and that is what she was thinking of I was more concerned with the safety point of view .Engineering head seems to think a high C of G would be unstable with both of them on it and thats why I was thinking trailer. but having never used one maybe im just overthinking it?
On the other hand she's a nosy bugger so maybe it would be better if it was interactive for her and higher up
Thanks for the input folks
One other thing I meant to say was dont put a rack mounted seat on something with a flexy or whippy rear triangle. All the weight snapping from.side to side can.be tricky in tight situations.
Check out the Bobike Mini, best front seat on the market in my opinion, not cheap mind. They mount them to the handlebar stem so that the kid sits a little higher and further forward than a Weeride so you dont have to ride bow legged, also if you bin it the bars dont smack the kid, perfect.