http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: Cycling with Children en Wed, 13 May 2026 02:24:31 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=143&page=4#post-219648 Thu, 12 May 2016 10:52:52 +0000 chdot 219648@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"</p> <p>Before Islabikes, children had a raw deal when it came to bicycles. They were riding bikes that weighed half their body weight, struggling to reach the brakes, and generate enough power to use them even if they could.</p> <p>And then Isla Rowntree came along, found a gap in the market, built a successful business and made a lot of children very happy in the process. We caught up with her to find out how she did it, and ask her for advice on buying a child's bike...</p> <p>"</p> <p><a href="http://totalwomenscycling.com/longform/53445" rel="nofollow">http://totalwomenscycling.com/longform/53445</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=143&page=4#post-186097 Thu, 16 Apr 2015 14:01:28 +0000 Lezzles 186097@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I knew this forum would come up trumps. Thank you to all. Hoping I can make the bike curious event but got a funny feeling I might be in Ethiopia. </p> <p>Good thing we've got the bike to work scheme as I can see some more expensive options for our future. The tandem plus child seat looks fun. I've been talking about selling my car for ages but thought until the small baby years are behind me it would be silly. With advice like this though I can see an advert on Autotrader coming up a lot sooner than I thought. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=143&page=4#post-186059 Thu, 16 Apr 2015 07:09:37 +0000 I were right about that saddle 186059@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@HankChief</p> <p>Good point on the TrailGator. Ordinary kids' bikes are engineered to survive no more than fifty miles of riding. Commuting will kill them dead. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=143&page=4#post-186049 Wed, 15 Apr 2015 20:29:45 +0000 HankChief 186049@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Lezzles - here are a couple of good threads for reference</p> <p><a href="http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12748&amp;page=3#post-156915">Darkerside ' s write up of last year family bike curious event </a></p> <p>If you can wait to this year's event you should be able to pick up some good tips and see for yourself what the options are.</p> <p><a href="http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10809#post-119857">How I solved a similar problem</a></p> <p>In answer to your specific question, I'd say you'd be best placed with a tagalong for the following reasons</p> <p>1. You talk about the commute and running late. Makes me think there'll be limited opportunity for solo riding. Trailgators are best for when they can roam free.</p> <p>2. Tagalongs tend to have 20" wheels compared to 14/16" wheels on starter bikes. There is a noticeable increase in rolling resistence from the smaller wheels - especially when you are riding it empty (&amp; faster).</p> <p>3. Trailgators require the towed bike to pull a small wheelie which puts the riders positioning slightly out from normal. Okay for short rides but gets them used to an odd position.</p> <p>4. If you ride in all weathers the gunk from your rear wheel will spoil the towed bike and with the mileage on the rear hub it will aged pretty quickly.</p> <p>The real problem comes when No2 arrives and you have to start looking at tandems...</p> <p>Any further help needed just shout. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=143&page=4#post-186019 Wed, 15 Apr 2015 13:36:51 +0000 Edinburgh Cycle Training 186019@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>When my youngest grew out of the trailer, she went on a tag along.</p> <p>It was easy and quick to hitch/unhitch, so could be left at e.g. her nursery.</p> <p>Downside was she liked it so much I honestly think it put her off wanting to learn to cycle independently.</p> <p>Upside was when that day came that I sold it on quickly and easily and for a tenner less than I'd originally paid (having bought it second hand) although I included a second hitch, as I'd bought one for Mrs Bikeability's bike.</p> <p>All in, it did its job, was a lot of fun, got the family out together, was cheap! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=143&page=4#post-186018 Wed, 15 Apr 2015 13:14:32 +0000 Lezzles 186018@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I've tried trawling through this topic but haven't been able to find something on the merits of tag-along vs. one of those bars that connects a kids bike to an adults bike. </p> <p>Little one is currently v happy in her bike seat on the back of my bike but at some point we'd like to move her off my bike and onto her own. </p> <p>At the moment I tend to cycle the small child to nursery, dump the child and then carry on my own merry way. If I'm running late this can include a rather bumpy ride up a farm track - am I likely to wreck a tagalong doing that? Do these tagalongs come off easily or will I have to cycle the rest of my journey with the tagalong attached?</p> <p>As you can tell I'm completely clueless at the moment. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=143&page=4#post-163281 Tue, 26 Aug 2014 08:35:57 +0000 SRD 163281@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>My child spacing strategy was not to have two in nappies or buggy at same time. Turns out it's even better in terms of bike riding :) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=143&page=4#post-163276 Tue, 26 Aug 2014 08:17:47 +0000 Min 163276@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Cool stuff. :-) <a href="https://uk.images.search.yahoo.com/images/view;_ylt=A2KLj9NnNPxTD2cA.t5NBQx.;_ylu=X3oDMTIyajliM2t1BHNlYwNzcgRzbGsDaW1nBG9pZANhNTgwZDQyN2VhMzdlNGIwYjgwODVkOTlhYzkxNzM1OQRncG9zAzEEaXQDYmluZw--?back=https%3A%2F%2Fuk.images.search.yahoo.com%2Fyhs%2Fsearch%3Fp%3Dgoodies%2Bbike%26hsimp%3Dyhs-searchlotto%26hspart%3Dslotto%26tab%3Dorganic%26ri%3D1&amp;w=576&amp;h=395&amp;imgurl=www.oocities.org%2Fhollywood%2F4705%2Fbike.gif&amp;rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.oocities.org%2Fhollywood%2F4705%2Fpictures.html&amp;size=166.3KB&amp;name=Pictures&amp;p=goodies+bike&amp;oid=a580d427ea37e4b0b8085d99ac917359&amp;fr2=&amp;fr=&amp;tt=Pictures&amp;b=0&amp;ni=21&amp;no=1&amp;ts=&amp;tab=organic&amp;sigr=11kd76vu1&amp;sigb=13h2rlbm1&amp;sigi=1180bntfd&amp;sigt=108csutme&amp;sign=108csutme&amp;.crumb=VNA5BMQcgh5&amp;hsimp=yhs-searchlotto&amp;hspart=slotto">Perhaps a Goodies bike would do the trick.</a> ;-) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=143&page=4#post-163270 Tue, 26 Aug 2014 07:51:09 +0000 HankChief 163270@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Oh and with me planning to ride a tandem with tag-a-long on the back shows why I'm fanatical on removing unnecessary chicanes. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=143&page=4#post-163265 Mon, 25 Aug 2014 23:55:01 +0000 HankChief 163265@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I introduced myself to Mr SRD at Harrison Park this afternoon and I was able to quiz him about micro SRD's progression to stoker. Good work for the wee man.</p> <p>I'm waiting to make the same move with micro Hankchief as she is getting too big/heavy for the child seat, although I'd be promoting mini Hankchief to a trailer bike at the same time as I don't think he is ready for riding the daily commute solo (and I don't think I'm ready for the added stress in the morning).</p> <p>The joy of parenting is that nothing stays the same for long... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=143&page=4#post-163208 Mon, 25 Aug 2014 10:30:56 +0000 Roibeard 163208@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>any offers on a small purple Beinn , 20" wheels?</em></p> <p>Find a friend who is a little behind in the child stakes, and offer it on long term loan - you'll need it for micro SRD in a bit!</p> <p>Robert </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=143&page=4#post-163202 Mon, 25 Aug 2014 09:06:00 +0000 SRD 163202@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Have debated the two tandem concept, but are hoping it means that big sister cycles on her own. Which is why we're looking to get her a new bike (any offers on a small purple Beinn , 20" wheels?) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=143&page=4#post-163199 Mon, 25 Aug 2014 08:32:27 +0000 fimm 163199@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Excellent!<br /> Does this mean you are now a two tandem family?<br /> I loved the photo on Facebook - Mr SRD is quite tall and his new stoker is quite small... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=143&page=4#post-163196 Sun, 24 Aug 2014 22:23:09 +0000 cb 163196@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"The new stoker put in 14 miles today - said 'this is fun'! at the end."</p> <p>Spotted you all on Russell Road. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=143&page=4#post-163188 Sun, 24 Aug 2014 17:24:27 +0000 SRD 163188@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>ps anyone want a somewhat used Hamax £25 </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=143&page=4#post-163187 Sun, 24 Aug 2014 17:15:01 +0000 SRD 163187@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>We were checking out the carrera tdf jr, but unfortunately it's still a bit big. </p> <p>The new stoker put in 14 miles today - said 'this is fun'! at the end. </p> <p>Liberating to ride without a childseat/with panniers. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=143&page=4#post-163173 Sun, 24 Aug 2014 07:46:31 +0000 gembo 163173@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@srd I had a feeling laidback would cut you a deal on that Helios.</p> <p>What shrine were you worshipping at out hermiston gait way?</p> <p>I pay my tithe to decathlon there. I appear to have five pounds free to spend dur to paying my tithes on such a regular basis. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=143&page=4#post-163169 Sat, 23 Aug 2014 22:37:30 +0000 LivM 163169@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>:) good to see.</p> <p>I will be reading this thread with diligence in a year or so once our sproglet emerges into daylight and starts to be bike-transportable. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=143&page=4#post-163168 Sat, 23 Aug 2014 22:11:52 +0000 Uberuce 163168@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>As a committed rationalist I <u>should</u> have the same emotional response to this as I get from my fingernails growing, but....</p> <p>Squeee! Micro-SRD's getting all growed up! Kudos to B! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=143&page=4#post-163163 Sat, 23 Aug 2014 20:27:24 +0000 SRD 163163@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Four years ago I started this thread because eldest daughter was getting too big for her bikeseat, and her small brother was due to arrive at the end of the year. </p> <p>This is the thread where the Circe Helios was first mentioned on the forum. </p> <p>Amazingly, today, that small brother had his first go at stokering - admirably assisted by all at laidback bikes. After some practice rides, he and his Dad then rode out the canal to Wester Hailes to meet us (we'd been on a pilgramage to hermiston gait). </p> <p>Many, many thanks to all of you on here who have assisted us in various ways, especially chdot helping get both kids riding independently and -- Laidback - bike dealer beyond compare. I know of no one else who always goes that extra mile for customers/friends.</p> <p>Thanks guys - with your assistance it's been a great 4 years of family cycling. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=143&page=4#post-46447 Mon, 14 Nov 2011 12:00:21 +0000 steveo 46447@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Got a fancy Hamax one from Gumtree for £30, does the whole recline thing, not sure i'll use that but its nice to have. Now to fix the mountain bike not sure the single speed is really designed as a load carrier. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=143&page=4#post-44757 Mon, 31 Oct 2011 15:01:37 +0000 steveo 44757@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Had him in the seat on Sunday just round the block a few times, he loved it. At one point he was hanging over the side with the wind in his hair grinning away. The springyness of the Hamax didn't seem to bother him. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=143&page=4#post-44194 Wed, 26 Oct 2011 15:00:39 +0000 SRD 44194@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>okay. PM me and we'll arrange. You could also borrow the copilot, but its a bit wonky after extended use. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=143&page=4#post-44193 Wed, 26 Oct 2011 15:00:35 +0000 spitters 44193@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I too have a bairn seat that seemed plenty comfy for young spittly v1.0 and as V2.0 won't need it for a few years you can have a go if SRDseat doesn't suit </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=143&page=4#post-44185 Wed, 26 Oct 2011 14:46:41 +0000 steveo 44185@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Yes please SRD that would be good, if he doesn't get on with the hamax i'll have to invest in a rack that'll fit. </p> <p><em>Although </em>he complains going in to the car seat so he might just have to put up.... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=143&page=4#post-44164 Wed, 26 Oct 2011 12:53:43 +0000 SRD 44164@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>nope or not so much. could be various things though. [my husband volunteers that he prefers using the hamax]</p> <p>do you want to borrow our hamax and try it for a couple days? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=143&page=4#post-44163 Wed, 26 Oct 2011 12:53:28 +0000 crowriver 44163@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@SRD: <em>its not fancy (no light!)</em> </p> <p>Maybe you need <a href="http://www.wiggle.co.uk/hamax-child-seat-clip-on-rear-light/">one of these</a>?</p> <p><em>he does not seem as comfy in it as he is in the Copilot</em></p> <p>Does it have the foam lining/cushion still intact or has that gone? If it has been lost, then maybe rigging up a bit of fleece or similar will make it a bit more snug? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=143&page=3#post-44162 Wed, 26 Oct 2011 12:43:01 +0000 steveo 44162@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>At any rate, he certainly protests about being put in it. </em></p> <p>Did he protest at the others? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=143&page=3#post-44157 Wed, 26 Oct 2011 11:55:15 +0000 SRD 44157@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>We fitted a Hamax for the trip to the Highlands. I'd picked it up at a NNS, so its not fancy (no light!) but in good condition (according to seller had mainly been used for holiday trip). Seems fine, but he does not seem as comfy in it as he is in the Copilot, nor as happy as he was in the BoBike seat. At any rate, he certainly protests about being put in it. </p> <p>That said, we ALWAYS found the a bike ride to nursery better than bus and etc, so matter what age or weather! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=143&page=3#post-44155 Wed, 26 Oct 2011 11:39:22 +0000 crowriver 44155@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@steveo, I've been using a <a href="http://www.hamax.no/index.php?option=com_products&amp;id=70&amp;parentid=10&amp;Itemid=176&amp;catid=12">Hamax Sleepy</a> seat for two years, with children up to 22kg (eg. 4 year old) with no problems. Currently mounted to my wife's 'hybridised' MTB, previously on my Specialized Globe hybrid. It's a great seat, sturdy with its own suspension to save the child's spine. Reclines if they need a wee snooze. Built in LED light on rear too. Easily removed when not required. I really recommend it.</p> <p>There can sometimes be issues with heel clearance on small (compact) frames, as happened with my hybrid. Easily fixed with the ourchase of a <a href="http://www.evanscycles.com/products/hamax/childseat-spare-support-bar-ec006840">replacement support bar designed for smaller frames</a>. </p>