Commuting with Children

Thanks for all your help. I will get a Hamax Kiss. My 4 year old is very small for his age and skinny.

Yeah, I asked them about that and they have said it is 20kg. Given the price difference it didn't sound that bad???

Just check the manufacturers max weight limit to make sure the seat is suitable for you.

I don't know how that fixing really works? Year back I got a similar one for a kid about the same age (also not a big lass). Mine attached to the seat post though - but it swung so wildly it made me feel VERY unstable. It swung with little'un and for every bump on the road.

After a little reluctance (and a bit of fuss on my part - as in "This is not fit for purpose" in raised tones) the shop took it back. I replaced it with one that also had stays down to the axle - much more stable (but I didn't have an MTB).

I've never had a problem with hamax seats swinging around.

Picked up a Steppy child seat from Decathlon and stuck it on the mrs' bike.. Very pleased with the fit and our little one loved it, once she realised she wasn't walking!
Also £10 cheaper than the Halfords model.. Though no pics of it in action as it rained when we took it out!

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/steppy-child-seat-frame-id_8165041.html

Only you know the 4 year old in question and what they are capable of, but one thought is the future.

A seat is only going to be short term, and whilst a trailer will be a longer term investment you are only talking a couple of years before the position becomes cramped and difficult.

A trailer bike, if they can manage it has a long potential use, and also means that the child tales an active part, but can coast if they are tired.

Often cheaper than a trailer as well!

Cheers for all the advise, I've bought a Hamax seat. its very good.

going to order one of the trailers I mentioned above.

Anyone know wjere i can get a spare back wheel attachment?

The Hamax are good products but an even better designed one and better looking is made by Bo-Bike. We sell the brand here at our London boutique and they have front and rear options. For front your best to keep it young ( up to 3 years ) and then transfer them to the back as mentioned in previous posts. The weight is better in the rear anyways for handling on the road and reacting to any potential danger that you may encounter.

I think this brand is the best on the market.

Well you would say that, because you're currently bombarding the forum with free ads for products which you sell. Please stop.

Don't try duct tape

I bought myself one of the Hamax Kiss seats and one of the cheap bike trailers from amazon.

The Hamax seat is very good, detaches very easily and is stable with my 4 year old on. My little girl has been in the seat and loves it too.

The trailer is very good value for money. I've managed to buy an extra bike attachment so that I can attach the trailer to either trailer.

I've cancelled the car insurance today so its biking from hear on out lol. Cycled 66 Miles over the past 2 weeks.

Thank you for all of your advise...