should I get a bike trailer for my toddler, or should I get the kind that sits on the back? which is safer? which is easier to use?
2006-08-26 11:20:41 · 4 answers · asked by Jonita S 2 in Sports ➔ Cycling
I've used both and I like the trailer better.
Trailer:
pro: Lotsa room for teddy bears, juce, pillows etc. If you crash it stays upright. When baby's able to walk, s/he can get in and out on her own. If you ever want to go bike touring or just take a picnic or day trip, you can fit food and a small cooler too.
con: long. heavier / more wind drag. won't fit thru a lot of narrow bike gates on bike paths and trails. make sure you have the plastic windscreen option or your back tire will constantly be throwing dirt, grit, and water into baby's eyes. it's big so you'll need a place to store it. some models have really crappy connections to the bike.
Babyseat:
pro: simple, light, small, reasonably safe, baby is right there behind you.
con: ever tried lifting a 20 pound squirmy kid into one of those? remember, your bike is resting on it's kickstand while you're doing this. yes, it will fall over. if it falls over with baby in it, assuming he has a helmet on he'll probably be ok but won't be happy.
If you have the storage space, I recommend the trailer. Nashbar.com has a house brand that's usually under $100, it's the same model we've owned for years and it has put up with tons of abuse (loaded up with 3 full coolers and blasting down a mountainbike trail at full speed, no problem). The hitch really sucks, but if you buy it get in touch with me via Answers and I'll send you pics and instructions on how to a better one.
Good luck,
Scott
oh p.s. most of the time when my kids were little, as soon as we started riding they fell asleep.
2006-08-26 14:40:03 · answer #1 · answered by scott.braden 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
They'd have more space in the trailer and you'd be able to use it still when they get bigger. But the baby seat keeps them very near to you and is safe to take on streets and things moreso than trailers.
2006-08-26 18:26:18 · answer #2 · answered by Answerer 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I like the the back seat just because your 100% sure that you can see the toddler.
2006-08-26 18:26:29 · answer #3 · answered by ~Genie~ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Trailer. Your kid can't fall out of a trailer.
2006-08-26 19:10:14 · answer #4 · answered by kalaka 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋