Advice wanted - baby bike seats

[Zoel]

Wasn't really sure where best to post this, I'm new to this site. My baby is 6 months old, and I'm due back at work in a couple of weeks. I'd really like to get a bike seat for him so I can take him to nursery then carry on to work on my bike. The journey will be less than 10mins on back streets. He is big for his age and sitting well independently. I have been reading loads about it and talked to guys in a couple of local bike shops and still feel completely confused - don't know whether to get a front or back mounted bike and no idea which make to buy. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, and even better if anyone has one that they wouldn't mind us having a go on it would be ideal if we could try one out first.

Thanks

[BeccaL]

Hi Zoe. I've got a rear mounted seat which am planning to sell. However haven't taken fittings off my bike yet so you're welcome to come and try it. We had it since daughter was about 9 months and it was great. Pm me if you prefer. Becca

[Zoel]

Thanks Becca, that would be great. i've sent you a message

Cheers

[The Nappy Lady]

And I have a front mounted seat on my bike if you want to try that too. Bike is set for me at 5' 7"

[Zoel]

Thanks but a friend has just brought round a front mounted one for me to try. What make do you have? and how do you find it? I like the idea of being able to see him but they do seem very exposed and a bit less protected. Also seem very small. Thanks very much for your offer though.

[The Nappy Lady]

The one I have is a German make, will check later. It's a moulded plastic seat similar to the rear mounted seats, except it only comes up to underarm height.

I was advised by bike shops to get a rear mounted seat but I'm so glad I went front mounted - the centre of gravity feels right & I like having my arms around my daughter & being able to talk to her easily. She loves it & likes her 'job' of ringing the bell!

She is now 3 & just on the cusp of having to go into a rear seat as the max weight in the front seat is 15kg. We have a Hamax rear seat from our 1st daughter anyway but I'm in no rush to swap her over.

The only downside I can think of is that you can't mount or dismount elegantly with the front mounted seat because you can't go forwards off the saddle, other than that I love it.

Mine has a single bracket that clamps to the handlebar stem of the bike with a sliding 'lock'. To fit the seat you just slide it's 2 prongs into the clamp & slide the lock across so very east to take on & off, like a Hamax. Not all the front mounted seats work like this so if you go down this route that is with checking.

I've seen a few for sale on the forum & eBay though they don't come up as often as rear mounted seats.

I think mine is a Kinded Sulkie but not 100% will check later.

[MichelleT]

I have a front mounted seat too, its a Dutch seat, a Bobike Mini. What Molly said - I can chat to my little boy and he loves being able to see everything. He also 'helps' by changing gears... You can buy a plastic shield attachment to reduce exposure to wind etc but we haven't found it too much trouble so far. If its really bad in winter I'll get one on ebay.