Bike Seat or Pull Behind Cart?

strapp02 · July 2011

We are going on vacation to Mackinac Island, the main mode of transportation is bikes. DS just turned 1, do you think he would be happier in a bike seat or in a pull behind cart thing?

Is he even big/old enough for the cart? 31 inches 21 lbs

Thanks for any advice!

Amy&Andy · July 2011

We have a bike seat and DS loves it. With that being said, it's probably only going to last us until the end of the summer even though it claims to last until they are 40lbs, but I see no way that could happen. I also don't like with the seat that once it's installed on a bike it pretty much has to stay on it. It's on DH's right now, but there are times where I wish I'd be able to take him on mine but its such a PITA to install that its really not an option to move it from bike to bike. I imagine the cart would be a lot easier in that regard.

jwthoms1 · July 2011

Look into the bike seat that goes in front. It's really safe. My DH wants to get one and we have friends that have it. I hear the cart is hard to control, it gets dusty/dirty easily and the kids can see much. With the bike seat in front of the rider the kid gets to see everything, much more fun!

Arcadia1114 · July 2011

To make your decision more confusing, I'll tell you how much I love my pull trailer. I did start with the seat but couldn't find one to fit my bike. Good luck in your search. Have a great vacation!

k.linn · July 2011

We have an Xterra pull behind trailer that I love. We bought an extra pin-latch-thing for DH's bike so we have the option to use it with either bike, but I usually pull DD behind me. Ours seats two, but if one is sitting in it they can use the straps in the middle. I figured if I was shelling out money for a trailer I'd want the option of using it with a future kiddo too. I just didn't feel comfortable with the seat on front. I have no real reason or research for feeling like this, but I just feel like DD is safer should something happen strapped in inside the trailer with her helmet on than exposed on one of those front seats.

TMDMJAOCT07 · July 2011

Mrs. Day:
To make your decision more confusing, I'll tell you how much I love my pull trailer. I did start with the seat but couldn't find one to fit my bike. Good luck in your search. Have a great vacation!

Another vote for a trailer! DD loves hers, we started using ours in April, she was about 14 months. She can see a ton, and out the sides as well. She's happy, content and usually laughing and telling who ever is pulling her to "go" the whole time. She can have water or a toy with her as well.

Love it. Its safe, they are protected from road gunk by a mesh cover (or a full on plastic type window if it is raining or cold). Theres a roll bar as well, incase of a tip over.

just.a.lurker · July 2011

we have the ibert bike seat and love it!

strapp02 · July 2011

I should have mentioned we will be renting bikes and whichever seat for DS we choose to go with.

Thanks for sharing your experiences!

lite-bright · July 2011

We got a Schwinn bike trailer. It's a double and both my one-year-old and three-year-old love riding in it. The weight limit is 100 pounds, but my girls together probably barely hit 55 pounds right now; I think they'll get too long for it way before we ever hit the weight limit. There's a pocket on each side so they can have a cup in there with them.

I can pull them, no problems. We ordered an extra bracket so that we have one on my bike and DH's. We go for a bike ride several times a week now.

NewFamily09 · July 2011

We have a trailor that gets pulled behind the bike and DS doesn't seem to like it much. He's okay on paved roads, but on dirt trails, he got really dizzy or something. He started to cry and when I took him out he couldn't walk straight. I'm hoping he'll outgrow it, because we love biking. I think the rule of thumb is that they need to be at least 1 to use it. Check whatever you buy though. It might be different for bike seats.

MeghanF13 · July 2011

We have the seat on the front and LOVE it. DD loves to be able to see everything, and the centre of gravity is best on front (vs rear). Even if she moves around, the bike doesn't. Very easy to control. It is super easy to move from DH's bike to mine, however, because I am short, the seat doesn't fit between my seat and the handlebars (and still leave enough room for me to get off the seat at stops etc.). If it did leave enough room, it wouldn't be an issue as it literally takes 5 minutes to move. She still wears a helmet so she is safe.

I didn't like the idea of the trailers because they are right at mouth level with the exhaust pipes on the car. However, for more than 1 LO or on trails, they seem great. IMHO I felt safer with DD on the front. We got the seat at a garage sale for $20.

Torani · July 2011

I think a trailer would be easier. It connects to pretty much any bike, and you can detach it and use it as a stroller with the 3rd wheel attachment (not sure if they all have that) when you get to your destination. DS falls asleep in his all the time too, not sure about the design of the seats if they allow for napping.

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