Having the ability to ride with your child using a bike to bike connection opens your activity options and provides lots of SMILES. Assist them when they need it.
goRide supporting you to understand your options for riding with a child, 4yrs+, on their own bike.
If your child is riding their own bike by the age of 4 plus there are solutions that create a bike to bike connection so you can expand your Family Riding. Creating a bike to bike connection can assist your child to continue to ride if they tire or they are struggling to keep up. Bike to bike connections are also good safety options for in traffic or when the weather turns nasty (wind, rain). You can assist them when they need it so they can ride further, longer, up hills etc. You have three options to create a bike to bike connection:
- Tow Frame – creates a tandem, very stable connection, 3-9 years
- Tow Bar – intermittent assist, 4-9 years
- Tow Rope – intermittent assist, 4 years plus
To follow is a detailed description of each option to help you with comparing and choosing between them. We have a lot of support and guides to help with all the questions you might have… if this all seems like a lot of information just get in contact by email and ask us some questions… CONTACT goRide
Bike Tow Frame – Follow Me Tandem
The Facts – The Bike Tow Frame connects the rear wheel hub of the lead bike to the front wheel hub of the trailing bike making a very low stable bike to bike connection. This stability makes this towing option suitable for long periods of towing, using with younger kids, towing in a wide variety of environments, and it is our choice for towing in traffic. You can use the tow frame from 3yrs to 9yrs and up to a maximum combined weight of 45kg for the trailing bike and rider.
Bike Compatibility – Compatible with most adult bikes and can attach to kids bike wheel that is 20″ or smaller. Learn more… Will a Tow Frame Fit my Bike?
Riding with a Tow Frame – When in use the front wheel of the trailing (child’s) bike is lifted off the ground. The design prevents the handlebars on the child’s bike from turning, leaving the lead bike (adult) in control of steering. Your child can choose to pedal or not while being towed, making the ride easier for them. As the rider of the lead bike you need to be capable of taking on the extra work and load that towing a child requires. Do you have the fitness/strength required? Electric bikes remove these barriers and allow most adults to tow any child/rider. Learn more… Riding Safely with a Tow Frame
Enjoy the Experience – Using a tow frame is a great way to confidently move around with your young rider especially through traffic. This is such a stable, secure connection that you don’t have to worry about what is happening behind you. For the child being towed it is also a good feeling. They will be very rigid so it is easier for them to balance and relax. This can be a great option for any kids who are reluctant to ride a bike whether that is confidence or just distance. Learn more… How Does it Feel to Tow a Child on a Bike?
Kids who ride their own bike Buying Guide
Will a Tow Frame Fit my Bike?
Tow Bar – Trailgator
The Facts – The Bike Tow Bar is a solid bar that is used to connect a lead (adult) bike to a trailing (kids) bike making a bike to bike connection. You can use this bar from 4yrs to 9yrs.  The combined maximum towing weight of the bike and the rider is 36kg.
Bike Compatibility – The Tow Bar attaches to the adult seat post and connects with the steering tube on the kids bike. It is not compatible with carbon seat posts. It needs a clear path way from seat post over rear wheel to the child’s bike. The childs bike needs to be a 20″ bike or smaller to be compatible.
LEARN MORE AT:Â Will a Bike Tow Bar Fit my Bike?
Riding with a Tow Bar – When in use the front wheel of the trailing (child’s) bike is lifted off the ground. A stabilising bar prevents the child’s handlebars from turning, leaving the lead bike (adult) in control of steering. Your child can choose to pedal or not while being towed, making the ride easier for them. There can be some wobble for the lead rider and some lean for the child therefore best suited to assist for short periods. As the rider of the lead bike you need to be capable of taking on the extra work and load that towing a child requires. Do you have the fitness/strength required? Electric bikes remove these barriers and allow most adults to tow any child/rider.
LEARN MORE AT:Â Riding safely with a Bike Tow Bar
Enjoy the Experience – Using a tow bar is a good low cost option to expand your family riding. Ride in environments that your child is predominantly capable of riding solo and assist your child for short periods, as and when they need it. Into wind, up an incline, across a road, through low traffic volumes. As there can be some lean with the tow bar… both you and your child need to feel comfortable with this sensation. Most well balanced riders are fine with the feel and reminding your child not to lean can reduce the likelihood of this happening. Learn more… How Does it Feel to Tow a Child on a Bike?
Towing Kids who ride their own bike Buying Guide
Ride Safely with a Tow Bar
Will a Tow Bar fit my Bike.
Tow Bar – FAQ
Tow Rope – Tow Whee
The Facts – The Bike Tow Rope is a bungee style towing product that connects a lead bike, with an adult rider, to a trailing bike. This is a dynamic non rigid connection. It allows you to tow a child smoothly & safely without the threat and danger of a towing device dangling down into your wheels. The bungee tension & length has been customised for adventure sports so the trailing rider is far enough back to see the trail and manage terrain changes. It is for uphill and flat terrain only. Suitable for towing riders from 4 years to adults (max combined weight of bike & rider 225kg or 450kg for an E-Bike Tow Rope) making it a safe way to expand and improve your family riding experiences.
Bike Compatibility – Compatible will all adult and kids bikes
Riding with a Tow Rope – As the rider of the lead bike you need to be capable of taking on the extra work and load that towing a child requires. Do you have the fitness/strength required? Electric bikes remove these barriers and allow most adults to tow any child/rider. Your child (the towed rider) needs to understand the importance of staying behind the lead bike. The towed rider is still completely in control of all steering and braking.
LEARN MORE AT:Â Riding Safely with a Tow Rope
Enjoy the Experience – A tow rope is a fantastic way to support your capable rider… up a hill, to go a little further or for help in bad weather. This lightweight and easy to carry bungee should go with you on every ride. Use it when you need it. It provides a safe and smooth tow so everyone feels confident about the experience. Learn more… How Does it Feel to Tow a Child on a Bike?
Towing Kids who ride their own bike Buying Guide
Ride Safely with a Tow Rope
Will a Tow Rope fit my bike
Tow Rope – FAQ
With your 4 plus child you can still carry your child on a kids bike seat or tow them in a trailer, however the age and size of your child may mean there is limited time until you may not be able to safely use your seat or trailer.
- Rear Seat – attached to adult bike. Maxis 1-6 years The Junior will provide a solution for your family for a longer time frame. 4-10 years
- Bike Trailer – towed by adult bike. Suitable up to 6 years if there is only 1 child in a single or double trailer
- Mid Mounted Seat – attached to adult bike, Suitable up to 6 years
For further information on bike seat and trailers …please see our guide: Biking with a 2-6 year old
Support your child to be a competent biker on their own bike. Use goRides Learn to Ride Programme and Kits. Suitable for kids from 2 years old.
Support and inspire other riders and families to ride
Share your riding outings, adventures and experiences on our quick and easy question and answer forms. Join us in helping others ride bikes. All entries receive a free shipping coupon and go into our seasonal prize draw.
goRide supporting women and families to SMILE when you ride
