There are always choices to be made. Rear bike seats that attach to a bike carrier are made by many different companies. In this story we take a look at two of the best to help you decide what might be the right seat for you and your family.
A Quick Overview of Rear Bike Seats
Both these rear seats are mounted onto a carrier at the rear of your bike. So your child is tucked in behind you as you ride. Protected by your body and close enough to you for everyone to feel safe and secure.
Rear Bike Seats are the most versatile bike seat – there is a solution for most bikes and it offers your family a seat that is usable for a wide age range. It is a suitable first bike seat. Designed for children from 1-6 years. A weight range of 9-22kg. Your child needs to be able to sit independently and fit a bike helmet to safely use this seat.
LEARN MORE: Rear Kids Bike Seat Buying Guide
The Thule Nexxt Maxi – best design
Attachment: Straight onto a carrier via a clamping mechanism. Very easy to move between bikes with carriers (use on a second bike) or attach/remove from your bike. Completely detaches nothing is left on your carrier.
Dimensions: Back length 48cm, seat depth 20cm
Materials/Features: Made from very dense foam with a coloured protective rear plastic shell, extremely lightweight, large rear reflector. Locks via a key to your carrier. Plastic safety strap placed around seat post of adult bike. Fully adjustable to fit your child. Arrives fully assembled.
Harness: 5 point magnetic harness. Magnetic harnesses are the easiest harnesses to use. A five point harness is better for young kids as they secure both the arms & legs. This means if your child manages to wriggle their arms out of the top of the harness they are still secured via the legs.
The Iki Urban Rear – best on a budget
Attachment: Clamps onto a mounting bracket that is attached to your rear carrier. To use with a second bike an extra mounting bracket needs to be purchased. Easy to attach/remove from your bike. The mounting bracket remains on your carrier – tools required to remove this bracket.
Dimensions: Back length 45cm, seat depth 21cm
Materials/Features: Made from flexible plastic, lightweight, 5 point harness. Locks via a combination lock and thin wire strap placed around seat post of adult bike. Fully adjustable to fit your child. Simple assembly required when arrives.
Harness: 5 point harness. A five point harness is better for young kids as they secure both the arms & legs. This means if your child manages to wriggle their arms out of the top of the harness they are still secured via the legs. A bit tricker to line up and click into place compared to the magnetic version that does it all for you.
Other considerations…
Both these rear seats are durable and well made. They will last your family through years of riding and more than one child. Rear seats are a great investment over time when brought early, if your child is 1 or 2yrs of age. They can be used throughout the year as your body protects them from direct air flow. The are also a good choice if you want to try riding with more than one child attached to your bike or being towed.
As always safety and your confidence to choose to ride is really important. For more on this… please read Riding Safely with a Rear Kids Bike Seat
Smiles…riding with an Urban Iki Front & Rear Bike Seat.
Riding with multiple kids. A rear kids bike seat & tow frame.
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