Triangle Frame – 2 to 4yr old Bike Seat Match

Triangle Frame – 2 to 4yr old Bike Seat Match

by | Oct 6, 2022 | get Ready

Do you want to ride with your 2-4yr old on a bike? Do you have a triangle bike frame?

Understand the options that are most suitable for your style of bike. Helping you get the Right Kids Bike Seat, Trailer or Tow.

Supporting you and your family to SMILE when you ride.

tow rope
Guide: Riding with a 2-4yr old

Overview: Bike with a Triangle Frame

Triangle Frames:

A triangle frame is one of the best types of bike frames for riding early with your child.  These types of bikes have a horizontal top tube that sits high between your legs and is often a preferred style for men.  The frames are made from a variety of metals, for riding with kids, steel and reinforced aluminium is the best.  All the bike seat options for the 2 to 4 year old age work well with this bike design but we particularly like this bike with a rear seat because the design of the bike suits attachment of weight here.

Type of Riding: these types of bike frames are used in a variety of environments from around town riding to multi day tour riding.  Best match to commute, recreation & long distance tour riding.

 

Rear Mount Seats Carrier and Frame

A rear kids bike seat sits above the rear wheel of your bike attached to a rear carrier (carrier mount) or directly to the frame of your bike (frame mount).  Your child will be tucked in right behind you and well protected to enjoy their time on the bike.

A lot of triangle frame bikes come with rear carriers, if not they are great bikes to fit carriers to.  Frame mount rear seats attach to the frame of bikes on the seat post tube and triangle frames have the required space to attach the mount.  Triangle frames are a great match to both types of rear kid bike seats.

Find out more about carrier attachment:  Will a Rear Carrier Mount seat fit my bike?

Find out more about frame attachment:  Will a Rear Frame Mount seat fit my bike?

Shop Rear Seat Range

Mid Mount Seats

A Mid Mount Seat sits behind the handlebars on the top tube of your frame so the child is in between your arms. Kids love this as they can see where they are going. This seat provides the best interaction between you and your child as they are right in front of you and you can see what they are doing.

Mid mount seats come in a range of designs to suit different frame widths.  You need the simple or basic designs with triangle frames unless you have an E-Bike.  Mid seats are usually better on triangle frame sizes medium and above but this depends on how upright you are and how much space there is between your body and the handlebars.

Find out more about attachment on the shop page by reading the guides called Will if Fit?

SHOP Mid Seat Range

Bike Trailers

A kids bike trailer is pulled along behind a triangle frame.  This is a great way to carry one or two kids who will be well protected and comfortable.

The trailer attaches at the rear wheel axel and you will find that for most triangle frames the attachment the trailer comes with (compatible with a hollow axel with quick release) is the one that will work.

Find out more about bike trailer attachment:  Will a Bike Trailer fit my bike?

Shop Bike Trailer Range

Bike Tow Frame

The bike tow frame connects your triangle frame bike to your child’s bike. This is a great way to tow a child who needs assistance or help on trails or through traffic.  This frame style is a great match to towing.

The tow frame attaches at the rear wheel axel and you will find that for most bikes the attachment the trailer comes with will work (Tow Frames come with a Quick Release Skewer).  If you have a modern bike, built in the past 4-5 years you may have what is called a Through Axel, please check your axel type and check availability of alternative axels.

Find out more about bike tow frame attachment:  Will a Bike Tow Frame fit my bike?

riding with a child 4yr+
Shop Bike Tow Frame

Triangle Frames: Multiple Kids or Twins

A triangle frame bike can have more than one child seat attached to it.  With one seat in front of you and one directly behind you mounting & dismounting your bike will be tricky over a high top tube. You will need to be flexible or happy with holding the weight of two children on the bike if you need to lean it over to get on to it.

Towing a double bike trailer immediately gives you options for two kids.  Or a single/double bike trailer allows for either a front or rear seat to be attached to the bike.

STORY: Riding with Twins/Young Siblings

Design features that cause issues: Triangle Frames

A triangle frame offers many options for riding with kids.  It is one of the best bikes to have to ride as a family.  But like all bikes some features can cause issues. If you have a Small frame please read:  Small Bike Frames & Kids Bike Seats

SMALL FRAMES – if you are considering a mid mount seat then pay particular attention to whether you will have enough space in front of your body. The body position you ride in is very important to create room in front of your chest.  If you lean forward at all on a x-small or small triangle frame then a mid seat will be very challenging to use.

SMALL FRAMES – a rear kids bike seat needs to be attached close to the middle of your rear wheel – ideally a little in front – so that the weight transferred down does not cause rear tipping of your bike. If mounting a rear seat directly to the frame – Frame Mount Rear Seat – your frame needs to be medium or larger.  Small bike frames do not have the length required to safely mount a rear frame mount seat.

29 INCH WHEELS – if your bike has 29 inch wheels then a frame mount rear bike seat is not a suitable option.

SUSPENSION – triangle frames often have front suspension.  This feature should be fine for most seats.  All rear suspension (full suspension) bikes are incompatible with any rear kids bike seat.

ELECTRIC BIKE BATTERY – Battery placement can be an issue with Rear Bike Seats.  E-bikes that have batteries placed below rear carriers or in, or behind, the seat post tube may have problems.  These positions for batteries can effect your ability to attach both a rear frame and a rear carrier mount seat.  There are mid mount seats that can be used with wide frame styles.  So if your top tube is wide choose this type of seat.

Your bike riding success is different to others… use our stories and support, get the right solutions.

Kids Bike Helmet Buying Guide

Get advice about choosing the right kids bike helmet for the type of riding your child does.

Biking with Babies on Board

Advice about riding a bike with a very young child.  What do you need to know?

Cargo Bikes Explained

A quick overview of cargo bikes and how good they are for family riding!

Buying Guides

Use our full range of buying guides to get the right solutions for you and your family.

Solution Finder

We are here to help. Use goRides quick and easy Q&A forms to receive personalised support… support specific to you and your family.

Types of Riding Stories

Stories in Types of Riding support you to learn about riding a bike in different environments.  So you can successfully choose to ride more place, more often.

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 SHARING FORM

goRide supporting women and families to SMILE when you ride

Squashed Triangle Frame – 2 to 4yr Bike Seat Match

Squashed Triangle Frame – 2 to 4yr Bike Seat Match

by | Oct 6, 2022 | get Ready

Do you want to ride with your 2-4yr old on a bike? Do you have a squashed triangle bike frame?

Understand the options that are most suitable for your style of bike. Helping you get the Right Kids Bike Seat, Trailer or Tow.

Supporting you and your family to SMILE when you ride.

tow rope
Guide: Riding with a 2-4yr old

Overview: Bike with a Squashed Triangle Frame

Squashed Triangle Frames:

This type of bike frame is common on off road mountain or trail type bikes.  We particularly like this bike with a bike trailer or a mid mount seat because the design of the bike suits a range of off road riding. A really popular frame style in New Zealand but not a great match to rear bike seats which can have problems with this bike frame so please read more if you want to use one of these seats with this frame.

Type of Riding: this squashed frame is usually a design used for trail bikes.  Best match to recreation, off road riding.

 

Bike Trailers

A kids bike trailer is pulled along behind a squashed triangle frame.  This is a great way to carry one or two kids who will be well protected and comfortable.

The trailer attaches at the rear wheel axel and you will find that for most squashed triangle frames the attachment the trailer comes with (compatible with a hollow axel with quick release) is the one that will work.  If you have a modern bike, built in the past 4-5 years please check your axel type.

Find out more about bike trailer attachment:  Will a Bike Trailer fit my bike?

goUnders & recreation saddle
Shop Bike Trailer Range

Mid Mount Seats

A Mid Mount Seat sits behind the handlebars on the top tube of your bike frame so the child is in between your arms. Kids love this as they can see where they are going. This seat provides the best interaction between you and your child as they are right in front of you and you can see what they are doing.

Squashed triangle bike frames will only work with big frame sizes – medium or large – bigger frames will have space for the mid seat despite the forward lean of your body. To get the right attachment system you will need to buy the seat designed to work with the type of trail bike you have.  

Find out more about attachment on the shop page by using the Will if Fit? guides.

SHOP Mid Mount Seat Range

Rear Mount Seats Carrier and Frame

A rear kids bike seat sits above the rear wheel of your bike attached to a rear carrier (carrier mount) or directly to the frame of your bike (frame mount).  Your child will be tucked in right behind you and well protected to enjoy their time on the bike.

Very few squashed triangle frame bikes come with rear carriers.  Having a carrier permanently attached to your bike can interfere with how you want to use it, particularly if it is a mountain bike.  Frame mount rear seats attach to the frame of bikes on the seat post tube.  For this to work your squashed triangle needs to be a large frame otherwise the clear space for the mount to attach will be too low. 

Find out more about carrier attachment:  Will a Rear Carrier Mount seat bit my bike?

Find out more about frame attachment:  Will a Rear Frame Mount seat fit my bike?

Shop Rear Seat Range

Bike Tow Frame

The bike tow frame connects your trail bike to your child’s bike. This is a great way to tow a child who needs assistance or help on trails.  The off road trails you ride on will need to be easy.  This set up enables you to use your trail/mountain bike in other environments.

The tow frame attaches at the rear wheel axel and you will find that for most modern mountain bikes the attachment the trailer comes with will not work (Tow Frames come with a Quick Release Skewer).  If you have a modern bike, built in the past 4-5 years you probably have what is called a Through Axel, please check your axel type and check availability of alternative axels.

Find out more about bike tow frame attachment:  Will a Bike Tow Frame fit my bike?

riding with a child 4yr+
Shop Bike Tow Frame

Squashed Triangle Frames: Multiple Kids or Twins

Towing a double bike trailer immediately gives you options for two kids.  Or a single/double bike trailer allows for either a mid or rear seat to be attached to the bike.

We would only suggest trying to mount a rear seat to a squashed triangle frame if your frame size is large or x-large.

STORY: Riding with Twins/Young Siblings

Design features that cause issues: Squashed Triangle Frames

A squashed triangle frame will work with kids bike seats, trailers and tows but it is one of the more challenging frame types…  If you have a Small Frame please read this story:  Small Frames & Kids Bike Seats

SMALL FRAMES – if you are considering a mid mount seat then pay particular attention to whether you will have enough space in front of your body. The body position you ride in is very important to create room in front of your chest.  Your lean forward body position makes a mid seat very challenging to use with small frames.

SMALL FRAMES – a rear kids bike seat needs to be attached close to the middle of your rear wheel – ideally a little in front – so that the weight transferred down does not cause rear tipping of your bike.  Small bike frames do not have the required room so are much more likely to tip with a rear seat attached to them.

29 INCH WHEELS – if your bike has 29 inch wheels then a frame mount rear bike seat is not a suitable option.

SUSPENSION – squashed triangle frames often have front suspension.  This feature should be fine for most seats.  Front seat footrests can touch front suspension forks.  All rear suspension (full suspension) bikes are incompatible with any rear kids bike seat.

ELECTRIC BIKE BATTERY – Battery placement can be an issue with Rear Bike Seats.  E-bikes that have batteries placed below rear carriers or in, or behind, the seat post tube may have problems.  These positions for batteries can effect your ability to attach both a rear frame and a rear carrier mount seat.

REAR WHEEL HUB –  Modern trail or mountain bikes often have different rear wheel hubs to standard bikes.  If your bike is new/high spec you will probably need to purchase a different type of rear axel for attachment of a bike trailer or bike tow frame to your bike.  Please check they are available before purchasing. This includes bikes with internal gear hubs.

Your bike riding success is different to others… use our stories and support, get the right solutions.

Kids Bike Helmet Buying Guide

Get advice about choosing the right kids bike helmet for the type of riding your child does.

Biking with Babies on Board

Advice about riding a bike with a very young child.  What do you need to know?

Cargo Bikes Explained

A quick overview of cargo bikes and how good they are for family riding!

Buying Guides

Use our full range of buying guides to get the right solutions for you and your family.

Solution Finder

We are here to help. Use goRides quick and easy Q&A forms to receive personalised support… support specific to you and your family.

Types of Riding Stories

Stories in Types of Riding support you to learn about riding a bike in different environments.  So you can successfully choose to ride more place, more often.

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 SHARING FORM

goRide supporting women and families to SMILE when you ride

Full Suspension MTB – 2 to 4yr Bike Seat Match

Full Suspension MTB – 2 to 4yr Bike Seat Match

by | Oct 6, 2022 | get Ready

Do you want to ride with your 2-4yr old on a bike? Do you have a full suspension mountain bike?

Understand the options that are most suitable for your style of bike. Helping you get the Right Kids Bike Seat, Trailer or Tow.

Supporting you and your family to SMILE when you ride.

riding with a child, 2-4yr
Guide: Riding with a 2-4yr old

Overview: Full Suspension Mountain Bike

Squashed Triangle Frames with Rear Suspension:

This type of bike frame with front and rear (full) suspension is used on mountain bikes.  Mountain bikes are really popular in New Zealand and if you do any regular type of mountain bike riding chances are that you have a full suspension bike.  Unfortunately these frames are challenging to use with attached kids bikes seats (exception mid mount seats), rear bike seats are not compatible at all, please read more below.

Type of Riding: this frame design is used for mountain bikes that are used on challenging off road trails.  Best match to mountain bike riding.

 

Mid Mount Seats

A Mid Mount Seat sits behind the handlebars so the child is in between your arms. Kids love this as they can see where they are going. This seat provides the best interaction between you and your child as they are right in front of you and you can see what they are doing.  Mid mount seats are a great match to full suspension mountain bikes!

Full suspension frames will only work in big frame sizes – medium and large – bigger frames will have space for the mid seat despite the forward lean of your body. Mid seats work with carbon frames.  For a mid seat to be attached you will need to buy the seat designed to work with the type of mountain bike you have – there are two brands and choices to be made.

Always check attachment advice before buying… Will it fit? guides are found on the shop page.

SHOP Mid Seat Range

Bike Trailers

A kids bike trailer is pulled along behind a full suspension mountain bike.  This is a great way to carry one or two kids who will be well protected and comfortable.  The trails you ride on will need to be wide to match the width of the bike trailer, so if you are hoping to ride on easy mountain bike trails in your local mountain bike park a bike trailer may not be the best match.

The trailer attaches at the rear wheel axel and you will find that for most modern mountain bikes the attachment the trailer comes with will not work (Kids Bike Trailers come with a Quick Release Skewer).  If you have a modern bike, built in the past 4-5 years you probably have what is called a Through Axel, please check your axel type.

Find out more about bike trailer attachment:  Will a Bike Trailer fit my bike?

Shop Bike Trailer Range

Bike Tow Frame

The bike tow frame connects your full suspension mountain bike to your child’s bike. This is a great way to tow a child who needs assistance or help on trails.  The off road trails you ride on will need to be easy.  This set up enables you to use your mountain bike in other environments. 

The tow frame attaches at the rear wheel axel and you will find that for most modern mountain bikes the attachment the trailer comes with will not work (Tow Frames come with a Quick Release Skewer).  If you have a modern bike, built in the past 4-5 years you probably have what is called a Through Axel, please check your axel type and check availability of alternative axels.

Find out more about bike tow frame attachment:  Will a Bike Tow Frame fit my bike?

riding with a child 4yr+
Shop Bike Tow Frame

Rear Mount Seats Carrier and Frame

A rear kids bike seat can not be safely attached to a full suspension mountain bike.  A carrier can not be put on a bike with rear suspension so the carrier mount rear seat is not an option.  The rear suspension placement makes it impossible to find 12cm of clear space on your seat post tube to attach the clamp needed for a frame mount rear seat, so again it is not an option.  

Squashed Triangle Frames: Multiple Kids or Twins

Towing a double bike trailer immediately gives you options for two kids.  Or a single/double bike trailer allows for a mid seat to be attached to the bike. We would only suggest trying to mount a mid seat if your frame size is medium or larger.

 

Design features that cause issues: Full Suspension Mountain Bike Frames

This is the most challenging frame to use with kids bike seats, trailers & tows…

SMALL FRAMES – if you are considering a mid mount seat then pay particular attention to whether you will have enough space in front of your body. The body position you ride in is very important to create room in front of your chest.  Your lean forward body position makes a mid seat very challenging to use with small frames.  For more information on bike seats that match to small frames, please read Small Frames & Kids Bike Seats

SUSPENSION – you will have front & rear suspension with the rear suspension positioned somewhere within the small triangle your frame makes.  All rear suspension (full suspension) bikes are incompatible with any rear kids bike seat.

ELECTRIC BIKE BATTERY – Electric mountain bikes generally have the battery integrated into the frame making the frame diameter wide.  This challenges attachment of kids bike seats.  Mid mount seat companies have special products designed for use with wide frames.

REAR WHEEL HUB –  Modern mountain bikes often have different rear wheel hubs to standard bikes.  You will probably need to purchase a different type of rear axel for attachment of a bike trailer or bike tow frame to your bike.  Please check they are available before purchasing. This includes bikes with internal gear hubs.

 

Your bike riding success is different to others… use our stories and support, get the right solutions.

Kids Bike Helmet Buying Guide

Get advice about choosing the right kids bike helmet for the type of riding your child does.

Biking with Babies on Board

Advice about riding a bike with a very young child.  What do you need to know?

Cargo Bikes Explained

A quick overview of cargo bikes and how good they are for family riding!

Buying Guides

Use our full range of buying guides to get the right solutions for you and your family.

Solution Finder

We are here to help. Use goRides quick and easy Q&A forms to receive personalised support… support specific to you and your family.

Types of Riding Stories

Stories in Types of Riding support you to learn about riding a bike in different environments.  So you can successfully choose to ride more place, more often.

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 SHARING FORM

goRide supporting women and families to SMILE when you ride

Buying a Bike to Use with Young Kids

Buying a Bike to Use with Young Kids

by | Oct 5, 2022 | get Ready

Buying a bike can be a daunting prospect.  If you also want that bike to work with a kids bike seat, trailer or tow there are even more things to consider.  Their are so many different types, styles and prices… where do you start?

Supporting you and your family to SMILE when you ride.

Guide: Biking with a 2-6yr old

Buying a bike to use with young kids in the age group 2-6yrs is a great idea and there are a lot of bikes on the market that will work really well for this purpose.  You just need to have an understanding of attachment points for the type of seat, trailer or tow you want to use, as not all bikes will work. It is about finding a solution to fit your situation and where you would like to ride, now and in the future.

For information on buying an E-Bike to use with a Kids Bike Seat or Trailer see this story Buying an E-Bike to Transport Kids or Grandkids.  If an E-Bike interests you and is in your budget ($2-3000+, retail pricing) we highly recommend considering this option.  The assistance an E-Bike gives you removes barriers around weight & fitness to ride with your child.

What Design Features does your Bike need?

Your bike purchase needs to be really focused on a bike that makes you feel comfortable and safe.  Once you have this feeling of confidence about riding a bike you will really enjoy adding a child/children/grandchildren to the experience.

Key design features your bike must have to work with Kids Bike Seats/Trailers/Tows

  • strong frame or strength where a seat will be clamped for attachment – seat post tube, handlebar stem.  It should be made from steel or reinforced aluminium.  No carbon for clamping front or rear bike seats, exception for mid mounts seats that can clamp to any type of frame
  • a good gear range.  Adding weight means it will be harder to push your bike along, or get going from stopped, so you need gears
  • good brakes.  Choose disc brakes if possible especially if you want to ride with a bike trailer/tow or ride down hills
  • space where you want to attach your seat

Bike Types & Matching Kids Bike Seats/Trailers

To follow are some suggestions for bikes that work well with kids bike seats, bike trailers or tows. Pay particular attention to where you would ride these types of bikes – the environments they are designed for – are they a good match to the type of riding you want to do with your young child?  You have a very limited time to enjoy riding as a family with kids attached to or towed by your bike

  • Front seats 1-3yrs
  • Mid seats 2-5 or 6yrs
  • Rear seats 1-6yrs
  • Single bike trailer 1-6yrs
  • Double bike trailer 1-4yrs with two kids
  • Bike Tow Frame 3-9yrs
Choose the correct chamois

Step Through Frame:

Choose the correct chamois

A city or commute type of bike with good options for attaching or towing kids.  This bike is designed for around town riding and enjoying paved bike paths and cycleways.

Step through frames make handling the bike so much easier – getting on/off around kids seats, easier to straddle while stopping/starting. Just easier to manage. This is especially true if you want to ride with 2 kids on one bike.

Compatibility:

Front Seats. This type of bike is a great match to riding with a front mounted kids bike seat.  The upright relaxed body position is a great way to ride a bike and it creates space for a front seat to be in between your arms.  Look for height in the handlebar stem making attachment of the front seat adapters really easy – you need at least 20mm of space.

Mid Seats. Again this frame design gives you room and space for a child on a mid mount seat.  The NZ company DoLittle, which make mid mount seats, produce a special adaptor for this type of frame.

Rear Seats. A step through frame is also great for rear seat attachment, either on a carrier or directly to the frame.  If you definitely want a rear seat then buy a bike that has a carrier integrated into the frame.

Bike Trailer. Attachment should be easy, into the rear wheel axel which ideally will be a quick release system (alternative axels are available).  Just make sure that the gears & brakes will be good enough, especially if any hills need to be ridden over.

Bike Tow Frame. A city type of bike is a good match to the secure towing provided by a Bike Tow Frame.  Ideally the rear wheel of the bike should have a Quick Release Axel (alternative axels may be available, please check).

Find out more about Step Through Frames 

Choose the correct chamois
Choose the correct chamois

Triangle Frame:

Choose the correct chamois

A city or commute type of bike with good options for attaching or towing kids.  This bike is designed for around town riding and enjoying paved bike paths and cycleways.

Triangle frames have high top tubes – getting on/off around kids seats, straddling while stopping/starting can be a bit awkward.  Shorter people will struggle with this.  For use with kids bike seats it is better if the frame is medium or larger. They are designed to travel fast and generally will come with good gear & brake options but please check this.

Compatibility:

Front Seats. A triangle frame can be made with good stem height or limited height so for front seat attachment we would recommend one with good height (Threaded Stem).  The more upright you are when riding the better.

Mid Seats. All mid seats will happily attach to this type of frame.  We would recommend your frame size is medium or larger.  Small frames may not provide enough room for a child to be placed and for you to be able to safely reach your handlebars.

Rear Seats. Great match to rear seat attachment, often sold with a rear carrier.  Plenty of space for frame attachment of a rear seat.

Bike Trailer. Attachment should be easy, just make sure that the gears & brakes will be good enough, especially if any hills will need to be ridden over.

Bike Tow Frame. Frames ideally attach to rear wheel axels that have a quick release skewer so if buying a triangle frame check the rear wheel axel for compatibility.  A great frame type for towing a child.

Find out more about Triangle Frames

Choose the correct chamois
Choose the correct chamois

Trail (Squashed Triangle) Frame:

Choose the correct chamois

A off road trail type of bike with limited options for attaching a kids seat, great for towing kids.  This bike is designed for mountain biking, recreation riding but often used in all environments.

Squashed triangle frames often have front suspension to give you a smoother off road ride as well as wider, knobbly tyres for better grip. They are a very popular style of bike in NZ to get out and explore the huge range of bike trails we have.

Compatibility:

Front Seats. These frames have limited stem height so for front seat attachment we would recommend a mountain bike adaptor and your frame size will need to be medium or larger.

Mid Seats. This type of frame is ideal for mid mount seat attachment.  Medium or larger frame sizes are best.  Small frames may not create enough room for you to reach around your child to the handlebars.

Rear Seats. If you want a carrier on this type of bike you will probably have to buy one separately.  Carrier mount rear seats will work.  Frame mount seats often struggle to be attached so please check further.

Bike Trailer. A great match to this type of bike. Especially an Off-Road Bike Trailer designed to be used on trails and cycle pathways.  Attachment should be easy, just check the type of rear wheel axel it has.

Bike Tow Frame. Another good frame design for towing using a tow frame.  Attachment is to the rear wheel axel which should be a quick release skewer. 

Find out more about Trail Bike Frames

goUnders & recreation saddle
Choose the correct chamois

Full Suspension Mountain Bike:

full suspension mountain bike

An off road trail bike with very limited options for attaching a kids seat, great for towing kids.  This bike is designed for mountain biking but often used in other environments.

These frames have both front & rear suspension with squashed triangle, unusual frame shapes. They are a very popular style of bike in NZ to get out and explore the huge number of mountain bike parks & trails we have.

Compatibility:

Front Seats. These frames have limited stem height so for front seat attachment we would recommend a mountain bike adaptor and your frame size will need to be medium or larger.

Mid Seats. There are two companies in NZ that specialise in making mid mount kids bikes seats for mountain bikes. They are the perfect match to riding on mountain bike trails with young kids.

Rear Seats. Are not compatible

Bike Trailer.  Attachment should be easy, just check the type of rear wheel axel it has, it will more than likely be a Through Axel which will need a special attachment piece.

Bike Tow Frame. The rear wheel of any new full suspension mountain bike is likely to be a through axel.  At the moment there is no way of attaching a bike tow frame to a through axel, the parts are not available in NZ (please check this as new parts may arrive in 2023).  If the bike you want to buy has a quick release skewer (hollow axel) you will be able to attach.

Find out more about Full Suspension Frames

Test Before You Buy  

Test ride the bike over a decent distance with variations in road surface and hills, etc. At least a 30min test ride, and longer if your bike shop will provide it. You have to be very comfortable and confident on the bike in order for you to carry/tow your most precious cargo. And compare different models, by riding them.  You should not have to pay or commit to buying the bike before test riding it.

What to look for during the test ride.  Mainly your comfort and safety on the bike.  You must feel confident in the way it handles and steers.  This is especially important for any downhill decent with the added weight of a child.  When you have found a bike or two that you feel good about riding…(exciting!) now consider the kids or grandkids… where could you go… what will work??

Your bike riding success is different to others… use our stories and support, get the right solutions.

Ride More Places

Read stories about NZ trails, tracks & parks.  Find out what other families & riders are doing. Be inspired! Is this ride an option for you or your family?

Bike Gear Stories

A collection of stories that will help you learn about bike gear. goRide supporting you to get the right bike gear solution for the type of riding you do or want to do.

Women and families learning ...

Read our stories that support you to learn about all things biking related.  Be confident that you know how to safely ride & care for your bike.

Buying Guides

Use our full range of buying guides to get the right solutions for you and your family.

Solution Finder

We are here to help. Use goRides quick and easy Q&A forms to receive personalised support… support specific to you and your family.

Types of Riding Stories

Stories in Types of Riding support you to learn about riding a bike in different environments.  So you can successfully choose to ride more place, more often.

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 SHARING FORM

goRide supporting women and families to SMILE when you ride

Small Bike Frames – Ride with Your Child 2-6yrs

Small Bike Frames – Ride with Your Child 2-6yrs

by | Oct 4, 2022 | get Ready

Do you want to ride with your child 2-6yrs? Do you have a bike with a small frame?  Is all the information telling you that bigger bikes are better for this type of riding?

Understand the options you have. Helping you get the Right Kids Bike Seat, Trailer or Tow.

Supporting you and your family to SMILE when you ride.

carrier mount kids bike seat
Guide: Riding with a 2-4yr old

Overview: Small Bike Frames

Small Frames – what is the issue?

Small bike frames and kids bike seats are often incompatible…

Why is this?  The obvious answers are the right ones, being small means the frame is physically smaller in height & length.  Or, in other words, the rider is shorter so the distance from the seat to the handlebars is less and the distance from the seat to the pedals is less.

How does this cause problems? It doesn’t cause issues for every type of bike.  But if you have a smaller frame and therefore less distance between the seat and the handlebars your body position becomes more important.  The more upright your body position the better for attaching front or mid seats.  It also doesn’t cause issues for every type of seat. But if you have a smaller frame and you want to directly attach a seat to the frame understanding riding safety and weight transfer becomes more important.

The two worst scenarios are…

  1.  A small bike frame that puts you in a forward lean and a kids bike seat that attaches in front of your body
  2.  Small frames (any style of bike) and a rear frame attaching seat

 

Small Frames – Mid/Front Seats

Mid/Front Seat: It is important to understand your body position on your small frame and how this will influence your ability to use a Mid or Front Seat.  The more upright you are the more space you will have for a seat in this position.  If you also consider your handlebar type and how handlebars that sweep back to meet your hands allow you to be very upright and create great space in front of your body.  So this should be telling you that the type of bike you ride is very important to make using a mid or front seat enjoyable.  If your frame type puts you in a forward lean position and your frame is a small one you are very unlikely to have enough space in front of your body for a mid or front seat.  So small frame mountain bikes are often not a good option for mid or front seats.

Mid mount seats attach to your top tube about 20cm back from your handlebars. To get an idea if this type of seat will work on your small frame, make this measurement, then get some help to place your child in this spot.  Can you reach around your child to the handlebars and what will happen as your child grows?  Find out more by heading over to our Mid Mount Seat page and clicking through to the “Will it Fit?” story about the product you are considering.

There are different ways to attach a front seat to your bike depending on the type of handlebar stem you have.  The best attachment for short riders is a standard adaptor that requires 20mm of space mounted onto a threaded handlebar stem.  This scenario puts the seat itself in the best position taking up the least amount of space – the front seat will be close to upright giving you more room in front of your chest.

Find out more about Handlebar Stems & Space by reading Will a Front Seat Fit my Bike?

Shop Mid Seat Range
Shop Front Seat

Small Frames – Rear Seats

Rear Seat: These types of seats attach in two ways.  Either to your carrier or directly to your frame on the seat post tube.  Only carrier mounted rear seats will work safely with small bike frames and the seat needs to be clamped onto the carrier as far forward as you can possibly get it.  This is to avoid tipping or lifting of the front wheel because of weight high at the back of your bike.  Frame attachment on a small frame means the rear seat will sit a long way back (behind the middle of the rear wheel) and it will cause tipping and balance issues.

As the adult rider on a small frame bike, even with a carrier seat attached, you need to be aware of the potential for your bike to act in this way.  As your child gets older/heavier the lifting may begin or occur more often, it is also more likely to happen when riding up a hill if you pull on your handlebars to gain some leverage/momentum.

Find out more about Riding Safely with a Rear Kids Bike Seat

carrier mount kids bike seat
Shop Rear Carrier Mount Seat

Small Frames – Bike Trailers & Towing

Bike Trailer: Small frames will have no problem towing a bike trailer.  Any type or style of bike is compatible. This is an instant solution if you are worried about attaching a kids bike seat and how that might affect your enjoyment of riding.  Bike trailers attach at your rear wheel hub and there is a solution for attachment for every type of modern bike.  There are also different types of bike trailers that match to different riding environments, along with single or double seats.

Find out more Will a Kids Bike Trailer fit my bike?

Bike Tow: Towing a child riding their own bike with a tow frame or tow rope should be fine for small frames.  Both attachment systems for these tows are compatible with most bikes.  It is only the tow bar that might struggle.  The adult attachment is under your seat on the tube.  The space to attach the bar must be high enough to clear your rear wheel.  Often riders with small frames have their seats relatively low, leaving little space for an attachment of this kind.

Find out more Will a Tow Bar Fit my bike?

Shop Bike Trailer Range

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Riding with a Child, 2-4yrs – What are the options?

Riding with a Child, 2-4yrs – What are the options?

by | Sep 22, 2022 | get Ready

Having the ability to ride with your child from a young age opens your activity options, provides connection and lots of SMILES

goRide supporting you to understand your options for riding with a child, 2-4yrs old.

riding with a child, 2-4yr
Guide: Riding with a 2-4yr old

Your Options…

You have five different types of seats, trailers and tow connections to choose from in the age range from to 2-4yrs 

  • Mid Mounted Seat – attached to adult bike
  • Rear Seat – attached to adult bike
  • Bike Trailer – towed by adult bike
  • Tow Frame – bike to bike connection requires your child to be riding their own bike
  • Front Seat – attached to adult bike

To follow is a detailed description of each seat to help you with comparing and choosing between your options.  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

Mid Mount Kids Bike Seats

The Facts – Your child is positioned in front of you, between your chest and the handlebars in an unharnessed unsupported seat  These seats are mounted to your top tube and secured around your bottom tube of your bike frame. Mid seats range in age suitability depending on the brand from 2 to 5-6yrs with a maximum weight range up to 22-30kg, brand dependent. Your child needs to have good balance, be good at following instructions and be able to fit a bike helmet to safely use this seat.

Bike Compatibility – Between the two different NZ brands, Do Little and Shotgun, there is a solution that will fit your bike.  This is the only seat that can be used with a carbon bike. See the links below.

Riding with a Mid Mount Kids Bike Seat – With your child (the load) being close to the middle of the bike there is less disruption to balance compared to other attached seats. However there will be changes to your riding balance, and with the seat positioned in front of you, you may need to adjust your starting & stopping .. learn more at Riding Safely with a Mid Mount Seat

Enjoy the experience – With your young child positioned in front of you, feeling protected and safe between your arms this seat can be really fun.  It is ideal for off road riding.  Because they are unharnessed they will feel more like they are riding a bike themselves. Learn more at How Does it Feel to Ride with a Child on a Mid Mount Seat?

SHOP Mid Mount Kids Bike Seats

Mid Mount Kids Bike Seat Buying Guide

Ride Safely with a Mid Mount Kids Bike Seat

Will a Mid Mount Kids Bike Seat Fit my Bike?

Mid Mount Kids Bike Seat – FAQ

Rear Mount Kids Bike Seats

The Facts – Your child is positioned behind you. There are carrier mount and frame mount solutions, suitable for children from 1-6 years.  Rear bike seats have a weight range of 9-22kg and are a suitable first bike seat. Your child needs to be able to sit independently and fit a bike helmet to safely use this seat.

Bike Compatibility – You have options of either attaching your rear bike seat directly to the frame of your bike (frame mount) or onto a rear bike carrier (carrier mount).  So there is a solution for most bikes. The exception is full suspension mountain bikes, rear attaching seats are not compatible with this type of bike.  See below for the will if fit options.

Riding with a Rear Kids Bike Seat – Riding with additional load on the rear of your bike seat does change the way your bike will handle or feel. Bike skills such as mounting and dismounting the bike, stopping & starting and balance alter when a rear seat is attached.  With a little practise the adult rider will adapt and feel capable and confident when riding with a Rear Kids Bike Seat… learn more at Riding Safely with a Rear Kids Bike Seat.

Enjoy the experience – With your child tucked in behind you, protected from the weather they will love the ride. This seat offers a solution for a wide age range providing your family with lots of time to create many family riding opportunities and memories. Though you do have to adjust your riding to get used to carrying a load at the rear this is easily learnt by riders and it is often quick for everyone to feel safe and comfortable riding in a range of environments suited to your capabilities.  How Does it Feel to Ride with a Toddler?

SHOP Rear Kids Bike Seats
Rear Kids Bike Seat Buying Guide
Ride Safely with a Rear Kids Bike Seat

Will a Rear Kids Bike Seat Fit my Bike?

CARRIER MOUNT – THULE or IKI

FRAME MOUNT – YEPP 

Rear Kids Bike Seat – FAQ

Kids Bike Trailers

The Facts – Your child is towed behind you in an enclosed trailer. They are available as either a:

  • Single Trailer suitable for transporting one child up to 36kg
  • Double Trailers suitable for transporting one or two children up to 45kg

Some Bike Trailers are Multi-Use Trailers meaning they are more than just a bike trailer and are suitable to use for a variety of recreational activities. Conversion Kits are available to convert a trailer into a stroller, jogger and some are also suitable for the snow Check out what conversion kits come with the different trailers and what kits can be purchased separately. Comparing Thule Bike Trailers

Bike Trailers can be a reasonably large investment but being able to use them over a wide age range and for the multi-use trailers for multiple activities can definitely make the investment worthwhile. They offer you to have one piece of equipment to use for walking/jogging and biking. Using your kids bike trailer as a stoller and jogger

Bike Compatibility – Bike Trailers connect to the hub of the towing bikes rear wheel. They are easily attached to rear wheels that have quick release skewers, alternative axel adaptors are available. Learn more: Will a Bike Trailer Fit my Bike?

Riding with a Bike Trailer – Different bike trailers are suited to different riding environments. Recreation for urban areas (bikepath and road/traffic). Off-road add on gravel trails and a Sports Trailer is suitable for all environments. You need to feel safe and confident towing a trailer in the environments you are riding in. Protecting kids from the weather and providing them with a comfortable space makes Bike Trailers a great choice for longer and regular rides. A fantastic option for commuting and multi-day.

Remember the towing bike rider must have the fitness and strength to tow a trailer. E-Bikes can offer a great solution if this is a concern. Learn more at Riding Safely with a Kids Bike Trailer

Enjoy the Experience – Your child/children are enclosed in their own cosy space, feeling safe and protected from the surrounding environment and weather. With Trailers it can be a little more difficult to monitor the comfort and mood of your young child however regular stops can resolve this. Trailers that are multi-use offer a solution for a wide range of activities over a wide age with options for 1 or 2 children. This gives your family great flexibility and time to create many family riding and outdoor activity opportunities and memories.  How Does it Feel Riding with a Toddler?

SHOP Kids Bike Trailers
Kids Bike Trailer Buying Guide
goUnders & recreation saddle
Ride Safely with Kids Bike Trailer

Will a Bike Trailer Fit my Bike?

Kids Bike Trailers – FAQ

Bike Tow Frame

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, towing  younger kids and 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? 

SHOP Tow Frame

Kids who ride their own bike Buying Guide

riding with a child 4yr+
Ride Safely with a Tow Frame

Will a Tow Frame Fit my Bike?

Tow Frame – FAQ

Front Kids Bike Seats

The Facts – Your child is positioned in front of you, between your chest and the handlebars in a harnessed fully supported seat  These seats are mounted to the handlebar stem on your bike. Front seats are suitable for children from 1-3 years with a weight range of up to 17kg. These seats are a first bike seat and great for early riding, they are not a great investment for kids who are 2+yrs. See the section on Age in our Front Kids Seat Buying Guide

Bike Compatibility – Front Kids Bike Seats attach onto your handlebar stem.  This type of seat does not suit all bikes.  Learn more… Will a Front Seat fit your bike? 

Riding with a Front Kids Bike Seat – best suited to riding on bike paths and easy trail. Can be used in traffic if you are comfortable in the riding environment. There can be some challenges with mounting /dismounting/ stopping and reach to the handlebars with a child positioned in front of you… learn more at Riding Safely with a Front Kids Bike Seat

Enjoy the experience – With your young child positioned in front of you, feeling protected and safe between your arms this seats offers great interaction and connection with your baby/toddler. You can see and understand their comfort and mood and enjoy the view and environment together. The front position of the seat does offer some riding challenges. making this seat best suited to riders that are either in an upright position on their bike, are reasonably tall or those with a dropper seat.  Learn more at… How Does it Feel to Ride with a Toddler?

SHOP Front Kids Bike Seats
Front Kids Bike Seat Buying Guide
Ride Safely with A Front Kids Bike Seat

Will a Front Kids Bike Seat Fit my Bike?

 

Front Kids Bike Seats – FAQ

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 SHARING FORM

goRide supporting women and families to SMILE when you ride