Understand how riding with a rear kids bike seat will feel so you can get going and create plenty of happy family biking memories.
People all over New Zealand and the world choose to bike with their babies/ toddlers and young kids. We believe it is worth making the time to learn how you can ride bikes together because of what you and your family can gain from biking as a family. It is good to be aware that when you add a baby/toddler/child to your bike in a rear kids bike seat your riding with need to adjust. It will feel slightly different than when you ride solo. Understanding the changes can help you have the confidence to get started and make riding with your young child easy and safe right from the beginning. It can also help you understand whether a rear kids bike seat is the right solution for you
You learnt to ride a bike so we are confident that, with a little practise, you will be able to adjust your riding so that you feel safe and confident riding with your baby/toddler/child..
Changes in feel when riding with a Rear Kids Bike Seat
1. Takes up space/adds bulk to your bike
Adding a Rear Kids Bike Seat and child to your bike is going to take up space on your bike. Removing some of the space that you are used to having when riding solo.
- Some bike skills that you most likely do, without even thinking about them, you may need to alter as the space you need to do these skills has been reduced or removed and replaced with a rear bike seat and your child. You will need to learn how to adjust these skills to ride with a rear seat..
2. Adds weight to your bike
Adding a Kids Bike Seat and your child is going to add weight to your bike. This increased weight will alter the riding experience.
- It will require a higher level of strength and fitness to ride and get to a destination compared to riding solo
- Leaning the bike to get on and off the bike will feel a little different
- Pushing the bike when walking with it will require you to balance the extra load and can change the feel when you manoeuvre the bike
- When you are riding you will need to balance the extra load when steering and going around corners. The bike will also feel different when you go over bumps etc
- As your child grows their weight increases so you will notice the effects of this increased load and have to adjust again
Changes in riding with a Rear Kids Bike Seat
With you child positioned behind your bike seat in a rear kids bike seat you have increased weight that sits quite high at the rear of your bike altering the feel of your riding and some specific biking skills. Lets understand more about the changes and how your riding will need to adjust.
Taking up space/bulk
- With your seat and child positioned behind your saddle it may interfere with how you would normally get on and off the bike. You will adjust quickly to finding a different way to mount and dismount your bike. Lowering your bike seat may help with this.
Added Weight
- a rear seat is high at the back of your bike so you will notice a difference to the feel and balance of your bike. When riding this will change the feel of steering and corners. You will just need to ride slower and be more considered and with a little practise you will adjust
- being at the rear makes the back of your bike heavier so you need to be aware of this weight when leaning your bike. It is best to keep the bike as upright as possible, don’t lean it too much when getting on and off the bike
- with the added weight on your bike it is a good idea to choose an easier gear to set off in and you will need to brake earlier to come to a stop
- with increased weight at the rear you have to manage the balance of the bike so the front wheel does not lift when getting on and off, manoeuvring your bike and sometimes even when riding. This is just a small adjustment making sure you balance the weight by keeping your weight forward over the handlebars.
The more riding you do the quicker you will adjust to the new feeling your bike has with a Rear Seat and child on it. It will initially feel a little different but you will quickly adjust.
Understand how it will feel to ride with other seats/trailer please read the following stories…
We’re here to help. If you have any questions please call us on 021 025 15576 or 0800 44 33 77 or CONTACT us via email
Enjoy the family time and memories that you will create riding with a baby/toddler/child. goRide supporting women and families to SMILE when you ride.
A selection of family riding stories, support & solutions that will make you & your family SMILE
Stories and Support
View all the stories & support for Kids Rear Seats on one easy to navigate page.
Rear Kids Bike Seat Buying Guide
Is a rear bike seat right for your family and the riding you want to do There are many factors to consider in your decision. Use our goRide Rear Bike Seat Buying Guides
What are the options?
This goRide Story has helped direct many. Get an overview of the kids bike seat options so you can get the right seat for your family.
Carrier Mount - Which brand is best?
Trying to choose which brand of rear carrier mount bike seat is the one for your family? This quick read compares Thule to Iki. Make the best decision and you’ll ride for years with a rear seat.
Biking with Babies
When is it safe to start riding with your young child? Learn what the NZ laws are and what the experts recommend and why? Be safe and your first riding experiences will be good ones.
First Bike Helmet
Everything you need in a first bike helmet. Lightweight, good head coverage, adjustable, chin pinch guard. Starting in a really small size.
E-Bikes & Kids
Is an E-Bike a good choice for transporting kids or grandkids? What do you need to know about an E-Bike before using it with your family?
Otago Rail Trail - Riding with Kids Attached
Be inspired from this story of a family riding the Otago Rail Trail with Kids Attached. Could this be an option for you and your family?
Ride More Places
Read stories about riding trails, tracks and mountain bike parks in beautiful NZ. Be inspired and learn whether this may be an option for you or your family.
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.
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