Due to its position (between your chest and the handlebars), the size and shape of a Front Seat can make some bike skills a little more challenging…

Mounting and dismounting – a Front Seat sits in all the space that you (the adult) would usually have to get on and off your bike.  Depending on the size of your bike as to whether all this space will be taken up – the smaller the bike frame the less space will be left.  We recommend using a bike that puts you in an upright body position. If you do lean forward on your bike your frame needs to be medium or bigger.  Even if you have some space, positioning your body in front of your own bike saddle will now be more difficult.

Stopping and starting – until you become very used to your bike with a front seat attached to it we would recommend lowering the height of your bike seat so you can stay seated when you start and stop.  You have added weight to your bike so choose an easier gear to set off in and you will need to brake earlier to come to a stop.

Balance – a front seat is fairly close to the mid point of your bike so you should be able to get used to the added weight and how it effects your balance quite quickly.  Steering will feel slightly different, slow right down for corners and never attempt to turn sharply.  The footrests on the front seat may limit some steering on certain styles of bikes (some mountain bikes).

Reaching your handlebars – you have to reach around the seat to grip your handlebars.  If you ride in an upright body position and/or have big sweep back handlebars this will be easy.  If you ride in a forward tilt body position it will be hard to reach your handlebars without coming into contact with the back of the seat at your chest and/or neck. For smaller bike frames this contact will definitely happen, medium and above it will be manageable.

What can help?  Lowering your bike seat when riding with your child can help, so you can stay seated when you come to a stop with your feet being able to touch the ground. If you are riding a mountain bike with a dropper seat post this will make these changes easier.  The more riding you do the quicker you will adjust to the new feeling your bike has with a Front Seat and child on it.  It will initially feel a little strange but you will quickly adjust.

Before your First Ride

goRide recommends that you test the feel of your bike with a Front Seat mounted on it.  This is best done in a quiet place without a passenger – no child on the seat to begin with.  As the adult you will control the experience so you need to be aware of the risks and any potential danger.  Take some time now to practice mounting the seat onto the bracket on your bike, handling & working with it until you feel confident in using it.  Take a look at the harness system.  How does it work, how many hands do you need to open/close it?

Test that the seat is firmly attached to the bracket – you should not be able to move the seat in any direction.

When a front seat is attached to your bike it will take up space.  Space you usually have to get on & off your bike and to stand in when the bike is stationery.  Depending on the size of your bike you may not be able to use this space any more.  So when coming to a stop you may have to remain seated on your bike saddle (seat).  To get on and off you may have to swing your leg over the rear wheel.  Experiment now without your child to determine how you will start & stop.

First Ride with a Passenger

Only after you feel safe should you take your child with you.  Practice away from road traffic. Your new set up will possibly steer or brake differently to what you are used to without your child.  How are you going to secure the bike when lifting your child into the seat?

Initial adjustments:  This is ideally a 2 person job. With your bike being held in place/supported place your child into the seat and then adjust the seat to fit YOUR child. 

Foot rest adjustment: Front Seat foot rests are easily adjusted by opening the clip at the back of the foot rests and sliding them up or down – dependant on the length of your child’s legs.  There are set grooves that they slide into and out of so once you have it set at a good height, simply close the clip to secure it.  Shoulder strap adjustment: Once your child is in the seat close the shoulder harness and adjust the straps for a firm, secure fit.  Take your time.

You are now attempting to ride with a passenger on your bike so you need to ride within your limits and be aware that your bike will handle differently. Think through the things we discussed above about how different your bike may feel.  Choose a clear take off spot and practice starting/stopping, cornering, how you feel at speed, the balance of the bike.

1. Plan your route, know where you are going and approximately how long it will take you.  Choose environments and roads/trails you are happy to ride on or through.
2. Safety check of adult bike. Please take 30 seconds before every ride to do a safety check of your bike. Is my Bike Safe to goRide?
3. Safety check of Front Seat.  Inspect the Front Seat and mounting bracket for loose nuts/bolts before every ride.  Riding a bike causes vibration which will loosen things over time.  We recommend carrying a small tool kit that will assist you with keeping your Front Seat safe whenever you ride.
4. Check helmets & harness your passenger. The adult bike must be either resting against a secure object or on a double kickstand when you go to place your child in the Front Seat. Clip your child into the harness. Make sure it’s not too tight.  You want firm but comfortable, as your child grows the harness & footrests will need to be adjusted. You must never leave your child unattended in a Front Seat so you need to be ready to go before placing them into the seat. Check for loose clothing, shoelaces or straps hanging down or into moving parts of the bike. Before every ride adjust your kids helmet so it is low, level, snug and secure.  Correct Bike Helmet Fit. 
5. Communicate and talk while you ride.  Try not to surprise or shock your child while on the bike.  Let them know what is happening.  The front Seat position is ideal for good communication and interaction so take advantage of this.
6. Control your speed, be prepared to stop, scan your environment and know the road/route you are taking

Locking your seat: You have the ability to lock your Thule bike seat to your bike so that it is safe when you are not with it. The key hole is found under the seat and disables the red button, grey handle so that the seat can not slide off the bracket.

To ride with your child on a bike they must be old enough to sit unsupported and be able to wear a bike helmet.  The smallest bike helmets on the market will fit a 45cm head circumference.  We recommend using a very light weight helmet with kids this little – please see our recommendation The Toddler Helmet.

To safely use any kids bike seat you firstly need to understand how it is attached. goRide has mounted Front Seats onto a variety of bikes so we understand the experience and the challenges that you may face.  Please see Attaching a Front Kids Bike Seat (Thule Nexxt Mini) or Attaching a Mountain Bike Front Seat (Urban Iki)

For more information on why you would choose to use a Front Seat see Front Kids Bike Seats – Buying Guide