Due to its position (between your chest and the handlebars), the size and age of your child can make some bike skills a little more challenging.  Especially as your child grows…

Mounting and dismounting – a Mid Mount Seat places your child 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.  Even if you have some space, positioning your body in front of your own bike saddle will now be difficult, if not impossible.

Stopping and starting – until you become used to your bike with a mid seat attached to it we would recommend lowering the height of your bike saddle/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 mid seat is 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.  As your child grows the effect of weight will become more obvious.  With all attached kids bike seats we recommend slowing down and taking corners cautiously and never attempt to turn sharply.

Reaching your handlebars – you have to reach around your child to grip your handlebars.  If you ride in an upright body position this will be easy.  If you ride in a forward tilt body position it will be harder to reach your handlebars without coming into contact with your child especially as they grow.  There will be a point when you no longer feel comfortable and in control of your bike.

Will your knees hit the seat? – The Mid Mount seats are not wide enough to come into contact with your knees as you pedal.  However, if you initially ride with a lowered saddle/seat your knees may brush against your child, you can change the position of the kids seat on the top tube (move it forward) if this is a real issue for you.  As your confidence and handling skills grow you will be able to raise your saddle height and avoid any problem.

What can help?  Initially 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 Mid Seat and child on it.

Before your First Ride

goRide recommends that you test the feel of your bike with a Mid 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 or your bike, handling & working with it until you feel confident in using it.

Test that the seat is firmly attached to the bracket and check the frame screws, you should not be able to move the seat in any direction.

When a mid mount seat is attached to your bike it and your child 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 any other riders or danger. 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?  We recommend that you straddle the bike or sit on your saddle, and then lift or help your child climb up into the seat.

Kids Handlebar:  Shotgun offer a Kids Handlebar as an optional accessory – this can be used with any mid mount seat.  This handlebar will stabilise and support your child so is great for the 2-3yr olds.  The small kids diameter is designed for little hands so it gives them a really good secure place to hold.  Using this accessory may make everyone feel safer about riding.

Using kids handlebars will help with your child’s balance and safety, often a great idea with young kids.

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.

Please take 30 seconds before every ride to do a safety check of your bike. Is my Bike Safe to goRide?

Inspect the Mid Mount 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 Mid Seat safe whenever you ride.

Mid Mount seats do have footrests with either a rigid or flexible strap.  these footrests are designed to give a secure surface for foot placement, don’t tighten the straps, if you need to dismount quickly your child needs to be able to slip their foot out. 

Always check for loose clothing, shoelaces or straps hanging down or into moving parts of the bike.  Check your child’s helmet is on and adjusted to their head.