To ride a bike with twins or siblings who are close in age is a great way to travel as a family. You just need to understand what will work for this type of riding.
Helping you to get the right kids bike seat or trailer for your family.
Family riding is great fun and can be started when your child is approximately 1 year old. All the options for riding with a one year old are great ones – front seats, rear seats or bike trailers. They have been designed with very young children in mind so have amazing harness systems and great seating support.
What you need to know…
Riding a bike with more than one child will change the experience you have. If you need to add the weight of twins or young siblings there are some things to be aware of
- the added weight will change how your bike feels and handles. The balance of your bike will be different. To be safe & comfortable riding with this weight you will need to practice in a quiet location away from traffic and other riders
- you will need to commit to a more frequent bike service and maintenance. For example your brake pads will wear out faster so will need to be replaced more often
- be prepared to ride on the flat, over easy to manage terrain, or choose to ride an E-Bike for the assistance it gives, or get stronger & fitter to handle the physical demand of hill climbing with two children
The Best Options for Riding a Bike with Twins or Siblings Close in Age
To follow are examples of the best ways to ride a bike with more than one child. If you choose to ride with one of these set ups your riding will be more enjoyable and you will not be comprising your safety or comfort. Their are options for different budgets so hopefully you can find something that suits.
Double Bike Trailer
This instantly gives you two seats for kids 1-4yrs. Towing is a great way to manage the additional weight.
Compatible with all modern bike frames or styles, including E-Bikes. There are different trailer options that match different riding environments.
Step Through Frame with Front & Rear Seats
Having weight in front and behind you balances your bike. Front seat 1-3yrs, Rear seat 1-6yrs.
Step through frames make mounting, stopping & starting easy.
E-Bike with Front & Rear Seats
Having weight in front and behind you balances your bike. Front seat 1-3yrs, Rear seat 1-6yrs.
E-Bikes assist you with effort, so are great when you have added weight. We recommend a step through frame or low top tube for ease when mounting or dismounting.
E-Cargo Bike – Lots of Seat Options
For young kids you will need a harness system. So two rear seats, a front & rear seat…
Cargo bikes don’t need to be huge & heavy. They are awesome for carrying more than one child and can replace your car.
Other Considerations…
If the examples above are not how you imagined riding with your twins or two young kids, thats OK, there are other ways to achieve your goal. Perhaps you don’t have or want to ride a step through frame but would like your kids attached to your bike?
Understand more about different bike frames/styles & kids bike seats by reading our story Kids Bike Seat Match By Frame
Not all the bikes that we ride in New Zealand are a great match to kids bike seats or trailers. When you want to add two kids to your bike you may find there are more restrictions.
To follow is a quick list of the design features that can limit your ability to use or attach a bike seat or trailer to your bike;
- carbon frames/carbon seat posts – not compatible, not recommended for clamping/attachment
- full suspension mountain bikes
- the type of handlebar stem called a threadless stem
- 29 inch wheels
- frame size – small or x-small
If the bike you are wanting to use has any of these features and you want to know a bit more please read our stories… which will explain the issue in detail.
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- Small Bike Frames – How to Ride with Your Child
- Bike Features & Attaching a Kids Bike Seat – Front, Mid & Rear Seats
- Bike Features & Towing a Kids Bike Seat
Safety Comes First…
Riding with a baby/toddler changes the feel of the bike and alters your riding experience when you are adding two children to your bike this becomes magnified but it is still very achievable. Understanding the changes helps you be prepared for riding with your toddlers making the experience safe, easy and enjoyable right from the beginning. If you are wondering if you can manage, and to help you get prepared, please read our stories which are full of great information and tips.
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