To ride bikes as a family with kids 4 years plus is a great experience and will create lots of unique memories. You just need to understand what will work for this type of multiple child riding.
Helping you to get the right towing solution for your family.
Family riding is great fun and can be done when your child or children are riding their own bikes from the age of approximately 4yrs or more. All the options for riding with 4 year+ children are great ones – tow frame, tow bar, tow rope. They have been designed with assisting children in mind, are durable and strong for years of use. Each tow is capable of being used with more than one child’s or adults bike. There is also the option of combining these tows with other seats so you can ride with more than one child.
What you need to know to ride a bike with children, 4yrs+…
Riding a bike with more than one child will change the experience you have. If you need to add the weight of twins or 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 added weight
The Best Options for Riding a Bike with 4yr+ Twins or Siblings
Ideally when riding as a family with slightly older children they will be able to ride their own bike. If and when they need assistance you do have the options of bike to bike connections – Tow Frame, Tow Bar or Tow Rope. Each of these connection systems can be used in a variety of ways;
- by switching between children – more than one child can be given assistance
- by switching between adult riders – more than one adult using the one tow
- having more than one tow system to use – two adults and two tow products
Let us look at how they connect and what additional parts or adaptors you will need to achieve some of these options…
Tow Frame
Use with 2nd Childs Bike: For a tow frame to be attached to a child’s bike that bike needs a Kids Kit which allows the front wheel hub and frame of the kids bike to be connected to the frame. The Tow Frame comes with one Kids Kit so to use this towing device with a second child’s bike you will need to purchase a second kit.
Use with 2nd Adult Bike: For a tow frame to be attached to an adult bike that bike needs a special rear wheel axel to replace the existing axel. The Tow Frame comes with a Standard Quick Release Axel but is compatible with a wide range of rear wheel axels and all these axels are sold separately. To use the Frame with a 2nd adults bike you will need to purchase the appropriate axel and install it.
Compatible with all modern bike frames or styles, including E-Bikes. Exception 29″ wheels.
Bike Tow Frame & Kids Attachment Kit
Tow Bar
Use with 2nd Childs Bike: For a tow bar to be attached to a child’s bike that bike needs a Kids Kit which allows the front wheel to be lifted at the steering tube of the kids bike. The Tow Bar comes with one Kids Kit so to use this towing device with a second child’s bike you will need to purchase a second kit.
Use with 2nd Adult Bike: For a tow bar to be attached to an adult bike that bike needs a hitch kit for the bar to slide into. The Tow Bar comes with a one Hitch Kit. To use the Bar with a 2nd adults bike you will need to purchase a second hitch kit and have it installed on the adult bike.
Compatible with most modern bike frames or styles, including E-Bikes. Exception carbon seat posts.
Bike Tow Bar & Attachment Kits
Tow Rope
Use with 2nd Childs Bike: A tow rope will work with any kids bike. Their are no special attachment requirements.
Use with 2nd Adult Bike: A tow rope will work with any adult bike. Their are no special attachment requirements.
Compatible with all modern bike frames or styles, including E-Bikes.
Seat attachment adult bike – tow rope
Steering tube attachment trailing bike – tow rope
Combining Tows with Seats for 4yr+ Twins or Siblings
To follow are examples of the best ways to ride a bike with more than one older child when one child is towed and one child is seated. 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 and different environments so hopefully you can find something that suits.
Towing a Child and adding a Mid or Rear Seat
Having the weight of two older children on your bike will be challenging so distribute that weight if you can. Front & rear works well. Adding E-Bike assistance will remove any barriers to this type of riding. We really like the tow frame as a stable, secure towing choice allowing you to have a smooth ride with more than one child.
Your options are;
- Mid seat 2-5/6yrs,
- Rear seat Maxi 1-6yrs,
- Rear seat Junior 4-10yrs.
All the towing options allow for adding a second child to your bike. Be aware that the Tow Bar requires a clear path to your seat post tube so your seated choice has to be a mid seat. Some seated options will be better matched to certain environments. This is also true of the towing choices so for example; the rear Junior is a great commuting seat for an older child used with the Tow Frame. The Mid seats are generally designed for off road trail riding so match well with a Tow Rope.
The Tow Frame works really well with rear seats – Maxi or Junior
Safety Comes First…
Riding with the weight of one or two older children will change the feel of the bike and alters your riding experience but it is still very achievable especially if you have the assistance of E-Bike power. Understanding the changes helps you be prepared 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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