Do you want to tow your 4yr+ child on their bike? Do you have a step through bike frame?
Understand the options that are most suitable for your style of bike. Helping you get the Right Kids Bike Tow.
Supporting you and your family to SMILE when you ride.
Overview: Bike with a Step Through Frame
Step Through Frames:
A step through bike frame can be an option for towing a 4yr+ child. These types of bikes are easy & fun to ride. They are made with strong frames and designed to have weight added to them – to carry gear, shopping or kids. All the towing options will work with this type of bike. Only exception would be with small frames and a Bike Tow Bar. We particularly like this bike with a Tow Frame because the bike is designed for town riding and would make a good commute option.
Type of Riding: these types of bike frames are mostly used in urban environments for around town riding on easy to manage roads, bike paths & cycleways. Best match to town, short commute, simple recreation riding.
Bike Tow Frame – Follow Me Tandem
The bike tow frame connects your step through frame bike to your child’s bike. This is a great way to tow a child who needs assistance or help on easy trails or through traffic. This frame style is a great match to towing especially if your step through is an E-Bike!
The tow frame attaches at the rear wheel axel and you will find that for most bikes the attachment the trailer comes with will work (Tow Frames come with a Quick Release Skewer). If you have a modern bike, built in the past 4-5 years you may have what is called a Through Axel, please check your axel type and check availability of alternative axels.
Find out more about bike tow frame attachment:Â Will a Bike Tow Frame fit my bike?
Bike Tow Bar – Trailgator
The bike tow bar connects your step through frame bike to your child’s bike at the seat post, this is a higher connection and therefore a bit unstable. The tow bar is a great way to assist for short periods of time. This frame style works but small frames may struggle with rear wheel clearance.
The tow bar attaches from the adults seat post to the frame of the childs bike.
Find out more about bike tow bar attachment:Â Will a Bike Tow Bar fit my bike?
Bike Tow Rope – Tow Whee
The bike tow rope connects your step through frame bike to your child’s bike in a dynamic way, meaning the connection is not rigid but controlled by an elastic bungy. The tow rope can be used in urban settings but the child being towed must be old enough to understand the risks. They are fully in control of their own riding and must stay behind the lead rider.
The tow rope loops around the adults saddle and loops around the frame of the childs bike at the front fork steering tube. It will be immediately under tension when placed on the two bikes but is not the best option for urban riding. It should never be used when descending on hills.
Find out more about bike tow rope: Using a Bike Tow RopeÂ
Design features that cause issues: Step Through Frames
Step through bikes are primarily used in urban settings so are a good match to commute riding. But like all bikes some features can cause issues…
X-SMALL & SMALL FRAMES – if you are considering a tow bar then pay particular attention to whether you will have enough clearance over your rear wheel or any space to attach the bar.
Small Bike Frames & Kids Bike Seats
29 INCH WHEELS – If your bike has 29 inch wheels then a bike tow bar is not a suitable option.
CARBON SEAT POST –Â If your bike has a carbon seat post then a bike tow bar is not a suitable option.
ELECTRIC BIKE BATTERY – Battery placement can be an issue with Tow Bars E-bikes that have a battery placed over the rear wheel may have problems. This battery position can effect your ability to attach a tow bar.
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