Carrying children by bike

Taking your child along: two approaches

This category brings together two quite different solutions for different ages. Either the child is seated in front of you seated on your bike, or they ride on their own bike, towed when the gradient or tiredness calls for it.

A front-mounted seat on the cockpit

Your child sits between your arms, facing forwards. That is the main difference from a conventional rear child seat: they see what you see, hold a handlebar and take part in the ride. The bike also stays better balanced, with the weight centred rather than hanging off the back. These seats are generally intended for children aged around 2 to 5 years old, within the weight range specified by the manufacturer, which must be observed.

Towing

When your child has their own bike but cannot yet ride independently for the whole journey, a towing system connects the two bikes. It lets you venture further, helps them up climbs and gets them safely through tricky sections, while leaving them free to pedal the rest of the time.

• The rigid tow bar offers the most control: the child's bike is held in place and cannot veer off to the side. It is the choice for trails and young riders who are still finding their confidence.
• The elastic tow rope is simpler, lighter and much cheaper. It fits in a pocket and is used only when needed, but the child must be able to steer a steady course.

Compatibility is what really matters

This is where almost all returns originate. A front-mounted seat cannot be fitted just anywhere: it attaches to structural parts of the bike, and each brand has its own mounting point.

Steerer tube mounting

The seat mounts on the fork steerer, below the stem, in place of a spacer. So you need the spacer matching your steerer tube diameter — 1 inch, 1 1/8 inches or 7/8 inch — and the available spacer height below the stem. Some proprietary cockpits (integrated systems from major brands) require a specific spacer, sold separately. Check this before anything else: it determines whether the seat can be fitted to your bike.

Frame mounting

The other type mounts on the top tube and head tube. This requires a frame with a reasonably horizontal top tube — a steeply sloping frame leaves too little room — and a frame protection at the contact point, essential on a carbon frame. Reinforced versions fit the large-diameter tubes on electric bikes, with a dedicated adapter kit: the standard kit is not suitable for an electric mountain bike.

The saddle and handlebar do not always come together

In several ranges, the child saddle and handlebar are sold separately, while combo kits include both. This is the most common ordering mistake in this category: a saddle on its own leaves the child with nothing to hold on to. Check exactly what the product includes before placing your order.

Parts and comfort

• Spacers, clamps and straps : mounting parts can be replaced individually and come in sizes to suit different steerer tube diameters. They are also what you need to move the same seat from one bike to another.
• Foam grips : they cushion the child's handlebar and make it easier for small hands to grip.
• Handlebar mitts : essential as soon as the temperature drops. A seated child is not exerting themselves and gets cold much faster than you do.
• Replacement cables and straps for towing systems, as these are the parts that wear out.

Safety

The helmets are compulsory in France for all children under 12, whether they are a passenger or riding their own bike. Beyond that, use common sense: observe the stated weight limit, check the mountings are tight before every ride, and remember that a bike carrying a child takes longer to stop and is less easy to steady when stationary.

To find out more: How to choose a child bike seat

See also: Car bike carriers · Handlebar bags and bikepacking · Bike protection