I've been riding my bike to work for years, but my bike is really crappy and falling apart and now I have a baby to tote along to daycare as well. So I want to: 1) buy a new, nicer, reasonably lightweight commuting bike. The commute isn't too intense -- a couple of flat miles each way; 2) I'll be attaching some sort of little-person transportation system to this bike as well. So I'm curious about how folks weigh in on the great trailer v. rear seat debate, specifically for commuting in-town. I'll be riding on reasonably busy and relatively narrow streets. So there are two questions: what kind of bike do people recommend for commuting (something under $1000) and do folks recommend lugging the kid in a trailer or a seat?
Thanks for any and all advise!
P.S. I'm in the Chicago area if that helps to know.
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Thread: commuting with a kid
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08-08-2008, 12:11 PM #1
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commuting with a kid
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08-08-2008, 01:09 PM #2
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How old is your baby?
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08-09-2008, 06:41 AM #3
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commuting with a kid
right now he's 9 months, but I won't riding with him until he's a year. I'm just itching to get a new bike so I'm starting the research now.
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08-09-2008, 08:18 AM #4
Don't whine
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When my kiddo was little, I pulled him in a trailer. I liked the trailer because it was large and visible, he could have toys and books and juice in there with him, he was covered, and if I tipped the bike over he would stay relatively safe.
It was *wide* though! And I was riding on pretty easy-going streets.
Here in Seattle I've seen a few folks commuting on the busy downtown streets with little side-car style kid carriers. Very narrow and right next to the parent so you can see each other and the total "vehicle" isn't any longer than a regular bike. Not sure how the coupler works, if the bike tips what happens to the side-car, but they look really ideal for maneuvering through city streets.
This looks like what I've been seeing: http://www.bicycletrailers.com/Chariot-SideCarrier.pro"If Americans want to live the American Dream, they should go to Denmark." - Richard Wilkinson
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08-09-2008, 10:13 AM #5
I heart my bike
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That's the coolest side car trailer ever!!! I don't have kids and don't plan on having any- but this must might make me want one (ok- not really, but it looks like it'd be really fun to "tow").
Pretty cool!Check out my running blog: www.turtlepacing.blogspot.com
Cervelo P2C (tri bike)
Bianchi Eros (commuter/touring road bike)
1983 Motobecane mixte (commuter/errand bike)
Cannondale F5 mountain bike
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08-09-2008, 01:23 PM #6
In through the out door..
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Now I want to rig that for my pup! Though he's way too big - an excuse to rescue a dog??
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