An aluminium road bike might work, but a hybrid bike is likely to be a better option. A hardtail mountain bike is also a possibility, although the sprung rear triangle of a full-suspension mountain bike is likely to make a rear seat awkward to fit. The Hamax Kiss is a straightforward rear-mounted child seat. It is supported by sprung rails that clamp to the bike’s seat tube and jut out behind the bike.

bike seats - BikeRadar Best child’s bike seats - BikeRadar

At first, this feature had us concerned that we had installed the seat improperly, as there’s a fair amount of movement (up to several inches over a good bump). We soon discovered, however, that the seat was installed correctly, and never once came close to hitting the bike’s rear tire. The suspension feature would prove to be our daughter’s favorite part of riding in the Caress! Safety Features The Hamax Caress boasts impeccable quality, is easy to use, and easy to mount. The Caress is easily one of best bike seats we’ve used. Based on more narrow shoulder strap spacing, the Caress is best suited for kids under 4 years old. What disadvantages does a rear seat present? They affect the handling of the bike in a way that having the child in front of the rider doesn’t, they make it more difficult to talk to your child, and they aren’t compatible with every bike on the market. Final Thoughts Hamax bike seats are designed to ""grow with your child - the safety harness and footrests are adjustable to allow this. The seat is also very easy to attach and remove from your bike.

Like anything else, rear mounted seats offer advantages and disadvantages. Advantages include the ability to fit bigger kids (up to 48.5 lbs. for the Caress), a more comfortable riding position for the parent (because the child isn’t impeding your legs or your view), and usually an easier install process. Our two-year old daughter currently has an opinion on everything, and where she used to demand “orange seat,” meaning a ride in the Thule Yepp Maxi, she began requesting the “white seat” after just a few test rides around our neighborhood. Cycle to Work is a salary sacrifice scheme, where you can save up to 42% off a new Bike and Safety equipment. This means the cost is deducted from your salary as a non-cash benefit, so you save on tax and national insurance. Child bike seats are available for children from as young as nine months. For children that young, a seat with a reclined position will give a more comfortable position than one in which they sit upright. Seats with reclined positions also help ensure children are safer and less likely to flop forward if they fall asleep during a ride.

Hamax Lockable Fastening Bracket for Rear Child Bike Seat Hamax Lockable Fastening Bracket for Rear Child Bike Seat

Similar to every other rear child seat we’ve tested, the Hamax Caress definitely affects the handling of the bike. Some of this is dependent on the size of the child, as the rider won’t feel the affects of a smaller child as much as a bigger one, but physics being what it is, one way or another, you’ll know you have some weight behind you. As for appearance, the seat is simple and functional looking, and can be wiped clean with lukewarm soapy water.Differences in frame design and saddle placement can make it challenging to properly fit on certain bikes The Bobike Go Mini is another front-mounted child seat. It has a double-walled seat that wraps around the child for protection and includes armrests. What size child fits in the Hamax Caress? The “best fit” is very dependent on a child bike seat’s harness system. Based on the shoulder strap height adjustments, the Caress is one of the best seats for riders as young as 12 months old. Chris Del Solehas been an avid cyclist for over 20 years. He is now sharing his love of the sport with his wife and three children. A Marketing Director by day, in his free time he can be found riding, working on, looking at, talking about, and generally geeking out over bikes. In the winter, he spends his weekends teaching skiing and encouraging his kids to “send it” off every jump in sight. According to Hamax, their seats are TUV & ASTM safety certified, and phthalate-free. Fairly Comfortable….Even When Napping