How to attach child bike seat

Can a Child Bike Seat Attach Without a Rack? – Bike Trailer Planet

Child bike seats come with different setups and attach to your bike in several different ways, including racks and frame-mounted seats. The safest of all the child’s bike seats on the market will mount directly onto your bike’s frame.

Child’s bike seats can attach to your bike without a rack. Most rear child’s bike seats bolt directly to the frame of your bike, and most front seats will attach to the frame or handlebars.

Read on to discover when you may need a bike rack for a child’s bike seat and how to attach it to your bike. Additionally, we will cover how to attach a child’s bike seat to the frame of your bike in situations that allow a frame-mounted seat.

Do you need a bike rack for a child seat?

For any weight over 40 lbs (18 kg), a rack system is required. Rear child’s bike seats can be mounted on the bike’s frame or a rack. Both are completely safe, but rack systems are used for weights that go over 40 lbs (18 kg).

Rear frame mounted seats will often only offer a maximum weight capacity of 40-45 lbs. Ensure you check the seat’s measurements compared to your child’s weight before purchasing one type of seat or another.

The downside is that you will need an adapter kit for each child’s bike seat if you need to install more than one before you can install them on your bike. Not all child’s bike seats come with these kits included, so you may need to make additional purchases to attach these seats safely.

Need to figure out if a rear or front seat is best for you? Be sure to read my guide here.

How to attach a bike rack for a child’s bike seat

For children over 40 lbs (18 kg), you will need to consider a child bike seat that mounts on top of a rack. These are typically installed on bikes with larger frames, so before purchasing a bike rack or child’s seat, be sure your bike is compatible with a rack mount.

Attaching a front bike rack for a child’s seat

Installing a front bike rack for a child’s seat can be an easy process, but an important one to get right for the safety of everyone riding. To install a front bike rack:

Remove the bolts that anchor your front brake arms and put them over the threaded holes in the bike.
Make sure to align them with corresponding threaded holes on either side of a front rack.
Once you have them aligned, use nuts to fasten one end of each bolt in place before moving on to tighten other ends.

From this point, the bike seat adapter can be attached to the rack. These instructions are dependent on the type of child’s seat you purchase but will be included in the seat’s packaging.

Attaching a rear bike rack for a child’s seat

To attach a rear bike rack, you’ll most likely be attaching to a seat post. Seat posts are typically exposed, which means installation is relatively quick and easy. Most seat posts have collars That attach with two or four bolts. The relative simplicity of this type of rack makes it an efficient option for attaching a bike carrier to a bike frame if you’ve got the right kind of clamp(s) available to do so.

Attach the rack stays onto the rack.
Attach the rack stays onto the lower leg and fork.
Connect the child’s bike seat adapter kit (if purchased) to the rack-mounted child’s bike seat from behind using standard hex keys.
Attach the rear of this child’s bike carrier directly into one side of your bike frame through an opening under it with two screws for added security — but be sure not to overtighten these!

Both front and rear racks follow similar installation processes but check for specific instructions on the rack that you have purchased. Once your rack is installed, you can attach the child’s seat to the rack by following the instructions provided.

How to attach a child’s bike seat to a bike rack

To attach the child’s bike seat to your newly installed rack, begin by removing the child’s bike seat from the box and finding all of the attachments and directions for installations.

Find the adapter kit for your child’s bike seat and remove it from the packaging. Following instructions included with your child’s bike seat, attach the fitting to either side of a bike rack.
Attach leg brace with socket arm (provided in child’s bike seat package) to top of the left mounting hole on adapter plate assembly by inserting a bolt into the right-hand end or vice versa if you are using the opposite-handed system. Tighten bolts firmly until they don’t turn anymore.
Place the child’s bike seat onto fittings on a rack that has been secured with locking nuts so that the bottom of the child’s bike seat is just above the child’s seat post.
Tighten the child’s bike seat with an Allen wrench to avoid any slippage after the child has been riding for a few minutes.
Check all connections for security and adjust as needed before letting your child ride away.

Be sure to adjust the child’s bike seat forward or backward on fittings until the child can reach pedals comfortably and check all the connections to ensure that your child cannot loosen them.

How do child bike seats attach to a bike’s frame?

To attach a child bike seat, you need only two tools — an Allen key wrench for tightening the nuts/bolts and a Phillips head screwdriver for taking up slack to tighten the clamping screws against either the handlebar grips or chainring (depending on where it attaches).

The child bike seats that bolt directly onto the frame are as safe and secure as any other bike seat. The child’s bike seat will be secured with a bracket to one side of your front or rear wheel, which is then bolted on tightly using several nuts and bolts.

Important points when using a rack system

A rack system is suited for bikes without sufficient low-hanging clearance underneath them because they offer a lower profile and can be attached to the top tube of your bike. Rack systems fit bikes that don’t have enough low-hanging space under them.

If you’re using a rack system, it’s important not to install it too close to the back wheel because this could cause instability when riding up hills. Ensure any attachments have enough clearance from all moving parts, so they don’t get caught while biking.

Important points when using a frame mounted seat

Frame mounts are typically for seats that don’t have mounting hardware. Mounts are usually attached to a bike’s front or rear fork, which offers an even lower profile than racks. The child bike seat can be installed at its lowest level and still allow full clearance for the handlebars when operating on either kind of mount.

Whether you decide to use a rear or front child bike seat, there are some things to keep in mind. A good place for the mounting point is at least 4 inches below the top of your saddle and in an area that won’t interfere with pedaling.

Rear-facing seats are mounted onto your frame, so they attach right up to you for easy control of braking and steering and make riding more comfortable because there isn’t any additional weight on their backside (plus, no bouncing!).

Here’s a short video explaining what I think the best options are for riding with a child.

Conclusion

The rack system is the most popular type of bike carrier for bikes with no low-hanging clearance. Rack systems are attached to your bike top tube and provide a lower profile, unlike other options, which mount on the back wheel or frame in some cases without providing any security.

A child’s seat can also be mounted onto either a rack system or directly onto your bike’s frame if it does not have sufficient low-hanging clearance underneath. Rear-facing seats are also, an option that attaches right up against you, so they’re easy to control when braking and traveling downhill!

Though rear child bike seats are generally considered safe, it really comes down to your confidence and comfort level while riding a bike. It’s a good idea to practice riding with extra weight before buckling your child into the seat and always ask for help if you need it. And don’t forget, always wear a helmet!

My Recommended Child Bike Seats

Affordable and sturdy, I recommend getting the following child bike seats for anyone looking for a seat to ride together with your child. I’ve been using these two seats for more than 6 years for both of my kids and they’re still holding up great. If you want to see all the gear I recommend, check out my Gear page.

Recommended Front Child Seat: WeeRide

Recommended Rear Child Seat: Schwinn Deluxe

How to Install a Baby Bike Seat

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You’ve got the bike, the baby, and the bike seat, but how do they go together? Don’t worry, this easy guide will have your baby bike seat installed in no time. Then, it’s off on an adventure you and your kiddo will never forget.

First, you’ll want to note whether you have a front or rear mounted seat as well as how the seat mounts to your bike. Rear type seats have both a frame and rack mount option available. Depending on what type of bike you have, and if you already have a bike rack attached to your bike a frame or rack mount may work better with your seat up.

Front Mount Baby Bike Seat

To mount a child bike seat on the front of your bike, you’ll first need to determine what type of handlebars you have. For the Hamax Observer, we offer two types of brackets. One, the Standard Mount, splits in two to secure around threaded headsets with at least 2 inches of vertical clearance. The second option, the A-Head Bracket, requires only 1/2 inch of clearance and is best for threadless headsets. The A-Head Bracket does require the removal of the handlebars. If you’re not mechanically inclined you’ll want to schedule an appointment at your local bike shop.

Once you’ve received the seat, remove it from the package and find mounting bracket you’ll be using. Make sure to align the mounting bracket with the handlebar and wheel so your baby can face forwards. We recommend placing the baby bike seat on the mount and sitting on the bike. You’ll want to make sure you are comfortable riding with the seat between your arms. Once you’ve found the perfect alignment, tighten down the screws on the mount to ensure it does not have any movement. If your seat has a locking mechanism like the Hamax Observer, make sure you lock the seat in place with the included keys.

Rear Frame Mount Baby Bike Seat

If you’ve purchased a frame mount baby bike seat, the first thing you’ll want to do after unpacking your item is attach the bracket to your bike frame. The brackets that come with the Hamax Caress have four easy bolts that you’ll remove to open up the bracket. Place the bracket on the bike frame with the Hamax logo facing the front. The Hamax bracket is specially designed to slide under brake cables and other gear wire that run down the bike frame. All you need to do is slide the rubber gaskets under any cables and attach the metal strips. Insert the four bolts and tighten down just enough so the bracket doesn’t slide on the bike frame easily. You’ll want to adjust the height of the bracket before tightening down the bolts any further.

To perfect the placement of the bracket on the bike frame, guide the metal carrier bow ends into the bracket until you hear a click. The clicking sound means that the carrier bow bars have locked into place in the fastening bracket. Next, measure from the rear wheel to the bottom of the Caress child bike seat. Ideally, you want between 10-12 cm of space to allow for the seat movement which provides the suspension for your child. Adjust the bracket until you are within the correct height distance*, and then tighten down the bolts of the fastening bracket. Make it a rule to check, and if needed, re-tighten the bracket before every bicycle ride.

*If you are not able to achieve the recommended 10-12 cm height above the tire, please contact Hamax USA. We have extra bars that will help you position the seat correctly.

Rear Rack Mount Baby Bike Seat

To install a rack mount baby bike seat you’ll want to have a rack pre-installed on your bike frame. Most bike racks are installed by bolting them to the threaded eyelets on the base of the seat stays and the braze-ons. Check to make sure that your rack is level before installing the bike seat. The Hamax Caress rack mount has an easy twist on and off mechanism which makes installation a breeze for parents of all skill levels. Just unlock the Carrier Adapter with the included keys, turn the knob counterclockwise to open the claws, and fit to your bike rack. Then turn the knob clockwise to tighten down the claws on the bike rack for a snug fit. You’ll want to position the Caress seat as close to the adult’s bike seat as possible while still leaving room for the seat to recline. By getting as close to the center of the bike as possible, you make the bike more stable while riding.

Whatever seat and mounting system you choose to use with your bike, we recommend that you practice getting on and off the bike a few times and riding around your neighborhood with the seat attached. This will give you a better idea of how the bike mechanics will function with added weight and how you can compensate through pedaling and steering. If you need any help with mounting your seat or have any questions the HamaxUSA customer service team is always happy to help. Give us a call at 877.252.4560 or email at [email protected]. We’ll do whatever we can to make sure you and your child have a great ride together!

HamaxUSA2019-12-02T11:18:51-08:00

Child bike seat. Where is it better to mount it: in front or behind?

Edited: 01/22/2018

In the article “How to choose a child bike seat”, we looked at what age you can take a child on bike trips, what to look for when choosing a child bike seat and the types of protection for bike seats.

In this article, we will look at the important question of where and how to attach the bike seats to the parent's bike.

As mentioned in the last article, there are several options for attaching the seat to the bike - both in front of the cyclist and behind him.

The experience of parents of cyclists who take their children out at a very early age suggests that the location of the child seat depends on the age of the child. It is better to carry the very small ones in front of you, and the grown-up ones - in the back.

Each option has its pros and cons, which we will now focus on.

Attaching a child bike seat to the handlebars.

Chairs of this type are designed for the smallest children weighing up to 10, maximum 12 kg, i.e. it is somewhere up to 1.5-2 years.

Advantages of attaching a child bike seat to the handlebars

The child is always in front of your eyes, you can talk to him normally during the trip, which is especially important for very young children.
The child is interested - he sees everything, and if you put the steering wheel in his hands, he even thinks that he himself is driving a bicycle.
Free rear rack

Disadvantages of attaching a child bike seat to the handlebars

Bicycle handling and overall maneuverability deteriorate, as the weight of the child on the handlebars prevents them from effectively managing
Low load capacity - up to 10-12 kg
The chair is not cushioned, so the child receives all the blows falling on the front wheel, which is not at all good for a small and fragile spine.
In the event of a fall, the child is unprotected and may be hit by an adult.
The seat attachment is not universal, so be sure to check if it will fit the handlebars on your bike.

In general, this chair is suitable for parents with children up to 1.5-2 years old for short distance riding on good and even asphalt. It is very good if a suspension fork is installed on the parent bike, because. it will smooth out bumps from bumps in the road.

Front attachment of the child seat to the frame

As in the first case, the child sits in front of the cyclist.

There are the following mounting options:

fixed to the top tube of the frame or special mounting
on the lower, seat tube or head tube on a flexible steel fork, which not only holds the chair, but also acts as a shock absorber, making the ride more comfortable for the child.


Front frame mount	Mounting with a flexible steel fork on the down tube

Mounting with a flexible steel fork on the steering tube	Fastening with a flexible steel fork on the frame seat tube

Advantages of attaching the seat in front of the cyclist

The child sees everything in front of him and, if you give him a steering wheel, he will think that the same steers

You have a free rear trunk.

This seat can be installed on a bicycle with rear shock absorber

Disadvantages of fastening the seat in front of the cyclist

The handling and maneuverability of the bike deteriorates. This is due to the changing centering of the bike.
The cyclist has to spread his arms wide while holding the steering wheel and his legs while pedaling, which, you see, does not improve his comfort and leads to rapid fatigue.
If the seat is raised high, the child will bang his head against the cyclist's chin.
If the child falls, it can get under the parent.
When buying a front seat, consider compatibility with your bike. If the brake and gear cables run along the upper tube of the frame, then it will not be possible to attach the chair directly to the pipes. If the fastening is on simple clamps, you can pass them between the cable and the pipe or put special pads with holes for the cables. It is not always easy to fix the chair on models with a short or low frame, on frames with inclined tubes.

Given the above disadvantages, we can say that a large seat, fixed in front of the saddle, creates problems for the cyclist himself. It is inconvenient to hold the steering wheel, turn the pedals and you have to “peek out” all the time because of the child on the road.

In this situation, in my opinion, it is much better to use simple and small models. This is especially true for trips over short distances: when parents need to take their child to kindergarten, go to the store, or you take a short walk with the whole family. All the same, it is difficult to carry a small child for a long time - he simply will not sit out, he needs to move.

For such cases, a simple and cheap chair, which is fastened to the pipe with 4 bolts within 5 minutes, with a soft seat and back, is the best option. For example, the model in the photo.

So:

The seat fixed in front of the cyclist, no matter what frame tube it is attached to, is suitable for leisurely and calm trips on asphalt or rolled dirt roads for children under 4 years old and weighing up to 17 kg.

Attaching a child bike seat to the rear of the carrier or seat tube.

There are two options here:

Rigid rack mount.
Seat tube attachment with soft shock absorbers. It can also be mounted both front and rear. This is generally the most convenient option from our point of view.


Fastening with a flexible steel fork on the frame seat tube	Carrier mount with rubber dampers	Rigid rack mount

Benefits of placing a child seat behind the rider

Suitable for children up to 25 kg. Those. for almost everyone.
Fits almost all bike models. Where there is a trunk - just attach to it. Where there is no trunk, you can either buy a trunk and install a chair on it or, if you can’t put a rear rack, you can attach a chair to the seat tube. Some models of chairs come with a trunk directly. For example, bicycle seats of the German company Topeak are equipped with a branded aluminum trunk.
When falling, the child is better protected than when landing in front of a cyclist. The kid is fastened in the chair, and almost always falls sideways, and the side of such chairs is quite securely covered. In addition, the parent does not fall on the child, but in front of him.
This seat can be installed on a bicycle with a rear shock absorber

Disadvantages of placing a child seat behind the cyclist

You can't see the child, and it's not always clear what he's doing there from behind. It's harder to talk to him. The only way to try to solve this problem is to install a rearview mirror.
When attaching the seat to the trunk, there is no shock absorption, the child receives all the shocks falling on the rear wheel. Partially this problem is solved by chairs with springs or rubber gaskets between the body and the trunk.
A child can hardly see the road, the view is only on the sides - in front of his eyes is his father's or mother's back.

Often the models of seats with shock absorbers, which are attached to the seat tube, can be installed both in the version in front of the cyclist, and in the version behind the trunk.

To be honest, the option of mounting the bike seat on the rear seat tube on steel shock absorbers is the best option we have ever considered.

It does not interfere with the cyclist to pedal and steer the bike, the centering of the bike and, therefore, its handling and maneuverability do not change too much. The child rides softly and comfortably, as the steel mounts also play the role of shock absorbers.

The seat is quickly attached to and removed from the bike. If it is removed, then the remaining lock on the pipe does not interfere with the cyclist. Having bought an additional lock, you can take the child in turn on a bike trip simply by rearranging the chair from dad's to mom's bike.

Such mounts are quite universal, since bicycle frames are different (short, lowered, without a top tube), but all bicycles have a seat tube. The only thing you need to check, of course, is that the shift and brake cables do not pass through the seat tube or fasten the lock where they are not.

When purchasing a chair with a seat tube mount, make sure that the seat tube mount is compatible in diameter with your bike's seat tube. Typically, fasteners are compatible with pipes with a diameter of 28 to 40 mm.

Another point related to mounting the seat on the trunk.

If the bike does not have a rack, then some parents buy a rack for the seatpost, and attach a seat to it. We do not consider this option too good for the following reasons:

These carriers are usually designed for weights up to 10-15 kg, which means that it can only support a small child, which is better to carry in front of you.
Increases the load on the place in the seat tube of the frame where the seat post is inserted. It is pressed not only by the cyclist himself, sitting in the saddle, but also by the weight of the child on the chair. Moreover, keep in mind that the child presses like a lever - he does not sit on the pin itself, but at the end of the trunk. So the load it puts on the pin is higher than its weight. As a result, when driving on our very “flat roads”, this place in the seat tube, and the seat post itself, will have too much shock loads and it may not withstand. This is especially true for aluminum and carbon frames and seatposts.

A very good solution for transporting babies is a child seat that is attached to the seatpost, but the child is in front of the parent.

For example, this option:

What conclusions can you draw as a result about choosing a place for fixing a child bicycle seat on a bicycle:

purchase for a child under 3 years old of a small child bike seat with front mounting on a steel shock-absorbing fork. And when he grows up - buy a chair for mounting at the back, again on a steel shock-absorbing mount. The child will feel comfortable, and parents calmly.

And good luck with your children!

Thule RideAlong Child Seat Installation Instructions

THULE RIDEALONE SEATS

Please read these instructions carefully for future use and please keep these instructions carefully for future use. Please check the traffic regulations of the country where you intend to use the child seat.

1. Comfortable seat belt.

2. Device for adjusting the length of the seat belt.

3. Seat belt buckle.

4. Retractable leg supports.

5. Foot support.

6. Tilt adjuster.

7. Washable lining.

8. Support bar.

9. Support for different types of bicycles.

10. Length adjustment device.

11. Device for adjusting the height of the seat belt.

12. Reflector.

13. Device for adjusting the height of the leg support.

14. Protective lug.

Installation.

Make sure your bike can fit this child seat.

Mounted on frame only. The seat is only suitable for bicycles with a frame diameter of 27.2 - 40 mm or with elliptical frames 40x55 mm. Not intended for installation on bicycles with square, triangular or carbon frames. The maximum width of the trunk is 155 mm.

Find the center of gravity mark and position the seat as close to the front of the bike as possible. Preferably, this mark should be in front of the rear wheel axle, in no case should it be more than 100 mm beyond the point above the rear wheel axle. Make sure the support screws are tight and check regularly. The seat is not designed for use on mopeds. For maximum comfort and safety of the child, make sure that the seat does not tilt forward, allowing the child to slide off. It is desirable that the back of the seat leans back a little.

Check that all parts of the bike work properly with the seat attached to the bike.

Application

This product is intended for children aged 9 months to 6 years weighing 9 to 22 kg. Do not carry young children in it. The product is only intended for children who are seated confidently enough to withstand their intended bike ride. Check with your pediatrician before transporting children under one year of age. Regardless of age, the child must be able to hold his head and wear a helmet of the appropriate size. Be sure to check that the child is not heavier than the maximum allowed weight.

Check all screws before each use to ensure that the child seat is securely attached to the bike. Always wear safety helmets for yourself and your child when moving. Do not ride a bicycle at night without proper lighting. Do not cover the rear reflector or lights when using the child seat.

A child seat attached to a bicycle may require a change in the way you control the bicycle. Pay special attention to this. Before each ride, make sure that the installed seat does not come into contact with the brakes, pedals or steering wheel. Always use the harness holder and make sure the straps are fastened correctly. Make sure that the seat belts and leg restraints do not loosen or become entangled in the moving parts of the bike. This must also be checked when the child is not in the seat.

Children's clothing, toys, shoes and body parts must not come into contact with moving parts of the bicycle such as wheels, cables and seat springs. Check this as your child grows. The seat springs can be covered with a special coating. Make sure there are no sharp objects in the child's reach.

When cycling, the child needs warm clothes. To protect the driver and child from unexpected rain, it is advisable to provide waterproof clothing. Never ride your bike in bad weather. Check the temperature of the seat before placing your child in it, especially on hot sunny days.

Remove the seat when transporting by car. Air currents may damage the seat or attachments, resulting in an accident. Check your national laws and regulations regarding transporting a child in a child bike seat before use.

Maintenance

Use only warm soapy water to clean the seat. See special instructions for cleaning the lining. If any part of the seat is damaged or broken, contact your nearest Thule dealer.

Warnings

Do not attach any additional weight to the child seat. Any additional load is best attached to the front or rear of the bike. Do not modify the product. A bicycle with a child seat may behave differently in terms of balance, handling and braking.

Do not leave the bike unattended when the child is in the seat. Do not leave a child in the seat when the bike is parked and supported only by the retractable support stand. Do not use the seat if it malfunctions in the slightest.

Failure to follow the safety instructions could result in serious injury or death to the child or driver.

Fitting the Thule bike seat

1. Remove the support bar (8) from the back of the seat. Rotate the arc length adjustment device (10) to the vertical position and remove. Fully insert the arc so that its ends point vertically down. Fully insert the device and rotate it to a horizontal position to fix the reference bow.

2. Place the support on the bike frame, the blue release button (9) must point down. Secure the stand by screwing in the four screws at the front (15), but do not fully tighten them to allow height adjustment. Use short screws for round frames and long screws for elliptical ones.

3. there is a blue button on the support that allows you to release the support bow (16). The pole has a Thule One-Key System (17) to help prevent theft.

4. Insert the support bar (8) into the support (9) until it clicks into place. Set the support to the required height. When fitted to a bicycle without a carrier, the child seat must be approximately 80 mm above the rear wheel. When fitted to a bicycle with a luggage carrier, the child seat must be at least 40 mm higher. Tighten the screws to 8 Nm with the socket wrench supplied (size 5). The maximum trunk width is 155 mm.

5. Turn the length adjuster 90 degrees down (10). Locate the center of gravity mark (18) and position the seat as close to the front of the bike as possible. Preferably, this mark should be in front of the rear wheel axle, in no case should it be more than 100 mm beyond the point above the rear wheel axle. Rotate the length adjustment device back to the vertical position.

6. Adjust the height of the footrest by turning the adjuster upwards (13). Position the footrest at the desired height and secure the adjustment device by lowering it down.

7. The leg holders (4) can be rotated downwards to align with the support (5). To keep your feet secure, rotate the leg brace up over your foot and adjust to fit your foot.

8. Fasten the seat belt by inserting it into the buckle (3) until it clicks. To release the seat belt, simultaneously press the two buttons and pull the seat belt buckle up.

9. The length of the seat belt can be easily adjusted. Shorten the straps. pulling them with one hand at the end of the belt (19). You can increase the length of the strap by pressing the blue button (2) and pulling the straps up.

10. Adjust the height of the seat belt anchorage to suit your child's height. For greater safety and comfort, the seat belt should be at the level of the child's shoulders. Turn the height adjustment device (1) upwards. Set the harness anchor to the desired height, and then turn the adjuster down to lock the harness into place.

11. To remove the seat belt, move the belt lock (20) fully away from the seat back towards the front. Release the seat belt buckle and the belt will be released from the seat. To fasten the seat belt, insert the belt clip from the front and fasten it at the back.

12. The child seat is padded with washable material on both sides (7) in two colours. To remove the padding, first remove the seat belt as described in step 11. Undo the two buckles on the back and bottom of the seat and pull through. To return the padding, insert the locks from the front of the seat. The lining can be machine washed at 30 degrees C on a delicate wash. Wash separately from other items.

13. The child seat can be tilted forward 20 degrees for a more comfortable fit. Press the tilt adjuster (6) and set the seat to one of the five possible positions.

14. If the seat is leaning against a wall, the safety lug (14) will keep a safe distance between the wall and the child's hand to avoid pinching. Do not leave the bike unattended when the child is in the seat.

15.