Pedal Coupler
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US $14.99
Never before have there been so many options for families wishing to get out together on their bicycles. As each family is a unique entity and has needs of their own, there is no one way of biking that is best. Consider the best option for your family!
Small children will need to be connected to your bike in some way. There are a number of options available: trailer, trailer bike, tandem, or coupler to attach your child's bike behind yours.
A trailer is the perfect option for many families. Your child can ride comfortably and sleep when he wants. He can play with toys in the safety of his little home. It is also easy to protect children from the elements in a trailer and you can stash extra gear in there with him.
Trailers aren't perfect though; there are some disadvantages. Many parents find their children sleep all day in the trailer and then want to play all night when the parents need to sleep. Also, some children can get frustrated that they are not part of the team helping to propel the bike.
A trailer bike is another popular option. You can connect the one-wheeled contraption to the back of your bike and your child can help you pedal. If you plan to bike up any hills, be sure to get the higher-end trailer bike with gears. With your child on a trailer bike, he will be helping you with the work and will be very proud of his accomplishments.
The down side to the trailer bike option is that the child is exposed to the elements and is not easily protected. Even with proper rain gear, it will be hard to keep his hands and feet warm and dry if the weather turns bad. You've also got the issue of falling asleep on the bike. Depending on traffic conditions at the time, this could lead to a dangerous situation.
Tandems are wonderful options for cycling together as a family. Not only is your child part of the team and helping with the workload, but he is also pedaling in sync with you and learning proper biking technique. As he is very close, you can carry on conversations easily.
Tandems don't come cheap, which is the primary disadvantage of them. The tandem remains a tandem and you can't disconnect the stoker seat to run errands on your own. Shipping a tandem can be pricey as they are very much oversized. If you plan to travel with your tandem a lot, it is worth the extra money to get S & S couplers so it will break down into smaller pieces.
The last option for touring with small children is using a coupler that will connect a small child's bike on to the back of your bike. With this option, your child can ride on his own when safe, but can be connected to you when in traffic. The two connectors currently available are the Trail Gator Tow Bar and the Follow Me coupler.
When your child is a bit older, a single bike becomes an option. Not all children mature at the same rate, so it is difficult to give an age - one child might be ready to ride his own bike at age 8 while another child would need to wait until a teenager. Pay attention to your child and make the decision based on his skills and personality. Consider his physical strength, coordination, ability to be aware of surroundings, and maturity.
If you have children of varying ages, you may find a combination of approaches to work. A tandem with a trailer works well. Many trailer bike companies are now making them with the ability to hook a trailer behind. You may find yourself traveling through town on a long train, but at least you'll be out and about on your bike - which is great for the whole family!
Looking to find tips and advice about bicycling with children, then visit http://www.familyonbikes.org to find the best advice on all aspects of family bicycling.
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