Originally Posted by
cyclist2000
the trailer bikes are great for riding with the kids. I got the burley picolo. ten years ago it was the only model that had a multi speed rear hub. I felt that the multi speeds would let my daughter get used to shifting. also ride the mountain bike with your kid.
I've got to disagree. I've never used a trailer bike but every one that I have observed has the kid at (what seems) a 45 degree angle to the adult bike. The bikes go down the road with the "tail wagging the dog". I've never been able to figure out how the adult steers their bike...and have sometimes had to take to the trees because they couldn't!
My kids and I rode a tandem with a kid crank for years and years (both my girls started riding before their 4th birthday). The bike is easier to control and, while a bit long, felt very solid and stable. This is not the cheapest solution however you might be able to find older tandems for very reasonable amounts (if you live in Colorado, I might have one for sale
)