Need Suggestions on Child Seat

[michaelsmom]

I am looking to buy a front-mounted bicycle child seat for my one year old son. I don't ride my bike on a daily basis or anything, but would like to be able to bring my son along when I do decide to go for a ride. I would prefer a front-mounted child seat (that mounts between the handle bars and the seat). My son is a little bigger than most kids his age (23 pounds), so I would like something that gives him a little more room. My husband and I would like to not spend any more than $100, so if you have any suggestions, please let me know!!

Thanks in advance...

[Sci-Fi]

WeeRide Kangaroo Child Bike Seat (http://www.amazon.com/WeeRide-Kangaroo-Child-Bike-Seat/dp/B000FIH0EG) @$52.76 with free shipping from Amazon.Com. Other models/styles are available.

iBert Safe-T Front Mounted Child Bicycle Seat (http://www.amazon.com/iBert-Safe-T-Front-Mounted-Bicycle/dp/B000H4E7EO/ref=tag_tdp_sv_edpp_t/104-3371220-8951910) @$79.19 with free shipping from Amazon.Com.

Bike Tutor (http://stores.ebay.com/bike-tutor) is out of your price range @$169.50 (price includes shipping $133.50+$36.00) from eBay.

Bike Tutor is considered the best engineered, but the mounting system is what most look at and how, if any, it affects you mounting on the bike, pedaling/knee clearances, and keeping your balance with your child in the seat. It would probably be best to see if any of the local stores/LBS in your area carry one or more of the brands so you can see for yourself and possibly get one mounted on your bike for a test ride. If not, then look/search for videos online to get a better idea...here are a few:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgqbP60Zv20
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkO8OTrYVfI

[masiman]

Great info Sci-fi.

My critique of these systems is that there is limited space up front for the seats. However that critique is based on viewing them and not having ridden them. I said as much in a previous post on this type of product. The OP did buy one (I think the Ibert), and reported some space constraints but not too bad.

I reiterate this position because I noticed in the Bike-Tutor video that they did not show side angle views of the product in use. Everything was from head on. In both videos they appear to use larger men as the cyclist. A smaller person would have less room to fit the carrier. Also the riding position they use appears to be very upright. That will probably fine for most people but would be a big change for me.

With that said, I am considering getting one. I will not use it much but it could come in handy on occasion.