Yepp mini compatible bikes?
 

Thanks in advance for your help! I'm new to riding as a lifestyle and am looking to buy my first bike. I'm looking for a hybrid to mount a yepp mini. I'm 5"4' so need a small, 15-17" frame. I also will be using the bike for light errands and riding solo to shoot photo. In the future I'll probably use a trailer for multiple kids.

I have been looking high and low researching bikes. I'm overwhelmed with all of the new info and not confidant that I'll pick something that can mount the Yepp. It seems most bikes I look at have 1 1/8 diameter stems which is too big. Unfortunately, my budget will allow for $450 max.

Anyone out there using the Yepp mini? What bikes do you have? Any other advice on what I should be looking for in a bike?

Thank you thank you thank you!

Oh, and to note, there is only one bike shop within an hour driving distance and i have not been having much luck with them. I live on a barrier island and they seem to be more focused on tourist rentals than sales. I've been in multiple times over the past month and the owner has not been responsive to calling me back. One of the maintenance guys has been nice so I trust that they can do set up and modifications if needed. He just can't discuss sales. Thanks!

I am considering this used Giant 2011 Women's Via 2. But I'm concerned about it being too heavy and having enough gears (is it really 8 gears or 24?). Retail $520, blue book like new $246.

Brand New Giant Via Women Bike

Full specs on Giant: Via 2 W (2011) | Giant Bicycles | United States

I'm guessing that you are looking at bikes that have a "threadless headset" rather than a "quill stem." The standard Yepp Mini adapter is meant to go on a quill stem. If you want to put it on a bike with a threadless headset (which is the 1 1/8" measurement you're seeing), you'll need a separate adapter: Yepp Mini Ahead Threadless Adapter at REI.com

A couple of other general comments: (1) since you're on the shorter side, I would look for a bike where the handlebars sweep back toward you and that's designed for an "upright" ride. If you have to bend over to reach the handlebars, you may end up knocking heads with your little one; (2) since you live somewhere flat, 8 speeds should be plenty.

Thanks for the response mel2012! Looking ahead, I'll probably be back in KY in a couple of years using a trailer and multiple kids so I think I've canned this option for something with more gears so I won't have to re-purchase.

When looking at new bikes, I've mostly been looking at quill but it seems that the stem on those has been 1 1/8 too. However I could be looking at the specs wrong. Do you know if new bikes that are quill stems typically fit the 28mm (1.1 in) specs for the seat? I am wanting to get a hybrid and not a beach cruiser so that I can ride faster when I am by myself. Thanks!

The Yepp Mini should be compatible with any quill stem. My Fr8 bike, which has incredibly beefy tubing everywhere else, has a quill stem that can accommodate the Yepp Mini and the Bobike Mini. Have you looked at all at Bikes Direct bikes? I have their Windsor Kensington 8 and really like it. The Dawes Eclipse looks like it might work for you: http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...pse-city-bikes

I'm not sure where you are seeing the 1.1 inch measurement. From the Amazon listing for the adapter:
"The adapter can be attached to a steel, 1.5-inch exposed quill-type stem and, in case it doesn’t fit your bike, a thread-less adapter is also available (sold separately)."

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...SWAG4GJDGX1Q6G

Thanks. I'll take a look at those two bikes and what else bike direct has.

The 1.1 was referring to the Yepp without the adapter. I must have been reading the specs wrong on those quill stems I thought had a 1 1/8" diameter. No surprise. Learning to speak "bike" is like a whole new language. :P

I just bought a Yepp Mini, and I think that 1.5 inch exposed measurement may be referring to the height of exposed stem needed to fit the attachment. The quill stems on the bikes i'm considering are definitely less than that in diameter, and the Yepp mounting piece fits just fine. FWIW, I agree that you'll likely want something with swept back bars, a decently upright riding position, and the ability to adjust the seatpost so that you can place at least the balls of your feet on the ground when stopped, as it's hard to slide forward off the seat with the kid in front of you, especially if you're shorter and not riding a large frame. Yepp recommends at least 20" between your seatpost and stem for the Yepp Mini.

I think I'm almost settled on a Sun Ruskin hybrid 21sp, 700c wheels. It's a crank forward so it gives extra room up front. Though I can only find one review and won't be able to test ride so I'm a little nervous about it.