I found some really cool options and resources for biking with babies that I wanted to share with you all. I just haven't found a way to work exercise into me and Xander's very attached routine, and I really need more fresh air and aerobic exercise to be a happier, healthier, saner mama. So, after several months of saving money and researching options, I've finally bought a bike trailer! If any of you are interested in biking with your little one, check these out:
First, a great site all about biking safety and reviews of different bike carriers: iBike.org Bike Education
My first choice for a carrier was the sidecar for interactivity and overall coolness, but it doesn't fit my comfort/cruiser style bike. It does fit most mountain / mtn-hybrid bikes.
The iBert iBert.comfront-mounted seat is also interactive, but limited seasonally to warm, dry weather. For $90.00, it might be something to try this summer, or for baby #2 with baby#1 pedaling behind on a trail-a-bike.
Meanwhile, a Cougar 2 Chariot trailer will keep him warm and cozy in our cool and wet Seattle weather. I got all the information comparing Burley to Chariot trailers , and decided that Chariot is the better product for us. bicycletrailers.com has great customer service, free shipping, and no sales tax.
what I found with used bike trailers: I spent several weeks looking for used trailers on craigslist, but the very few ones I saw were all really old, worn, and thrashed. And not that cheap, either. I took that as a sign that a new trailer would be a good investment with many years of service and good resale value.
For weeks, I deliberated over a 1-seat versus a 2-seat model. I found that the width difference is only 5 inches, minimal weight difference, and until we have baby #2, Xander can sit in the middle, or he can ride with our spaniel Rocco to the dog park, or even ride with a friend! Or, I can load it up with groceries and go green by biking to the store instead of driving. I'm excited about taking the Burke-Gilman trail to the next playgroup!
