A proper dad bike

[pletharoe]

The time has come to get a dad bike - the ww road bike will still get used, but I need something to take the little man to school on. I can't imagine riding one of those hideous 'sit up and beg' contraptions, but I don't think a kid's seat would work well on a 6.3kg bike.

Is there a middle ground? I'm sure plenty of people on here have wrestled with the same conundrum. Budget $1-1.5k.

[lrdunc]

I'm sure others here will have much better suggestions, but what about something like the Specialized Sirrus? I'm not sure, but it seems like it might work for you.

https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bikes/fitness/sirrus-sport-carbon/118220

I think that this has rear rack holes that could be used for a kids seat?

Or maybe a Trek Lync?

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/bikes/city-bikes/urban-commuter-bikes/lync/c/B442

[AJS914]

For that kind of use, I'd get something relatively inexpensive and used. Do you have a mountain bike? How about a 29er with two sets of wheels or one set of wheels if you don't ride off road?

[pletharoe]

Thanks, the Specialized looks good. Hadn't thought of a 29er, but that might be a good option. I guess that I'll have to be fairly upright, otherwise my son's centre of gravity will be above mine, making control tricky.

[dereksmalls]

Ritchey Swiss Cross with disc wheels? My mate has one and just rode the length of New Zealand on it fully laden down with bikepacking gear so it would handle a bike seat fine

[Geoff]

I got a Cannodale Hooligan for that purpose!

[sanddancer]

Thule Chariot attached to your bike of choice.

[Lelandjt]

Beach cruiser. Casual style beats "trying" any day. The short cranks, low gear and fat tires will give you a great workout and improve your spin. I zip around town on my beachie all day.

[AJS914]

Personally, I'd never feel comfortable riding with my child on a bike mounted carrier. The risk/reward seems too great. The Chariot looks better if you can ride trails without traffic.

[Rondje]

What country do you live in? We use our "normal/daily" bikes for that. Dutch style bike with children seats: Comfy and easy to use (just watch out when you put your leg over the top tube )

[MoPho]

If your kid is old enough, I recommend the Weehoo Turbo trailer, much more fun and easier to pull on trails and such than a two wheeled trailer




Check out the website, they show people taking kids mountain biking and over some tricky terrain with it.

https://rideweehoo.com

I bought it because I have a kid with special needs and needed something he could be strapped into with a harness. He loves it and I've done a couple 30+ mile rides with him.

I use a Giant Seek modified with hydro disc brakes (from cable)



( I've since slammed the stem and added a longer seat post )



.