Late 2022 I decided it was time to give up four wheels and sell my car. There were many factors that led me to the decision, which include a few that come quickly to thought such as rising cost of fuel and impact on the environment.
Despite having two young boys to juggle and run about, I didn’t actually use my car that often. Work was in walking distance and I enjoyed making my commute and the nursery run a part of my movement to boost my physical and mental wellbeing.
So I started looking at my car free options. Bicycle was my first thought and one that I always compared other methods with. It came out top trumps and I went for the Tern Quickhaul - not to bulky or heavy to bring into the house but also giving us enough room for three of us to ride on comfortably.
The bike itself has a rear rack which can be fitted with a ‘cage’ as I call it, called the Clubhouse to keep children secure and comfortable at the back.
With my youngest being only a year old I just didn’t feel comfortable with the idea of him being out of direct sight which brings me to my first Pro of the Weeride.
On my first solo trip on the bike to test it out I cycled past a man with a young child sat between the handle bars and himself. I stopped him and asked what the seat was called and he began to explain the Weeride to me and how it was a game changer.
I got home, pulled out my phone and ordered it straight away.
I will start with my reasons for buying, I am not normally that quick to jump on a decision but it answered all my needs and wants.
1. Front Bumper The first and most important reason I purchased was because of the front cushioned bumper plate which sits over the handle bars without direct contact on them. Not only does this plate offer protection but as experienced first hand, it prevents the little ones from tugging or pulling on your handle bars and also offers a place for them to rest their hands AND head if they dose off. 2. Placement The bar and seat connects to the seat post - not the handlebars which allows greater control on steering while keeping the little ones centre of gravity steady.
3. He is where I can see him. With the eldest, I don’t have to worry so much about him trying to escape or misbehave but with a one year old I am not too confident! The Weeride is suitable for 1-4 year olds but can also be used for littler ones who can control their head and neck. The strap is also super secure with a part that crosses over the chest as well as shoulders.
What I have loved most about the Weeride is that I can clearly communicate and talk with Suleiman, he gets to see where he is going and with both the boys, we are building road and street safety and awareness.
Installing and setting up the seat was also relatively simple. You can remove the seat part when they aren’t riding with you but I have found it much easier to just keep it on.
Now, the bits that you may want to know before you decide to buy.
1. You better limber up.
It requires a level of stability and flexibility to get your leg over. It will probably be easier if you don’t have another child on the back like I do, but if you do but bare in mind you will need to stabilise the bike with a little bit more weight in the front when you are getting on. We usually ensure we have the bike stand out AND leaning close by to a wall or another steady surface.
2. Your cycling form may be off slightly.
Due to the position of the seat its impossible to keep your knees inline with your toes. Pointing your knees out slightly wider takes a little getting used to but shouldn’t cause you harm or discomfort.
3. I don’t think we will last up until 4 years in it.
Zakariya is three and a half at the moment and sits quite uncomfortably in it. We test ran him in it and he desperately wanted to get out. This could be because he is used to the comfort of his bigger seat or because he didn’t want to be in ‘the baby seat’. There was no way his feet would fit into the foot rest comfortably either.
4. They’ll face the weather front on.
Having started our two wheel journey in Winter, we haven’t had the best of weather so Suleiman has had all the wind and rain directly in his face. His helmet saves him most of the time but his face can get quite chilly compared to Zakariya who is protected from the barrier I create being in front of him.
It goes without saying that the Weeride was the best option for our needs and I am incredibly pleased that we did go with this seat for Suleiman.
I had every intention of moving him into the back with his brother in a few months time when he reaches 2 but I think we will keep him in the front in the Weeride for a little bit longer. He is happy and enjoys being in the seat which is almost as important as the safety aspect and benefits of the Weeride.
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