🚀 go-pugleaf

Jim Fulker <fulker@nc.com> wrote:

>Anyone know what the scoop is here? My wife and I want to ride
>with our 10 month old, but I'm not sure what the safest/best
>thing is. I didn't find anything in consumer reports...

>3) Trailers
>   I want to have more control and flexibility than I think
>   these contraptions will afford. 

Try one. They have no perceptible effect on control, other than the sheer
weight of the cargo. The same cannot be said of having 20+ lbs of
high-mounted weight on a bike. As the kid ages or gets joined by a sibling
or cargo, there is no comparison.

I'd estimate (though I have no figures) that the tipping risk of seats is
the largest hazard of all.

>   Plus, they're low and trail
>   behind the bike, and as a result, at risk of being driven
>   over by impatient car drivers not expecting a trailer.

Their sheer eye-catching nature and visibility more than outweighs this
possibility. You can fit a flag to overcome the low profile, if you wish;
Burley supplies one with their trailers.

>   Seems like Cannondale's is the best.

Burley and Equinox have the best long-term reputation among cyclists, but
there are over a dozen competitors in the market, now. Try
http://www.wicycle.com/compare.html for links to most of the manufacturers.

>4) Don't do it at all
>   The "what to expect" book implies that not taking your baby
>   with you on a bike is best. Probably right, but...

True, it is a risk--from the figures I've seen, I'd estimate about twice
the per-mile risk of driving. It's one that I'll take.