ATTACHING A USED CHILD SEAT

May 16, 2005

    I've got a child's bike seat that attaches to the back of an adult bike. I'm wondering how to attach it.
    I bought it used, so I'm not sure that I even have all the parts. It's made by American Recreation Company, Inc. I couldn't find a model number on it. Please help!

Andrea D.

Andrea:
    I have good news and bad news, tho you might not see it that way.
    First the bad news. It looks to me like American Recreation Company no longer does business, nor does anyone sell their products commercially. Which means that you can’t find parts or instructions for that child seat you have.
    Because I can’t see the seat you bought and I don’t know anything about that particular product, I can’t advise you on how to attach it to a bike, or even tell you which parts you should have. So you’d have to wing it—which I don’t think you wanna do when it comes to the safety of the child riding in that seat.
    So if you can’t find a local expert to help you attach the seat you bought, I suggest you get a new one. Now for the good news: You can find inexpensive, unused seats on eBay.
    Finally, Mr Bike recommends child seats that attach in front of the adult, not onto the rear carrying rack. Front-mounted seats (like ones from Bobike and Centric) give the bike a lower center of gravity, making the bike more stable. And a front-mounted seat lets you keep an eye on the kid.

Mr Bike

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