Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Recreational & Family
Reload this Page >

Tag-Along or Tow Bar?

Search
Notices
Recreational & Family Ride just to ride? Have a family and want to get them into cycling? Drop in here to discuss recreational and family cycling issues.

Tag-Along or Tow Bar?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 05-19-11, 02:20 PM
  #1  
wunderkind
Pro Paper Plane Pilot
Thread Starter
 
wunderkind's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 1,645
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times in 3 Posts
Tag-Along or Tow Bar?

Hi,
I am thinking of either getting a Tag-Along or a Tow Bar so that by 4yo daughter can come along for longer rides. Hopefully you can answer some of my questions:

- Is 4yo too young?
- Which is better? Tag Along or Tow Bar?
- I like the Tow bar type because that means she can ride on her own on certain areas.
- Tag Along seems more comfortable
- Can the tow bar work with a 12" child bike?
wunderkind is offline  
Old 05-19-11, 05:52 PM
  #2  
irclean
Born Again Pagan
 
irclean's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Southwestern Ontario
Posts: 2,241

Bikes: Schwinn hybrid, Raleigh MTB

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
Looked at a tow-bar, but decided on a Trail-a-Bike Compact for my 3-year-old son.

Attached Images
File Type: jpg
HPIM3478.jpg (96.8 KB, 3 views)
File Type: jpg
HPIM3473.jpg (99.4 KB, 4 views)
File Type: jpg
HPIM3477.jpg (98.9 KB, 3 views)
File Type: jpg
HPIM3468.jpg (98.9 KB, 6 views)
irclean is offline  
Old 05-19-11, 10:39 PM
  #3  
wunderkind
Pro Paper Plane Pilot
Thread Starter
 
wunderkind's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 1,645
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times in 3 Posts
what's the difference b/t compact and non-compact?
wunderkind is offline  
Old 05-19-11, 11:13 PM
  #4  
irclean
Born Again Pagan
 
irclean's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Southwestern Ontario
Posts: 2,241

Bikes: Schwinn hybrid, Raleigh MTB

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
From the Trail-a-Bike website re: Compact.

• Compact folding frame design will accommodate a rider with a 2" shorter inseam than the Original Folder 1 model
• Shorter reach, shorter cranks, smaller chain ring and a narrower handlebar fits smaller riders just right
• Lower center of gravity gives parents and children increased stability

It's intended for kids aged 3-5, up to 85 lbs. The Original (non-compact) has the same weight limit but not the smaller dimensions and is intended for kids aged 4-6. FWIW my son is almost 4 and still needs the blocks to reach the pedals and, as the pics illustrate, the handlebars are set quite low for him to reach them. I'm sure he'll still be able to fit the bike 2 years from now but my hope is that he'll want to ride his own bike by then.
irclean is offline  
Old 05-22-11, 01:07 AM
  #5  
Joyfulmama
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 142
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I have used a tow bar and it is a very bad deal!! Totally not worth the money and very, very hard to bike with a kid on one. A trail a bike is really pretty decent to use. I like the compact versions better, unless you child is naturally tall. My kids are in the 25% for height/weight, so they just barely able to use a regular trail a bike at 6 years old. Prior to that I use a compact and do so from 3 years old.
Joyfulmama is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
PolarBear007
Touring
16
06-06-16 01:31 PM
smontanaro
Classic and Vintage Sales
1
11-19-15 08:14 AM
GZ99
Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg)
12
07-03-15 12:04 PM
Tandem Tom
Hybrid Bicycles
2
12-07-14 09:17 AM
nevermore1701
Bicycle Mechanics
0
02-25-13 10:59 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.