Training with Kids?

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singetex

10 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

Apr 23, 2007 12:30 PM

I'm training for an Olympic distance Triathlon and I'm having trouble finding time to bike because of a lack of childcare. So I need to find a way to train with a 6 month old along for the ride. Which would be better for training: rigging my road bike (Trek 1000) with a trailer, or my touring bike with a baby seat?

I know the trailers are supposed to be safer but I ride only in closed areas so I'm not too worried. I think it would be better to train on the road bike but I don't think the baby will like the trailer and they are so expensive. The sun protection would be better though. Can you even put a baby seat on a road bike? Would it totally mess with racing? Not that I'd leave the seat but I think the platform would have to stay? Would that make me a total dork at the race?

yo-sal

260 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

1. Apr 23, 2007 1:46 PM

in response to: singetex

Re: Training with Kids?

After seeing my teenage son getting hit by a pick-up truck from behind, this makes me shudder. I'm sorry, and i wish you the best and it sounds like you have thought this through for safety, but i have to say this: please, stay off the roads with your baby. You may be careful, but what about the driver coming up behind you? In my local running club newsletter, there are baby sitters listed who are willing to watch kids during races. Do you have anything like that for tris?

Joe_H1

1,041 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

2. Apr 23, 2007 2:07 PM

in response to: singetex

there are bike paths

where all you have to worry about is inline skaters listening to the mp3 players.

check your state and national parks in your area for some bike paths

helen82

171 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

3. Apr 23, 2007 6:56 PM

in response to: singetex

Re: Training with Kids?

I got a pretty good bike trailer at Wal-Mart for under $100.00. We don't use it anymore (my four year old son just learned to ride a two-wheeler), but it worked just fine for us.
As far as liking the trailer, your baby might find the movement soothing and comforting and grab the opportunity for a good nap. Do you know anyone you could borrow a bike trailer from, just to try it out? Or if you bought one, then found that your baby just hated it you could probably return it if it's within a reasonable amount of time.

singetex

10 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

4. Apr 23, 2007 8:00 PM

in response to: singetex

Re: Training with Kids?

Thanks everyone. I definitely would not bike on the roads with the baby, no matter the set-up. I do shorter training rides on a 1.2 mile loop that is closed to traffic so the only risk with the baby would be me losing control, or I suppose another rider, or rollerblader (and everyone out there does have an mp3 player, including me...) but that seems unlikely.

Yo-sal, since the races are on the week-end my husband keeps the kids, it's just hard to get much training in having just the week-ends especially since I need someone to keep her for swimming too. She HATES the gym nursery. Last attempt gave me 5 laps before the staff came to get me.

Joe, I'm in Houston, the most bike unfriendly place on earth. There are some paths along the bayous, but most have traffic lights to deal with or are totally packed so it's too slow for even my sad pace. Most people ride the highways outside of town. I definitely would not do that with a kid.

Helen, it didn't seem to me there was any way to lean the seat back in the trailers I saw? She would sleep if she were comfy. I guess I need to look again. Less that $100 is a lot better than the $450 the bike shop had.

helen82

171 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

5. Apr 23, 2007 8:48 PM

in response to: singetex

Re: Training with Kids?

I will take another look at ours-I'm pretty sure it's possible to lean the seats back.
I sympathize with you about the gym nursery. My kids love it now, but my daughter hated it from the time I started trying to put her in it at the age of two. I got wise with my second-the day he turned 6 weeks old he was at the YMCA nursery and I was on the treadmill. I think 6 months or so is when they start to experience separation anxiety. Is there another gym, maybe a YMCA, where the nursery might be a little more nurturing and comfortable for her? Or maybe a better time-like early in the morning? We always get to the gym at 7:55 am, because my 4 year old still gets a little overwhelmed when it's crowded with older kids.

helen82

171 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

6. Apr 24, 2007 7:41 AM

in response to: singetex

Re: Training with Kids?

I looked at our bike trailer-that one doesn't have seats that can be reclined. But I encourage you to check out others. I have seen some at Target; you may not get one as cheap as mine, but you'll probably find a good one at a better price than that bike shop is offering.

MotiveForcer

168 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

7. Apr 27, 2007 5:57 PM

in response to: singetex

Re: Training with Kids?

Since it is a closed course the risk from traffic is gone but how capable are you on the bike? The seat makes it have a peculiar center of gravity and a six month old has fragile neck muscles and a spill might cause damage to that little brain. I'd go with the buggy on the back. Try Ebay or something. If you go new, sell it when done and you are good. You could get your soon to be toddler in it with toys as well down the road so to speak. Always use the flag.

Apr 23, 2007 12:30 PM

Training with Kids?

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