How to Buy a Tagalong Bike

Have you seen the happiest kids on the block? They are the ones riding tagalong bikes behind their parents. These kid-sized half-bikes attach to an adult bike and are a great way to share the road with a child. Unlike a bike trailer, a tagalong bike allows a child to be more involved and get some exercise along the way. And with a tagalong versus a regular child's bike, you can both travel farther and faster. Here are a few things to know before you buy.

Instructions

1. Tagalongs come in 20-inch and 24-inch wheels. Which one you buy depends on the height of your child.

2. All brands of tagalong bikes attach to a hitch that is mounted on your bike's seatpost. There is not a huge difference between hitches. Any reputable hitch should be simple to use so you can easily remove the tagalong from your bike.

3. If more than one person will be using the tagalong, consider buying a hitch for each bike.

4. Buy spare tubes and tools to fix flats on both your bike and the tagalong-which will have different size tires. Carry your supplies with you at all times.

5. Consider what bike you will be towing with. Mountain bikes will be more stable than a road bike because they are stiffer and can counteract the pushing and pulling of a tagalong. Mountain bike handlebars versus drop ones will likely be more comfortable.

6. When it's time to test ride, take your own bike to the shop.

7. Don't connect your hitch to a carbon seatpost. Use an aluminum one instead. The tagalong puts stress on the seatpost that a lightweight racing bike was not designed to withstand.

Tips & Warnings

• You and your child should always wear a properly fitted helmet when riding bicycles.

Resources

• Adam's Trail-a-Bike
• TREK Bikes