I agree with the other reviewers regarding the excellent build quality of this "trailer bike."I was very skeptical about the quality, given the unbelievable price (compare to Trek etc.), but decided to give it a shot anyway.Setup was pretty easy.The only problem was that the seatpost wouldn't go all the way into the frame, which was a must in order for my 4.5 yr old to ride.I needed to jam a scrap metal pipe into the frame's seat tube a couple times in order to knock loose some chunks of metal flashing that were preventing the seatpost from going all the way in.Once that was done though, everything was great.As for attaching to the lead bike, there is a "hitch receiver" that bolts onto the seatpost of the lead bike.The lead bike needs 2 inches of exposed seatpost in order to attach the hitch receiver.The WeeRide attaches to the hitch receiver exactly as would an automobile trailer hitch, except that the WeeRide comes with a quick release bolt for easy attachment/detachment to/from the lead bike.The hinge for folding the WeeRide is also secured by a quick release bolt.Those two quick releases are all you need to mess with when you want to go for a ride.Very simple!
The bike is *almost* too big for my 4.5 yr old daughter to ride.She was freaked out at first because, even with the seat all the way down, she can't touch the ground with her feet.And the hinged coupling between the seatpost "hitch" and the WeeRide frame has a little play in it, so it felt a bit wobbly to my daughter at first.But once she got used to the idea that she's firmly attached to Dad's bike, and Dad's bike doesn't tip over :) , she started to enjoy herself.More about fit:the crankarms on the WeeRide are pretty long, so I expect my kids to be able to enjoy it for as long as we want to.It will take a *very* long time for the kids to physically outgrow this bike.
A few thoughts about safety.First of all, the WeeRide does not have any braking capability.The copilot's choices are to pedal or to freewheel.This is good, since it ensures that the copilot can't lock up the back wheel.It seems like that might potentially cause problems (think jackknifed 18-wheelers).Second, the "pilot," or lead bicyclist, needs to avoid bumps as much as possible, and if not possible, the pilot needs to warn the copilot, just as on a tandem bike.The copilot can *not* see straight ahead when riding!Third, the pilot must avoid any sudden movements if possible.Don't stop too hard, accelerate too suddenly, or turn too quickly!It's very easy for the copilot to space out and relax a bit too much, since they don't have to do any work!Warn in advance before turning etc. if possible.
All that said, my 4.5 yr old daughter LOVES being a copilot!This half-bike allows my wife, my 7 year old son, my daughter and I to all go on rides together and explore a lot more than we could when my daughter was riding her little 16" bike with training wheels.Much more enjoyable for all this way!
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Product Description:
Train a child how to ride a bike without dealing with training wheels with the WeeRide Co-Pilot bike trailer. The Co-Pilot--which attaches quickly and easily to almost any bicycle with a seat post--is just like a regular bike, with handlebars, a seat, and pedals for your youngster.
The Co-Pilot's quick-release system detaches easily from your bike. However, you have control of the actual ride, including speed, balancing, braking, and steering, while your child tags along. It's a great way to teach basic biking skills and safety without giving up control before he or she is ready. Your son or daughter and pedal to help you along or just coast and enjoy the scenery.
The Co-Pilot is equipped with a true quick-release system for quick detachment from the adult bike, along with adjustable handlebars that accommodate children of different heights. In addition, the seat is more comfortable and better built than typical bike trailer seats, so your child will want to keep riding throughout the day. And once you arrive at your destination, the arms fold up easily for compact storage. Other features include an attractive black and silver color scheme, a safety flag and handlebar pad, and a 20-inch wheel size. The Co-Pilot--which holds up to 75 pounds--weighs 24 pounds by itself and is recommended for ages 4 to 9.
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