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I have posted this on the Alternative transport section but I thought some people might have missed it there.

Has anyone had one of these child seats recently? - there are very fancy models on the market, what features are the best?

I thing I have heard that you ought to have a reclining one as it can make children more comfortable if napping

... any suggestions?

Hi Annpan.
I currently still use this one. http://www.ciao.fr/Decathlon_Modular_System__588943
I brought it from my local decathlon store, a few years ago now. "A" is 4yrs now and she still loves it and still uses it regular. Maybe because daddy is a better driver than mummy. I think it was about £50 for the bracket and the seat. (could not find a english website)

Thankyou, my French isn't too great so I didn't get much info from the site...

Does it recline and have you ever missed or used that function?

I have spotted on which is £70 but it takes panniers too - which looks like a good idea... means I can get books from the library or the odd bar of chocolate (greens and blacks.... hmmmm) from the co-op

Do you usually have to buy the bracket and the seat separately? That doesn't make a lot of sense to me

No it does not recline. but it is a well fitted chair. and it does stop them from bouncing about too much, so no i have'nt really missed it. It also confines and protects their legs from the wheels. (straps them into the chair)
Yes you have to buy the bracket seperatly. that then stays on your bike and you can then choose which accessory you want to put on it. ie seat, box or basket.

Annpan, just make sure you don't have a duel-suspension bike, or the seat won't fit.....
The Glasgow Freecycle offer some sometimes - do you want me to keep my eyes open for you? It might not recline, but it might be worth trying a freebie first to make sure the littley likes the idea, IYSWIM.

Thanks CT, I could ask on Lanark Freecycle but I havn't as JohnM is a bit funny about stuff like that Yes I know, he doesn't want me or E riding on something second hand in case it has flaws... and even then, trying to get him to part with the money for a good quality new one is just as hard

Personally I would love a Freecycle bike and child seat, and if I put a wanted post on Freecycle I'd probably get one... but JohnM would just not be happy with that at all

I have a HAMAX SLEEPY which reclines. It also lifts out of the doobree so you could carry child and seat as one (although not when reclining, and after heaving child and bike up hill had little energy to lift seat out).
Now have it plus trailer (for the odd occasions I am feeling brave enough to cycle with both)

I have just bought a bike and child seat but had to return the bike as it arrived with a bent wheel

so the new one is arriving today (in fact any minute now!) so when i have got it up and running i will let you know how i get on!

well bike is up and running and we have had 2 outings on it. the first was a bit ambitious and we went for 3 miles and ollie cried for the last one
(he doesnt like his helmet and was tired) but the short ride today was better, he seemed to enjoy it. i am looking forward to getting fitter and ollie getting used to it so we can go into the nearest town.