Customer Reviews

Topeak BabySeat Child Bike Seat with Aluminum Rack (Disc Mount Version)

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

My wife and I wanted a child seat that would work on my mountain bike with disc brakes. This rack/seat combination has worked perfectly! The variety of extension brackets included make this rack simple to install on any frame with the pre-drilled mounting holes. All you need is an allen wrench, a screwdriver and a pair of pliers or small crescent wrench. It will also work on a standard (i.e. caliper brake) frame, so why not buy this one in case you decide to go with a disc brake bike in the future? It's big enough for our "oversized" toddler to ride in comfort as well. He loves it, we love it, and we would absolutely recommend it to anyone who's looking for a good child bike seat. It's difficult to find (we came to Amazon after being told we'd have to special order it at REI and pay $45 more). Great product.

This is the old version of the seat. The rack is NOT MTX compatible, unlike the product description at the manufacturer's website. In addition, this has a lower weight limit. I'm really bummed I got this.

I received this about a week ago and last night finally worked up the courage to install it (it was pretty intimidating for someone who doesn't know much about tools)! I don't have disc brakes but the disc-mount version works on either type and plus was the same price. Two hours and a trip to the hardware store later, I think the seat is about as secure as it's gonna get (it feels solid as a rock-very secure and very safe looking). One thing that bothered me though was that the allen wrench needed wasn't included in the box (luckily my next store neighbor had one). The instructions, to me, could have been a little more helpful, but I finally (I think!) figured it out correctly. (Another thing that is bothering me-I don't know why it says you need a screwdriver! I never used one...it seems fine but I will definitely get this checked out by my local bike shop before I use it.) The reason for the trip to the hardware store was that the two longer screws needed for one part of the seat weren't long enough (they were M5 x L25...I bought M5 x L30 and they were perfect). We haven't tried the seat out yet but it looks super comfortable and safe. Once the initial installation is done, it seems great. (My local bike shop said they would install for $25, but I figured I'd try it myself.) All in all, seems like a great product-I'll update if I have any problems after our ride today, but my son seemed to love it during our test-sit and looked snug as a bug in there. 4 stars only because of the installation snags I mentioned earlier.
**UPDATE**
I've been using this for about a week now and my son and I absolutely love it. Have had zero problems so far and I am glad that after (much) deliberation on the kind and brand of bike seat to get, I finally decided on this one. A great quality seat, my son is very comfortable and it's very easy for me to use. Would definitely recommend.

I bought this child seat after a using a similar seat on a vacation in Belgium and my son has really loved it. Riding in this seat is one of his favorite activities and he constantly points toward the bike whenever we pass it in the garage. This is easily some of the best money that we've ever spent on a child product as it allows me to exercise while giving my son enjoyment at the same time. I initially thought a trailer would be best but then saw how much he enjoyed the behind the saddle seat in Belgium and changed my mind. We now have a rack on two bikes and can easily transfer the seat to either bike. I can't speak for the shock system since I've never actually ridden in the seat. My only small complaint is that the padding on the seat does not stay in place very well but this mainly due to the fact that it must come off in order to adjust straps as your child grows. My son started riding in this at 9 months and I'm hoping that he can continue using it until he's at least 3. If you enjoy biking or are looking to exercise with your child, I would highly recommend this seat!

WARNING - Topeak has recently changed this product so that the rack can also accommodate their MTX line of trunk bags in addition to the child seat. However the new models are not at all compatible with the old models which are still for sale. Check the Topeak website to compare model numbers and make sure that you get the new model if you do not already own the old one as the trunk bag feature adds even more value.

I chose this bike seat because it looked safe, and convenient. Well after the bike having one small fall the plastic clasps that keep the child in place broke instantaneously. Yes thats right, so the bike fell over the clasp broke (making the 3 point harness unusable - child fell through the seat and was choked by the strap around neck. Thank goodness we had a helmet on - and no scratches on the kid (amazingly) but he was forcefully chocked.

This and of itself is enough to make me suggest that you should not buy this item however their customer support was not helpful either. When I spoke to them about the situation they directed me on where I could buy a replacement part. I think this is poor customer service - my concern was first SAFETY. I don't know if I'll do this again. I'm seriously investigating trailers. However, I would have expected that they offer a replacement part free of charge.

Obviously, one hopes the bike never falls over - however when it does you expect it to work. This failed.

Even though my bike doesn't have a disc breaks I got this model to future proof my investment. It took me about 2 hours to install the seat, bike stand and rearview mirror (which I have purchased separately). The supplied instructions are pretty good and all the supplied parts fit together very well. I have used this seat couple of times so far with very good experience for both, the rider and the passenger :-). It is easy to put the baby in and out of it. The straps work very well to hold him in the seat. We have not used the foot straps since it seemed uncomfortable to prevent any movement and the way the seat is positioned on the bike and the shape of the foot rests it is hard to put his feet into the wheel. The seat seems to protect the passenger very well and we had a blast with it. I especially like that having him right behind me allows us to talk and share the experience.

Todson has recalled about 40,000 Topeak Babyseat II bicycle carrier seats, sold at REI and other national retailers from January 2009 through April 2012, due to risk of laceration and fingertip amputation. For details about the recall, including affected model numbers and how to obtain a free retrofit kit to fix the problem, visit cpsc.gov.

This seat was easy to install and very easy to use on the back of the bike. It feels sturdy and secure and seems comfy for my little guy(18 months). Great purchase.

Note: I am not an avid bicyclist. I just love to go for a beach ride or trail ride with the kiddos. Everyone asks us about our bike seat and I recommend them. My sweet hubby had no trouble getting them on our bikes, and after a year and a half of owning them they are still in perfect condition. The suspension is what stands out the most!!!!

NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Communications Washington, D.C.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 5, 2012
Release #12-143 Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 250-3068
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
Todson Recalls Bicycle Child Carrier Seats Due to Laceration and Fingertip Amputation Hazards

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Topeak Babyseat(tm) II Bicycle Carrier Seats

Units: About 40,000

Importer: Todson Inc., of North Attleboro, Mass.

Hazard: A child can place his or her fingers in the opening at the grab bar's hinge mechanism. When the consumer lifts the grab bar to remove the child from the seat, the child's fingertips can be caught in the hinge mechanism, posing a laceration and fingertip amputation hazard to the child.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received two reports of incidents including near amputations that resulted in stitches and a crushed finger.

Description: This recall involves Topeak Babyseat II bicycle carrier seats with model numbers TCS2100, TCS2101 and TCS2102. Model numbers are printed on the product's packaging. The gray, plastic Babyseats were sold in three styles: Babyseat, Babyseat with disc brake compatible rack and Babyseat with non-disc brake compatible rack. The racks are used to mount the seat to the bicycle. "Topeak" is embossed on the back of the seat and is also printed on a black foam protector that covers the grab bar. A red locking lever on the side of the blue grab bar locks the bar into place.

Sold at: J&B Imports, REI, Action and Hawley, independent bicycle dealers, distributors and other retail stores nationwide and online at REI.com from January 2009 through April 2012 for between $140 and $180.

Manufactured in: Taiwan

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled carrier seats and contact Todson to receive a free hinge cover retrofit kit.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Todson at (800) 250-3068 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's website at [...]

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about your experience with the product on SaferProducts.gov

CPSC is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of the thousands of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $900 billion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

Under federal law, it is illegal to attempt to sell or resell this or any other recalled product.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, go online to: SaferProducts.gov, call CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or teletypewriter at (301) 595-7054 for the hearing and speech impaired. Consumers can obtain this news release and product safety information at [...]. To join a free e-mail subscription list, please go to [...].