I blow off a lot of steam on weekend bike rides.
When our little guy hit 10 months old, I wanted him in on the action, so I started hunting around for a child bike seat.
Remembering the awkward, wobbly seat my dad strapped me into when I was little, I knew I wanted better for my son.
My research led me to the Hamax Caress Child Bike Seat.
Here’s what I learned.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Child Bike Seat
Whether you’re trying to get into shape or just looking for a healthy physical outlet, biking offers some pretty sweet benefits.
Done right, biking builds muscle, increases cardiovascular strength, and improves functional movement.
Even a casual ride encourages the release of endorphins, or ‘happy’ chemicals, which can be awesome for boosting your mood.
Fortunately, biking is also a lot easier on the joints than some other forms of aerobic exercise.
So, all of this might sound great, but what if you’ve got little kids at home?
Can they be part of your bike trips before they’re old enough to pedal on their own?
That’s where child bike seats come in.
You can attach one of these seats to the front- or rear-end of your bike, strap in your child, and go.
He or she gets a free ride, exposure to the great outdoors, his or her first introduction to biking, and quality time with you.
And you get all those incredible physical and emotional benefits that we mentioned earlier.
Adding a child bike seat to your biking experience does present some challenges, however.
The additional weight of the seat can have a serious impact on how your bike feels and handles.
A seat that’s too heavy or too difficult to mount correctly can leave you feeling seriously dragged down.
Or worse, you might find yourself struggling to maintain control of your bike.
It’s critical to get a solidly constructed seat, and before you invest in a particular model, make sure it’s compatible with your bike.
There are a few main types available, and there are a lot of models to choose from.
They differ in terms of how they’re mounted, age appropriateness, weight limit, and how much comfort and support they offer.
Of course, there are also significant differences in price.
Keep in mind, child bike seats are not appropriate for children under about 9 months of age.
And if you’ve got more than one child who needs a lift, or if you’re overly concerned about your child getting hurt if you and your bike fall, consider buying a child bike trailer instead of a bike seat.
Now, let’s take a look at one particular seat, the Hamax Caress Child Bike Seat.
Why Buy the Hamax Caress Child Bike Seat?
The Hamax Caress Child Bike Seat is just one of several Hamax child bike seats. The company considers it their “flagship” model.
Hamax, which is based in Norway, has been operating since 1958, and they’ve earned an excellent reputation.
The company puts a premium on child safety, and their child seats reflect that. The Caress model is certified as safe according to TUV and ASTM standards.
If you’re like me, safety is your number-one consideration. Personally, I find these safety certifications tremendously comforting.
Designed for children ages 9 months to approximately 6 years, the Hamax Caress features easily adjustable straps, footrests, and backrest to accommodate your growing child.
We all know how quickly kids can shoot up in size, so easy adjustability is an enormous plus.
The Caress comes with two mounting options (frame or rack) and is compatible with most bikes.
It also offers excellent suspension, so your little guy will likely enjoy a smooth, even ride.
Here’s a quick breakdown.
Pros
- Easy to adjust
- Reclines
- Frame or rack mount
- Easy to install
Cons
- Straps can pinch and rub
- No restraint bar
Incidentally, if you’re looking for a front seat rather than a rear seat, we recommend you take a look at the Hamax Observer, another superb Hamax product.
Features and Benefits of the Hamax Caress Child Bike Seat
Customers who purchased the Hamax Caress Child Bike Seat seem happy from the get-go. Even the packaging is impressive.
Here’s an honest look at some of the key benefits and features the Caress offers.
Durability
We saw a lot of great feedback about the sturdy feel of the seat, which is made of 100% polypropylene.
The Hamax Caress Child Bike Seat is lightweight, which is critical when you’re chugging up hills, yet incredibly durable.
Because of polypropylene’s high strength, the Caress is unlikely to break if it takes a hit, which can happen if you don’t use your kickstand properly or if you store the seat in an overcrowded garage or shed.
Installation and Ease-of-Use
When your anxious toddler is waiting, and his patience is wearing thin, time is of the essence.
If I’m taking my little guy along for a ride, I need a seat that installs quickly and with minimal hassle.
Hamax Caress Child Bike Seat owners are generally thrilled with the installation process, which is quick, easy, and requires no tools.
Most parents claim they had no trouble with the initial installation, and they find it easy to move the seat off and on.
That’s good news for families that don’t want a dedicated ‘baby-carrier’ bike.
They want the flexibility to easily move the seat from bike to bike.
Cuz, hey, sometimes mom (or dad) wants a turn, too.
Adjustability
Users agree that the Hamax Caress Child Bike Seat is super easy to adjust.
Parents rave about what a pleasure it is to alter the height of the seat back and tweak the harness, straps, and foot rests.
That makes the Caress an excellent choice for parents with two or more young children of different heights or for those who want a seat that grows as their child grows.
All adjustments are in small increments, so you can accommodate even slow and subtle changes in your child’s size.
Everything on this seat is designed for one-handed operation, which means you can make your adjustments while holding your bike steady.
No more wishing for a third hand.
Comfort
The Hamax Caress Child Bike Seat seat was clearly designed with your child’s comfort in mind.
Integrated padding adds cushioning where your child needs it most and makes it easier to get a snug fig with the safety harness.
The seat can recline up to 20 degrees, so your child’s head is less likely to fall forward or to the side if he falls asleep.
Plus, there’s sufficient room for his helmet, so he won’t struggle with awkward head positioning that can make his neck sore.
Perhaps most importantly, the seat offers excellent suspension.
The seat’s double-spring suspension system really helps smooth out what could be an otherwise bumpy ride.
According to many parents, kids find the gentle up and down motion pretty soothing.
Of course, that means fewer complaints from your back-seat driver.
Remember, the longer he stays comfortable and happy, the longer you can stay on the road.
Safety and Security
In addition to a top-notch 3-point safety harness, the Hamax Caress Child Bike Seat has several impressive safety features.
The unit is spring-loaded, so you’ll hear a comforting «click» when the seat is properly secured.
Plus, green indicators pop up when you’ve correctly mounted the seat.
These are amazing reassurances that you’ve installed the seat correctly.
When you’ve done your job right, you’ll know it.
You won’t be plagued by worry when it’s time to strap your child in.
Worried someone will walk off with your child seat?
A convenient, easy-to-use lock system protects the Caress from theft.
That’s a big benefit if you need to park your bike in public areas, like I do.
Alternatives to the Hamax Caress Child Bike Seat
Wondering how the Hamax Caress Child Bike Seat compares to other top brands?
Let’s take a look at three other exceptional child bike seats.
Topeak Baby Seat II
The Topeak Baby Seat II is crafted from super tough engineering-grade plastic, so it’s as durable as they come.
The seat is molded to offer maximum comfort and safety, and it’s fitted with an removable seat cushion for easy washing.
Suspension is excellent on this model, and the unit has loads of special safety features, including a rear reflector, fully adjustable harness, and roll bar.
The Topeak Baby Seat II is a great option for parents who want the extra security of a roll bar.
And if you’re watching your budget, it’s good to know you’ll save money by opting for the Topeak.
In comparing the Topeak Baby Seat II to the Hamax Caress, you’ll note that the Topeak offers the following:
- Roll bar
- Lower price
Thule RideAlong Child Bike Seat
The Thule RideAlong Child Bike Seat is a sleek, top-of-the-line bike seat.
The Ridealong features a universal quick-release bracket, and, like the Hamax Caress, reclines up to 20 degrees for a more comfortable ride.
The seat liner is water-repellent for easy care.
Attractive and super easy to install, the Thule is built like a tank.
The Thule RideAlong Child Bike Seat is a bit pricey, but for the money, you’ll get a solid seat, quick on-and-off capability, and a comfortable ride.
Comparing the Thule to the Ridealong to the Hamax Caress, we discovered the Thule offers the following:
- Heavy-weight feel
- Frame mount only
- Higher price point
Bell Shell Rear-Mount Child Bike Seat
The Bell Shell Rear-Mount Child Bike Seat is a sturdy and safe option for folks who want a no-frills seat with an attractive price tag.
Fans of the Bell Shell claim it’s a fairly solid seat that installs and adjusts easily.
Some parents were disappointed to learn it didn’t work with their bikes, so you might run into issues of compatibility.
The Bell Shell Rear-Mount Child Bike Seat boasts solid construction and a simple but reliable design.
Parents like the simplicity and affordability of the Bell Shell, and kids find the seat plenty comfortable.
In comparing the Bell Shell to the Hamax Caress, note that the Bell Shell has the following:
- No recline feature
- Less compatibility
- Budget-friendly price
Bottom Line on the Hamax Caress Child Bike Seat
So what’s the bottom line on the Hamax Caress Child Bike Seat?
The Caress is a great option for parents who want a sturdy child seat with some helpful extras.
The seat works well with most bikes and offers both frame and rack mounting options, so it can rightly be called ‘universal.’
Adjustments are quick and easy.
Show me a busy parent who doesn’t value ‘quick’ and ‘easy.’
The recline feature is a huge plus in terms of comfort, and the price is pretty attractive, too.
All in all, we think the Hamax Caress Child Bike Seat is a high-quality, reasonably priced product.
