Sounds like you're going to have difficulty with the seat you've got: I guess if the frame was steel you could get a framebuilder to add bosses, but I'm not sure how easy it is with alu frames like the hardrock.

Is there any chance the place you bought the seat will exchange it? If you can change I've been very happy with the kiddie seat we bought from Hamax, which wouldn't require you to change your brakes. it clips in and out of an adaptor that bolts on to the down tube (http://www.hamax.no/?ItemID=1162) and the seat is cantilevered out over the back wheel. It all looks like it won't be strong enough (and I wouldn't like to try it on thin wall tubing!), but my youngest is now a (small) five year old and still rides comfortably in it and hasn't bent the tubes on my hardrock. Yet...

Good luck with it anyway: taking the kids out on the back of the bike is great fun

Hi Nigel,

I too have a Hamax 'Sleepy' seat on my other hardtail. It's a recliner, so if the littley doses off, they lean back and not keel forward. I had it originally for my 4 year old girl, who still sits in it.

I have an 11 month old boy also, and reckon the sixty or so quid that this bike seat costs is a very good buy, because they're easy to install, don't get in way of your brakes, are easy to put on/take off, are comfy, and most of all are very safe. By the by, it is totally wicked when you can bomb along with your littley on the back!

Cheers, Dan

This takes me back! However if you want a rack mounted seat you are going to have to buy either a specially made carrier or a disc brake mount adaptor. I have seem these, not sure where but probablly at St John St cycles. You could also check out Spa cycles at Harrogate. Either way you will need a specialist touring dealer. I believe the adaptors work by elevating the base of the carrier, which might give stability problems as your child grows and gets heavier. With the carriers you may find your seat doesn't fit. I guess that the best option is to return your seat and try and find one with a different fitting system.

Thanks for the advice guys. My LBS reckon that they may be able to fit the rack for me but i have my doubts to be honest. They may be able to fit it but whether it will be able to hiold my dausgther is another matter. She is a bit of a chunky monkey nad it I want it to be safe.

If they cannot fit it then the Hamax it will be. I had my reservations about the Hamax seats but your recommendations have changed my mind.

Once again thanks.