Cargo Bikes

Did anybody use an Omnium for baby transporting stuff? I'm trying to figure out the best way to put a maxi cosi on there and not buy the overpriced backrest.

Sprung Brooks

I did, I secured* it with two Rok Straps in a cross formation over the Maxi Cosi Pebble.

Used to get a mix of smiling passers-by, and health and safety types on the phone to social services about my irresponsibility.

That would be fine as one off, but I'm more looking at a long term solution and safety is a concern. That stupid backrest is just so pricey that I'd like an alternative. Maybe I have to diy something...

I had my son in a strapped down euro crate with a cushion in and he loved that, but from 2 onwards. I don't think there is a safe way to put a very young child on an Omnium – the center of gravity is too high and the platform is small and unprotected. I think the strapped down Maxi Cosi was probably the safest solution, as the seat itself was like a cocoon, and the handle would act as a roll cage.

Omnium do also sell a base for the Yepp seats?

I do now have the Omnium backrest, for me it was worth the money for the additional usability, and it is fairly well made, but a MacRide would also work as he's 4 now.

How much are people paying for a Swytch kit?
From what I can see, "60% OFF" is shown but we all know that no-one will by at full RRP.
The Universal Kit with MAX Power Pack £574 + a very spicy UK specialist shipping service of £50.

That's £624 total, delivery in June 2023

I don't think there is a safe way to put a very young child on an Omnium

Why is that? I was thinking something like the backrest + Maxi Cosi is decently safe. Am I the first soon to be dad underthinking my kids safety?

Not at all – you just might feel different when you put your kid on the front and head in to the city! I did it a lot through London with my 2/3 yo but felt much less comfortable with a 6 month old in a car seat, which I didn't expect as I was used to it with my older child – personally, it just felt too high and exposed, and I'd have preferred a Yepp seat on the front. May not have felt this way if we weren't in Zone 2 :)

I do live in a city center with a decently sexy cycling infrastructure, not too worried (for now). Would mount the backrest backwards and strap the Cosi down so there is a little bit of protection in all directions.

The backrest is expensive to produce, hence the price. It is also not for babies.
When my son was a toddler I used the top of our Emmaljunga and strapped it with innertubes onto the webbing. I didn't feel it was unsafe: there's a harness, a padded metal structure etc.
If your kid is big enough for a Yepp Maxi there's a base for them. The Mini-Max version is sold-out, but there's good stock of the Cargo one.

Whilst we're talking about the Yepp Maxi, just so people are aware due to new EU regs THULE have had to change the mounting design so it uses side clamps instead of the original wedge system. This is fine except it means the Omnium child seat plate doesn't work anymore. Omnium are working on a way to alter the existing bracket to fit the new mounting system so it shouldn't be too long before that is ready.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/195596728782

Rather timely?

It'll be a brand new product not based on the existing bracket. The prototype has arrived, and is at the testing stage.

Damn, bummer for the now unusable stock, had hoped for some kind of mod

Fuuucckk.... Agh! Now I've got to present a proposal to the finance department.

Nice one

do you have a picture of this?

I'll take one this WE.

Can you fit three accommodating well behaved tough kids (7, 4 and 2 yo) on the surly big easy for a few miles?

Yes. Had a 6 and nearly-4 year old on the other day, plenty of space to squish another little one in.

https://road.cc/content/news/angle-grinder-cargo-bike-thieves-caught-camera-299541

Really enjoying this thing. The kids absolutely love it. It’s great hearing them chat their nonsense on the back as we’re clipping along.

Managed to smoosh the 24 pack rack onto the front after all, just needed a bit of disrespect.

1 Attachment

Looks awesome!

Not an omnium but I’ve got an isofix base ratchet strapped to mine and it’s great- the ability to take the seat on and off means you can pop into shops with the child still sleeping. Used it since birth and might start to seek another arrangement at 9 months or so.

1 Attachment

amazing