D.I.Y. Child's Bike Seat Weather Protector

Here is my new video tutorial to go with the written one:

On Friday I had the pleasure of receiving Jack's new bike seat in the mail, such excitement!  It seems like I'm always celebrating like it's a holiday since I started this bicycle challenge on the Yuba Mundo!  I have been looking to solve a few issues that have really held me back during these cold months of snow, rain and chilly wind.  On my first ride with Jack I completely underestimated how cold it would be and the next day Jack had a bug that held on for two weeks.  I think it's really important to be realistic about just how difficult it can be to transport kids on bikes in colder climates, especially those that are too young to communicate their needs with you.

 After studying and researching ways to effectively handle weather extremes for younger riders I came up with this idea; it requires little to no special equipment or tools and is relatively inexpensive, but mostly it's EASY! I managed to find a used Peanut Shell seat for $75, after shipping I paid about $112 (you can also find them new from Yuba Bicycles Here ). I already had an umbrella stroller that I got on clearance for $22 at Shopko, which was a steal for the Chicco brand that most parents will recognize as they make excellent, high quality products. The reason the Chicco was a perfect addition to this project is the sunshade clips on and off of the frame, but also it's the kind of stroller one can easily tote on a cargo bike, so if I wanted to ride to the mall or park and have a stroller with me- I could still utilize the sunshade on either the bike or on the stroller during my travels.  The only other kid product that I utilized was another item I already had- an inexpensive off-brand rain cover made to fit any stroller, this too can be used for it's original use on a stroller as I made minimal changes to it.

A visit to Home Depot got me everything else I needed for this project for under $7!
I got a 5 foot length of 1/2" PVC type pipe for under $2 (I used sharkbite pex tubing, I tested a few before I bought it to see how bendy they where)
Some industrial strength zip ties for under $2
One pack of Scotch All Weather Fasteners (suitable for indoor/outdoor use, they are 3x stronger than regular Velcro) for around $3

And that's it!

To make this you won't need to cut the PVC- it was the perfect length, you will however need a drill- or do what we did and heat up a skewer on the stove and simply melt holes at the appropriate spots.

We tucked the PVC behind the seat and attached it with the zip ties through the holes we'd made in the seat (I used a sharpie and a measuring tape to make it accurate).

You will know you've found the right spot for the PVC if the bottoms line up to the metal base of the chair. Make sure this zip tie is super tight as it will be responsible for holding the PVC up on the frame.  I have a little stash of zip-ties in my Go-Getter pocket so I always have back up.

 Essentially this is the angle the PVC should sit at, notice it naturally follows the angle of the seat- this is so easy!

I would recommend getting some of that fun patterned duct tape or reflective tape and wrap it around the PVC prior to attaching it- this would add a more "professional" look and protect the pipe from the elements a little.  Also I think I will be checking the zip ties occasionally because this pipe would flick up in a hurry if more than one tie failed at the same time. Obvious stuff I know- but thought I should mention it!

So here's the real tricky part- attaching that sun shade was really something!  You have to click it on there just like you do on the stroller- whoa watch out, genius at work here folks!
Obviously the fact that the Chicco Capri Stroller HERE has a removable canopy makes this pie, but should you not care to buy one or already have one like I did, then I'm sure any umbrella stroller's canopy could be utilized with some creative thinking.

And finally here's the universal rain cover that I had purchased last winter for about $5 in Kmart.
Those sticky All Weather Fasteners made this a simple job.  With one package I was able to attach it right above the foot rests on each side and then twice on the back.  And yes, it has ventilation holes already, so my child shan't be suffocating anytime soon!

In the summer when it gets to 100 plus degrees around here Jack can enjoy the shade and a sun block cover that I already own (came with my Phil and Ted HERE stroller) , which will stop that sensitive toddler skin from getting burnt.

I really hope that this project helps other parents solve their toddler transportation issues, send me pictures if you decide to try it!

Enjoy!

This is the Phil & Ted sun cover - it filters out 81% of UV rays- perfect fit once again!  Yes- your toddler can still see out and enjoy the breeze!


If you have two peanut shells you can do two matching sun shades and then utilize a double inline stroller rain cover, which will cover both kids seats. 

If you decide to borrow this idea I'd love to see a picture of your set-up, please post it HERE on my Facebook page! Cheers!




Laura from Armygreenmama made this great rain shield on her Xtracycle:

Meg from Car Free In Christmas City made this rain shield for her bike seat and Yuba Mundo:

Tordirty made this awesome conversion on his Peapod and Big Dummy- love the color scheme!

More pics of ours in use:

 

 

Took the stroller on these rides, simply unsnap the sunshade to use on the stroller when you get to your destination.