All You Need to Know About Child Seats on the GSD Gen 1

This article refers to GSD Gen 1 bikes. If you'd like to use child seats on the GSD Gen 2, click here.

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If you want to carry young children on your GSD, you'll need a child seat or two. This article will discuss child seat compatibility and offer guidelines for safe child seat use.

Contents

• Which child seats fit the GSD?
• Can I use child seats together with the Clubhouse or Clubhouse+?
• Can I put a child seat somewhere other than the rear rack?
• What else should I know about using child seats safely?
• Can I use panniers with child seats installed?

 

Which child seats fit the GSD?

Several child seats work well with the GSD. Which is right for your family depends on a few different factors, including your desired child seat setup, rider size, and passenger size.

If You Need Two Seats

If you need two child seats, the Thule Yepp Maxi is a convenient choice for many because it offers plenty of heel clearance for riders of all sizes.

However, if you're a small-footed rider carrying a very young passenger in the front child seat, the Thule Yepp Nexxt Maxi may also work. You'll want to test out these seats on your GSD before purchasing to make sure your heel doesn't strike the leg supports or the passenger's foot when pedaling (if you are sharing the bike, make sure all riders participate in testing).

If You Only Need One Seat

If you only need one child seat and can place the seat in the rear position, you can choose pretty much any compatible seat you like, as heel clearance won't be an issue (but keep in mind that if your family grows and you need to add a second child seat, the first seat you choose may limit your options).

Apart from the Thule Yepp seats, several other child seats fit the GSD. For example, we've tested the Burley Dash RM and the Bobike GO Maxi for younger kids, as well as the Qibbel Junior 6+ and the Polisport Guppy Junior for older kids. Different seats offer different features (e.g., suspension, reclining), so you may want to have your child test out a few to see which best suits your needs.

Note: When installing the Thule Yepp Maxi or Nexxt Maxi seats on the GSD, you do not need to use an adapter.

Can I use child seats together with the Clubhouse or Clubhouse+?

You may be wondering if you can use child seats together with the Clubhouse or the Clubhouse+. When the Clubhouse is installed, you can use one child seat in the front position only. If you have the Clubhouse+ instead, you can use two child seats as long as you use the included Child Seat Expansion Bar.

Can I put a child seat somewhere other than the rear rack?

No, we don't recommend using child seats that attach to places other than the rear rack (e.g., handlepost- or seatpost-mounted seats).

We haven't tested these types of seats with the GSD, and they may pose safety risks. Please see this article for more information.

What else should I know about using child seats safely?

Children in child seats (or on any other form of seating) should never be left unattended on the bike, even if it is on the kickstand. Wriggling children can upset the balance of the bike, and a fall may result in serious injuries.

We recommend that all rear passengers, including those riding in child seats, wear helmets.

Can I use panniers with child seats installed?

It depends on which panniers you'd like to use and your child seat setup.

For the Cargo Hold Panniers

In a two-seat setup, these panniers are only compatible with the Thule Yepp Maxi.

In a one-seat setup, any child seat that's compatible with the GSD will work.

For the Cargo Hold 37 Panniers

In a two-seat setup, the Thule Yepp Maxi is our recommended choice. You'll need to use the Cargo Hold 37s in Bucket Mode, with a Pannier Adapter to make sure the straps are secure.

In a one-seat setup, the Cargo Hold 37s will work with any child seat that is compatible with the GSD. In this case, your preferred position for the child seat determines how you will need to set up your panniers:

• If you prefer to have the child seat in the back, then the panniers need to be in Bucket Mode, with a Pannier Adapter to secure the straps.
• If you prefer to have the child seat closest to the rider, you may use the panniers in either Bucket Mode or Roll-Top Mode—and a Pannier Adapter won't be necessary.

For the Cargo Hold 52 Panniers

The Cargo Hold 52 Panniers are another great option. Originally designed for the slightly longer GSD Gen 2, these panniers also fit the GSD Gen 1—just make sure there's enough heel clearance when the panniers are loaded.

In a two-seat setup, these panniers are only compatible with the Thule Yepp Maxi. You'll need to use the Cargo Hold 52s in Bucket Mode, and you'll need two Pannier Adapters to make sure all straps are secure.

In a one-seat setup, the Cargo Hold 52s in Bucket Mode will work with any child seat that's compatible with the GSD. Depending on the selected child seat, a Pannier Adapter may be required to secure the pannier straps.

Note: This article on child seats, along with other guides and how-to articles on this site, are intended to serve only as a helpful resource for Tern bicycle owners. They are for informational and educational purposes only and should be used at your own risk. Consult with your authorized Tern dealer for professional advice and assistance specific to your bicycle.