With most of their sales inside North America, it made logistical sense for iBert to move their production stateside. Previously, it was split between Utah and Taiwan. Now, the seats are 100% made and assembled in New Jersey. Hardware that used to be sourced from Asia now comes from California and Utah Jersey, too. Along with those changes, they’ve added two new colors to the lineup. Their original green is joined by red and pink. What sets iBert apart from normal child seats is that they’re attached to the top tube so your kid rides between you and the handlebars, giving your co-pilot a much better view than your backside. Retail is $110.
Danger there, too, though, and a worse view. This has your kid in a protective cradle, you’re the rear defense, handlebars won’t hit them, since they are fixed to each other. Trailers can be hard to spot as a driver, even with flags, and they add a lot more weight than this lightweight seat.
Says the guy that probably never tried it. I fell with my 4 yo in a front saddle (MacRide style) on a rocky section while bikepacking. I got a bruised elbow and twisted a finger, she had nothing! Do your research people, front is best: attached in buckets for the little ones (Thule ridealong mini, Weehoo Kangoroo, Yepp Mini) and then not attached until 4-5 yo (MacRide, Do Little, Tyke Toker). PS I do have a Chariot and used it on bike paths when she was 1-2 yo, boring for her and I always had to think where those damn 2 wheels were so you don’t flip the thing on a sidewalk, yuck.
Love, love, love our iBert. It puts my precious cargo in my arms, in my sight, and she LOVES riding in it. I’m dreading the inevitable when she outgrows it and has to move to the trailer where I won’t get to see her, talk to her, interact with her, etc. It’s got me considering a cargo bike just so I can continue having her “up front.”