Peg Perego Orion Front Mount Child Seat

We initially purchased a Bell carrier on a whim while out shopping. It was about $50 but it was terrible. Flimsy plastic, and you practically had to weld it to your bike so there was no removing it. I'd found a review of the OKBaby Orion, but it just seemed to be available in Europe, but now, Peg Perego have taken the same model and made it available in the US. Initial impressions on opening the compact box was that it was very well made compared to the Bell, the plastic was tougher, but not too thick to make it heavy, the padding was ample, you also get all the required fixing components in a nicely made tub rather than all dumped into a plastic bag, which made it feel good quality. Fitting the fixing system (basically the black block in the photo) was pretty straight forward, you pick the correct size rubber padding for your headset, then bolt on 4 bolts to your frame. It took about 15 mins to get it fixed, and this was just using the small spanner that was supplied in the box, using a socket set would have been easier. You then attach the metal fixing bar to the seat and this slots in to the Orion fixing. It takes 10 seconds or so to attach and remove the seat, it's fantastic and much sturdier than you'd expect. Using the seat on a bike is great.Our 1 year old wee girl is about 20lbs and fits in it perfectly, but there is still room for when she grows. We took her out on a smooth bike trail and she was confused by it at first, but seemed to enjoy it, we had her smiling towards the end, I'm sure she'll love it more once she gets more used to it. It feels safe, with the harness and the quick release front bar, plus there was no movement at all from the fixing, even although it is only fitted by two bars and four bolts. Would highly recommend, and it is a great design and perfect if you're looking to use your bike with and without the seat.. Edit - added photo of mount on my hybrid

A definite 5* item. Ways better than all the others we’ve tried. Sturdy and well made, thick plastic keeping its shape under a 25lb kid. All mounting components are solid and properly finished. Overall quality feel to the whole thing. Installs easy and secure to most bike frames including double suspension. One exception would probably be tri-fold 20” city bikes with tall handlebar stem. Can still be attached, but might be uncomfortably low for both parent and kid. Mounting system is a blast. You attach a very compact clamp to the bike frame that doesnt bother you at all if riding alone. The seat itself, including its support spring, snaps in and out of the clamp with a single button push. The seller can provide additional clamp on request to outfit both parents’ bikes and transfer the seat between them as needed. Child restraint system includes shoulder straps, seat bar, and foot stands/straps. Kept our wiggly restless kiddo in and secure, which isnt at all easy. All in all, clearly the best of all front riding systems available. 1-yr update: still holding fine, sturdy enough for a 30-lb kid. Not a single complaint so far. One minor issue, the latches holding footrests in place are rather small, so the kid can get his foot loose with a well aimed upward jerk. Could probably bolt those rests in place but seems too minor to bother. Seat bar latch on the contrary is pretty tight and hard to get open for someone with small fingers. Guess that’s intentional though.

It's a good quality product. My daughter loves it. Do yourself a favor and get a deep well socket set for installation. The little wrench provided does the job but doubles installation time. Also, set up the mounting brackets as low as possible on the headtube of your bike. I needed to change to a riser bar to keep my chest from hitting. Which comes to fit:. She's not 2 years old yet, has plenty of room on the weight limit, but at 26 inches tall, her torso is getting her up too high to fit well. I'm using Mountain and or cyclocross bikes here and I do believe a more upright hybrid or beach cruiser would extend the fit time. Having the extra weight in an odd place on the bike can throw your balance off so I suggest lowering your seat post a bit for clearance and doing some practice in the yard before hitting road or trail. It's quite a secure unit. I have no problems on farm trail and gravel road. Only very gentle single track tho. It bounces the kid around pretty hard when it gets bumpy and once again, if you aren't used to it it can throw off your balance and no one wants that on a trail with their child right in front.

Both me and my baby love it. I started when he was 11 months old until he was 20 months old, then he was too heavy for the limit and purchased the one that goes in the back. Anyway this is the best bike seat for your 1 year old child! I have a townie bike and had to attach it right below the handlebars.

Easy to assemble

I really like this toddler seat, and love that it mounts up front. However, when going uphill, or even sometimes just casual riding on my bike with this seat, my legs bump up against the seat. At first I didn't notice it, and it wasn't super uncomfortable, but the next day I noticed my leg was super bruised from where it had been hitting up against the seat, and not just my thigh, but part of my lower leg, as well as some on the other leg. After this, it became uncomfortable to ride with the seat knocking against my leg, so I have started having to walk the bike up any inclines or hills to prevent this. Not to mention that sometimes while riding and needing to stand on the pedals I bump my toddler repeatedly in the head with my chest, which I'm sure is uncomfortable for him. My toddler is only 25 lbs, and I am 5'5 and 140 lbs. I don't know if there's any way to avoid this discomfort while riding, but not sure any other front mount seat would be any better. We will continue to use it til my son outgrows it, but it definitely is not the most comfortable set up and I do feel like this seat is a little overpriced for what you get.