[Jim]

Have managed to get a hybrid bike (carrera subway) which seems pretty good but the front brake is broken.
They are v-brakes and the spring hub is broken on 1 side (facebook pic below) is it repairable or just buy new brakes, if new which ones?


Also any good tips on how to tow a childs bike while riding (ie school run when they've not got their bike with them)?
Thanks

[lagerstarfish]

tailgator

[Muenchener]

(Trailgator)

+1

I never used one myself when M jnr was in the appropriate age range, but several times had occasion to be envious of other dads who did. They appear to work really well

[Obi-Wan is lost...]

Have managed to get a hybrid bike (carrera subway) which seems pretty good but the front brake is broken.
They are v-brakes and the spring hub is broken on 1 side (facebook pic below) is it repairable or just buy new brakes, if new which ones?

You'll struggle to get exactly the right spare and a new set will only set you back £10 at Decathlon including new brake blocks which can be half that alone.
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/v-brake-fron-rear-alu-calliper-id_6355832.html
or less online...
Basic Shimano..
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/shimano-acera-v-brakes-m422/rp-prod34700
or more online...
Slightly nicer Shimano
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/shimano-deore-t610-v-brakes/rp-prod107375

[Nigel]

Yeah buy some new brakes Jim, pointless trying to find that bit as they won't sell it separately and if you replace like for like it'll break again as its prob a shitty plastic thing. V brakes are well cheap anyway.

[Johnny Brown]

They've got you over a barrel basically word.

[Jim]

like a French garage!
new brakes it is.
Are there any other option for towing an empty bike, trail gator looks good but probably OTT just for towing an empty bike to school

[Muenchener]

trail gator looks good but probably OTT just for towing an empty bike to school

True dat, but absolutely invaluable if you think you might ever want to do anything more ambitious

[SA Chris]

Are there any other option for towing an empty bike, trail gator looks good but probably OTT just for towing an empty bike to school

Length of climbing rope? Or does it have to be safe as well?

[Obi-Wan is lost...]

Are there any other option for towing an empty bike, trail gator looks good but probably OTT just for towing an empty bike to school

Length of climbing rope? Or does it have to be safe as well?

Think a tow rope would be a bit tricky with an empty bike! Think a trail gator is pretty much your only option. The front wheel would have to be off the ground to turn it into a trailer. Biking alone one handed whilst steering another adult bike is pretty tricky (and not recommended) but probably impossible with a kids bike due to the different heights.

The benefits of a trail gator is you can reattach the bike if your kid gets tired.

[Muenchener]

Biking alone one handed whilst steering another adult bike is pretty tricky (and not recommended) but probably impossible with a kids bike due to the different heights.

Not actually impossible as such ... but I'm certainly never doing it again 

[SA Chris]

Are there any other option for towing an empty bike, trail gator looks good but probably OTT just for towing an empty bike to school

Length of climbing rope? Or does it have to be safe as well?

Think a tow rope would be a bit tricky with an empty bike! Think a trail gator is pretty much your only option. The front wheel would have to be off the ground to turn it into a trailer. Biking alone one handed whilst steering another adult bike is pretty tricky (and not recommended) but probably impossible with a kids bike due to the different heights.

Could just lash it to your back? Depending on size of child obviously.

[Jim]

thanks everyone, new brakes fitted and trail gator bought. Really glad went for the trail gator as I tow the boy now and can take both kids for a bike ride and he loves it. Hopefully he'll be able to ride on his own before long
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10153860686780161&l=c8f2bbb4e7