Thule Yepp Maxi Mini vs Nexxt Maxi Mini: Rack Mount Child Seat Comparison Guide

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Cannot decide on whether you should get Thule Yepp Maxi Mini vs Nexxt Maxs Mini child seat? You are not the only one who gets confused by these names, not to mention choosing which one to buy.

For parents who love biking, what can be more exciting than hitting the road with your little one? Taking your toddler or even baby out for a bike ride is a fantastic way to exercise and get fresh air. It’s also a cost-free way to keep your kids entertained.

If your child is not quite ready yet to start using a balance bike on his own and you don’t have the patience for them to pedal slowly on a toddler’s bike, a rack mount child seat lets you take control. If your child loves scooters, it is not a bad idea to bring a scooter so that he can take a break and be on his own for a while.

The child bike seats that we will be comparing today are the well-known Thule Yepp Maxi Child Seat, Thule Yepp Mini Child Bike Seat, Thule Yepp Nexxt Maxi Child Bike Seat, and Thule Yepp Nexxt Mini Child Bike Seat.

As always, you can jump to the COMPARISON section or the PRODUCT REVIEW section directly. Let’s get started.

Thule Yepp Nexxt Mini Child Bike Seat

Winner for babies: Thule Yepp Nexxt Mini Child Bike Seat

It weighs 4 pounds, can be attached and detached in seconds, and features a handlebar for babies.

See Review

Thule Yepp Maxi Rack Mount Child Seat

Winner for kids: Thule Yepp Maxi Rack Mount Child Seat

It is lightweight, features a high back, and is easy to remove.

See Review

Thule Yepp Nexxt Maxi Child Bike Seat

Best Frame Mount: Thule Yepp Nexxt Maxi Child Bike Seat

It mounts right onto the frame, doesn’t require extra parts, but may not fit small frame bikes

See Review

Thule Yepp Mini Child Bike Seat

Most Stylish: Thule Yepp Mini Child Bike Seat

It offers many beautiful color options, is comfortable for babies, and features water-repellent material

See Review

Who Should Consider Using Thule Yepp Maxi Mini vs Nexxt Maxi Mini Child Bike Seat?

Child bike seats are for parents who want to ride a bike with their children together. A child bike seat is an accessory that can be mounted and secured on the frame of an adult bike. There are also pull-along trailers that can be used to carry multiple kids along for the ride.

Thule Yepp is a well-known US brand that produces child bike seats. They claim to make smart and functional child bike seats with a personality and are designed for everyday rides.

That’s why many parents choose to use this brand for entertainment as well as everyday commute needs.

Thule Yepp’s most popular collections are the Thule Yepp and Thule Yepp Nexxt. There are lots of differences between these two collections in terms of features and ways of use.

For each collection, there are two sizes available – mini and maxi. Mini is used for the front end of the bike while Maxi is used for the back seat.

Important Features to Look for When Comparing Thule Yepp Maxi Mini vs Nexxt Maxi Mini

Important Features to Look for When Comparing Thule Yepp Maxi Mini vs Nexxt Maxi Mini

Buying a child bike seat is no easy feat, especially if you already own a bike. Why? Because there are many things to consider, and a baby bike seat is a costly item.

For parents who already own a bike, you also need to check your bike’s specifications to ensure that the child seat you choose can be compatible. That means making compromises in features and pricing. Below are some important factors to consider when evaluating a child seat for your bike

  • Age Range: Almost all bike seats for kids have a weight limit and some may even have a height limit. On the one hand, you want to make sure that your child can safely sit inside the seat, and on the other hand, you also need to evaluate how long the seat is likely to last giving the rate your child is growing at.
  • Location to Mount: Would you rather mount the baby seat in the front so that you can always keep an eye on your little one, or you’d rather let them sit in the back? Normally the front mount seats are for babies and little toddlers while the back mount seats are for bigger kids.
  • Easiness to Install: Installing a child bike seat can be frustrating, especially if you are doing it for the first time. It’s also normal for parents to feel a bit uneasy during the process because they don’t know how to test if the seat is properly installed. There are manufacturers who make excellent child bike seats but very bad user manuals. Therefore, we recommend that you check the review section of the bike seat and get an idea of how difficult it is to install.
  • Easiness to Remove: For most child products, you don’t need to worry about taking them apart because you only need to do so once your baby outgrows them. Well, this is different for child bike seats because you may need to uninstall it before and after every trip. Especially if you need to mount the bike on your car. Taking the child seat apart can make it much easier to mount the bike on your vehicle for transportation purposes.
  • Safety Features: The first and foremost thing when it comes to a child bike seat is safety. The cost of error, in this case, is very high. That’s why you also want to go with a well-known and trusted brand such as Thule Yepp.
  • Comfort Features: To have a pleasant riding experience with your kid, you need to make sure that your little one is enjoying the bike as much as you do. If the child seat doesn’t fit your child’s body size or is not designed ergonomically, you will end up with a crying baby in the middle of the road.

Comparison of Thule Yepp Maxi, Mini, vs Nexxt Maxi, Mini Child Bike Seat

If you are tired of reading through the manuals and descriptions of these bicycle seats, we have done the homework for you. In this section, we will lay out the pros and cons, and differences between Thule Yepp Maxi Mini vs Nexxt Maxi Mini Child Bike Seat.

1. Product Weight

Differences: Before we start exploring weight capacity limits, let’s look at the weight of the child bike seat itself. This is an important factor to consider if your bike also has a certain weight limit as the child seat will certainly contribute to it.

Thule Yepp Nexxt Mini Child Bike Seat is the lightest among all four models – it only weighs 4.2 pounds. The heaviest child seat is Thule Yepp Nexxt Maxi Frame Mount Child Bike Seat – it weighs 10.1 pounds.

Thule Yepp Maxi weighs 8.4 pounds and Thule Yepp Mini weighs 7.7 pounds.

2. Weight Capacity

Similarities: Despite the collection, the Thule Yepp Maxi bike seats have one weight capacity and the Mini seats have another.

Differences: The capacity limit for the Thule Yepp Maxi and Nexxt Maxi child bike seats is 40 pounds, which is the average weight for 5-year-olds. The capacity limit for the Thule Yepp Mini and Nexxt Mini baby bike seats is 33 pounds. This is the average weight for 4-year-olds.

None of these models specified a lower weight limit. But the general rule is that your child should be able to sit upright without any assistance, and can fit inside the seat safely. Therefore, the recommended minimum age is 9 months.

3. Location to Mount

Differences: Both Thule Yepp Maxi and Nexxt Maxi bike mounts are to be used in the rear of the bike and right above the rear wheel. Both Thule Yepp Mini and Nexxt Mini child seats are used for the front part of the bike.

The benefit of the front mount seats is that you can always keep an eye on your child and can respond to emergency situations quickly. However, if your child is super active or likes to take charge, letting them sit in the front will make it more difficult to control the handlebar. Some parents like to bike while bending forward, in this case, a front bike seat may not be comfortable for you.

If you go with a rear mount child bike seat, it is natural for you to feel worried all the time and constantly feel the need to check on your child. This creates distraction and can be dangerous to both of you. But the apparent benefit is that your child has more freedom. Additionally, pedaling the bike can be a lot easier and effortless for you.

Thule Yepp Maxi mounts directly to the frame of the bike
Thule Yepp Maxi mounts directly to the frame of the bike

4. Easiness to Install

Differences: Among all these four child bike seats, the easiest one to install and the most hassle-free one is the Thule Yepp Nexxt Mini Child Bike Seat. It fits most bike models with regular or ahead stems. Additionally, it doesn’t need any extra add-on or adapter for installation. Many parents also love the quick-release bracket that allows you to put the seat back on in seconds.

During our testing, we installed Thule Yepp Nexxt Mini seat on a hybrid bike, a mountain bike, and a beach bike. It worked nicely for all three times of bikes.

The child bike seat that caused the most trouble is the Thule Yepp Maxi bike seat. Many parents didn’t realize that an extra part is needed until they have started the installation process. This can be quite frustrating as you will need to wait a few more days for the add-on to arrive.

Thule Yepp Maxi child seat is compatible with rear bike racks that have EasyFit windows, otherwise, you need to purchase a Thule Yepp Maxi EasyFit Adapter. The installation itself is straightforward. The seat can even fit nicely on an electric cargo bike.

Comparing to Thule Yepp Nexxt Mini, Thule Yepp Mini doesn’t have the quick release, though it’s also fairly easy to install and is compatible with most bike models. Many parents choose Thule Yepp Nexxt Mini because it’s a lot easier to attach and detach the child seat, especially if you have to do it regularly.

The main difference between Thule Yepp Maxi and Thule Yepp Nexxt Maxi is that the Nexxt Maxi seat is not compatible with rack mounting. This child bike seat is mounted directly to the frame of the bike on the seat bar. Therefore, you won’t be able to keep the rear rack on your bike.

Thule Yepp Maxi Easyfit Child Bike Seat Adapter

5. Easiness to Remove

Differences: Thule Yepp Nexxt Mini bike seat features a universal quick release bracket that allows you to detach and bike seat in seconds. Thule Yepp Maxi is also easy to remove by sliding off the seat. Thule Yepp Mini bike seat doesn’t have a quick release but can also be easily removed from the base unit. You don’t need any tools to remove these three seats from your bike.

Thule Yepp Nexxt Maxi can be removed from the frame but certainly takes a lot more effort. Since it’s mounted directly to the frame of the bike, you need to be extra careful when putting the seat back on after each time you detach it.

6. Safety

Similarities: All these four Thule Yepp child bike seats have ample safety features. They all feature padded and adjustable five-point harnesses, foot straps, and the seats are shock-absorbent. The back of these seats also features a reflector for additional visibility at night.

The only difference in terms of safety features is that Thule Yepp Mini and Nexxt Mini child seats feature a child handlebar. This handlebar makes it comfortable for your child to hold onto the seat, and also blocks your child from leaning forward too much.

Which One Is the Best: Thule Yepp Maxi, Mini, vs Nexxt Maxi, Mini

Which One Is the Best: Thule Yepp Maxi, Mini, vs Nexxt Maxi, Mini

So which one is the best child bike seat that you should consider buying? Is it Thule Yepp Maxi Mini vs Nexxt Max Min? Well, the answer lies in your personal choice as well as your child’s age and size.

Our recommendation is that if you have a baby who is below 2 years, Thule Yepp Nexxt Mini Child Bike Seat is the one to go with because it’s lightweight and quick to attach and detach. If your child is 2 years or older, go with Thule Yepp Maxi Rack Mount Child Seat or Thule Yepp Nexxt Maxi Child Bike Seat depending on whether you want to mount the seat on the rear rack or directly on the seat bar. For parents who have a baby or a small toddler and want a more stylish and colorful car seat, Thule Yepp Maxi Rack Mount Child Seat is the best choice because they offer a lot more color options.

Product Reviews

1. Thule Yepp Maxi Rack Mount Child Seat

Thule Yepp Maxi Rack Mount Child Seat

Top Pros:

  • It has a weight capacity of 40 pounds but the product only weighs 8.4 pounds.
  • You can mount it on a rear rack
  • It can be used for 9 months to 6-year-olds.

Top Cons:

  • Most people need to purchase a separate EasyFit Adapter to use this child seat.

Thule Yepp Maxi is one of the most popular rear rack-mount child seats for bikes on the market today. It is functional, has a long life span, and is easy to install and remove.

Most parents love this child bike seat for its safety rating and sleek look. Though there are not many colors to choose from, the minimalism design of this seat makes a handsome addition to most bike models. No matter you own a beach bike. a mountain bike, a general hybrid model, or even a foldable bike, this child seat is a great option.

Thule Yepp Maxi child seat can be used for 9 months to 6-year-olds. Its weight capacity is 40 pounds. Since most child outgrows a child seat by that age, this age span is well enough for most families.

Thule Yepp Maxi features a padded 5-point harness and a high back for the headrest. The seat also sports thick and soft padding to sit in.

The only consideration to keep in mind is that you may need to purchase Thule Yepp Maxi EasyFit Adapter separately because it doesn’t come with the package.

Who Is It for?

Thule Yepp Maxi Rack Mount Child Seat is for parents who want to mount the bike on the rear rack.

2. Thule Yepp Mini Child Bike Seat

 Thule Yepp Mini Child Bike Seat

Top Pros:

  • It offers many vibrant color options
  • It is compatible with most bike models
  • It can be used for daily commutes or family biking adventures

Top Cons:

  • It weighs much heavier than most front-mount child seats

For parents who love to let their little one sit in the front of the bike, Thule Yepp Mini Bike Seat is a great option. Especially if you are picky about the color of the bike seat.

This bike seat is best for city dwellers who don’t own a car, instead, use bikes to commute to work or take their kid to the daycare.

Since this bike seat is compatible with most bike models, it saves a lot of trouble of assessing compatibility or having to return or exchange after the purchase.

A key consideration for this bike seat is that it weighs a lot heavier than many other front-mount bike seats. So if you also need to carry the bike to a bus or the subway, you may want to make sure you are comfortable doing it on a daily basis.

Who Is It for?

Thule Yepp Mini Child Bike Seat is the best front mount bike seat for parents who love more color options.

3. Thule Yepp Nexxt Maxi Child Bike Seat

 Thule Yepp Nexxt Maxi Child Bike Seat

Top Pros:

  • It mounts directly to the frame of the bike
  • It doesn’t require any adaptor
  • It features a hard outer shell

Top Cons:

  • It doesn’t have many color options
  • It is heavier than Thule Yepp Maxi

Some parents prefer to mount the bike seat directly to the frame of the bike. For one, this makes it much easier to maintain the bike because of fewer parts. Secondly, your bike can be much lighter without a rear rack.

Thule Yepp Nexxt Maxi Child Bike Seat is one of the top options if this is what you prefer. Though it has a single connection point with the bike, its brilliant design makes it super stable and secure.

Most parents choose Thule Yepp Nexxt Maxi for its convenience to use. Taking it on and off is fairly quick and easy. With a weight capacity of 40 pounds, this child seat can last around 5 years.

Who Is It for?

Thule Yepp Nexxt Maxi Child Bike Seat is the best bike seat to mount directly onto the frame of the bike.

4. Thule Yepp Nexxt Mini Child Bike Seat

 Thule Yepp Nexxt Mini Child Bike Seat

Top Pros:

  • It is the most lightweight model
  • It features a quick-release bracket
  • It is easy to install and remove

Top Cons:

  • It has a lower weight capacity

So far you must have read lots of compliments about Thule Yepp Nexxt Mini Child Bike Seat. As one of the best front mount baby seats for bikes in the market today, this bike seat enjoys a 4.7-star rating on Amazon, and it’s well deserved.

This child bike seat has an exceptionally ergonomic design and uses durable and comfortable material. With an integrated child handlebar, your little one can safely hold onto it and enjoy the light breeze patting on his face.

What you will also appreciate is how intuitive and fast to install and remove the seat, thanks to its quick-release bracket that fits most bike stems.

Lightweight, easy-to-use, and comfortable to sit inside, this is why Thule Yepp Nexxt Mini Child Bike Seat earned so many parents’ hearts.

Who Is It for?

Thule Yepp Nexxt Mini Child Bike Seat is the best overall child bike seat for most parents.

Final Words

After reading this comprehensive comparison of Thule Yepp Maxi Mini vs Nexxt Maxi Mini Child Bike Seats, have you found the one that works best for your unique situation?

Our recommendation is that parents who love convenience should go with Thule Yepp Nexxt Mini Child Bike Seat, but if you prefer more color options, Thule Yepp Mini Child Bike Seat might offer better flexibility.

If you are keen on getting a back mount child seat, Thule Yepp Maxi Rack Mount Child Seat is the best one if you have a rear rack on your bike. Otherwise, if you like to keep your bike lightweight, Thule Yepp Nexxt Maxi Child Bike Seat will be your best choice.