Anyone use a bicycle trailer???

[daddyo]

Not sure strollers is the right place for this post but it seemed like the best fit.

DW and I love to mountain bike (I perfer single track through the woods, she perfers paved trails).
We thought a trailer for the twins would be a fun way to get all of us back on the trails (obviously the paved trails).
Anyone have any insight on bicylce trailers?
Just like the bikes, they range in price from $85 - $800 and just like bikes I immagine you kinda get what you pay for.

Some of the highend models convert into joggers/strollers.

I've done some initial research here.

What about the seats that mount behind the adult?
I know that is how I first felt the wind in my hair as a young 'un.

Yes, we would all wear helmets and would only ride on closed walking/jogging/biking trails!
I'm NOT talking about city traffic here...

[hutile]

We have one that we use for the little ones. they love it!
A few suggestions:
1. Choose one with a 3-5 point harness so they don't fall all around inside.
2. Like bikes, tires are the key. Choose the tires like you do your bike, based on what terrain you are going to riding on.

The types that mount ontop of the bike we didn't really like. As the babies get older every movement they make moves you. With the trailer you can get off your bike and make adjustments, get a drink, and you dont have to worry about the baby tipping over your bike. We liked the trailer type much better. the one we have converts into a wide stroller type. The handlebars pull over towards the back, attach a front wheel then push them like a stroller.
BTW - You can get them used for about half the price. Most people get them and don't realize just how heavy the trailer and kiddies are going to be. (Another consideration, that why dh pulls them!)

[daddyo]

Thanks for the advice Heather.
Do you know what brand you have?
I do plan on finding one on ebay when I decide which brand/model I want.
Just like exercise equipment, I am sure there are a bunch out there that only saw the light of day once or twice!

[1+2EQL3]

Daddyo,

My DW does not ride, but I'm a Roadie. I have an old Burley D'lite. The new one is here:

http://www.burley.com/products/dlite.html

As you mentioned, trailers (like bikes and strollers) come in every level and budget. If you can swing a Burley, you won't regret it. You can get the optional stroller attachement as well.

I use my aluminum Diamondback MTN bike to pull this trailer. I don't want to mess up my carbon roadie, so I use the DB on the road or lite trails. I have only taken my 4 year old on it. She loves it. Its a 2 seater, but she can easily fill it up with toys, food, video games, etc. It has a 5 pt harness and I have her wear a helmet too.

That's the key...I'm a big helmet advocate and it took awhile (1.5 years) before she would fit a helmet. So my 3 month old twins will unlikely ride in it for awhile.

Nonetheless, I have taken her on dirt trails and it works well. However, I would not take her on bumpy single track / rocky trails as it would not be comfortable for your kids. It has suspension, but its still way bumpy. She likes higher speeds anyway as she gets bored when I go slow!

Overall, she loves it. I also get a great workout with her in tow. It makes for a fun outing as I can put in some miles while 'babysitting'. I always make it so that my route includes a stop at the playground and/or local Jamba Juice! Hence, she always wants to ride...can't complain about that! I can't wait until the twins are big enough to ride in it. By then I might be lusting for the new Burleys on that site.

Good luck and ride safely.

[Jennie331]

We bought a Little Tykes one and brought it back. There was hardly enough room for my 20lb boys last summer. It wasn't very well made and the tires were plastic.

[daddyo]

Originally Posted by 1+2EQL3

Daddyo,

My DW does not ride, but I'm a Roadie. I have an old Burley D'lite. The new one is here:

http://www.burley.com/products/dlite.html

As you mentioned, trailers (like bikes and strollers) come in every level and budget. If you can swing a Burley, you won't regret it. You can get the optional stroller attachement as well.

I use my aluminum Diamondback MTN bike to pull this trailer. I don't want to mess up my carbon roadie, so I use the DB on the road or lite trails. I have only taken my 4 year old on it. She loves it. Its a 2 seater, but she can easily fill it up with toys, food, video games, etc. It has a 5 pt harness and I have her wear a helmet too.

That's the key...I'm a big helmet advocate and it took awhile (1.5 years) before she would fit a helmet. So my 3 month old twins will unlikely ride in it for awhile.

Nonetheless, I have taken her on dirt trails and it works well. However, I would not take her on bumpy single track / rocky trails as it would not be comfortable for your kids. It has suspension, but its still way bumpy. She likes higher speeds anyway as she gets bored when I go slow!

Overall, she loves it. I also get a great workout with her in tow. It makes for a fun outing as I can put in some miles while 'babysitting'. I always make it so that my route includes a stop at the playground and/or local Jamba Juice! Hence, she always wants to ride...can't complain about that! I can't wait until the twins are big enough to ride in it. By then I might be lusting for the new Burleys on that site.

Good luck and ride safely.

Thanks, after a pretty tough encounter with a tree when I was "young and invincible" I too am a big helmet advocate. My twins are 14 months so I think they are about ready! I had boiled down my choices to the Burley d'lite and the Chariot Cougar 2, the chariot models have more attachments, but I am not interested in dragging them along while cross county skiing! The Burley's look like they are designed as bike trailers where the Chariots are designed more for multi-use... The d'lite comes in about $100 cheaper by the time you purchase the chariot "bike hitch kit" and there seem to be many more used ones for sale. I think you have helped me seal the deal... now I am on the hunt.
Thanks again...

Originally Posted by Jennie331

We bought a Little Tykes one and brought it back. There was hardly enough room for my 20lb boys last summer. It wasn't very well made and the tires were plastic.

Good info... I thought that I would stay away from the cheep-o's, good to hear I am on the right track... Who needs money anyway!

[1+2EQL3]

Originally Posted by daddyo

Good info... I thought that I would stay away from the cheep-o's, good to hear I am on the right track... Who needs money anyway!

Definitely stay away from the cheap-os for trailers. Those will generally be heavier and of low quality.

Used Burley's are the best deal. Especially when the previous owner was not a cyclist. Many people buy bike trailers to use as they bike around the neighborhood...however, if you're not use to riding, pulling a trailer won't be fun (especially when there's an incline!).

You'll find an ample supply of barely-used Burley's...couples buy them due to it being the 'it' bike trailer, then realize 'wow, this is tiring!'. But just like any high-end, quality product, it usually keeps its value. A used Burley is better than just about any NEW bike trailer you can buy. Since you and your wife are avid cyclists, you'll both love the Burley.

[daddyo]

There are a handful on ebay, looks like they have been making the d'lite for several years, some of them look 20 years old!
I'll keep you posted when I get one.
Thanks again...

[1+2EQL3]

Originally Posted by daddyo

There are a handful on ebay, looks like they have been making the d'lite for several years, some of them look 20 years old!
I'll keep you posted when I get one.
Thanks again...

Try Craigslist in your area. I just checked the SF Bay Area (where we use to live) and look at all the results:

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/search/sss?query=burley

Notice the number of posts that WANT to buy a used Burley. Goes to show its a high demand trailer.

Mine was used as well (albeit by my cousin's family). It was a mid-90s model. It doesn't look as cool as the new Burleys, but I get alot of inquires about my 'classic' on our pitstops. Main thing is that its super light and still works like a champ.

Good luck...post a pic when you have them strapped in for their maiden voyage.

[hutile]

I have an In Step thats several years old..
It's similar to one of these http://www.instep.net/products/detail.php?id=237
It's got real air filled tires, the mesh/plastic wind protector..and it's pretty liteweight.

We found ours at the local flea market for $20.
Good luck..

[capper]

We have the Chariot and love it. We use it as a jogger stroller, both for walking and jogging, and we use it as a bike trailer pretty frequently. We have the x-country ski attachment because when the kids were born we lived in excellent x-c ski country...now we live much farther away and as a consequence haven't used the skis (although we have loaned them to friends). The Chariot is terrific...easy to switch between the bike and walking modes, rugged, light, and apparently comfortable, since our kids love it.

[daddyo]

Originally Posted by capper

We have the Chariot and love it. We use it as a jogger stroller, both for walking and jogging, and we use it as a bike trailer pretty frequently. We have the x-country ski attachment because when the kids were born we lived in excellent x-c ski country...now we live much farther away and as a consequence haven't used the skis (although we have loaned them to friends). The Chariot is terrific...easy to switch between the bike and walking modes, rugged, light, and apparently comfortable, since our kids love it.

Now you just made my decision a little harder.
Do you know which chariot model you have?

[pdxpeach]

I saw that costco had a really nice one that is also a stroller for $150. Can't remember the brand, but the logo was a kangaroo. It was large and roomy. I might be getting this as a walking stroller cause my 3 year old could sit on the front when he gets tired of walking.

[daddyo]

Originally Posted by pdxpeach

I saw that costco had a really nice one that is also a stroller for $150. Can't remember the brand, but the logo was a kangaroo. It was large and roomy. I might be getting this as a walking stroller cause my 3 year old could sit on the front when he gets tired of walking.

Thanks pdxpeach,
I seem to remember that Burley makes trailers for other companys too, for instance bicycle maker Trek sold a trailer that was actually manufactured by Burley with Trek logos, color schemes, ect...
That would be a great deal if that were the case here.

[2scoops]

I just got one fro a local MOM here in FL. She had a Trek one, barely used and we bought it from her for $50! The babies are 9mo. old now and love it. I put the Kidapompus seat cushions in it for them. see if you can find a used one in your area.

[daddyo]

Originally Posted by 2scoops

I just got one fro a local MOM here in FL. She had a Trek one, barely used and we bought it from her for $50! The babies are 9mo. old now and love it. I put the Kidapompus seat cushions in it for them. see if you can find a used one in your area.

AWESOME!!!
I've got my eyes peeled and ear to the ground...

Thanks for the info and love the pic!

The weather is finally starting to break here in KY and I'm itching to hit the trails with the family!

[Mom of 5]

Thanks for this thread, Daddy-o, and all the info posted. I have been wanting a bike trailer for a long time, but I don't know if it's feasible anymore, with almost 70 lbs. of toddlers to ride along with now.

I'm going to check out e-bay.

[daddyo]

Originally Posted by Mom of 5

Thanks for this thread, Daddy-o, and all the info posted. I have been wanting a bike trailer for a long time, but I don't know if it's feasible anymore, with almost 70 lbs. of toddlers to ride along with now.

I'm going to check out e-bay.

Keep us posted if you decide on one...

I read that the Chariot models can haul up to 100lbs.

[doxiedoodle]

Our double Burley is rated to 100 pounds. I still put my 4.5 year olds in it and go. I've been very happy with the Burley. I've test driven some cheaper trailers and they were hard to pull even with no kids in them. Stay away from cheapos!! You won't be happy with them.

Dh has a single Burley for our 6 year old. I believe it is rated to 50 pounds.

Burley

[Breanna&Brayden]

I see tons of people in my neighborhood riding those things around. If I rode a bike ( :lazy: ) I would have one for sure. as for which one, couldn't tell ya! Check out REI. They seem to have all the cool stuff!