These models are comfortable, safe, easy to use and are perfect for riding with one to two children. Muddled manual and inconsistent manufacturing frustrate many. Can hold 2 kids; up to 80 pounds; Comes with weather shield; Frame is sturdy and steel; Pneumatic tires for a smooth ride; Impressive capacity. This is also smart if you're thinking ahead to potentially reselling a trailer after the kids have moved on to their own bikes. The Bee is just as simple to set up, attach, and tow as the D'lite and just as easy to use, even if it doesn't sport all the bells and whistles. Let us know! Exceptions are the InStep Take 2 and the Allen Sport Steel, which both have 16" tires. Compared to a leash, it keeps your dog in check and prevents straying towards vehicles on the road. Trailer testing is a rough job, but somebody has to do it. The Cross has a fantastic suspension that can take the jolt out of potholes and curbs better than any other competitor. Usually ships within 2 to 3 days. We found some trailers to be easy to tow off-road, while others were not well-suited for this purpose. Canine tester Banner could stretch out in the Hamax Outback because its seat backs unclip from the trailer frame to lie flat, opening up a range of cargo hauling possibilities. Our Child Bike Trailers vs. Child Bike Seats comparison can help you decide which option is better for you and your family. However, the Hamax Outback might be the right choice for those not concerned about weight or slick design and those who just want the plushest possible ride for their little ones. Even in a super-secure trailer like the Thule Chariot Cross, children being towed should be at least one year old and should always be wearing a helmet. The Schwinn Echo performed surprisingly well here. We only tested double-passenger trailers in this review to ensure an apples to apples comparison. The Bee is much more stylish, user-friendly, and durable than the Echo, so we still think the Bee is a better value. Again, we didn't evaluate these kits, but we rated these trailers higher in the versatility category because they give parents the option to purchase one outdoor kid mobile instead of potentially four. This chart highlights the performance of each contender in our peak acceleration tests, which we conducted using an iPhone and accelerometer app. The Hamax Outback and the Thule Chariot models gave the D'Lite a run for its money in this category, but they scored just slightly lower because their frames don't include side-impact protection. Its suspension smooths out the ride for kids, and its rain performance is acceptable, though not bomb-proof. The other trailers we tested all have springs in their tow arms, and this design transfers significant motion to the bike. The Bee is less than half the price of our top award winner, the Burley D'Lite, but comes standard with many of the same great features we expect in a top-of-the-line Burley trailer. The Weehoo weeGo and the Burley Bee are both positive safety standouts with well-developed roll cages combined with secure harnesses. This is particularly convenient if you travel by car to specific locations to bike, as you can easily fit the trailer in the trunk of the car or the back seat. If your budget won't allow for a fancy $400+ unit, this is a … Parents and caretakers of trailer-aged children will find that a product that comes together quickly and smoothly and attaches without drama is worth its weight in gold, especially when little ones are raring to go (or are approaching meltdown status). We believe its weight is enough to limit its versatility since carrying large loads simply isn't feasible with such a heavy baseline weight. Although the Outback has some great features, we have to literally weigh the negatives as well. There are several reasons why this is our Top Pick, but the most important ones include its excellent quality and construction, great safety and comfort, and reasonable price. At a generous 24", the Outback has the widest interior of the trailers we tested, giving little ones plenty of room to relax. Unless they're tiny toddlers, fitting two passengers into the Echo could be a squeeze. Then we used our weighted ratings to calculate the overall score for each trailer. The Thule Chariots were the clear winners in the rain tests, with their identical rain shields that fit very snugly and cover the trailer's entire front and top. There are bicycle trailers made to haul just about anything (from dogs to children, and yes, even boats), but what you’ll find here is a list of trailers that can be used for local commuting or long-distance bike touring. It’s also collapsible for easy storage and transport. If you're looking for a nimble, fun, easy to use, and relatively inexpensive solution for biking with kids, the Burley Bee is a truly outstanding buy, so long as you don't need a trailer that can serve double duty as a stroller or a jogger. You bike is an extension of your personality, after all, and your cargo trailer is an extension of your bike, so it should reflect you in some way, as well. Verified Purchase. According to our friends at BabyGearLab and pediatrician Dr. Juliet Spurrier. The D'Lite scored exceptionally well in this category for several reasons. Our raiting. Finally, fasten the trailer’s tow bar to the coupler plate. On the other hand, double seat trailers offer more flexibility (you can bring a friend with your kid or more essentials and cargo when going on longer cycling trips). Due to their adjustable suspension systems, the Thule Chariot Cross and the Burley D'Lite are top performers in this category, absorbing many trail riding lumps and bumps. This is because its frame is made out of sturdy steel. When we added kids, bags, and equipment, the Outback made us struggle on even the mellowest inclines. Since it’s made of heavy-duty steel, it’s also super-sturdy and durable, guaranteed to last for years. We soaked each trailer with a sprinkler and/or hose to test their rainy day chops for water resistance. That said, this is not a must-have as most trailers come with safety flags and reflective gear that help make them visible no matter their color. And if you’re more of a stroll kind of person, you need a bike trailer stroller. It comes with twenty-inch alloy spooked wheels with air tires, which provide terrific performance and style. Choose the right number of wheels - Infant bike trailers come with two, three or four wheels, while single-wheeled piggyback trailers exist for older children who can sit up and pedal along. This review compares the top 10. Although certainly not the cheapest on our list, this bike trailer offers great value for money: with two hammock-style seats, extra rear cargo space, UV-protected windows and foldable design, the trailer is comfortable, easy to use and store. The model supports up to 88 pounds and has enough room for one to two children, plus cargo in the storage compartment. We carefully placed the water source to mimic a heavy downpour as well as to imitate road slick spraying off the bike's back tire. Its seats are comfortable, its harness straps are easy to adjust and stay in place well, and it's surprisingly easy to set up it's time to ride. A pet bicycle trailer is one of the safest ways to ride around the city with your dog. Like the Outback, the Weehoo weeGo provides a flat, rubber-reinforced footwell. Come join the discussion about bike parts, components, deals, performance, modifications, classifieds, trails, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more! Now put the washer and nut back on to the bike’s axle and tighten it with a wrench. The Bee's passenger experience isn't as plush as what you get with a more expensive model; the seats are unpadded, and there isn't any suspension. This model fits two kids and supports up to 88 pounds, rear cargo included. The Hamax Outback has a similar tow arm with a sharp bend that makes it nimble to maneuver, though it features a less flexible hitch. Reinforced seat structure with 3-point safety harnesses provide comfort and support. Look for bike trailers with weather and bug screens that you can open and close as needed. It is very convenient even in highly populated cities with heavy traffic. Some trailers go above and beyond to protect children from sun exposure. Each testing metric has been weighted according to its contribution to the overall experience of using a trailer. Typically affordable and very simple to use, standard bike trailers are great for parents looking for a safe and easy way to bike with their little ones in tow. Price. Again, we do not recommend towing a child younger than 12 months in a trailer. The Hamax's weight made it challenging to venture to far afield. The Hamax Outback has super plush seat pads, a flat, rubberized foot well, and a roomy interior. In general, though, we found that the more "deluxe" model trailers took longer to assemble than the basic ones. You'd be wise to look to a product that's more user-friendly and functional if you're going to be using a trailer regularly. The Echo is well ventilated with a generous amount of cargo space. By far, the best value award goes to the Burley Bee. We always want to choose models at various price points and then focus on the best products available in each bracket (pricier doesn't always mean better, plus everyone has their own budget). Although we weren't evaluating strolling capabilities, testers did find it useful to have the option to convert a trailer to a stroller once they reached their destination, especially those with younger kids. The Echo is less than half the price of the Burley Bee. Additionally, this is a single-function trailer with no options for additional strolling or multisport conversion kits. The trailers are generally suitable for children between 1 and 5 years of age, after which many kids start to want their own wheels, and towing multiple kids can get too heavy. Keep in mind that single seat trailers are easier to maneuver and store. The price tag is certainly not low on this one, … While this review's primary focus is analyzing how each product works for towing kids, we know that most users will end up going for at least a few spins with something else back there. After months of rigorous testing, we're confident in our analysis of how these trailers stack up. These trailers were hauled along city streets, on urban bike paths, over rough forest roads, and through grassy parks. Just keep it attached at all times and save yourself some time and effort from constant installing and de-installing the bike trailer. They’re made of quality materials, have sturdy constructions and are reasonably priced. Investing in a bike trailer with a suspension system is a good idea if you're considering riding off paved roads and/or bike paths, and it will keep your passengers much more comfortable and happy. The Take 2 and the Echo both have maddening cover attachment systems that require parents to secure long strips of Velcro across the entire front and back of the trailer, and if this Velcro isn't aligned well, the trailer won't snap shut. It is made of steel which means greater weight than aluminum rivals and potential rust problems down the road but the toughness, features and price make it a potentially attractive alternative to the Chariot Stroller/Trailer above. For the visual test, we mounted a rear-facing camera to the seat post and towed the trailers over a series of bumps at controlled speeds while filming the test dummy. It’s also lightweight and can fit in the back of cars and storage closets easily. Reflective window trim enhances visibility on low-light rides. Although the Thule Chariot Cross didn't quite beat out its closest rival, the Burley D'Lite, this is a great bike trailer. The Clevr has an enclosure with a mesh window and rain cover, as well as reflectors on all four sides for safety. This feature is especially useful on the long training rides of the endurance athlete, but it's pretty great for snooze cruises around the block, too. It guarantees that your experience will be a memorable one. We found that the Hamax Outback, Burley D'Lite, and the Thule Chariot Cross's adjustable suspension systems were exceptional at absorbing many bumps in the trail, making them a passenger favorite on dirt and gravel roads. The Burley D'Lite took the top spot in the protection category. We noticed some lurching while testing each of these models since the ball has a little bit of wiggle room in the socket, and it can move both horizontally and vertically. The trailer isn't entirely watertight, so if rain doesn't spoil your biking plans or you live in a climate with lots of cold, wet weather, you may want to look into a trailer with total rain protection. The Allen Sports Deluxe Steel Child Trailer is an affordable lightweight and stable bike trailer that makes cycling with a kid in tow a piece of cake. Field testing the Schwinn Echo with passenger on board. They can be invaluable for grocery shopping, commuting camping gear and other cargo. We found these cargo alternatives to be a mixed bag. One thing that is often required in this is the Dog Bike Trailer so that you can keep your pet dog with yourselves every time. In general, the less expensive (and less tricked-out) models, like the Schwinn Echo, the Allen Sport Steel, and the InStep Take 2 are slimmer and more comfortable to slip into an unused space in the garage. Let’s face it – price matters, both because it limits you in your choices, and because it affects the quality and safety of the product. Although the Chariots were speedy to set up, we occasionally had to pull hard enough on one of the hitch components during attachment that we knocked the bike over, startling our young passengers. In fact, it's so good that we dubbed it our top choice for a comfy ride. Trailers for pets are especially useful for disabled and senior dogs and cats who can no longer spend a lot of time in the outdoors on their own. Another atmospheric concern is the sun. How can we improve GearLab? Besides the type and number of seats, pay attention to the safety of bike trailers. Most people don't have the garage space to keep their trailer permanently set up and attached to a bike, so a good trailer should be easy to assemble, attach to a bike, break down, and store. The Burley Bee stood up great in our 5-minute sprinkler challenge, but it's not quite as bomber as the Thule Chariot models. If you're considering a great bike trailer for your large dog, I highly recommend this one! Because all trailers come with either a 3-point or 5-point harness safety system, they help keep the child securely seated during the ride, however, this doesn't mean you should forego a child bike helmet. This double seat model, also known as Take 2 trailer, is perfect for two toddlers as each seat has a five-point safety harness system and plenty of room. Keep reading to find the right ride for your wee ones. Their rain shields fit loosely, and their fabric covers are barely water-resistant, so their interiors were soaked after five minutes under the sprinkler. Other Essential Bike Accessories Once you’ve outfitted your bicycle with an effective cargo trailer, you’ll want to make sure that the rest of your gear is up to snuff before hitting the road. It holds up to 75 pounds and it includes adjustable handlebars, pedals, chain guard, and, of course, a comfortable seat. Removable canopy with Velcro bug and rain shield. Not sure what you prefer? The Schwinn Echo is another trailer that shouldn't be ignored in the value department, snagging our top choice for an ultra-low budget option. However, we also noticed noteworthy differences in how each model feels to pull. Durable, sturdy and sensibly priced, the Burley Bee 2-Seat Bike Trailer offers the perfect combination of safety, performance and comfort. If your children aren't happy in the trailer, chances are high that you're not going to get much use out of it. And although you may get some physical activity chasing your kid around the house and playground, you still need time for real exercise. your rating. A large dog who wants to go for a ride? They perform on the quick after-work lap just as well as they do on long multi-day rides and don’t have to shy away from bike park excursions either. We towed everything we could think of, from beach gear, dogs, and camping equipment, to groceries, gardening supplies, and — of course — kids. That said, the Echo may be all you need if you're only planning on the occasional ride, only bike in good weather, and don't want to spend too much. Contents. The Thule Chariot Cross is also outstanding, with our editors' favorite, the Burley D'Lite, in lockstep. Just don't forget to buy a lock to protect that investment. Of course, bike trailers are not reserved for parents and grandparents only! There are dozens of bike trailers available on the market, but when it comes to their purpose, there are three main types. Younger children or those who get anxious when out of sight of parents may not tolerate the sunshade. The lower-end models provide basic needs, while the higher-end ones offer more comfort features and larger wheel size. Because of its design, it has three wheels, with the front one being pivoting, meaning you have to remove it to use the unit a bike trailer. This model has a unique collapsible frame that is quick and simple to set up and fold up for easy assembly and compact storage. The Thule Chariot Cross, the Burley D'Lite, and the Hamax Outback also have optional jogging and cross-country skiing kits available for purchase. There are many budget-friendly quality bike trailers available nowadays, so finding the right product that fits your budget shouldn’t be hard. We could tow the Bee without shifting into our granny gears, even while going uphill with passengers or cargo. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Unfortunately, this trailer was so heavy that towing Banner to the park was a struggle. This model is compact and easy to tow, and it sports larger, more sturdy wheels than similarly priced trailers. These results are an indication of how jostled our dummy baby was during testing; lower numbers are better. Result? We love this feature and wish that every manufacturer in our test group would include it. The exceptions are the InStep Take 2 and the Schwinn Echo (both 80 pounds), and the Hamax Outback (88 pounds). Burley’s Travoy bike trailer and similar models are ideal for this – lightweight, compact, easy to use and capable of carrying heavy loads, these types of bike trailers can make your everyday life easier, plus your health better. FREE Shipping by Amazon. Although the sunshade on the Hamax Outback isn't adjustable, the trailer does feature excellent ventilation and UPF 30 windows. Keep in mind that trailers with larger cargo areas, such as the Burley D'Lite, might be lighter on their own but tend to get filled up with heavy gear fast since the space is available, often negating the benefit of a more lightweight trailer. We think you'll get the most value by springing for a trailer with suspension so you can enjoy the full range of riding options. We considered each of these steps for all of the trailers we tested and performed timed trials to score each product on overall ease of use. We recommend the Burley Bee if you're hunting for a high-quality trailer that is light on your legs and your wallet. With it, your adventurous trips get even better. This trailer is flat-out heavy. Meanwhile, its rain cover keeps passengers completely dry even in truly miserable conditions. All trademarks property of their respective owners What if you want two or all three of these things? We scoured buyer reviews, manufacturers' websites, and gear forums to distill a large array of 40 initial models down to the best we could find. Because it has one seat, it supports up to 40 pounds, however, the rear storage compartment can hold up to 12 extra pounds – perfect for extra essentials such as food, water and toys. There tends to be the perception that bike trailers add a lot of weight and can be cumbersome to use. It's worth noting here that while we love the Hamax Outback's convertible interior space, its weight limits how much you can haul. For all-season comfort, the trailer has a mesh bug screen and weather shield options along with a rear vent window. The Burley Bee has 20-inch quick-release wheels and supports up to 100 pounds, or 45 kgs. If your kid is at the age when they can start learning how to ride a bike, the WeeRide Co-Pilot Bike Trailer is a fantastic choice. As a welcome bonus, the handlebar is fully adjustable so even the tallest of parents shouldn’t have a problem using it. Besides outlining some of the best bike trailers on the market, we’ve also put together a comprehensive buying guide to help you make the best possible purchasing decision. The 20" wheel of the Burley Bee (left) and the 16" wheels of the Allen Sports Steel (center) and InStep Take 2 (right). Still, the Burley D'Lite is our top recommendation for those in the market for a trailer that does everything well and most things best. If you need a bike trailer for commuting groceries and other essentials (but not kids), there are great options to choose from. Using an accelerometer and an obstacle course, we objectively tested how each trailer handles speedbumps, curbs or unexpected potholes. We also carefully planned how we would judge each trailer's performance, narrowing in on several key metrics that will resonate with families in the market for bike trailers. However, for things that need to be kept separate, like dirty gym clothes, or handy, like a purse, they're a great option. A: Of course! Retrospec Rover Kids Bicycle Trailer Single and Double Passenger Children’s Foldable Tow Behind Bike Trailer with 16" Wheels, CPSC Approved Safety reflectors, and Rear Storage Compartment . These are five of the best pet trailers for bikes that are on the market right now. The primary purpose of this trial was to obtain numerical results to complement our visual test. The Burley D'Lite ticks all the boxes and came away with the high score in this category. In the course of his adventures, he has thru-hiked big name trails, lived and adventured on four continents, and biked across America (twice). Try doing this with a squirming kid who's making a game out of ripping open the Velcro, and you've got yourself a hellish morning routine. Our passenger testers were "d'lited" with the D'Lite's comfort, reclining seats, and smooth ride quality. The Cross has strategically padded seats that recline individually, a rain-proof cargo pouch, an adjustable suspension system, and a flare that can't be beaten. Here, our passenger tester is stoked to go for a ride in the Burley Bee. Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2015 . We found the seat and harness pads in the Outback to be the plushest, and each of the pads is removable and machine washable, so inevitable dirt and spills won't become permanent. Knowing the differences between each can help you decide which one is best suited to your needs. While this required some muscle at first, by the end of the testing period we could do it with one hand. Towing a 60-pound dog with the D'Lite is doable; with the heavy Outback, it's a struggle. This review is brought to you by OutdoorGearLab Review Editors Joanna Trieger and Chris Binder. The Thule Chariots and the Weehoo weeGo come with stroller conversion kits included, and the latest model of the Burley D'Lite has an integrated front stroller wheel that stows when not in use. Even though features like a full roll cage and better shock-absorbing suspension cost more, we encourage you to consider a bike trailer that will be used to tow young kids to be an investment in both your children's pleasure and their safety. The Thule Chariots and the Cadence are relatively low to the ground, so while their front panels are fixed, they're still easy for kiddos to navigate. The Thule Chariots also performed well in this aspect, with an even larger adjustable sunshade, mesh backing behind the passengers' heads, and adjustable ventilation panels in the footwells. By contrast, riders will quickly see their legs sculpted to exquisite marble when they tow uphill with the hefty Thule Chariot Cross, which is part of the reason we named it our top choice for athletes. Some trailers are better at rougher roads than other. Schwinn Trailblazer Double Bicycle Trailer Review 2018. The humble Schwinn Echo is a surprise winner in this category with a 23"x12" cargo area footprint. In the market for a new mountain bike for trail riding... children younger than one year simply do not have the neck strength to take part in running or biking activities, the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Best hitch, lightweight, full roll cage, versatile, sun protection, Passenger comfort, totally weather-proof, easy to use, Waterproof, simplicity of use, lots of add-ons, Lightweight, best hitch design, water-resistant, excellent value, Comfortable seats, large passenger space, adjustable interior, great safety features, Difficult to stow, not watertight, noise from parking brake, Expensive, not adjustable, little storage, No passenger padding, no bottom reinforcement, lacks versatility, Extremely heavy, large and bulky to store, not water-tight, The D'Lite scored near the top of the pack in every metric we tested and provides unrivaled protection for passengers and outstanding versatility, Those willing to tow the weight of the Chariot Cross 2 will be rewarded with an exquisitely designed trailer that can handle all terrain and weather conditions, The Lite 2 may be the less fancy sibling of the Chariot Cross, but it's still one of the safest and most user-friendly products we tested, The Bee is light and easy to use and delivers the durability and design quality Burley is known for at a bargain price, Kid passengers will love this well-cushioned, roomy trailer, but their parents may have a tough time pulling so much weight, 84cm x 79cm x 97cm | 33.25" x 31.25" x 38.25", 94cm x 79cm x 36.2cm | 37" x 31.25" x 14.25", 90cm x 74cm x 73cm | 35.5" x 29.25" x 28.6", 2-in-1 mesh and rain shield, adjustabe sun shade, Mesh, removable rain shield and sun shade. Transferring virtually no movement to the bike, the Burley D'Lite and the Burley Bee are outstanding in this area. If you’re looking for a highly versatile bike trailer, look no further than Aosom’s Elite 3-in-1 trailer that is a jogger, stroller and trailer in one. That being said, more expensive doesn’t necessarily mean better quality. At the very bottom of the pack are the Schwinn Echo and the InStep Take 2. Top Bike Trailers For Your Kids – Guide & Comparison . The Thule trailers, the Chariot Cross, Chariot Lite, and Cadence use a ball-and-socket hitch connection. If you prefer the more traditional parent-child bike riding, consider purchasing a bike seat for your kid, either the front mounted or rear mounted one. From a crucial zipper that's missing a stop to its unwieldy size when folded, this trailer just doesn't exhibit the same design quality as some of its competitors. Planning on riding in cold, wet weather? Older kids are generally alright with this, but some of our youngest kid passengers, who are just getting a feel for being upright, were freaked out by the wobbliness of the saggy footwells. 14.4M posts. Please use only a-z,A-Z,0-9,dash and underscores, I confirm I wish to sign up to the mailing list, 7 However, they probably wouldn't stay completely dry for more than 15 minutes of seriously heavy rain. Since full assembly is usually a one-time event, we didn't put too much weight behind this test. Are you ready to check out the best bike trailers. That low weight and its aerodynamic design made this the easiest trailer to tow. The higher-end models can also convert into a stroller, a jogger, a ski sled, or all three. Setup requires two quick snaps to lock the frame into place, and breakdown is accomplished with the push of a button, as shown.
Among the trailers on the high end of the price spectrum, the Hamax Outback stood out for how poorly it performed when doused. Canopy with a bug screen and weather shield. With a quality bike trailer and daily cycling, you will not only become healthier and encourage your little ones to be physically active, but also comfortably travel from point A to point B with your kids in tow. Quality. The test also demonstrates how jostling in a bike trailer has the potential to affect 6- to 9-month-old children who may not have the strength to resist what most bikers would consider unimpressive bumps. A good bike trailer/stroller combo that's difficult to assemble, but once you get it up and rolling, it performs well. The open-topped pocket at the back of the Thule Chariot Lite is a good option for keeping things separated from the trailer's interior, or for keeping them handy. (Note that most trailers also have a single-passenger version available.) For extra convenience, there is a large interior compartment for essentials. All of the products we tested demand extra energy expenditure than riding a bicycle without anything in tow. He is currently enjoying life in Lake Tahoe, where he taxis his daughter and his dog around the mountains, always exploring new challenges. Unlike most bike trailers on our list, this one allows both you and your little one to pedal safely and comfortably. With an aluminum frame and convenient three in one design, the model is safe, comfortable and easy to convert from a regular bike trailer to a stroller or a jogger. Our bike-commuting, toddler-toting test team pulled these trailers …