Buying a Bike Trailer

Pumping up and down hills or rolling through a scenic forest preserve can be a wonderful workout. Busy parents can de-stress and decompress in moments, cruising along in a lovely setting. Besides, you never know what birds, wildlife or other natural beauties you may spot!

Want to tote a child or two along on your bike ride and build greater strength and endurance at the same time?

Why not hook up a bike trailer and cart your kids along?

For carrying one or more children, bicycle trailers are ideal. The latest models are lightweight and simple to use.

A larger model may carry two youngsters at a time, or possibly even three. In addition, trailers offer stability, balance, and excellent bicycle control. You need not be an acrobatic biker to manage the new models.

Bike trailers are high-tech equipment these days. From basic to ultra-deluxe, the choices are endless. How can you find just what you want?

Before you begin shopping, you will want to consider several key questions.

Whom will you tote?

Will you haul one or two children? How big are they? Many trailers have an 80-pound capacity. That means they can haul up to two kids totaling 80 pounds, not one 80-pound person. (The balance would be lost.)

Single passenger trailers are widely available from companies like Burley, Trek, and Chariot.

The widest trailer is from Yakima. The only available three-kid one is probably from Tanjor.

What accessories are necessary?

Young trailer passengers need to be secured with built-in safety harnesses. These vary by manufacturer, in terms of quality of materials and ease of use. Some harnesses are padded, which is helpful for children who may be lulled to sleep on a comfy ride.

If you use a trailer, you will want to install a rear-view mirror on your handlebars. Otherwise, you will be unable to keep a constant eye on your precious cargo!

Of course, children riding in bike trailers must wear approved safety helmets, just as if they were riding on the bicycle itself.

What other options will you need?

Some bike trailer manufacturer offer additional options. For example, a bike trailer may be adaptable for jogging, strolling, and other uses. Trek and Chariot offer excellent packages for multi-use options.

A few trailers offer reclining seats. This may be comfortable for some children, although this feature can greatly complicate trailer assembly (if you do it yourself).
Look for quality.

It's important to buy the best trailer you can afford. Sturdiness of materials and a heavy-duty frame really do count. Shock absorbers add to the comfort of the ride. Larger tires and substantial wheels are a big plus for rider and passenger.

Some trailers are equipped with a removable cover, which can be replaced for shade and weather protection. Look for adequate ventilation. No one wants to be cooped up in a vinyl, nylon, or plastic tent on a hot day!

Compare prices.

Trailer prices may range from about $100 (for a basic InSTEP) to about $500 for a Burley (excellent mid-range choice) to $1,000 for a Chariot with all the options (cycling, cross-country skiing, hiking, and jogging kits).

Consider trailer hitches.

Various hitches are available. Some trailers mount to the frame of the bike. Others attach to the seat column or the rear axle.

If your bike has quick-release wheels, then you will need a special axle attachment for your trailer.

Not all hitches will work with all bike models. Try to take you bicycle with you to the store to see what fits.

Swivel hitches are safest. These allow your bike to tip (and even topple) without upsetting the trailer. Even if you should wipe out, you do not want your passengers to capsize!

Will you need to carry your trailer in your car?

Some trailers, such as Yakimas, are foldable. Be sure to test-fold a trailer before purchasing it. Some models are difficult to manage!

Carrying racks may be available, which attach to the outside of your car or truck. Some models are designed to hold bikes and folded trailers.

Where will you store your trailer?

Bike trailers are prime targets for opportunistic thieves, because they hold their values well for resale. (You can check used trailer prices online.)

Do you have a garage, shed, or basement? If you live in a high-rise, can you bring it inside? Will your trailer fit through the doorway and into the elevator? Tanjor trailers set kids in a row, instead of side-by-side, so they may be narrow enough to fit through doorways.

You should get a hitch that permits the bike to fall over without toppling the trailer, as this is safer. This is probably a standard feature on all trailers by now, but ask anyway.

Watch for product recalls.

Review Consumer Reports to compare trailer features and safety ratings.

In the U.S., you can check with the Consumer Products Safety Commission for information on recalls before purchasing. After you buy your trailer, be sure to complete the product registration, so the manufacturer can alert you to any recalls. Usually, manufacturers bear the complete costs of recall retrofits.

Enjoy the ride.

Once you obtain your bike trailer, you will be ready to hit the road together. Most jurisdictions forbid bike trailers on sidewalks. However, a growing number of communities are offering special biking lanes on major thoroughfares. Of course, the ideal spots for biking with trailers are probably traffic-free neighborhoods, forest preserves, parks, and even conservation lands. If you head out on the trails, don't forget your map and cell phone!

Hook 'em up, and let's roll!