What is the best bike trailer for me?

Question

I have a 2yr old, and a 10 month old. I need a cart that is light weight, folds easy and is easy to clean. I live on the second floor which means that I have to completely take apart my whole set-up each time I ride. Ease of use is huge, and I intend on upgrading the inner tubes to the ones that are already filled with Green Goob and guaranteed not to go flat. If you have two kids and you like to ride, I would like to hear what brand and model of cart you have. What do you NOT like about your cart? Also, what do you LOVE about your cart? What is the function that you do not want to go without?
I am hoping that I will be able to get a bike trailer in the next couple of weeks and I would really like to get the one that will work best for me. Also, if you have any pointers I would love for you to pass them along too.
Thank you for your time, I look forward to your great ideas and comments.

I would like to know if anyone out there has seen a trailer that holds two kids, but instead of having them side by side, they are one in front of each other.

Answer 1

Chariot Carriers seem to be the industry leader. Lots of different models to choose from as well. Visit the website, then find a dealer who will demonstrate how fast they assemble/disassemble, how safe they are and the different options you can get with them. Might just replace your current stroller.

Answer 2

First things first make sure you can get a helmet for your 10 month old (And the two year old of course). If the child has a smallish head this could be difficult.

I don't think that you will need to completely pull it apart to get it upstairs. Once they are unhitched and unloaded, they pull up the stairs reasonably easily.(Ours has 20" wheels the smaller ones could make this a bit more difficult) Getting it through a normal doorway is a bit of a tight squeeze. Some models are a touch narrower so that might be worth checking.

If you need to unhitch regularly then a hitch with a quick release system would be a good idea. We have a clamp on type. I don't unhitch it much but I'm still considering a modification.

I didn't think I was going to use it that much and bought a cheaper brand (similar to Pacific & Phillips). I'm very happy with this trailer but this thing gets used a lot more than I expected. If I had realised how much, I would have lashed out on a more upmarket model. We have had it for about 16 months and regularly clock up 50 km(30 mile) a week. So far so good it has stood up to the task.

Storage space is ample, all the room for nappies, changes of clothes, toys, bottles, snacks etc that go with moving the kids around and there is even enough room for a small mattress or groceries.

The only thing I needed to change was to install a foam insert behind the kid’s backs, so that the helmets didn't push forward over their eyes.(basically an inch and a half of medium density foam with pillow case style cover.)

Knowing now what I didn’t know then, I would probably buy a more upmarket model that seats the kids one behind the other, but this is only because I like to ride a bit faster. It would probably be a little easier to get through doorways.

Then again, it would have cost a lot more. This one has served me well and has taken a hiding.

Answer 3

There are lots of folding models based on aluminum tubes w/ fabric shell, they're all decent.

I agree w the above answer - you might find yourself just pulling the un-folded trailer up the stairs, they usually fit.

One big thing nobody ever mentions is the hitch. every manufacturer has a slightly different one, and they all suck. (my opinion). That's one reason you might want to check 'em out in person instead of online. What has happened to me (before I created my own hitch) was the hitch shifted under real use, and destroyed spokes in my back wheel. I was not a happy camper. Kids learned new words that day.

Anyway, years ago we got lucky and spent $88 for a Sam's Club deal, it didn't fold but has held up really well thru a lot of abuse (like carrying 2 full coolers + camping gear 3 miles down a rocky trail, many times).

Summary: don't sweat it too much, even the cheapo's are decent, just make sure you look in person and are ok with the hitch system.

Answer 4

the suited bike is the only designed for the place you prefer to holiday. i might visit the close by bike shops and look on the convenience and hybrid motorcycles. on the trailer i might seek for a sturdy used one on the close by ebay or craig's record. Trailers are not getting used a lot and are frequently in sturdy shape.

Answer 5

the one you like the most