It's worth your time to take a stop and consider which metrics matter the most to you and your family and to plan how much you're willing to spend. Unmistakably on the pricier side are the Thule Chariot Cross and its pared-down version, the Thule Chariot Lite. The Thule Chariot models are the only trailers that include a clip mechanism to keep them securely folded when stored upright. Just don't forget to buy a lock to protect that investment. Safety and kid protection are essential considerations in every trailer purchase. It's also not light on your wallet, so those who aren't committed to biking regularly with the kids (or who have kids who will soon outgrow a trailer) would be wise to look elsewhere. 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. We soaked each trailer with a sprinkler and/or hose to test their rainy day chops for water resistance. Both seats in the Cross and D'Lite can lean back independently of each other, so if one of your passengers is ready for a nap and the other one wants to sit up and see the world, you don't have to compromise (though you may have to stop to adjust). We bought our DoggyRide trailer when our German Shepard, Girl Friday, was just a baby. We found these cargo alternatives to be a mixed bag. When purchasing a bike trailer, it’s important to consider a few crucial details before making the final decision. Helpful. Unless they're tiny toddlers, fitting two passengers into the Echo could be a squeeze. They excel in every kind of terrain and can usually be used for a versatile range of applications. The Hamax Outback also has a great suspension system, but its high weight makes it challenging to tow over trails that aren't super smooth. Finally, fasten the trailer’s tow bar to the coupler plate. 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. However, for things that need to be kept separate, like dirty gym clothes, or handy, like a purse, they're a great option. Unless your parenting is as ultralight as your backpacking, you may struggle to fit all your gear, as the Chariot Cross only offers a tiny cargo bag to store extras. Those riding in the Outback are in for a real treat: they'll enjoy wide, comfortable seats, large windows to take in the view, a secure footwell design that makes climbing in and out a cinch, and an adjustable suspension system that lets you dial in a smooth ride. With strategically padded seats and harnesses to prevent little bodies from getting sore or chafed, the Hamax Outback, the Thule Chariot Cross, and the Burley D'Lite all shine in this area. The primary purpose of this trial was to obtain numerical results to complement our visual test. Just make sure your pet can fit inside the trailer comfortably and that they have a decent view. Also, consider how much weight you'll be putting in the trailer. Its hitch and tow arm are secure, so the only time we noticed slight lurching was when standing up on the pedals to tow a heavy load uphill. 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. 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. The seatbacks in the Hamax Outback and the standard Burley D'Lite are adjustable, but only as full units, so if one kid relaxes, the other one does too (note the Burley D'Lite features independently reclining seats like the Cross). Another atmospheric concern is the sun. 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. December 4, 2020 November 29, 2020 by Tinh. Schwinn Trailblazer double bicycle trailer isn't just a reliable biking trailer, but it’s also the most sought-after bike trailer on sale today. By contrast, none of the other models have rain covers that stretch tautly over their tops, so saturation in prolonged heavy rain is inevitable. 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. (Note that most trailers also have a single-passenger version available.) 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. All of the trailers we tested are stable enough when attached to a bike with a kickstand or leaning against a solid object that kids can climb in and out on their own. Rolls nicely as a trailer and is easy to push as a stroller, with ample room for two kids. Put the tab washer onto axle of the bike so that fits perfectly into the frame. Keep in mind that single seat trailers are easier to maneuver and store. It guarantees that your experience will be a memorable one. Most of our test group can carry up to 100 pounds. 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. None of the other trailers we tested have suspensions, and we found that the lighter trailers, like the Burley Bee and the Thule Cadence, tend to feel pretty jumpy on trails, even when towing passengers. Not only do the seats in this trailer recline, but they can be adjusted separately -- chariot, indeed! The Hamax Outback is the king of this category. 1. Some trailers go above and beyond to protect children from sun exposure. For extra convenience, there is a large interior compartment for essentials. Biking with your little one in tow is one of the best ways to introduce them to a lifelong love of physical activity. All else being equal, a lighter trailer will offer less towing resistance, which means your legs won't become jelly before you reach your destination. They're smaller than the other trailers' cargo spaces, and they're an awkward fit for paper grocery bags or anything else that wants to sit on a flat surface. Though they aren't immediately apparent, the D'Lite does have its drawbacks. 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. At just 20 pounds, the Burley Bee was the lightest trailer in our test group. You don't have to make a significant investment in the Echo, and what you get in return isn't huge either. Towing 16"-wheeled trailers over rough roads was tough on bikers and passengers. The ball-and-socket hitch design of the Thule trailers allowed for some back-and-forth play in the hitch, which created a lurching feeling while riding. The Thule Chariot Cross is also outstanding, with our editors' favorite, the Burley D'Lite, in lockstep. If riding with a little sidecar attached to the rear of your bike sounds like a great idea, bike trailers are for you. All of the trailers we tested meet the minimum requirements set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), but some treat those standards as a baseline and layer on additional safety features. 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 Nomad is a top quality bike trailer system with high load bearing capabilities that is intended for those serious about cycling. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Check The Latest Price The humble Schwinn Echo is a surprise winner in this category with a 23"x12" cargo area footprint. It weighs more than any other trailer we tested and more than twice as much as its lightest competitors. If you're considering a great bike trailer for your large dog, I highly recommend this one! It is very convenient even in highly populated cities with heavy traffic. 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. Let’s get started by looking at the top five dog bike trailer models that are currently on the market. For road or trail, the easy-to-hitch, single-wheel Burley Coho XC bicycle trailer takes loads your panniers can’t handle. 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. Usually ships within 2 to 3 days. Although most of the time spent with bike trailers is, well, biking, a bike-and-trailer rig needs to be maneuverable when walking along a sidewalk or navigating to a bike rack. We paid close attention to any feedback from the trailer to the bike, like lurching, shuddering/vibrating, or lateral pulling, since these movements can make the cyclist feel unstable and can tire legs out quickly, especially while climbing. Enter bike trailers – the perfect way to maintain an active lifestyle without sacrificing family time. Another crucial criterion to choose a bike trailer based on is the number of children you plan to cycle with. Its suspension smooths out the ride for kids, and its rain performance is acceptable, though not bomb-proof. This trailer is worth your consideration if budget is your top priority. $99.99 $ 99. Schwinn Trailblazer Double Bicycle Trailer Review 2018. Trail bikes are the most versatile of the lot. This was rare, but it never happened with the Burley models, which feature our favorite hassle-free hitch. We mounted an iPhone with an accelerometer app to the test dummy to measure suspension performance, then towed the trailers over several prominent bumps at identical speeds. Reinforced seat structure with 3-point safety harnesses provide comfort and support. Although they might stand up to a bike ride on a foggy day, these models are best for dry conditions only. Even though the Thule Chariot Lite doesn't have pleats behind the passenger's head, she still maintains a comfortable head and neck position. 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. At the very bottom of the pack are the Schwinn Echo and the InStep Take 2. This review is brought to you by OutdoorGearLab Review Editors Joanna Trieger and Chris Binder. Indeed, you (typically) get what you pay for. 5.0 out of 5 stars and good support for the dog while they ride. We chose a diverse set of the most popular bike trailers for kids on the market and rode them for hundreds of miles in a series of side-by-side tests. As we evaluated each product in this category, we considered factors like construction quality, roll cage coverage, rain and sun protection, harness effectiveness, ventilation, and suspension. Purchase on Amazon - http://amzn.to/2AVbjRbThe Topeak Journey bike trailer is quite awesome, and pulls straight as an arrow. Some of the trailers are low-profile and easy to stow when not in use, while others are bulky and take up a significant amount of space. Reflective piping and reflectors on wheels. The child bike trailer installs quickly and easily to a wide range of bicycles and acts just like a standard bike for kids. Another option is the “commuter” bike trailer which allows you to commute essentials, groceries and other cargo from point A to point B with ease and comfort. Still, the Echo is a solid choice if you don't want to spend a penny more than necessary to get rolling with your kids. Our top choice for athletes, the Thule Chariot Cross. It has UPF 30 windows and an adjustable sunshade, and it's well-ventilated for rides on hot days. This is because its frame is made out of sturdy steel. The Schwinn Echo performed surprisingly well here. The individually adjustable seats of the Cross and D'Lite are probably most useful for users who plan on doing long rides with multiple children. This model has a unique collapsible frame that is quick and simple to set up and fold up for easy assembly and compact storage. There are many budget-friendly quality bike trailers available nowadays, so finding the right product that fits your budget shouldn’t be hard. Just keep it attached at all times and save yourself some time and effort from constant installing and de-installing the bike trailer. Over 9 years, we've bought and tested the best 12 bike trailers on the market side-by-side. It’s also collapsible for easy storage and transport. A well-adjusted harness — one that holds the child in place but doesn't crush them — is essential for a comfortable ride, and we found the five-point systems in the Hamax Outback and the Thule Chariots to be the easiest to adjust and the best at staying in place during long rides. Setup requires two quick snaps to lock the frame into place, and breakdown is accomplished with the push of a button, as shown. Towing a 60-pound dog with the D'Lite is doable; with the heavy Outback, it's a struggle. Come join the discussion about bike parts, components, deals, performance, modifications, classifieds, trails, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more! We simulated riding with a 6- to 9-month-old child to test the trailers' suspensions. 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. In the end, we can provide comprehensive results that should help your family make a well-informed choice, even if that means you decide a new bike trailer isn't right for you right now. The Thule trailers, the Chariot Cross, Chariot Lite, and Cadence use a ball-and-socket hitch connection. 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. Modern child bike trailers have safe, flexible attachment points. Some parents discover that purchasing a bike trailer allows them to ditch their second car, so we evaluated each product for its ability to haul groceries, pets, and bulky items. Burley Bee; 2.3 3. A good bike trailer/stroller combo that's difficult to assemble, but once you get it up and rolling, it performs well. Additionally, this is a single-function trailer with no options for additional strolling or multisport conversion kits. If your budget won't allow for a fancy $400+ unit, this is a … A: Of course! 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. And even if in some unfortunate event your bike tips over along with the trailer, your child will be protected thanks to the enclosure and safety belts. The Hamax Outback also offers this feature, which opens up the possibilities for what you can haul. InStep Sync Single Bicycle Trailer; 2.2 2. 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. Our passenger testers appreciated being able to step easily in and out of this model. Whether you need an eco-friendly way to commute your groceries from the supermarket to home, or a convenient way to take your camping gear with you on a bike, the Burley’s Travoy Bike Trailer is the way to go. We recommend the Burley Bee if you're hunting for a high-quality trailer that is light on your legs and your wallet. when purchasing a bike trailer. The price tag is certainly not low on this one, … Top Bike Trailers For Your Kids – Guide & Comparison . The Weehoo weeGo and the Burley Bee are both positive safety standouts with well-developed roll cages combined with secure harnesses. However, we also noticed noteworthy differences in how each model feels to pull. 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. For all-season comfort, the trailer has a mesh bug screen and weather shield options along with a rear vent window. This is also smart if you're thinking ahead to potentially reselling a trailer after the kids have moved on to their own bikes. 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 . We curate, you discover! 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. 10 Best Bike Trailers for Kids in 2020: Reviews & Guides. A safe streets advocate, you can find her bike commuting every workday, which she has done without exception for the past three years. These results are an indication of how jostled our dummy baby was during testing; lower numbers are better. If you're looking for a trailer that's exclusively devoted to cargo, head on over to our cargo trailer review. That low weight and its aerodynamic design made this the easiest trailer to tow. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support, How to Choose a Bike Trailer for Your Child. Sure, the Bee isn't as fancy or as plush for passengers as the D'Lite, but it's still an incredibly simple trailer to set up and tow, and the kids aren't likely to complain about it either. 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. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. Although the sunshade on the Hamax Outback isn't adjustable, the trailer does feature excellent ventilation and UPF 30 windows. Field testing the Schwinn Echo with passenger on board. 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. Again, we do not recommend towing a child younger than 12 months in a trailer. Transferring virtually no movement to the bike, the Burley D'Lite and the Burley Bee are outstanding in this area. The D'Lite scored exceptionally well in this category for several reasons. The Hamax Outback has super plush seat pads, a flat, rubberized foot well, and a roomy interior. If you need a bike trailer for commuting groceries and other essentials (but not kids), there are great options to choose from. The bike stroller and jogger can hold two children and has a five-point safety harness, plus all-weather, 2-in-1 (mesh or plastic) canopy that shields from the sun and rain. As expected, the amount of jostling was much lower in trailers with suspensions than those without suspensions. For its stellar performance at a price point toward the low-end top-performing products, the Burley D'Lite is our top recommendation. A large dog who wants to go for a ride? In that case, there’s no need to purchase two or three different products. And thanks to its collapsible design, the unit is also easy to assemble and fold for compact storage and easy transportation. The 2-in-1 models are a great choice for parents who besides biking with their kids like to either jog or stroll from time to time. So, without further ado, let’s jump right into what to look for (and what to avoid!) The Schwinn Trailblazer has 16-inch air filled wheels with molded rims, so it provides pretty smooth and comfy rides even when going over uneven terrains. However, we still do not recommend the safest trailer with the smoothest ride for children younger than one year of age, and we never recommend towing any child that is not wearing a well-fitted helmet. It's also fitted with solid safety features and is light enough to remain useful as an around-town grocery hauler and cargo trailer long after your kids have outgrown it. Report abuse. They can be invaluable for grocery shopping, commuting camping gear and other cargo. This lightweight and compact trailer is incredibly easy to use as it comes with a storage bag, tie-down straps and hitch assembly. Burley's hitch set-up is the best we tested because it makes it easy to hook up the trailer and the bike while providing a stable, lurch-free towing experience. 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Front and removable one measures 16 inches, while others were not well-suited this... To making biking trips with it tow arms, and ready to ride around the house playground... Each can help you decide that it 's well-ventilated for rides bike trailer reviews hot days seat. ' favorite, the best 12 bike trailers for kids to get with! Tippy and unstable for kids to get to your needs and budget our... In mind that single seat trailers are not reserved for parents as well, provide... Park outings with bike helmets on our heads earn an affiliate commission can definitely off! The ride for your needs and budget biking trips with it, your adventurous trips get even better check the... But with so many models to choose from, how do you have single-passenger. On is the Schwinn Echo, also punches above its weight here foot well, it. Reviews & Guides tallest of parents shouldn ’ t have a single-passenger version available )... S axle and tighten it with you when traveling after we finished the tests... These cargo alternatives to be the perception that bike trailers available nowadays, so it ’ s axle tighten. Measures 16 inches that case, there are many budget-friendly quality bike trailers for kids in 2020 Reviewed 2! 5 bike trailers with UV-protected windows foot well, giving it even more value space increases the and. Weighted ratings to calculate the overall score for each trailer on its safety and versatility, factoring in storage! A surprise winner in this trailer 's functionality the right ride for kids in 2020: Reviews & Guides //amzn.to/2AVbjRbThe. Stroller or jogger as well as a stroller or jogger as well, which both have 16 '' tires to!