bike trailers

[Cumberland]

I want to get a bike trailer when we move to our new house. I dont know anything about them other than that target sells them for 89.00 but the chi chi brand (burley) is more like $400. Does anyone know the difference?

Also, if my DD is 4yo will she be outgrowing it soon and wanting a trail-a-bike or even her own bike? And then DD2 should be in a bike seat on the back?

I also want a bike trailer so that I can use it to run errands like go to the TJ's that is 0.5 miles from my house ( woot).

I am not much of a biker, my interest is basically theoretical at this point so any advice at all ( as in give it up girl you know you wont use it) would be appreciated.

[Michele]

Re: bike trailers

if you aren't much of a biker, i'd say give it up.

that being said, the bike shop guy told me it was the safety features and quality of construction that were responsible for the price difference, and he said the new 400 prices were still steep....they were about 250 just a few years ago (per him).

he feels you get more road respect with a trailer than a mounted seat.

we didn't buy one bc of cost (because clearly a 1200 tv is a necessity )....really it was the cost to usage ratio.....i'm not a strong enough rider to pull it and russ' schedule is unpredictable

Re: bike trailers

We had a less expensive one that someone gave us and then later bought a Cougar. It is definitely better constructed but if you don't use it much, a cheaper one might be ok.

Your 4 yo might be getting big. Maybe get a single instead of a double? Can you borrow someone's trail-a-bike? Some kids get the hang of those right away (and like them) and others are more content to let mom or dad do the work.

I haven't used a seat attached to the back of a bike but i think I would prefer a buggy behind. I just re-read your post. If you are making quick shopping trips, I would stick with a double and put both kids in it. When your DD is older, she can ride next to you and you can keep DD2 in the buggy (and have some room for groceries).

Re: bike trailers

Don't know much about this yet, but DH & I will be looking for bike trailers after we move in a month. So I'm reading with interest. I'll let you know if we find anything good.

[Vanquisher]

Re: bike trailers

I bought a Burley Solo bike trailer off of eBay a few years ago. I have probably used it 5 times, tops. I'll have to put it up for sale soon and see what I can get out of it. I have a number of things I could sell. I just need to take pictures and list them. FWIW, it was really hard for me to pull up hills. I couldn't go very far with it at all.

[DCJenn]

Re: bike trailers

We have the covertible Chariot- bike trailer, walking stroller and running stroller. My beloved converted it to the bike trailer- not to take the child, of course, but to carry his crap when he bikes to work.

Anyway, he reports that it's very lightweight but yet extremely stable and he's very pleased with it's performance. As a stroller, we've logged probably thousands of miles on it. Best 400 bucks we've spent as parents, I'd have to say.

Jenn

[spotty_dog]

Re: bike trailers

We got a Burley trailer for free from some attending DH was working with, so we never got a chance to really do the research. It's worked well the 4 or so times we've taken it out. DH always pulls it so no reviews there, except this last time he was on his single speed and reported that in a too-high gear, it was really tiring to pull -- and that's dedicated cyclist DH in pancake flat Phoenix! But for a .5 mile I'm sure it wouldn't be too bad.

I'm under the impression that trailers are safer than on-the-bike baby seats in case of a crash, but trailers are more likely to *be* in a crash because they can have low visibility and people pull out into them.

Re: bike trailers

I agree about the safety of a bike seat and the safety of a trailer. I think that you must put the flag on the trailer to help with visibility.

We use the Chariot mostly as a double stroller and when we bike, mostly on bike trails.

[DCJenn]

Re: bike trailers

The Chariot has a reflective stripe and a big orange flag. Of course, maybe they'll just notice my husband in his Spaghetti-O's bright orange bike shirt...

Jenn

[PrincessFiona]

Re: bike trailers

I love our bike trailer and have used it every single summer.

This is what I have:
http://www.amazon.com/Schwinn-Turbo-Bik ... 059&sr=8-4

You can get it for $128 from Amazon.

I feel completely comfortable with the seatbelts, construction, and safety aspect.
I also use this when I walk with Zoe and Aidan because it is roomier than the double buggy. There is also a pocket on each side to hold a snack and a drink.

I don't think that you have to pay $400 or more to have a good trailer. I don't question the safety at all anymore because I have had nothing but good experiences...

Honestly, I wouldn't waste my money on a more expensive trailer.

Re: bike trailers

DH has decided on the Chariot double jogging stroller/bike trailer, too.
http://www.chariotcarriers.com/english/html/cx.php

It looks like it has a ton of options (strolling, jogging, hiking, biking, skiing).