{"id":34924,"date":"2022-03-24T13:27:17","date_gmt":"2022-03-24T12:27:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=668271"},"modified":"2022-03-24T13:47:25","modified_gmt":"2022-03-24T12:47:25","slug":"bike-trailer-buyers-guide-how-to-pick-the-best-bike-trailer-for-you","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/bike-trailer-buyers-guide-how-to-pick-the-best-bike-trailer-for-you\/","title":{"rendered":"Bike trailer buyer\u2019s guide | How to pick the best bike trailer for you"},"content":{"rendered":"

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By Oscar Huckle\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Thursday, 24 March 2022 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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Bike trailers offer a viable alternative for carrying cargo compared to pannier bags<\/a>, bikepacking bags<\/a> or a backpack<\/a>. They can be very useful for carrying children or pets, transporting shopping or cargo around town, or for extended cycle touring trips.<\/p>\n

In this guide, we will explain what a bike trailer is, how to mount a bike trailer to your bike, and outline what types of bicycle trailers are out there.<\/p>\n

What is a bike trailer?<\/h2>\n
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There are trailers for different purposes.<\/span><\/figcaption> Burley<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Bike trailers are designed as a means of carrying luggage, cargo, kids or pets. They also make for a great option if you are carrying a load heavier than a pannier or frame-mounted bag is rated to handle.<\/p>\n

It is first worth considering the material the trailer is made from. Quality options will be made from aluminium or steel. Aluminium will generally be lighter but, depending on the construction, steel may be more durable.<\/p>\n

We would recommend avoiding a trailer that uses a plastic frame as it\u2019s unlikely to be as durable and will be difficult to repair.<\/p>\n

Many trailers feature a flag for visibility. This is important given how they are positioned lower on the ground and, thus, out of a driver\u2019s eyesight.<\/p>\n

The best bike trailers can be used all year round and many feature weatherproofing properties to protect your cargo against the elements.<\/p>\n

Some bike trailers also feature suspension to dampen vibrations on rough terrain. This is particularly important if you are riding off-road with children as it will provide a more comfortable ride.<\/p>\n

Is it difficult to ride with a bike trailer?<\/h2>\n
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Tipping it in to a corner \u2013 there\u2019s no doubt a trailer alters the bike\u2019s handling.<\/span><\/figcaption> Simon Bromley \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Fitting a trailer to your bike will alter its ride feel. You\u2019ll need to take corners wide, especially on descents. Acceleration will also take more effort, given the extra weight, as will pedalling uphill.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re considering using a trailer to carry a child or pet, it is worth test-riding the unit first with weights, such as a sack of potatoes, to get used to how the bike handles. This will ensure a safe and pleasant journey for your child or furry companion.<\/p>\n

How do you mount a trailer to a bike?<\/h2>\n
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Many bike trailers attach via a hitch fitted to the rear axle.\u00a0<\/span><\/figcaption> James Huang \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

There are a number of mounting options for bike trailers.<\/p>\n

Most attach via a hitch mount that attaches to your rear wheel axle. This is a desirable location as it doesn\u2019t put additional stresses on your frame.<\/p>\n

Others attach to your bike\u2019s seatpost or to the eyelets on your frame\u2019s rear triangle.<\/p>\n

You may want to consider investing in a spare hitch kit if the trailer is going to be used on multiple bikes.<\/p>\n

What types of bike trailers are there?<\/h2>\n

As with anything in cycling, there is a wide range of trailers designed for different purposes available. These range from purpose-built heavy-duty flatbed trailers designed for carrying luggage to lighter models designed to carry children or pets.<\/p>\n

Children\u2019s bike trailers<\/h3>\n
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Trailers are an ideal option for carting about kids.<\/span><\/figcaption> Jonny Ashelford \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Children\u2019s trailers provide a more spacious alternative to carrying kids than even the best child seats<\/a>. They are also, arguably, more convenient \u2013 with a trailer, you simply strap the child into their respective seat and pedal away.<\/p>\n

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Options such as the Thule Chariot can also be used as a pushchair and can even be used for skiing.<\/span><\/figcaption> Thule<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Some children\u2019s bike trailers convert to a pushchair or can be utilised for other sports such as skiing \u2013 perfect for families who want to use them for multiple activities.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s important to consider how many kids you are going to carry in a trailer as children\u2019s trailers often come in two options \u2013 a single or double.<\/p>\n

A single is narrower and lighter, which makes for an easier ride. It will also be less of a hassle to store when not in use.<\/p>\n

A double trailer will allow you to take two children or carry more luggage on a ride. It\u2019s worth noting that, if you\u2019re using a double trailer with just one child, you usually cannot sit them in the middle, which may affect handling.<\/p>\n

Many quality options contain vents to allow airflow and to stop bugs getting in if you live in a warmer climate. Some also contain removable shades to protect your child against sunburn<\/a>. The opposite is true for cycling in wet weather, with some trailers coming with rain covers.<\/p>\n

Some trailers feature storage for additional items, typically to the rear, so you don\u2019t need to worry about fitting an extra bag or carrying a rucksack just because you have a kid in tow.<\/p>\n

Storage when not in use is another key factor to consider with a children\u2019s trailer, as they can be quite large items. More expensive kids\u2019 trailers fold for ease of storage.<\/p>\n

As with anything, you get what you pay for. If you\u2019re going to be using it regularly, it is well worth investing in a high-quality bike trailer.<\/p>\n

What ages can a child use a trailer?<\/h4>\n
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Many quality brands will offer some form of insert for infants who can\u2019t hold their head up unaided.<\/span><\/figcaption> Thule<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Age isn\u2019t a particularly reliable metric for determining whether or not a child can ride in a bike trailer. Instead, manufacturers will often advise a minimum weight as kids can be all shapes and sizes for their age.<\/p>\n

Your child should at least be able to hold their head up unaided. Some quality options provide additional measures for those under the minimum, such as Thule or Hamax.<\/p>\n

We\u2019d also advise a child to wear a helmet<\/a> when in transit.<\/p>\n

Most manufacturer\u2019s will state an upper weight limit of 50kg for a kid\u2019s bike trailer.<\/p>\n

Cargo bike trailers<\/h3>\n
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Trailers such as this Burley Coho XC swallow cargo.<\/span><\/figcaption> Simon Bromley \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Cargo bike trailers do what they say on the tin.<\/p>\n

They can be a great option if you need to carry more cargo than what your bike can currently take, or if you\u2019d prefer not to use panniers or frame bags.<\/p>\n

The design will typically be less fussy than a children\u2019s trailer and will generally consist of a set of barriers and, potentially, a cover to prevent cargo from spilling out.<\/p>\n

There is a split as to whether a manufacturer features a bag or not. If they do feature a bag, it will generally be integrated into the barrier design and waterproof so your cargo is protected against the elements.<\/p>\n

Many designs typically feature mudguards over the wheel(s) to protect the cargo from spray.<\/p>\n

Like children\u2019s trailers, some cargo trailers will also be foldable for ease of storage.<\/p>\n

Bike trailers for pets<\/h2>\n
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This pooch looks pretty content in Burley\u2019s dedicated Bark Ranger trailer.<\/span><\/figcaption> Burley<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

There are even some bike trailers out there designed for keeping your furry friend secure when riding.<\/p>\n

They will typically be a similar design to a child\u2019s trailer, only smaller to better accommodate your pet.<\/p>\n

Many of the principles for children\u2019s trailers apply to pets. If you\u2019re heading off-road and your dog is of a suitable breed, you could also train it to be a trail dog<\/a>.<\/p>\n

One or two wheels?<\/h2>\n
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Bike trailers designed to carry very heavy loads, such as the Surly Bill, will usually use two wheels.<\/span><\/figcaption> Surly<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

There is a split between manufacturers using one or two wheels and there are pros and cons to both. So what are the differences?<\/p>\n

A two wheel bike trailer will generally be more secure as it balances the weight more evenly and will be more stable at lower speeds.<\/p>\n

However, a single wheel will track better off-road, it will generally be narrower and lighter and have a lower rolling resistance. You also have one less tyre to puncture.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s also important to bear in mind the wheel size. 16 or 20 inch options will be optimal and we\u2019d recommend avoiding a trailer that uses plastic wheels. Plastic wheels won\u2019t be as strong as a typical spoked wheel and are near impossible to repair.<\/p>\n

Bike trailer vs cargo bike<\/h2>\n
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A dedicated cargo bike could be a viable alternative to a trailer.<\/span><\/figcaption> Tern Bicycles<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Where does one draw the line between considering a trailer or just going the whole hog and getting a cargo bike?<\/p>\n

It all depends what your intentions for using a trailer are. If it\u2019s for a touring trip and you want to be able to use the bike without a trailer for road or mountain bike riding for example, then there is little point getting a cargo bike.<\/p>\n

However, if you\u2019re after a one-bike solution to replace your car, it may well be worth investing in a dedicated cargo bike. They are ideal for commuting to work, or heading to the shops and can transport shopping with ease.<\/p><\/body><\/html>\n

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