In the contemporary world, biking is gaining popularity as a mode of transport, celebrated for its eco-friendly nature and health benefits. However, carrying cargo can be a hassle especially if you don’t have the appropriate gear. You can’t just strap a bag on your back or mount baskets onto your bike if you’re going on a long journey. That’s where bike trailers come in handy.
A cargo trailer is designed specifically for carrying cargo, be it heavy or not. Some models come with bags while others have aluminum frames that can attach any panniers or boxes. Cyclists’ primary concern is safety when riding, but bike trailers make hauling anything on your bike not only safe but also convenient.
Benefits of Using a Bike Trailer
Using a bike trailer has many benefits, including:
- Comfort: By keeping the weight off your back or bike, a bike trailer makes for a more comfortable ride.
- Safety: A bike trailer allows you to carry your cargo safely, reducing the risk of accidents or injuries caused by carrying heavy loads.
- Convenience: With a bike trailer, you can carry more than you would be able to on just your bike, allowing you to bring along all the gear you need for your adventure.
Choosing the Right Bike Trailer
When choosing a bike trailer, it's important to consider your usage and needs. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
- Capacity: Make sure to choose a bike trailer with enough capacity to carry your cargo.
- Type of Cargo: Consider the type of cargo you will be carrying. Some bike trailers are designed specifically for pets, while others are designed for groceries or camping gear.
- Durability: Look for a bike trailer that is durable and made from high-quality materials. This will ensure that it lasts for many adventures to come.
Different Types of Bike Trailers
There are several kinds of bike trailers, but the most common types are single-wheel trailers and two-wheel trailers (double-wheel trailers).
Single-wheelers are designed for carrying large and heavy cargo, usually at the back - stuff like groceries or camping gear, etc. They are perfect for riders who need to maneuver in narrow spaces.
Double-wheel trailers, on the other hand, offer maximal stability and can carry a more massive load. They're the ideal option for cyclists who need to transport children.
Using Bike Trailers for Long-Distance Touring
Whether you're embarking on a bike tour or going on a camping trip, bike trailers are the perfect solution for carrying everything you need in an organized and manageable way. They allow you to easily carry essential gear like tents, sleeping bags, and cooking equipment. If you plan on a long-distance cycling tour across states or countries, you can even bring your own food supply with you - ready to consume whenever you need it.
Other Uses of Bike Trailers
Child bike trailers can serve other purposes aside from hauling cargo. With the right modifications, you can use them to tow a boat or a canoe, transport your pet, or even pull a small cart. What's great about bike trailers is their versatility. You can even use them for work by running small, eco-friendly errands or delivering small packages.
Conclusion
A cargo trailer is an invaluable asset for your next adventure, offering a safe and efficient way to carry your cargo. Whether you're off on a camping trip or simply running errands in town, these versatile trailers make transporting goods a breeze. They not only promote a healthy, eco-friendly lifestyle but also add convenience to your journey. Investing in a quality cargo trailer can truly enhance your biking experience.
Remember, safety should be your top priority while carrying cargo, so ensure your trailer is properly installed and loaded. Let's make our adventures more exciting and less cumbersome with the power of bike trailers. Get ready to pedal your way to a new adventure, leaving no essentials behind!
Need help? We've done the research for you and found the Best Bike Trailer on Amazon. Every day, we read hundreds of reviews and try the highest-rated products we have on our list.
Best Bike Trailer - Reviews
The Best
Product information
The bike trailer we're talking about is designed with a single-child seating arrangement. It makes for an ideal choice for parents who love to take their little ones along on cycling adventures. This design ensures the child's comfort while also giving the parent peace of mind, thanks to its sturdy structure and safety features, such as the five-point harness system.
One of the standout features of this bike trailer is its compact fold. It can be conveniently flattened when not in use, making it easy to store and transport. This feature makes it a practical choice for those with limited storage space or those who frequently travel with their bikes.
The 20" push-button wheels are another notable feature of this cargo trailer. These wheels and the axle can be quickly removed at the push of a button, adding to the convenience factor. This feature comes in handy when you need to disassemble the trailer for compact storage or transportation.
Tinted side windows have been incorporated into the design for added protection and privacy. These windows help to shield the child from sunlight and external elements while still allowing them to enjoy the view outside. The package is ready-to-bike and includes important accessories like a hitch, tow arm, and a safety flag.
Safety has been given top priority in this bike trailer design. It boasts a full internal aluminum roll cage to protect the child in case of an accident. Wheel guards are also installed to shield from unforeseen obstacles. The hammock-style seat provides passive suspension for rider comfort. The cover and seat fabric are made of water-resistant 600D polyester, making it suitable for all weather conditions. This cargo trailer truly is a blend of safety, convenience, and comfort, making it a perfect companion for your cycling adventures.
Superior Quality and Durability: The Burley Bee surpasses most entry-level trailers in terms of quality and durability. The materials used are solid, ensuring it can withstand heavy use and making it an excellent choice for bike commuters with young children.
Lightweight and Easy to Use: The Burley Bee is light and nimble, which makes it easy to tow. It's also user-friendly – mounting it is a breeze, and its light design makes it easy to pull.
Comfort for Kids: The high-quality hammock-style seating in the Burley Bee offers a type of natural suspension, which increases comfort for your little ones5. Plus, with plenty of ventilation during warm summer rides, your kids will remain cool and comfy throughout the journey.
Safety Standards: The Burley Bee meets the highest safety standards. It features a waterproof front cover and UV-protective windows, ensuring your child is protected from the elements during your bike rides.
Affordable: Despite its high-quality features, the Burley Bee bike trailer is one of the most affordable in its class.
Lack of Suspension: Unlike some other models, the Burley Bee does not have a built-in suspension system. While the hammock-style seating provides some natural suspension, it may not be sufficient on rougher terrains.
Limited Conversion Options: While some bike trailers can convert into strollers, the Burley Bee does not come with a one-wheel stroller conversion kit. This could limit its versatility for some families.
Our Thoughts - The Burley Bee bike trailer is a durable, comfortable, and affordable choice for families who enjoy cycling. While it lacks some features found in higher-end models, its overall performance and value for money make it a worthy investment.
Very Good
Product information
Our bike trailer notably incorporates a practical stroller kit, which includes a handle and front wheel. This innovative feature enables the trailer to be swiftly transformed into a stroller, making it ideal for walks or jogs. It's a perfect solution for parents who enjoy varied outdoor activities and seek versatility in their equipment.
The unique folding frame of this bike trailer is another highlight. Together with quick-release wheels, it allows for compact storage and transport. This design is a boon for those who appreciate space-saving solutions that don’t compromise on functionality. The robust steel frame construction ensures durability and stability, providing a safe ride for your little ones.
The universal coupler is an impressive feature that underscores the trailer's versatility. It easily attaches to virtually any bicycle, making the trailer a valuable add-on accessory for all cycling enthusiasts. A one-time installation is all that’s needed, saving you time and effort each time you set off on a new adventure.
Protection from the elements is essential when you're outdoors, and this trailer has got you covered there too. Its two-in-one canopy comes equipped with a bug screen and weather shield, ensuring a comfortable ride in varied conditions. The 16-inch air-filled tires with molded rims contribute to a smooth, stable ride, enhancing the overall cycling experience.
This bike trailer is not just about comfort and convenience, it's about capacity too. It can comfortably accommodate two children, holding up to 40 pounds each. Additionally, it provides an extra 12 pounds of storage space for all your essentials. Whether you're packing snacks, toys, or diapers, this additional storage ensures you have everything you need for a fun and stress-free outing.
Excellent Ride Quality: The Schwinn Echo and Trailblazer offer surprisingly good ride quality given their price point. Bumps are comfortably absorbed, ensuring a smooth ride for your little ones.
Compact and Low-Profile Design: ridesThese trailers are small and low-profile, making them less effort to tow. This is a significant advantage for parents who plan on long bike rides.
Versatility: The Schwinn Echo allows you to carry two children simultaneously, eliminating the need for a double stroller or an additional unit. The Trailblazer can also easily convert to a stroller, providing added versatility.
Ample Storage Space: Both models provide ample storage space behind the seat, allowing you to bring along essentials like snacks, toys, or a diaper bag.
Affordable Pricing: Despite their high-quality features, the Schwinn Echo and Trailblazer are affordably priced, making them an excellent choice for budget-conscious families.
Assembly/Disassembly: Some users have reported that the assembly and disassembly process can be a bit challenging, which could be a drawback for those who plan to frequently switch between trailer and stroller modes.
Design and Color Scheme: While the yellow/navy design is a safe choice for road visibility, some may find it lacks aesthetic appeal. However, this color scheme is gender-neutral, which is a plus for families with both boys and girls.
Our Thoughts - The Schwinn Echo and Trailblazer child bike trailers are a robust and affordable solution for families who love to cycle. Despite a few minor drawbacks, their positive features far outweigh the negatives, making them a worthwhile investment for active families.
Good Value
Product information
The bike trailer in question boasts a lightweight steel construction, ensuring both durability and ease of use. The 16-inch steel wheels are not only robust but also feature a quick-release mechanism. This design offers the perfect blend of strength and convenience, making it a worthwhile addition to your cycling gear.
This bike trailer is designed with safety and comfort at its core, capable of transporting two children safely. It can handle a maximum payload of up to 100 pounds. Whether you're planning a leisurely ride through the park or an adventurous day out, this trailer allows your little ones to be part of the fun while ensuring their safety.
One of the standout features of this bike trailer is its large front and side windows. These provide a bright, airy cabin for your child, making their ride enjoyable. The windows allow your child to take in the surroundings, keeping them engaged and entertained throughout the journey.
Safety features are paramount when it comes to children's equipment, and this trailer excels in that department. A foot guard tube is included in the design to protect your child's feet during the ride. Additionally, a padded 5-point safety harness ensures your child is comfortably and securely held in place, providing parents with peace of mind and a smoother ride.
The folding design of this bicycle trailer, coupled with its quick-release wheels, allows for easy transport and storage. This feature makes the trailer an excellent choice for families on the go. Please note, that Allen's warranty does not cover items purchased through third-party sellers. We recommend purchasing directly from authorized channels to ensure coverage under the manufacturer's warranty.
Lightweight Yet Durable: The Allen Sports Deluxe Steel Child Trailer is lauded for its lightweight steel construction. Despite being light, it can transport up to 100 pounds of cargo weight at a time, showcasing its durability.
High-Quality Fabric: This trailer boasts high-quality fabric, ensuring longevity and making it resistant to various weather conditions.
Safety Features: Safety is paramount when it comes to child trailers. The Allen Sports Deluxe model offers easily adjustable 5-point harnesses with velcro neck and crotch pads, providing a safe and comfortable ride for your little ones.
Storage Space: The trailer also provides ample storage space, allowing you to carry essentials like toys, snacks, or even a small bag.
Quick-Release Wheels: One of the standout features of this model is its durable quick-release 16" steel wheels. This feature makes it easy to assemble and disassemble the trailer, a big plus for active families.
Basic Design: While its simplicity contributes to its lightweight nature, some users may find the design too basic. It lacks some of the bells and whistles found in more expensive models.
Protection Concerns: Some reviews have indicated that the trailer could improve in terms of protection. While it does offer safety features like the 5-point harness, parents might want to consider additional protective accessories for added peace of mind.
Our Thoughts - The Allen Sports Deluxe Steel Child Trailer offers an excellent balance between quality, durability, and affordability. Despite a few minor drawbacks, its positive features make it a strong contender in its price range, making it a worthwhile consideration for families who enjoy cycling.
Good
Product information
Take your children along for the ride with the InStep Take 2 double tow-behind bike trailer carrier.
16-inch pneumatic tires with molded rims provide performance, safety, and timeless style. A five-point harness and safety flag ensure your riders are protected.
The folding-frame design and quick-release wheel make for quick and easy assembly, storage, and transport.
Designed to protect your child from the elements, a 2-in-1 canopy features both a bug screen and a weather shield with a rear vent window.
Versatile Bike Coupler: The Instep Bike Trailer fits most bike styles, thanks to its versatile bike coupler. This makes it an excellent choice for families with different types of bikes.
Protective Canopy: A key feature of this trailer is its 2-in-1 canopy, which includes both a bug screen and a weather shield with a rear vent window. This design ensures that your child is protected from the elements during your bike rides.
Spacious Interior: The Instep Bike Trailer is noted for its spacious interior, providing ample room for your child's comfort. With 25" of shoulder width and 26" of seated height, it is one of the most spacious models in its class.
High Weight Limit: This trailer can seat two children and hold a maximum weight of 80 lbs, making it a durable and robust option for growing families.
Assembling Process: Some users have reported that the assembly process can be a bit challenging. This could be a potential downside for families who frequently set up and disassemble the trailer.
Limited Color Options: While the trailer is available in multiple colors, some parents might find the options limited compared to other models. However, this is a minor point and does not affect the functionality of the trailer.
Our Thoughts - The Instep Bike Trailer for Toddlers and Kids is a versatile, spacious, and durable option for families who love cycling. Despite a few minor drawbacks, its positive features far outweigh the negatives, making it a worthwhile investment.
Good
Product information
Our bike trailer comes with a 1-wheel Stroller Kit, enhancing its usability right out of the box. The kit allows for a quick and smooth transition from biking to strolling, making it an excellent choice for parents who value flexibility in their outdoor equipment. Whether you're cycling through the park or taking a leisurely walk, this trailer adapts to your needs.
Comfort is paramount when it comes to children's gear, and our trailer doesn't disappoint. The adjustable suspension system is designed to soften bumps and jostles, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride for your little ones. Regardless of the terrain, this feature ensures your children enjoy their journey as much as you do.
The trailer features 20” push-button wheels that are easy to install and remove. This design element enhances the ease of use of the trailer, making it a breeze to set up or pack away. The height-adjustable handlebar is another thoughtful feature, doubling as an additional roll bar when folded forward while biking.
We understand that weather conditions can be unpredictable, which is why our trailer is equipped with water-resistant covers and zippers. These provide added protection in wet conditions, ensuring your child stays dry and comfortable. Additionally, the trailer includes a rear window for ventilation and a sunshade to protect passengers from harmful UV rays.
Beyond its use as a child carrier, the seat of this trailer can be detached to convert it into a cargo trailer. This versatility makes it a practical choice for various outdoor activities. A hub-engaged parking brake keeps the trailer upright and securely in place when loading and unloading passengers or cargo. Moreover, the trailer offers
all-kit compatibility for stroller, jogger, and skiing conversions, making it a true all-rounder in outdoor equipment.
Versatility: One of the primary benefits of the Burley Encore X is its versatility. It functions excellently as a trailer, stroller, or jogger, offering real value for money.
Comfort and Safety: The Burley Encore X prioritizes comfort and safety. It features padded bench-style seats and a five-point harness system, ensuring your children are secure and comfortable during your outdoor adventures.
High-quality Suspension: The trailer boasts a high-quality suspension system, providing a smooth ride even on uneven terrains.
Easy Assembly and Storage: According to customer reviews on Amazon, the Burley Encore X is easy to assemble and folds up conveniently for storage.
Ample Cargo Space: In addition to seating, the trailer also offers generous cargo space, making it practical for carrying essentials during your outings.
Fabric Durability: Some users have reported that the fabric shows signs of wear relatively quickly, raising concerns about the product's durability.
Handle Issues: A few customers have expressed dissatisfaction with the handle, stating that it can be problematic.
Our Thoughts - The Burley Encore X, 2 Seat Kids Bike Trailer & Stroller, stands out as a versatile, comfortable, and safe choice for active families. However, potential buyers should consider factors such as fabric durability and handle design before making a purchase.
Good
Product information
The Retrospec Rover Hauler, an import, is a versatile bicycle trailer designed to facilitate your outdoor adventures. It boasts an alloy steel frame, ensuring durability and stability even under heavy loads. Whether you're planning a camping trip or a picnic in the park, this trailer can handle all your gear with ease.
One of the standout features of the Retrospec Rover Hauler is its weather-resistant fabric. This means your gear stays safe and protected, regardless of the climate conditions. Whether it's a sunny day or a rainy afternoon, this trailer is built to withstand the elements, providing reliable performance all year round.
The Hauler offers a large carrying capacity, making it a practical alternative to bulky, cumbersome backpacks. It can carry various items, from toys and food to textbooks and other goods. With interior dimensions of 27"L x 24.5"W x 20" H and a maximum weight capacity of 80 lbs, this trailer offers ample space for all your essentials. For added safety, it includes a flag for increased visibility on the road.
The Hauler is compatible with nearly all adult bicycles thanks to the included coupler. It fits 20”-29” wheels, making it a versatile addition to your biking gear. However, it's not recommended for bikes with thru-axles. Inside the trailer, you'll find 4-point D-rings in its no-slip base. These allow you to strap in your cargo, providing extra security and safety for your gear while you're on the move.
When it comes to storage, the Rover Hauler shines with its collapsible frame. It easily folds down to a slim, compact size when not in use, making storage a breeze. Please note that we cannot guarantee compatibility between your Retrospec e-bike and trailers other than the Retrospec Rover trailers. Purchasing a matching brand trailer ensures optimal compatibility and performance.
Large Carrying Capacity: According to reviews on Amazon and Retrospec's own website, one of the major advantages of this trailer is its spacious interior. With dimensions of 27"L x 24.5"W x 20" H and a maximum weight capacity of 80 lbs, it easily carries a variety of items, from camping gear to groceries.
Weather-Resistant Fabric: This trailer's resilience in various weather conditions is another selling point. Its fabric is designed to withstand different elements, so your cargo remains safe and dry, whether it's sunny or raining.
Wide Compatibility: The Rover Hauler is compatible with most adult bikes, fitting 20”-29” wheels. This wide range compatibility makes it a versatile choice for various types of bicycles.
Secure Cargo Space: The internal 4-point D-rings in the trailer's no-slip base allow users to secure their cargo, providing additional safety and stability on the road.
Collapsible Frame: Users appreciate the foldable design of the Rover Hauler for easy storage when the trailer arm is not in use.
Not Suitable for Off-Road Use: Despite its robust design, the Rover Hauler is not intended for off-road use, according to OutdoorGearLab. Therefore, it may not be the best choice for those planning to venture on unpaved trails.
Incompatibility with Thru-Axles: The trailer is not recommended for bikes with thru-axles, as stated on Austin Bike Farm's website. This could limit its usability for some cyclists.
Brand-Specific Compatibility: The Retrospec does not guarantee compatibility between the Rover Hauler and non-Retrospec e-bikes. This could potentially limit options for those who own different brands of e-bikes.
Our Thoughts - The Retrospec Rover Hauler Cargo Trailer is a versatile, weather-resistant, and spacious option for those in need of a reliable bicycle trailer. However, cyclists should consider their specific needs and bike type before making a decision.
FAQs
Are bike trailers really worth it?
Like most products, the cost of bike trailers often reflects their quality and features. Those at the higher end of the price spectrum, as well as some mid-range models, typically come with added comfort features such as suspension systems and reclining seats. Moreover, these trailers often offer versatile functionality, with the capability to transform into strollers, joggers, or even ski strollers.
What age is safe for a bike trailer?
Kids are not prepared to ride in a bike trailer or carrier until they have the ability to maintain an upright sitting position, demonstrate strong head control, and are older than one year.
Does a bike trailer contribute to the stability of a bike?
A bicycle trailer doesn't necessarily contribute to the stability of a bike. While it may add some weight that could potentially keep the bike grounded, it also changes the dynamics of riding. The added weight at the back can make the bike more difficult to handle, especially when turning or going uphill. Therefore, it's important to adjust your biking habits accordingly when towing a trailer.
