Thule Chariot bike trailer models come standard as a four-wheeled stroller, and Burley multi-sport trailers offer it as an upgrade. Since the wheels are tucked in, it makes for easy steering and maneuverability. Two small, plastic wheels attach underneath the front of the trailer body. This is the most functional and easy-to-use stroller type. Our top choice in this category is easily the exceptional Hamax Outback. Pushes smooth and easy, but is not as maneuverable as four wheels when on uneven surfaces. Very similar to the tow arm swivel stroller, but is connected to the body of the trailer rather than the trailer arm. (2) Attached Single Swivel Bike Stroller Wheel This style of wheel comes standard on all Burley trailers that convert to strollers. The quality of this set-up is very basic on cheaper trailers like InStep or Schwinn, but functions very smoothly on higher-end trailers. Examples include the InStep Sierra Double and the Burley Honey Bee. When in use as a stroller, the trailer arm sticks out about 1.5 feet past the cab of the trailer and is therefore not ideal for crowded areas. It flips up and out of the way when in bike trailer use and flips down for use as a stroller. (1) Tow Arm Swivel Bike Trailer Stroller WheelĪ small, plastic swivel wheel is attached to the trailer arm. Burley’s console stretches between the handlebars and moves along with the handlebar as it is adjusted or flipped. Thule’s attaches to the frame of the trailer and remains stationary when the handlebar is adjusted or flipped for trailer mode. Burley and Thule both offer handlebar consoles as an upgrade. Handlebar console storage is also available for handy storage of water, keys, phone etc. The storage area on the Thule Cheetah XT, Lite and Cross is significantly smaller but the trailer is much less bulky.
This converts the entire trailer into a bike wagon or cargo trailer. If you’re not bringing kids with you, the seats of the Burley X model trailers can collapse down. Burley’s spacious, flat-bottomed storage area is larger than most and is excellent for carrying things like scooters after you’ve dropped the kids off at school. The shape of the trailer greatly determines the amount of storage space available. We like to err on the side of more storage than you think you might need! We’ve found ourselves hauling scooters, balance bikes, helmets, basketballs, lunches, and a family’s-worth of jackets. How much room you have to store items you need to bring along for the ride really comes down to personal preference.
Many budget trailers have 16″ wheels on plastic rims which are poor quality and make for a very bumpy ride.ġ6″ Wheels with Plastic Rims vs. If you’re on a tight budget, at the very least we recommend that you find a pull behind bike trailer with 20″ wheels and metals rims. If you’re going to be using it often, you should spend as much as you possibly can. With trailers, you really get what you pay for. Advantage of Buying a More Expensive Bike CarriageĪny trailer by brands like Thule, Burley, or Hamax is going to be far superior to basically any other trailer out there. Like the features on a car, only the top of the line bike trailers offers the top-of-the-line features. The best trailers are easier and smoother to pull, offer more comfort features for the kids, more upgrades like hand brakes and drink consoles, and can convert to a stroller or jogger. Lower-end trailers are sufficient for many families riding on paved surfaces but lack many safety and comfort features offered by mid-range and higher-end trailers. Top quality brands include Thule Chariot and Burley, while Hamax, Croozer and Wike also have great options. Higher-end trailers provide the most features and offer a smoother ride for parent and child, but can be heavy on the pocketbook. Trailers range from under $100 to over $1,000, and in most cases, the quality and performance of a trailer are reflected in its price.