May 03 2008

Bike trailers are your friends

Published by Erik under Gear, Riding

Pack em up and move em out!

Recently I was talking with Sarah Cushman, head guru of Portland Green Streets, and she was telling me of a newfound freedom that came in the form of a bike trailer. She said she got it for towing her toddler and then discovered the incredible utility if offers too. I knew what she meant. Just the other day I was riding through single track, sand and stream crossings towing my single-wheel trailer (B.O.B., made by Yak) as part of an Off Road riding class for Bowdoin College. It was loaded but it really didn’t slow me down much. I realized how truly empowering the trailer is. Especially if you want to replace a car trip with a bike trip, this goes a long way.

I know they can look intimidating but they are actually very easy to use. Just practice in a parking lot with it loaded up, before you need to count on it. And practice going around corners with curbs, stopping quickly, starting and hooking and unhooking it. It’s all pretty easy but like most things, you do need to practice first.

There are two big design differences out there.

Single wheel:

  • Tire lines up with the bike tires so it rarely rides over things that you aren’t riding over.
  • Leans with the bike so you feel the weight
  • Harder to hold upright when loading/unloading
  • Only used for stuff
  • Can go off-road.

Double wheel

  • Tires are roughly as far apart as your handle bars are wide.
  • Wheels roll over things that your bike wheels don’t, like curbs, sewer grates, etc.
  • Doesn’t lean with the bike
  • Stays upright very well, even when you catch a wheel on a curb by mistake
  • Use for kids and stuff.
  • Hard to tow through really rough terrain.

I use one built by Chariot for my two kids. It is also our stroller and even has skis for XC skiing in winter. Most importantly though, it has a seat back that can accommodate a child’s helmet. If it isn’t built for it your kid won’t wear a helmet it in because they essentially cant. And kids fall asleep in these things really easily so see how they will be supported when they konk out.

So check em out at your local bike shops. And be warned, once you get one, there is no going back. See you at the grocery store.

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