How many times have you found yourself in this situation: you are on the bike and have to transport something either large or heavy? Well, I’m not talking about moving furniture, but how about casual grocery shopping? Bicycle riding became more popular when the gas prices went up. As much as I loved the comfort of my car, I started looking for alternate solutions. You probably could do some chores (including grocery shopping) just using a bicycle IF you had a way to get all purchases home. Well, guess what? Whatever you transporting needs are – there is a trailer for that, so let’s do some research. However, if you just Google search for a trailer, you might get overwhelmed by the variety, so let’s walk through the process together.
1-wheeled and 2-wheeled bike trailer?
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Just keep in mind, 2-wheeled trailer is a lot wider than a towing bike
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1-wheeled is set to roll over your own tracks and is as wide as the towing bike.
2-wheeler will take wider turns while 1-wheeler can let you act almost as if you ride solo (just keep in mind that it’s still there) while maneuvering. While riding with a trailer, you would have to account for added weight when braking, going through turns, and going up and down hill. Don’t forget about extra length and width as well, because now you need to take wider turns – the tighter the turn the wider you have to take it and allow more space when passing someone. Avoid abrupt maneuvering or the trailer might flip over, or start skidding … together with your rear wheel. Make sure your cargo is secured. It should be restrained from moving around otherwise it will cause lost momentum, potentially dangerous situations while negotiating some sharp turns or during any emergency braking. I don’t want to discourage you from riding with a trailer – just be careful and conservative while estimating upcoming maneuvers.
Perfect Bike for towing?
Going by class, different types of bikes will have different setup and some will do better than others. Hybrids and Mountain Bikes are designed to endure significant amount of physical abuse. The gear sets are capable of transferring a lot of power. Big tires (for better road grip) in combination with good breaks (front and rear wheels) will take care of better handling of all that weight behind you. Road bikes have good gear sets and breaks, but they are not equipped with best tires for the job – way too narrow to allow needed grip. Cruisers on the other hand have great tires, but brakes and gearing would not make it an ideal choice for towing.
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Any bike can tow any trailer. It all comes down to which one would let you do it easier and safer. When it comes to a short grocery trip, let’s be honest – any bike can get you there and back.
Stay safe at all times! If you think you might be approaching that turn way too hot chances are you probably are. Slow down. Remember, your safety is your own responsibility. No one else’s. So be smart, have fun, and ride safe.
I think you must have to be pretty careful, especially pulling you kids. It just seems it would be so easy for them to get hit!
It’s true. Riding with a trailer is significantly different from riding solo. However, if you keep in mind (although I find it very hard to forget about it when riding with a load behind) that your length now is twice of what you’d have if it was you alone, your total moving weight is much higher (which affects your ability to stop and accelerate), and that you’re now a lot wider (so don’t try to sneak through some narrow passes now) you should be perfectly fine. As a fact those size changes actually play to your advantage now – you’re more visible. So, just think conservatively and remember that your safety is your own responsibility.
Ride safe and have fun.
I can tell you are a hard core bike rider. I admire your dedications and knowledge on the accessories available for bike riders.
It’s fun. Ones you get it rolling it becomes somewhat natural and you’re always on a lookout for some things to make the ride better.
Ride safe and have fun
My sister just had her second child and I know come the Spring they are SO going to need something like this. One is easier to cart along on a bike ride, but two little ones add a whole new dimension. Personally, I like the idea of being able to cart a cooler around for a summer picnic! – Katy
I’d be careful with the younger kid in a trailer. Be conservative and go by the manufacturer recommendation on that one. I understand that they’re playing it super safe but there is no reason to push the envelope. In this particular they better be safe than sorry later.
Ride safe and have fun
I wish I lived close enough to something I could actually ride my bike *to*!
sorry about that, I did to quick of a read. I still think that choosing a UTILITY trailer will be tricky and you need to watch where you ride them. I like the first one best
Neat ideas to put in place to help with gas and get your body in shape. I road my bike back and forth to work a few years ago and I actually enjoyed it.
Riding a bike by itself is a phenomenal workout but having even an empty trailer gives it extra edge – now you can regulate resistance a lot better while still doing something useful like (I know it’s the most common choice as an example but still) grocery shopping. For me the activity was still on the “Fun” list although I was sweating like a pig (and sometimes swearing :D) while towing about 100lb worth of weight.
Ride safe and have fun
I see these types of trailers around a lot on our local beaches, living in Southern California. I’m always amazed how many variations there are for different terrain and purposes.
i haven’t been biking in forever! i will resolve to this year!!
xo,
Sandy
Sandy a la Mode
Wow! Those are really cool! I think I have seen the two wheeled variety before but never the one wheeled. 🙂
Dawn
One wheeler lets you ride a lot faster for obvious reasons but it’s somewhat limited in carrying capabilities. However, most of the times it does just fine.
I had no idea there were so many bike trailer options. I’ll need to look into one of these for future camping.
I love cruisers, but mainly for towing my child. Haha. But really, those bike seats freaked me out and the little “carriage” was way better for easing my mind.
True they do give that feeling and for the right reasons. Although we’ll touch kids trailers in the future I can tell you there are a few standard frames out there and they are pretty close to the cargo segment (trailer is a trailer after all) but the safety features are the ones that are going to drive the choice.
Great options! We have the two seated trailer. I love it for when we’re camping, so the girls can go along for rides with us!
We have a bike trailer, too. It’s great to get out and explore. My son really enjoys riding in it, though I am considering a seat for this year. I think that will give me more options as to where we ride. It’s a pain to connect/disconnect the trailer all the time.
what a cool idea for if i ever get back into bike riding and want to bring things along with me! 🙂
xo,
Sandy
Sandy a la Mode
Okay this looks so helpful and handy, but I am quite concerned about how fast I can go riding without the contents of the trailer flying everywhere. :))
Orr are there any options for the trailer to be hitched beside the bicycle instead of behind?
Thanks!