Recreational & Family - bike for me + trailer bike

I need some advice... I want to get a bike for me and a trailer bike for my daughter and spend less than $400 (if that's possible). I am 5'2 so I'll need a pretty small frame... I can ride most 15 or 16" frames with the seat the whole way down, but that won't be possible unless I get the Burley Piccolo which is way out of my price range. So, I need a 13 or 14" frame. We'll mostly be sticking to paved trails (but very hilly). Also, I weigh about 130lb. I read somewhere that the adult should weigh 2x the combined weight of the child and trailer-bike? If so, this may not work at all. My daughter weights 40lbs now, add in a trailer bike (~30lbs?) and we're already over the weight limit. Is this for real?

I've been looking at the following for me: (prices shown are MSRP or prices I've seen in a LBS)

Trek Navigator 50 Woman's 14.5" ($230) - has anyone tried this, I think it's new this year?
Trek 820 Woman's 13" ($240)
Diamondback Outlook Woman's 16" or Men's 14" ($199) (Woman's 16" barely fits w/ seat @ 2" up)
Trek Mt. Track 200 ($220) (this is a kid's bike - but it fits me... do trailer-bikes work on kid's bikes?)

And for her:

Trek Mt. Train 201 ($170)
Trek Mt. Train 206 ($200)
Adams Folding Trail-A-Bike ($140)
Adams Shifter Trail-A-Bike ($175)
Instep Pathfinder ($100) (not really in consideration)

So, my questions are:
1 - can a trailer-bike safely be attached to a small-framed bike (or kids bike)?
2 - can I, at 130lb, safely trail my daughter on a trailer bike (combined weight =~70lb)?
3 - are any of the bikes I've listed going to be significantly better or worse than others?
4 - are there any bikes (under $250) that I haven't listed that have a very small frame available that are better than those listed?
5 - Is there any real difference between the Adams and Trek trailer bikes?

BTW - I would definately consider getting something used but I'm having trouble finding used bikes and trailer-bikes around here... yard sales that are supposed to start at 8am are wiped out by 7:30am...

If anyone is in the Baltimore/Washington DC/Northern VA area, and knows of a good used bike (small) or trailer-bike for sale, please email me! (ssoloff@psualum.com)

Thanks!

Some quick notes:

Burley recommends that the trailer rider not weigh more than half what the tractor rider weighs. So you're OK. My wife is less than 120 and pulls our 40 pounder.

Usually you have to use a tractor bike with adult size wheels (26" or bigger). Otherwise the trailer tilts forward too much.

I find that for pulling a trailer a comfort bike (like the Trek Navigator) is better than a mountain bike. Even when the kid pedals, it is more work than regular cycling. So you don't want the extra resistance of a mountain bike. You will work harder, so it's good to have the more comfortable position of a comfort bike, and the less aerodynamic position won't be an issue because you won't go that fast.

I have used both the Adams and the Burley trailer bikes. The Burley is nicer, but you would be very lucky to find even a used one for less than $250. The Adams takes a little more getting used to, but it's still a blast. It's also pretty widely available used and on Ebay. Right now there are two new Adams Shifters on ebay for $109 each with no bids and a used one around $50. (See http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=7295&item=7150637760&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW)

I'd go with the Trek Navigator and the Adams Shifter. You'll have a ton of fun.

I need some advice... I want to get a bike for me and a trailer bike for my daughter and spend less than $400 (if that's possible). BTW - I would definately consider getting something used but I'm having trouble finding used bikes and trailer-bikes around here... yard sales that are supposed to start at 8am are wiped out by 7:30am...

If anyone is in the Baltimore/Washington DC/Northern VA area, and knows of a good used bike (small) or trailer-bike for sale, please email me! (ssoloff@psualum.com)

Thanks!

I agree almost 100% with DCComm, so I'll try to keep this brief- If money is really driving your purchases, and bike quality really is important (as it should be) do look at Ebay or Craiglist, or one of the other used bike equipment forums- you'll be able to find a much better bike (either used or old stock- 2003, 2003) online, as the pool from which you'll select is so much broader. Sticking to the local shops really limits you to your local conditions.

Good fit can be achieved, especially on a comfort bike, by checking out comparables in your area, then extending your search for your bike to the internet.

My son's Trek Mt Train (appears to ne new) was had for $110 on Ebay- perfect transaction.

We really like our Trek. I would also look into the 24" Mt. Train, they seem grow up pretty quick and it extends the useful life a bit. My daughter is 6 and has been riding ours since 4. I wouldn't worry about the weight issue I'm only 140 and my ex was probably 125 and we never had a problem. Ebay etc is a good bet because these often see limited use and they grow out of them quickly. I have also found I needed to shim the hitch up with some plastic pipe to clear my rear rack. I also installed a rack and bags on the trailer because you need to bring snacks, jackets, toys, blankies etc on a longer ride. She sits back there and sings and laughs, then things go quiet, I look back and she has her head on the handle bars sleeping. One thing I have found is if she makes big moves such as standing up and pumping the pedals hard it does tend to move me around a little and is probably exaggerated by my raising of the hitch.

I would also look into the 24" Mt. Train, they seem grow up pretty quick and it extends the useful life a bit.

Here's the flip side of that thought. When my twins were four, they had trouble reaching the pedals on a 20" trailer bike, even with the seat down all the way. This creates a dangerous situation as the kid can fall off if his foot slips off the pedal, and he can get whacked in the leg by the rotating pedal as well. I ended up fitting crank shorteners, which were real pricey at $70/pair. You don't want to get a trailer bike that is too big.

In this regard the Adams is better than the Burley, as the seat goes lower. I understand that some models of Trek have adjustable pedals, which sounds like the ideal solution.

Fit is important. Many 40 pound kids will have legs long enough for the Trek trailer with 24 inch wheels, due to a design that allows low seat placement. But, you need to put the kid on the trailer to be sure.

My experience with the Trek trailer is that the LOWER the clamp is placed on the adult bike, the better. I switched the trailer from a traditional geometry road bike to a mountain bike with a compact frame. That lowered the clamp about three inches closer the the "center of balance" on the adult bike, with a significant improvement in stability.

The Trek trailer bike had "side to side" wobble until I put added a plastic insert inside the plastic sizing insert, giving the clamp a "snug" fit on the seatpost. The first "fit kit" including three sizing inserts, but was missing the black pivot insert...I got it with a second "fit kit". The LBS staff did NOT realize that the Trek design requires that the plastic inserts fit snugly on the seatpost with ZERO empty space between the inserts and the seatpost. If there is "side to side" wobble, the trailer is NOT attached correctly.

After being correctly setup on a mountain bike, my nephew and I have enjoyed the setup. He has a good sense of balance, and has figured out how to keep his half of the "tandem" in balance with my half. About fifteen minutes of practice in an empty parking lot was all he needed to feel confident.

Thanks for the help so far... I have had her sit on an Adams and she was fine with the seat about 1" up... I think the 24" would be way too big (and intimidating) for her. Btw, what is "craiglist". I tried www.craiglist.com and got something that looked like the front page of a porn site?

Also, after stopping at a couple of bike shops yesterday, I have yet to try any of the Treks I listed above (haven't found a shop w/ Treks) but I did try an 04' Giant Boulder SE that was on sale for $249 and an 05' Giant Boulder for $229. Both were 12.5" bikes and were a good fit. I still want to try the Treks before I make my choice, but I was wondering if Giants are similar in quality for the price? Also, one LBS is getting a Giant halfwheeler in tomorrow for me to try w/ my daughter. Is the Giant similar in quality to the Trek or Adams?

Thanks.

Also, I stopped by REI and tried a couple of their K2 bikes... they are a step up in price, but I don't know if they are really any better bikes. The K2 Sport is $250 and the Zed 1.0 is $299. The also have a couple of "women's" bikes but I couldn't try them cuz they lost the key for the lock. They told me to come back today.

Should I add the Giants and K2s to my list of possibilities?

Btw, what is "craiglist". I tried www.craiglist.com and got something that looked like the front page of a porn site?


http://www.craigslist.org/

Craigs list is like ebay, only more like local classifieds.

Okay, I just found a Burley Piccolo for $250! This means that I can steal my husband's Giant Rincon that he never rides, put the seat the whole way down and actually save money!

My husband's comment on that was "well, what if I want to ride with you"... I said, "then you'll have to buy me a new bike to get yours back!" hehehe

So, I'm taking daughter to shop tomorrow to make sure she fits... we should be hitting the trails by Saturday! I am so excited!

Btw, thanks to johncub for the craigSlist correction! I was more than a little surprised when I went to craiglist by mistake.

Sounds like a good deal. Where did you pick up the Piccolo?

Hudson Trail Outfitters in Rockville, MD. They have stores all over the DC area but I don't know if everybody has the same price on the piccolo. Also, they don't have any cycling stuff on their website www.hudsontrail.com so I don't know if they would ship to those of you out of the DC area.

For the trailer bilke:
I orginally bought the Adams Shifter, but the lack of stibility aspect was not comfortable enough for me. Could be partly becaue I am using road bike. The next day I returned the Adams for a Piccalo. It was night and day to me. The Piccalo is very nice and stable. I didn't want to spend that much either, but, I'm committed to riding it for many years now. I have a 7 year old who's loving it for at least one more year, and a 3 year old who will be able to use it next year and for many more after. And I figure in the long run the extra $175 will be worth it.

Also, the Piccalo is very easy to put on and take off - takes only a few seconds. The Adams shifter wasn't for me - Allignment was very tight while trying to balance the bike and trailer.

I hated spending that $350, but now every time I look at it, I feel how worth my while it is. My son loves to ride, and wants to use it every day.

We love our Piccolo! We did a short 3 mile round trip on some of the trails near our house today after work. Our area's got some great trails and there are mini playgrounds (usually 1 swing and 1 slide) every half mile or so. We stopped at every one we passed but within a couple of minutes, my daughter was ready to get back on the bike. Tomorrow evening we'll probably try something a bit longer... there's a lake about 3miles away where we like to watch the geese.

So far we've had no problems... I barely even notice the extra drag back there except on hills... and even then it's not bad. Does anyone know where to get an extra Moose rack (online?). Nobody around here stocks them and I think that as soon as my husband gets back from his trip, we'll be getting a second bike :)

Here is a listing for the burley rack:
http://www.calhouncycle.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=390&idcategory=69

(Burley doesn't allow online sales, so it may not be there long. I think it's really dumb as none of their dealers seem to stock them so you end up having to order it anyway).

Sounds like you're having fun and you've got the right idea -- if your trailer isn't happy, no one is.

I also need another Moose Rack for my Piccalo, and also found Calhoun Cycle doing a Google search. My LBS cant get them for at least 2 weeks, so I ordered one from Calhoun today.

BTW: I asked and they do have more. It's $75 + $10 shipping UPS Ground. I'll have mine on Monday. My LBS sells them for the same price.

Well, I'm back in the market for a bike... I slipped off the seat of my husband's Giant yesterday and whacked myself pretty hard on the bar (I only have about 1/2" clearance when standing over it). So, I managed to not show my daughter how much pain I was in but I could barely sit on the way home. We didn't go out tonight (had errands to run) but even sitting on a normal chair hurts. Hopefully it'll be better by the weekend but I'm pretty sure I'll be getting something smaller asap!

Anyway, I was wondering what you all think about an 04 Giant Boulder SE for $250? Another bike I tried that's a bit more expensive but fit really well was a Woman's Specialized Hardrock for $330. I tried the Trek Navigator and didn't like it much - I think I'm too used to the mtn bike style... Also sat on a Diamondback Outlook, a bargain at $200?

I keep looking for used but so far, no luck.

Well, I'm back in the market for a bike

Your best bet is to keep test riding until you find one you like. If it feels good, it is good.

Pricewise, one thing to look at is last year's models. The REI Outlet website has some 2004 models in your price range (http://www.rei.com/outlet/category/22000179.htm?vcat=OUTLET_SSHP_CYCLING_SA) . There's a REI at Bailey's Crossroads where you might be able to test-ride one of these, or the 2005 version (they really don't change much between years).

I want to get a trailer for my grandson's use. He is four years old and weighs about 40 lbs. Thinking about a Trek Mtn. Train. How would that pull behind a Trek Pilot 2.1?

Al

If your thinking about a Trek-- get the 3500. It's only $250 MSR and unlike most other cheapie bikes, it doesn't have any frount shocks, stout 26 inch wheels and the hitch will mount lower for easier petaling and good control

http://www2.trekbikes.com/Bikes/Mountain/Hardtail/Alpha_Aluminum/3500/index.php