bike for trailer bike

[hrcarol]

I hope to get a trailer bike for my daughter sometime in the next year. From reading the other posts, I gather that i can't put a trailer bike on my road bike because it wouldn't be stable enough. But would it work on a hybrid? I'm a 115 lbs woman so I'd like a bike that doesn't weigh a ton but, is stable enough for a trailer bike. Any recommendations?

[Dr. Moto]

I've towed such trailers with both road and hybrid bikes.

If you're talking about the single-wheel "trail-a-bike" (sometimes called tandem trailer), then any bike with a lower center-of-gravity, like a hybrid or mountain bike, works better than a road bike. Also the heavier frames and larger tires of such bikes add stability. Depending on your daughter's age, you might be adding almost 100 lbs. to your ride.

Also, the inherent stability of the bike itself (i.e., its handling geometry) has an influence. Road racing bikes are built for fast handling and tend to be a little more squirrelly than hybrids or touring bikes, so the trailer affects their handling more.

The Adams trail-a-bikes use a machined universal joint that attaches to the seatpost. The Burley bikes add a special rack to the back to which the trailer attaches. The Burley rack has a ball-bearing joint, and the attachment point is lower to the ground, so those are more stable than the Adams type.

On the other hand, if you're talking about the traditional two-wheel carriage-type trailer, I've found little or no difference in hauling one of these behind a road bike vs. a hybrid. These typically attach to a chainstay and are very stable.

[caloso]

I'd argue that the biggest factor in a particular bike's stability is the rider. I've hauled our twins in their Chariot behind my race bike and as long as ridden smoothly and steadily, I haven't had a problem.

So, in my opinion, the most important factor is that the bike fits. After that, good low gearing and good braking.

[Moonshot]

Good advice from caloso.

My wife pulls a trailer bike with a mtn bike using slick tires (not knobbies).

I pull another trailer bike with a fixed gear road bike.

We have an 8 year old girl and a 6 year old boy. We switch out with each. The boy pedals harder when he wants to, but the girl is more stable and consistent in her pedaling.

You'll have lots of fun with a trailer bike. Just use whatever style bike you have and take it easy the first few times. Swing a little wider around the turns. You'll be fine.

[Dr. Moto]

I'd argue that the biggest factor in a particular bike's stability is the rider. I've hauled our twins in their Chariot behind my race bike and as long as ridden smoothly and steadily, I haven't had a problem.

So, in my opinion, the most important factor is that the bike fits. After that, good low gearing and good braking.

Chariot, is that a two-wheel or a single-wheel?

[caloso]

Chariot, is that a two-wheel or a single-wheel?

Two wheels.

http://images.rei.com/media/25779.jpg

I love this thing. It was a bit spendy but we get a lot of use from it, both as a trailer and as a jog stroller. Very well made and the kids love it.

[Dr. Moto]

Yeah, those babies are great and very stable. We have a Trek of similar design.

[caloso]

I like that the ball joint coupling attaches to axle and that you could lay the bike down without tipping the trailer.

[alanbikehouston]

A two wheeled trailer will work well with any bike. A one-wheel "trail-a-bike" is a bit trickier.

The lower on the adult's bike that the trailer clamp is attached, the more stable the set-up is. I tried a road bike, but now I have the t-a-b attached to a mountain bike with a compact frame. That compact frame allows the clamp to be attached to the seatpost about six inches lower than it was on my road bike, with a huge gain in stability.

Finally, the mountain bike's wider tires add stability, both while riding, and when stopping and starting. The compact frame makes it easier to get on and off the bike, which happens more frequently when riding with a child.

A hybrid with a compact frame should work okay too, especially if it is equipped with "fat" tires.

[hrcarol]

Thanks for the advice. I meant a "trail-a-bike"(one wheel). I already use a trailer on my road bike w/ no problems. But, my daughter is 4 and starting to get bored w/ the trailer so I was thinking she would enjoy a trail-a-bike. I'm not really looking forward to spending the $$$ on a bike and trail-a-bike but, I'm hoping if I start looking now, I can find something used in time for Christmas. I've noticed you can get a new Adams trail-a-bike for less than $100 on ebay. Is this a good deal? or would it be better to go ahead and get the Burley w/ rack for more stability?