Anybody on a Trek Transit Trailer? Need feedback on it please.

[mtbcyclist]

Saw a used one for a great price locally. Used twice and looks brand new. Problem is I know nothing of these trailers and am not sure trek even makes them anymore.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[Fibber]

Trek has an excellent web site, with links to their previous model year products (back to around 2000).
Looks like the Transit was offered as recently as 2004, although the one you are looking at might be older.

http://www.trekbikes.com/bikes/2004/kids/find_right_bike/ages3-4.jsp?selectedbike=transit

Check it and see....

Steve

[mtbcyclist]

Trek has an excellent web site, with links to their previous model year products (back to around 2000).
Looks like the Transit was offered as recently as 2004, although the one you are looking at might be older.

http://www.trekbikes.com/bikes/2004/kids/find_right_bike/ages3-4.jsp?selectedbike=transit

Check it and see....

Steve

Thanks. Read that and it was good info. Just wanted to get some info from people who have used one.

[legot73]

A Burley rep told me that the Trek Transit trailers were actually made by Chariot of Canada, who also marketed them as the CTS product. I spent a lot of time comparing the Burley d'Lite and Transit back in 2003, and here's the pro/con list I remember:

Transit has a better stroller and jogger option. The burley "grocery cart wheel" setup always pulls to the side. However, it's really easy to correct with one hand. It also protrudes in front, where the Trek doesn't. Newer d'Lite models have a real jogger option.

Transit is easier to fold up quickly, although the Burley is easy when you get used to it and can break down flatter.

I caught a Burley rep off guard with this one: The Transit shell is polyester, which is much more durable in UV light. Nylon breaks down faster under UV. If you will leave it in sunlight for extended periods, this might be a consideration. New d'Lite's use Poly, and the rep remembered me and pointed that out two years later.

Both were comfortable for my child (now children), and easy to secure them in.

Burley has a lot more cargo space.

Neither had a specific setup for securing an infant seat, but some webbing and ingenuity make for a safe setup.

I thought they both had a universal attachment for a rear triangle at that time, but skewer would be stronger. I ended up with the d'Lite partially due to Burley's outstanding product support and backing, and have no regrets. I don't think I would have regretted the Transit at all, either. The only thing I didn't look for, and have since seen, is a leaf spring suspension, I believe on a Chariot model at REI. My kids complain about rough roads and bumps, and I think it would really help with an infant. The stroller setup is really nice because you can take it with you easier than a jogger wheel. You will use it.

By far one of the most useful items in my house. Best of luck.

[mtbcyclist]

Wow! Thanks for the great review. Just what I was looking for. :)

[donutboy]

I have a Trek Transit Deluxe. I have nothing but good things to say about it. Mine seats two kids, or one in the middle--which is the configuration I used. I pulled my oldest son well over 1500 miles in the thing starting at age two. We would do the Saturday morning charity rides--usually in the 30-40 mile range. Diaper bag went in the back, and we'd load the front up with toys (preferably lightweight plastic ones) and a sippy cup or two full of water. He lived for the rest stops loaded with cookies, bananas, etc, as well as people to talk to. The farthest we went in one outing was 66 miles. The following morning, he said "Daddy, can we go riding again today?" As he neared age four he didn't want to go anymore. I stored it away and got him a trail-a-bike for his birthday in the fall. We started using it heavily the next spring when he was about 4 1/2 years old. As the #2 son reached one year old, I put the connector for the Trek trailer on the trail-a-bike and pulled 'em both! 22 miles was about the upper limit for all three of us in this configuration. That was also stable, and I never had a "jackknife" situtation that some might predict. The oldest son just learned to ride his own bike without training wheels and wants no part of the trail-a-bike at this point. I envision connecting the trailer back to my bike soon and pulling the younger son in the trailer and riding with the older son on his own bike.

Back to the trailer. The connector for the Transit is top notch. I fell over once on a panic stop after installing clipless pedals when a todldler walked right in front of me on the bike path. The trailer remained upright. Unless you hit a large rock with one wheel, I imagine it would be very hard to flip over and indeed, it never happened with us. It was very stable at speeds into the mid-thirties (down hills).

One thing with trailers in general that bugs me. They come with a screen to protect the kids riding, and I see far too many people pulling the trailers without these screens in place. Without them, the rear wheel that's literally two feet away can sling small rocks right into the eyes of the little passengers. The Trek trailer's screen fits snugly, and also has a roll up plastic "windshield" that can be used in cooler weather or in the event you get a surprise rain shower.

The wheels are alloy, with quick releases, and the overall construction seems to be top notch.

I bought the trailer new, and it was pricey ( > $400 as I recall) but I have a lifetime of memories that make it worth every dollar I paid for it.

[donutboy]

Whoops! Realized I replied to an old post. Well, maybe someone searching the archives will find it useful...

[moefam]

I LOVE my Trek Transit Deluxe. I think its better than a burley. It has vents on the side, mesh sling, screen back for excellent ventilation. Pull two pins and push a lever and it's folded flat. I like how it connects to the bike as well. Mine came with the jogger wheel which is so much nicer than the small stroller wheel. Best of all, I paid $140 for my near new, but used, trailer off craigslist.

First time out we put 20 miles on the bikes over a limestone packed path. My son (3) LOVED it and even fell asleep after a while. We were going to buy a new Instep but I just didn't see how they would keep the kids cool on a warm day. Plus, a 20" wheel and aluminum framed instep with a stroller attachment would be around $150 - $175 anyway.

Very nice trailer. I highly recommend.