Wike Trailers & Skewer Hitch ?

[JoeOxfordCT]

Hi All,

Contemplating a child trailer purchase this spring...
I've seen all the Burleys out there....they're nice but pricey....
I came across the Wike website, http://www.wicycle.com/
I while they aren't exactly bargain basement priced either I really like the skewer hitch as opposed to the chainstay or seatpost hitch I've seen on other trailer setups. I also think 20" wheels are important to get for a smooth ride as opposed to 16".

Can anyone give me some feedback on the Wike ?
My daughter will be approx. 14-15 months by Spring.
She will be the only one ever using the trailer.
I will be pulling it with my Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo.

[masiman]

I have never seen them. From the spots they look fine. The hitch I think would behave similar to a Burley mount. However their seem to be a number of points in the hitch and arm system that could introduce noise and or slop in the tracking. Hard to say without actually pulling a loaded one over roads and terrain you would normally ride. The Wike would be easier to hitch and unhitch IF the adapter is already installed. If you plan on changing bikes that will pull the trailer, I would suggest that you get multiple hitch adapters (the premium model comes with two, I did not check the others). The storage space looks small. The seating area looks smaller than others but that may be an optical illusion due to the extended nose. I did not see an option/price to replace the fabric. If the fabric fails, what they want to do it will likely surprise you, unpleasantly so. It may even be that it is not reasonably doable by you. Something to think about if you plan on using this for years and it will see some miles.

I can't see a reason not to get it if it fits your budget and your needs.

Do like this hitch as opposed to others because of the connection to the skewer? This hitch does not appear any stronger than any of the others (plastic and metal). Although I have never heard of any trailer hitch failing, trailer information is comparitively sparse. I also have not seen or heard of tests on the strength of hitches. My personal experience is that the seat post hitch is a more natural feel as compared to the rear cluster hitches. I did occasionally hit the Burley right hand turn limits and had to factor that into my riding.

[spambait11]

Wikes are really nicely made. The best part is that the towbar can be flipped up into a stroller handlebar. Burley will require a separate attachment to achieve the same result.

The Wike pulls great: I pull both my 3yr and 1yr old with no problems; both boys really enjoy the ride. The quick-release hitch comes standard on the Moonlite models, and we did buy extra hitches for other bikes.

The main thing I like about the Burley is that they open and close really quickly, almost like a roll top desk. The Wike is a bit more cumbersome as you have to pull the velcro taut to get a good seal; maybe 10 extra seconds though. However, the Wike construction is great and their people are easy to contact and work with.

[JoeOxfordCT]

Spam,

You speak as though you own both types of trailers ??? The Burley & the Wike ?
Which do you prefer ?
Does the Burley offer a skewer hitch ?
I saw the velcro attachment on the windscreen on the Wike....not sure if I like it or not...
A zipper seems like would be a better alternative ??

Joe

[spambait11]

Sorry Joe, should have clarified -
I own the Wike; my brother-in-law owns the Burley.

I like our Wike because of the tow bar/stroller option, but I like the Burley because it is a smaller folded package and I like that roll up windscreen. They sell the skewer hitch separately:
QR hitch (http://www.calhouncycle.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=18&idproduct=125)

When folded, the Wike is a big package because the tow bar sticks out (you can remove the tow bar but it is a hassle) whereas the Burley's tow bar is removeable. The Wike, however, is very solid and seems roomier, and is $100 cheaper.

As far as the zipper goes, I'm in the wait and see mode. I hate zippers when they wear out, but you will probably never reach this point. I agree that the velcro is not ideal, but so far it's held its own pretty well (owned since 2003). I've been using the trailer 3-4 times a week for the past 1 1/2 years; still works well.

As a side note, if I were to do this over again, I'd get a used trailer. When I've seen Wikes on sale, I've seen our model (ours is the DoubleMoonlight now called the Premium Double) as low as $200. I see Burleys all the time in all kinds of conditions at all kinds of asking prices, including eBay and craigslist. Just a thought.

[JoeOxfordCT]

Yeah, I've thought of the used trailer thing.....I'd have to see if I can find some close to where I live. It takes time & effort to hunt them down & drive & look.
The lazy thing to do, if you have the $$, which I don't really, is to just point & click and the box shows up on your doorstep one night after work...
Any thoughts on the Performance and/or Nashbar trailer ?

[spambait11]

You know, I was trying to order the Nashbar before the Wike but they ran out. But sorry - no firsthand experience. Looks like a chainstay hitch, though.

More annecdotes: I know that the Burley and Wike quick-release hitch ends can be interchangeable. The head of the hitch of the Burley is slightly smaller than the Wike, but the bases of both hitches, the ends that are screwed into the tow bar, are identical in size.

What I'm getting at is that I notice the Nashbar trailer's hitch also has a round base. If you can get the measurement for the diameter of the base, perhaps it will be the same size as the Burley. If it is the same size, then you can get the Burley hitch head and quick-release rear wheel skewer so you don't have to use the chainstray hitch. If the diameter is bigger, you could maybe use some washers as spacers to fill the gaps? Anyway, definitely let everyone know what you decide to do.

[Phantoj]

More annecdotes: I know that the Burley and Wike quick-release hitch ends can be interchangeable. The head of the hitch of the Burley is slightly smaller than the Wike, but the bases of both hitches, the ends that are screwed into the tow bar, are identical in size.


Help me out here - so a cheap guy like me could use a $6 Wike hitch instead of the $40 Burley option? Is there any advantage to the Burley QR hitch over the Wike QR? I have a Burley Encore that I like to pull with a Cannondale road bike. This bike would be better with a QR hitch.

[spambait11]

Help me out here - so a cheap guy like me could use a $6 Wike hitch instead of the $40 Burley option? Is there any advantage to the Burley QR hitch over the Wike QR? I have a Burley Encore that I like to pull with a Cannondale road bike. This bike would be better with a QR hitch.
Short answer: Yes, the $6 Wike hitch will work; the hole in the Burley hitch head is big enough to accommodate the catch pin.

Detailed thoughts: The main issues I see with using the Burley are aesthetics and size. In terms of aesthetics, Burley wins hands down. The Wike quick-release hitch is a big ugly block of aluminum stuck to the side of your wheel. Also, when changing a tire, the hitch flops around and is kind of a nuisance such that it is easier for me to remove the skewer completely and take the hitch off if I have to take the rear wheel off - just more misc parts lying around. The Burley hitch is seamlessly connected to the quick-release skewer itself, so if you remove the rear wheel, everything comes off as if there were no hitch attached.

In terms of size, the Burley hitch head (plastic elastomer?) is smaller than the Wike hitch head (rubber elastomer). So while a Burley can fit into a Wike hitch, a Wike will have to be shaved down to fit into a Burley. In your case, putting the Burley head into a Wike hitch is no problem; you will just have extra room in the hitch (1/8" +/- ?). However, I don't see this mattering much in real world pulling situations. But I'm no physics major either.

That's what you get for being cheap. ;)

[JoeOxfordCT]

Spam,

"...What I'm getting at is that I notice the Nashbar trailer's hitch also has a round base. If you can get the measurement for the diameter of the base, perhaps it will be the same size as the Burley. If it is the same size, then you can get the Burley hitch head and quick-release rear wheel skewer so you don't have to use the chainstray hitch. If the diameter is bigger, you could maybe use some washers as spacers to fill the gaps? Anyway, definitely let everyone know what you decide to do..."

I am intrigued by this possbility of getting a cheaper Performance/Nashbar trailer and substituting a Burly/Wike skewer hitch....I will definitely be looking into it when the weather starts to turn for good !.......18 degrees this morning (Grrr!) :mad:

If you didn't mention it already earlier in this thread. How old are your kids and how often to you take them in the trailer and how long can they typically stand to be in it ?

[spambait11]

If you didn't mention it already earlier in this thread. How old are your kids and how often to you take them in the trailer and how long can they typically stand to be in it ?
Two boys: 1.5 and 3.5 years old.

I take them about 3 times per week (5 miles one way) to their grandma's house for babysitting via bike and trailer. I'm lucky in that both my boys love the trailer, and almost always fall asleep within 15 minutes - sippy cups full of juice and cereal or crackers also help.

When I bring the rig out of the garage, they both immediately go in. The only time my 1.5 cries is when the 3.5 starts to lean his head on 1.5's shoulder as he falls asleep. In fact, on longer bike trips with my wife, they've slept for 2 hours and could have slept more if we didn't wake them up. For us, one big danger is their exposure to heat and the sun - it's easy to forget about these things when riding.

When both were younger, I strictly abided by the recommendation from Wike to not go faster than 12mph because of the potential for shaken baby syndrome caused by road vibrations. Now that both can hold their heads pretty steadily, I've gone 15mph and more when I needed to with no ill effects (as far as I can tell).

[Michel Gagnon]

Two boys: .....
Now that both can hold their heads pretty steadily, I've gone 15mph and more when I needed to with no ill effects (as far as I can tell).


There is some "ill effect" with anything. I remember a few years back when riding up a steep hill (only 8%, but at the end of a long day) with a head wind. I was riding my single with 7 year old Ève on trailercycle and 3 year old Sophie in the child trailer. It was a scorcher, and while both of us were pedalling hard, Sophie was "encouraging" us by shouting "Faster, Faster!"

[spambait11]

...Sophie was "encouraging" us by shouting "Faster, Faster!"
Ah, yes – the real boss of the family shows herself. ;)

But it could have been worse: pedaling hard down a steep hill (8% grade), with a tailwind, on a nice day, "with 7 year old Ève on trailercycle and 3 year old Sophie 'encouraging' us by shouting 'Faster, Faster!'"

In my case, I've already promised the boys that they can pull daddy in the trailer when they get older. :D

[mingmaya]

Hi all,

I'm new to this forum and to cycling. I found this forum through an exhausting google search about hitching trailers to folding bikes. I have a pretty much no-name brand folding bike (Easy Cruiser) . I've attached a picture of it. It doesn't have a triangle for a trailer hitch to attach to. The wheel is not a quick release.The diameter of the axle is 10 mm. I want to attach a Burley Bee trailer to it---is all hope lost since their alternative hitches are 9.5mm and 10.5mm? I apologize if this is a silly question, I just didn't know if anyone knew of a trick to make this work out somehow. I would really appreciate any light anyone can shed on this for me. Thanks!

[LCI_Brian]

I have a Burley alternative hitch for my trailer. The hitch base is held onto the skewer using a lock ring. It looks like there's a white neoprene washer between the hitch base and the skewer base. The hitch base can rotate freely around the skewer base, and there's even a small amount of side to side play. I've gone on a few rides with this setup without any problems.

I just bought a second alternative hitch so I can use the trailer with another bike. I noticed that the fit between the hitch base and the skewer base is much tighter - it takes considerable force to get it to rotate. Now that's got me thinking ... should I worry about the original alternative hitch that I have? Or will the new one eventually wear and become like the first one?

[LCI_Brian]

I'm new to this forum and to cycling. I found this forum through an exhausting google search about hitching trailers to folding bikes. I have a pretty much no-name brand folding bike (Easy Cruiser) . I've attached a picture of it. It doesn't have a triangle for a trailer hitch to attach to. The wheel is not a quick release.The diameter of the axle is 10 mm. I want to attach a Burley Bee trailer to it---is all hope lost since their alternative hitches are 9.5mm and 10.5mm? I apologize if this is a silly question, I just didn't know if anyone knew of a trick to make this work out somehow. I would really appreciate any light anyone can shed on this for me. Thanks!
Could one of these work, even if you had to drill it out?

http://www.wicycle.com/bikehitch.jpg

[LCI_Brian]

If mounting one of these to a bike with both rack and fender mounting bosses ... can this interfere with the fender mounts?

http://www.wicycle.com/bikehitch.jpg

[mingmaya]

LCI_Brian, thanks for responding! I'm going to give them a call since the only way to order the hitches online is to buy the trailer as well. I'll let you know if this works out--thanks again!

[LCI_Brian]

LCI_Brian, thanks for responding! I'm going to give them a call since the only way to order the hitches online is to buy the trailer as well. I'll let you know if this works out--thanks again!
Please let us know how this works out, as I will also need to order some hitches without buying the trailer as well.

BTW, you'll still have to buy the Burley Alternative Hitch, as you will need the strap and mounting hardware that comes with the kit. I suggest you buy the model with the quick release skewer, because I'm sure you could sell the skewer part to someone who wants an extra.

[spambait11]

BTW, you'll still have to buy the Burley Alternative Hitch, as you will need the strap and mounting hardware that comes with the kit.
If mingmaya has this hitch (http://www.calhouncycle.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=18&idproduct=392) then all he has to do is loosen the screw and keep the head and strap; the triangle part can get tossed. If he gets a Wike hitch, it comes with the pin, so he's set there as well.

As far as whether the hitch interferes with the fender eyelets, they don't on regular bikes (at least on mine). HOWEVER, it does interfere with the eyelets on my recumbent.

[mingmaya]

LCI_Brian and Spambait11:
LCI_Brian, I called 1-866-584-9452 and ordered two hitches. The total came to $28 ($10 for each hitch and $8.00 shipping). Now, since I am completely new to the world of bicycles, some of the other things you and spambait11 are mentioning is over my "newbie" head--(interfering with fender eyelets, etc.). Sorry:( I don't know the technical stuff. Spambait11--I will soon have the hitch that comes with the Burley Bee trailer . What should I do next? Please advise when you get a chance.

[LCI_Brian]

Thanks for the info. I called today to order six (!) hitches so I could put one on each of my bikes. When I was ordering, she asked me if I owned a Wike trailer. No, I replied, I have a Burley. She then asked me if I had a Burley Bee. :)

[mingmaya]

Thanks for the info. I called today to order six (!) hitches so I could put one on each of my bikes. When I was ordering, she asked me if I owned a Wike trailer. No, I replied, I have a Burley. She then asked me if I had a Burley Bee. :)


You're welcome! I was wondering if I would be asked if I had a Wike but I wasn't. So, did I happen to somehow luck out and get the Burley that works best with that Wike hitch (or maybe it's just because the BB is similar pricewise)? By the way, not sure what to do about the Burley alternative hitch situation---you and Spambait11 each had a different opinion. Please advise further on that when you get a moment. My Bee arrived yesterday and I'm so anxious to get this up an running. I hope to report success. Wish me luck!

[spambait11]

What does your hitch look like? Does it look like this (http://www.calhouncycle.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=18&idproduct=392)?
If so, then you do not need the alternative hitch. However, you may need a longer safety strap to wrap around your chainstay, as per Burley's suggestion.

Remove the "1/4" shouder [sic] bolt" and "nylock nut" (see Figure One (http://www.burley.com/images/PDF/AltHitchBook5-03.pdf)), and remove the safety strap from the triangle.

Next, install the Wike quick-release hitch to your rear wheel.

Lastly, put the Burley head (or "tongue" as they call it) into the hitch, insert the catch pin, and see whether your safety strap is long enough.

Lastly lastly, all you Burley owners need to quit driving up the prices of that darn hitch! :)

[LCI_Brian]

By the way, not sure what to do about the Burley alternative hitch situation---you and Spambait11 each had a different opinion. Please advise further on that when you get a moment. My Bee arrived yesterday and I'm so anxious to get this up an running. I hope to report success. Wish me luck!
Spambait11 is correct in posts #20 and #24. I had forgotten that the strap could be salvaged from the existing triangle hitch.

[mingmaya]

Spambait11 and LCI_Brian--thanks to you, we took the Bee for it's first run yesterday! The Wike hitch worked perfectly with the hitch that came with the Bee (minus the parts spambait specified). I didn't have to help drive up the price of that alternate hitch after all:) In the end, the only loss was the kickstand--wasn't enough room for it after everything. Thank you so much for answering my call for help!

[spambait11]

Cool mingmaya. Glad it worked out! Now where are the pics? :)