Recreational & Family - Inexpensive trailer question

I am on a budget but really would like to start taking my 2 year old on rides. I am looking at a trailer that's new for about $80. I'll try to post a picture. Any comments or suggestions? Any experience with the low end trailers?

I also have a 4yr and nearly 2 yr old. They've been quite happy in the Instep Ride-n-Stride trailer. They ask to go in ALL the time! It gives them plenty of room with a place for snacks and juice to be stored. There's even enough room in the back to put a few groceries or bread for the ducks... We purchased it for around $100 on sale at Sports Authority. It does convert to a jogging stroller, but I honestly have not tried it out. Jogging kills my knees.

If that is your budget, stick with it and get the trailer as soon as you can. Don't let the season go by without having done the trailer riding. You will likely only be able to ride your child until they are 4 or 5. After that, the trailers become kind of tight for them, they get heavier and they may be starting to ride on their own.

I realize on a budget is on a budget, but I'll just throw this for in on both these threads. Take it for what it's worth to you.

I have a Burley Flatbed Utility Trailer that I pull to work and back almost daily. I also have a Burley Solo to pull our, now, 5 yr. old daughter around. I doubt if the solo would work for more than one kid, but the point is, what I have found is that a child trailer makes a real good covered utility trailer. If you can get a good one now, you'll see many years of use as a utility trailer after the kids have out grown it. :)

Thanks for the comments. I probably should have tagged on to the others persons thread, but I figured my question was a little different, and I did not want to inadvertently take it over.

+ masiman, I think I am going to take your advise, because the sooner the better. If we really enjoy riding and use it alot this year, then we will start looking for a better quality trailer.

I'm a big fan of the trailers and have Burley d'Lite personally. Several neighbors have less expensive ones, and I haven't seen anything with them that is a problem. More money gets you higher quality components and convenience features, but if you don't need to break it down daily, go real fast, or use it in foul weather a lot, this one will be fine and you should be pretty happy with it.

Assuming the trailer is genarally solid and doesn't have any protruding bolts that could hurt the little ones, the attachment (and backup strap) to your bike is the most important. Make sure you can connect it to your bike safely.

These are great to have, enjoy.

I built this trailer 20yrs ago and use it yet today. All of
the materials were salvaged from jobs here at home.
Even buying new materials the cost wouldn't be that
bad for a really robust durable bike trailer. My cost
20 yrs ago was $20 today might be about $80 with new
wood.

The plans call for 27" wheels but I used 20" wheels from
an old kids bike to be more stable and extended the neck
up a bit to compensate the difference. I strongly suggest
that you find and use an old OAK shipping skid for the frame
to pickup the strength of seasoned oak instead of plywood.

Enjoy!!


http://www.motherearthnews.com/library/1981_July_August/Dime_on_the_Dollar_Bicycle_Trailer

We used an Instep quick'n'easy for ~2years with our daughter who has now outgrown it. It is similar to the one in your pic.

It's a great trailer, paid $70 I think. They are not as quality finish as Burley's for example but totally safe and comfortable.

We bought one at a yard sale for $5 and love it, I don't even know what kind it is... But it works great and I pull my 4 and 2 year old around in it..

I bought a new In-Step Quick-N-EZ plus, for $83, and am going to try it out this afternoon. Thank you all for you suggestions! Also just recently found out a second child is on the way!

I think you will find the time together you will have with your 2 year old to be very satisfying.

Congrats on the second. Given the age spread you could have 1 or more years of pulling 2 kids. Great way to get/keep the weight off :). Don't feel sad that you did not get one earlier, just be glad that you found the activity. I'll wager the new one will by the end of cycling season next year be crying and crawling to get in the trailer for a spin around the block. Find a near by ice cream store or corner store, take a weekly ride for a run around a park and a treat after.

Do a search on the forums for pregnancy/pregnant. I think there were some discussions previously that may answer questions you may have about riding while you are pregnant.

Here's to wishing you a healthy baby!

:D I am the father, but my wife does want to bike with us, so thanks for the advise. I think that it is a great activity and we have a couple playgrounds within a short <2mi. ride. Now, if only the wind would quit blowing so hard...! :)