General Cycling Discussion - Pedal Trailer Info?

Does anyone have any experience with pedal trailers similar to the Adams Folder type?

I want to get my son out of the Burley and earning his keep.

They work fine, the best is made by Burley. Just keep in mind that that kids can't keep up with you. Most of them are single speeds, only a few have gears.

I had bought the Addams (single speed) Trail-A-Bike, and used it for my daughter for a little more than 1 year.
Great at first, and very stable, but over time, some play developped in the hitch. I have done my best to retighten it, but over time, the universal joint was "eating" itself. In a year, we did a total of about 1600-1800 km, and I could say that it was very good for the first 1000 km, decent for 200 km... and continued downward afterwards.

I since got a Burley Piccolo. Very stable. It has been in use for 1.5 years and so far, it is as good as new. I expect to use it many more years with both kids.

Another difference: the Addams (and the Trek) don't track as closely as the Piccolo. That could be called a feature on roads, but not in the forest.


In conclusion, I recommend the Addams or a similar cheap model if you don't plan to do more than 500-1000 km ever with your child. Otherwise, go one step further and get a Burley Piccolo.

Regards,

The Burley definatley looks superior. The components look like they'll last through a couple of kids. I like the fact that they can shift through their own gears.

At $350.00 US it'll be an investment in the kids early training.

Is the rack that comes with the unit a propritary item? Can I hook it onto my existing heavy duty Blackburn expedition rack?

The clamp is set up for the Burely rack, Burely's rack is much better then the Blackburn rack.

Thanks guys,

I think Santa has decided.

I odered the Burley from an REI down the street and applied this years dividend to the purchase.

Hopefully someday the kids will understand how good they got it. I would have split in half in delight if my old man bought me something like this, let alone find time to ride with me. :)

The Burley Piccolo must be used with Burley''s rack (they call it the "Moose rack", don't ask me why). It is steel (à la Tubus), very rigid and much stronger than a Blackburn or Jandd rack. The top of the rack has an hourglass shape; it is made in such a way that panniers may be hung whether or not you tow the Piccolo. You might have problems with panniers that absolutely need to be locked in the middle .

If you want to use the Piccolo with more than one bike, it's wise to buy an extra rack (I think it's $60)

Regards,

Took the five year old son and the Piccolo out for a ten mile run yesterday.

I was impressed with the bike and I think the boy has a chance at the sport. It was a good feeling to feel his added effort.

All he wants to do now is go out again. What a freak. :D