Herneka
11-27-07, 02:05 PM
I've been doing research and homework on kid trailers, trying to learn and find information on good designs, features, construction, etc. I found a kid trailer for a good price, though it needs a good cleaning and maybe a good tuning. I have not found any information on the actual trailer, a Kid Kaboose 2-seat model, on BikeForums or after Google seraches. If anyone can help me find more information and answer a few basic questions (or provide links to good answers/discussions), i would forever be greatly thankful.
Questions:
1. Has anyone even heard of "Kid Kaboose?" Is it any good, or an x-mart special? The one i found has spoked wheels, steel i'm assuming by the slight rust. I didn't get a real good look/examination, so i might not be able to provide the best answers on questions to me. I'll probably go look again this weekend.
2. Trailer hitch design: The trailer hitch arm attatches to the rear triangle with a clamp, with a tough wound spring to allow for flex. Without getting too specific and without pics to help, what style hitch works well? I'll most likely be using the trailer with a hardtail mountain bike.
3. Trailer wheels: How is wheel maintenance different with single sided wheels as opposed to regular bicycle wheels? Is there a greater amount of stress with most of the load being on one side of the wheel? Can the wheels even be removed from the trailer?
4. Comfort and use: Are trailers that comfortable? My daughter will be almost a year old next summer and i'd like to get more riding in. Is the usual padding/seating in kid's trailers comfortable for an hour or two of riding? Should i look into making padded seats with foam, pillows, blankets, etc.? Obviously it varies widely between trailers, so i'm just getting a consensus.
I'm obviously new to the entire kid's trailer concept, so any help is greatly appreciated. I'd mostly like to know if the trailer is just cheap junk that i shouldn't waste the money and garage space on, or if it would be decent enough to last a few summers with minimal repair/tuning. Thank you everyone in advance for your input.
Questions:
1. Has anyone even heard of "Kid Kaboose?" Is it any good, or an x-mart special? The one i found has spoked wheels, steel i'm assuming by the slight rust. I didn't get a real good look/examination, so i might not be able to provide the best answers on questions to me. I'll probably go look again this weekend.
2. Trailer hitch design: The trailer hitch arm attatches to the rear triangle with a clamp, with a tough wound spring to allow for flex. Without getting too specific and without pics to help, what style hitch works well? I'll most likely be using the trailer with a hardtail mountain bike.
3. Trailer wheels: How is wheel maintenance different with single sided wheels as opposed to regular bicycle wheels? Is there a greater amount of stress with most of the load being on one side of the wheel? Can the wheels even be removed from the trailer?
4. Comfort and use: Are trailers that comfortable? My daughter will be almost a year old next summer and i'd like to get more riding in. Is the usual padding/seating in kid's trailers comfortable for an hour or two of riding? Should i look into making padded seats with foam, pillows, blankets, etc.? Obviously it varies widely between trailers, so i'm just getting a consensus.
I'm obviously new to the entire kid's trailer concept, so any help is greatly appreciated. I'd mostly like to know if the trailer is just cheap junk that i shouldn't waste the money and garage space on, or if it would be decent enough to last a few summers with minimal repair/tuning. Thank you everyone in advance for your input.
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