Kid's Bike Trailers

[Portis]

I am looking for a decent inexpensive kid's bike trailer to use for occasional rides. I don't want to spend much over $100. Does anyone have any recommendations on what to look for? Are there better ways that some attach to the bike than others?

Can anyone provide links to reviews, etc.? THanks.

[DieselDan]

For under $100, there isn't much. Instep makes a few, but have an akward hitch system. Nashbar has their child trailer for sale just under $100. You may want to chack thrift stores, pawn shops, flea markets, and yard sales for a used one of good quality. Burley now has an economy model out, but I don't know the price.

[dirtbikedude]

If you do find a trailer under 100$ you may want to do some reserch on it. Check out some reviews on things like how sturdy, how easily will it roll over and what type of restraint system does it use?

As for recomendations I have none because when we were looking for one the lower cost trailers were not very good as far as protection of the child (easy rollover, bad restraint system).

:beer:

[Portis]

If you do find a trailer under 100$ you may want to do some reserch on it. Check out some reviews on things like how sturdy, how easily will it roll over and what type of restraint system does it use?

As for recomendations I have none because when we were looking for one the lower cost trailers were not very good as far as protection of the child (easy rollover, bad restraint system).

:beer:

I'm having trouble finding any reviews. :(

[Boomer]

A couple of years ago, I bought a trailer from Sportmart for $100. My older daught has outgrown it and my younger daughter will be riding it soon. For the most part, it works good. There's more play in the hitch than I would like, but I think it's inevitable. The trailer actually fell off the car rack once while I was crossing a bridge going about 55mph. A highway worker picked it up for me after I got off the bridge. With some banging and twisting, it all worked fine. So, I guess you can say it's fairly sturdy.

[Cycliste]

I am looking for a decent inexpensive kid's bike trailer to use for occasional rides. I don't want to spend much over $100. Does anyone have any recommendations on what to look for? Are there better ways that some attach to the bike than others?

Can anyone provide links to reviews, etc.? THanks.

We have been using the Instep Quick N' EZ for a couple of years now and have been really happy with it. Paid less than a $100 for it. Our daughter is now three and weighs a little over 30lbs and still enjoys it very much, the sit is comfortable (so she told me :) ). It is not really a trailer for two kids but rather 1.5 kids :p . There was also a model by Bell that was attractive at the time, I think it was called Lil' Rambler and cost ~$. Instep make good products, we have one of their jogging strollers and they are well made.

[Portis]

We have been using the Instep Quick N' EZ for a couple of years now and have been really happy with it. Paid less than a $100 for it. Our daughter is now three and weighs a little over 30lbs and still enjoys it very much, the sit is comfortable (so she told me :) ). It is not really a trailer for two kids but rather 1.5 kids :p . There was also a model by Bell that was attractive at the time, I think it was called Lil' Rambler and cost ~$. Instep make good products, we have one of their jogging strollers and they are well made.


Does it attach to the bike well? What is required to attach it to the bike? Thanks.

[Cycliste]

Does it attach to the bike well? What is required to attach it to the bike? Thanks.

Yes, it does. It attaches easily to the left side of the rear wheel axle using a coupler, see detail at: http://www.instep.net/pages/product_display.php?manuf=1&prod_number=QE100. You can actually buy a spare coupler from instep.net should you switch the trailer from two bikes (which is what we do..).
We bought it from Target two years ago, and I see they still offer it for less than a $100.00 (http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/602-5914175-5585448?asin=B00006JHVN), unfortunatly, they are out of stock but maybe check your local store, or another retailer. (check instep.net for list of resellers). Good luck.

[VINCENT228]

I purchased a Instep Prowler on E-BAY for $50.00.
It was in excellent condition and for another $15.00 for shipping it was well worth the purchase. Check out e-bay for some great buys!

[geoduck]

I, too, have a toddler (with another on the way) and am looking to buy a trailer. In the meantime, I have borrowed a Burley from a friend and I have to say, it's badass. This model is about 10 years old, and while the nylon is faded and worn, it is still tight to the frame, and the frame itself is in perfect shape. My buddy is an avid cyclist (much more so than me) and used it daily for 2-3 years, so I think it's safe to say that these things are worth the steep retail price new, and are probably a great bargain used. I've seen used models from $150-$350, so I know they're out there, being sold by folks who bought one, used it a handful of times, and now are getting rid of it to make space or whatever.

The hitch on this old Burley is awesome, with no give or apparent looseness, and yet it doesn't bind or fight the motion of the bike at all. My only gripe is the harness is relatively primitive; this isn't the case on the new models, which have very adjustable 5-point harness restraints.

IMO, the Burley appears to be the gold standard in trailers. Like most things in life, you get what you pay for.

[Portis]

IMO, the Burley appears to be the gold standard in trailers. Like most things in life, you get what you pay for.

Agreed, but it isn't always wise to go for the "gold standard". I don't expect to use our trailer much except for some leisurely strolls around town. My youngest is almost 3 and soon I will have no reason for a trailer.

So I think sometimes there is a place for the Bronze standard. :D I looked at the InSteps at Target and will probably pick one up. They look good enough for my needs and I am not concerned about the trailer's safety. These products are a regulated consumer safety product and I will consider them safe.

[geoduck]

Agreed, but it isn't always wise to go for the "gold standard". I don't expect to use our trailer much except for some leisurely strolls around town. My youngest is almost 3 and soon I will have no reason for a trailer.

So I think sometimes there is a place for the Bronze standard. :D I looked at the InSteps at Target and will probably pick one up. They look good enough for my needs and I am not concerned about the trailer's safety. These products are a regulated consumer safety product and I will consider them safe.

Well-stated. Enjoy the trailer, and post back in a few weeks and give us your impressions.

[DieselDan]

Don't just think a trailer can be used for the kids or leasuily strolls around town. One can be very handy if you ever find yourself without a car and need to get groceries.