Living Car Free - Interesting trailer prototype

Hey, take a look at this "fold-out" trailer. LINK (http://www.jamesdysonaward.org/Projects/Project.aspx?ID=665)

What do you think?

It looks a little flimsy to me; the sides are held together with velcro. It's a great idea, though. I wonder if I could fit one of those on my folding bike?

At ten pounds I doubt that I would be willing to tow it around on my rear rack "just in case" I decide to stop off at the beer store on my way home from work. Panniers can carry just as much and are much more flexible to use. If I did need to make a big run for something like 5 huge cases of beer then I would just attach a real trailer at home. A lot of regular trailers are significantly lighter and attaching them is easier than what it looked like you had to do with the fold out trailer.

Its a great idea but I think its got some problems and competition.

It looks very clever. It does look flimsy, but if it truly can hold 45kg it must be pretty strong. Of course, that case of beer would have fit on my front rack without much trouble, though that trailer could also carry larger items than my rack is capable of. I probably would have just gotten several smaller cases of beer and loaded up the panniers.

It does look clever but 45 kg. I wonder. BOB trailers have changed over time and so should this design, give it time.

"overkill", but I am seriously considering shrinking this trailer for the 'aero' look to match my trike -
http://www.gizmag.com/retro-caravan-design/12207/?utm_source=Gizmag+Subscribers&utm_campaign=96124253ec-UA-2235360-4&utm_medium=email

I like the idea but it should come with a large bag because it's too small for grocery shopping. In fact, it looks only practical for carrying large quantities of beer! What if you don't dring beer? LOL!

With a large bag, you can stuff it with groceries and carry it along providing there's a way to secure it. Good idea anyway.

I looked at the video. If I had one I would want it without the fabric sides, the rails that support the fabric and a couple of bungees would do just fine. O would want to compare it to the weight of my Wald baskets.

I see that one still needs a rear rack to use this, so no weight savings will be found there. I just do not see the advantage, for me, over the current folding baskets and a couple of bungees.

If I frequently found myself saying, "wow, I wish I had brought my trailer." then this might be useful. Possibly if a person were into hitting yard sales.

It looks interesting, innovative (which I like to see), and useful for some people. However, I do not see myself buying one.

I suspect the OP is probably involved in this inventive idea and is looking for acceptance on these forums. I'll say this, it has potential but they're going to have to expand it's use other than a trailer for 20 somthings looking to carry a six pack home. They need to find a way in which this can carry books, groceries, tools etc. I want to know how much weight the trailer can hold and how fast you can remove it instead of having it attached 24/7. They need to make it attractive for everyone including women, bike commuters, tourers, etc.

Not a new idea. There was one very similar to this one being produced in the UK 15-20 years ago called the ExCargo. I have one. Never got around to mounting on a bike, bought it on clearance sale somewhere.

Aaron:)

I suspect the OP is probably involved in this inventive idea and is looking for acceptance on these forums.

No...I have nothing to do with it. :)

Just thought it looked like a cool idea for utility cyclists like me...

Not a new idea.

True. I am sure that this has been done too-
most cities have golf courses. Golf courses have caddies. My Caddy-lack:

Here's a home-built trailer (http://www.zefuture.com/gallery/v/brew/goldenbeet/trailer.jpg.html) made by my son and his friends. Looks pretty strong to me, although I haven't seen it in person.

Seems like more trouble than its worth. Use a rack and a set of panniers, just carry a few bungee cords with you. I've ferried cases of beer about that size on the top of the rack with another $80ish of groceries in the panniers. The panniers don't add 10lbs when unloaded either.