Utility Cycling - Trailers: Wike,Croozer or Nomad

Hi again,

I apologize in advance for having so many questions but hopefully someday I will be able to help someone too:)

I think we may forgo the Walds as I want something more removable (unless until I get another bike to dedicate to more utilitarian duties) so now we're looking at trailers.

Because space is premium in our small apartment I want something that folds down quickly with ease but will perform well too.

So far I've been researching online at the Wikes,Croozers and Nomads. I do like that the Wikes are made in Canada but I'm not letting that be my only guideline in buying.

If you could have just one of the three which you would buy,why and why not the other two.

Thanks in advance for helping this newbie.


P.S. We'll be using the trailer for grocery runs, taking cans to the recycling depot and eventually some touring.

Whooops!! Scratch out the Nomad as I cant seem to find it here in Edmonton. I can find the Croozer Cargo though and I can mail order the Wike Cargo

I picked up the Croozer Cargo myself, but I am not really sure that I can recommend it as it stands.

My first use with it, was taking my propane tank to be refilled. Of course, in the manual they say to place the load over the axles, but there is no real way to secure a large, round object over the rear axles, there's no where to tie anything off to. So, I rolled it to the front, and crossed a pair of bungie cords around it to the front 4 corners. Rode pretty well with the badly distributed weight.

Problem was, when I got home, I noticed that the front of the plastic floor is riveted on without any washers, and that the floor had started to stretch/tear around one river, and dig into the another.

I sent an email off to Croozer themselves, detailing this, and offering suggestions, to which their CSR said that she forwarded to their R&D department.
Take it for what you will, but I am starting to think about cutting down some 1/4" aluminum plate and bolting it in place of the plastic floor, and adding some D-rings to the bottom side rails.

I picked up the Croozer Cargo myself, but I am not really sure that I can recommend it as it stands.

My first use with it, was taking my propane tank to be refilled. Of course, in the manual they say to place the load over the axles, but there is no real way to secure a large, round object over the rear axles, there's no where to tie anything off to. So, I rolled it to the front, and crossed a pair of bungie cords around it to the front 4 corners. Rode pretty well with the badly distributed weight.

Problem was, when I got home, I noticed that the front of the plastic floor is riveted on without any washers, and that the floor had started to stretch/tear around one river, and dig into the another.

I sent an email off to Croozer themselves, detailing this, and offering suggestions, to which their CSR said that she forwarded to their R&D department.
Take it for what you will, but I am starting to think about cutting down some 1/4" aluminum plate and bolting it in place of the plastic floor, and adding some D-rings to the bottom side rails.


Thanks for your review. I am actually thinking it may be worth it to order in the nomad from the States as it seems to have a better weight capacity.

Still would like a wike and a nomad review from anyone:D

You can order a Nomad through biketrailershop (http://www.biketrailershop.com/catalog/500-burley-nomad-wsetup-options-p-151.html). It's great for grocery shopping, and I used it on a tour recently - it worked well. I'd go for a BOB if I were getting the trailer only for touring. Weight/ capacity is good, 15 pounds/100 # capacity.

The Croozer (http://www.biketrailershop.com/catalog/578-croozer-cargo-p-199.html) is inexpensive but heavier - 25 pounds - and has a capacity of 66 pounds.

The Wike (http://www.wicycle.com/cargo_shopper_bicycle_trailer.php) looks very, very nice. Weight and capacity are similar to the Nomad - 15 pounds, 100 pounds capacity. I ended up getting the Nomad because it's slightly cheaper, but it was a close thing - that swivel handle that turns it into a grocery cart is sweet! The third wheel probably adds a little drag, though. Anyone take one of these on a tour or long ride?

Still would like a wike and a nomad review from anyone:D

Sure!

The Nomad handles well for grocery shopping, no problems there. I don't even notice the weight when empty. Touring is a little different. It handles a load well on flat ground, and climbing is actually easier than it is with an equivelant load in panniers.

The floor is canvas, and held up surprisingly well to the ~50 pound load over 5 days. Time will tell how it holds up in the long term - I use the trailer for a good amount of grocery shopping, but that takes an hour or two at most.

The wheels and hitch can be removed and reattached from the trailer with a minimum of fuss. The whole thing fits easily in the back seat of our car, although it's easier to maneuver it in with the wheels off.

The trailer cover attaches with stretchy rubber hoops, and I suspect that'll be the first part of the trailer to need replacing. (~$40US)

[QUOTE=neilfein;9370930]You can order a Nomad through biketrailershop (http://www.biketrailershop.com/catalog/500-burley-nomad-wsetup-options-p-151.html). It's great for grocery shopping, and I used it on a tour recently - it worked well. I'd go for a BOB if I were getting the trailer only for touring. Weight/ capacity is good, 15 pounds/100 # capacity.

The Croozer (http://www.biketrailershop.com/catalog/578-croozer-cargo-p-199.html) is inexpensive but heavier - 25 pounds - and has a capacity of 66 pounds.

The Wike (http://www.wicycle.com/cargo_shopper_bicycle_trailer.php) looks very, very nice. Weight and capacity are similar to the Nomad - 15 pounds, 100 pounds capacity. I ended up getting the Nomad because it's slightly cheaper, but it was a close thing - that swivel handle that turns it into a grocery cart is sweet! The third wheel probably adds a little drag, though. Anyone take one of these on a tour or long ride?[/QUOTE

What a coincidence~~I was just looking at that site and it doesn't seem much to ship a nomad up here though I'm not looking forward to the currency exchange on the nomad itself.

I do like the fact that the nomad is more of the vision I had in a trailer than the flat bed of the wike. The croozer seems nice too but has drawbacks in what I've been reading (lack of anywhere to use bungee cords for securing items)

Sure!

The Nomad handles well for grocery shopping, no problems there. I don't even notice the weight when empty. Touring is a little different. It handles a load well on flat ground, and climbing is actually easier than it is with an equivelant load in panniers.

The floor is canvas, and held up surprisingly well to the ~50 pound load over 5 days. Time will tell how it holds up in the long term - I use the trailer for a good amount of grocery shopping, but that takes an hour or two at most.

The wheels and hitch can be removed and reattached from the trailer with a minimum of fuss. The whole thing fits easily in the back seat of our car, although it's easier to maneuver it in with the wheels off.

The trailer cover attaches with stretchy rubber hoops, and I suspect that'll be the first part of the trailer to need replacing. (~$40US)


Thank you!! that really help:)

Does it fold down for storage nicely?

Does it fold down for storage nicely?

You can take it apart without tools, but it's kind of bulky - the floor is one piece that doesn't break down. (On the other hand, the floor seems pretty sturdy.) It takes around 5 minutes to break down or put together.

You can take it apart without tools, but it's kind of bulky - the floor is one piece that doesn't break down. (On the other hand, the floor seems pretty sturdy.) It takes around 5 minutes to break down or put together.

Thanks again:) I think I'm pretty much sold on the nomad. the bottom I'm sure we can always slide under the bed when not in use.


Cant wait to order it now!