Recreational & Family - Burley D'Lite questions/ carbon frame attachment

Just picked one up used at a fantastic price, it's roughly 2 years old and i'm wanting to attach to my new Tarmac comp. The trailer has the triangular hitch mount and I could order the skewer mount if that's the preferred method. I have heard pros and cons on mounting to a carbon frame while aluminum or steel would be the preferred frame.

The hitch isn't a clamp-style which is what some LBS were telling me to beware of when mounting to carbon and that the skewer mount is "safer" for the frame.

I received about the same negative answers as positive and the ones who told me it's allright to pull with an all carbon frame have been doing do for a few years with no probs.

What's the general consensus on this, i'm pretty safe, have enough common sense to not wrap the trailer tire around a stop sign but I know things can happen.

Also, what part do I need to order to replace the plastic triangle hitch for the skewer?

Any thoughts/criticism appreciated.

I'd think the clamp style is ok for a carbon frame as long as you're gentle and don't have a wreck. The loads on the hitch are very small under normal usage.

However, if you were to have a minor accident, a skewer hitch could make a big difference.

There's another reason to get the skewer mount. I hate the clamp style because my heel hits it when pedaling, and the clamp style takes more time to take on and off.

I made my own hub hitch with some 1" steel square tubing. It's similar to the forged hitch that Burley makes.

If I'm not mistaken , all you need is this

http://www.rei.com/product/781177

or this

http://www.rei.com/product/671711

I have the "Burley Alternative Trailer Hitch" because when i bought my Scott Aluminum Mt. Bike last year i couldnt use the triangle one due to the frame tubing size.

I think the $40 would be well spent going this route. It will give you some piece of mind and is much easier to connect up in my opinion than the original.

I also think the alternative hitch is the better choice. I only eyeballed the burley skewer mount and the frame of the tarmac tends to bow outwards where the frame rails join the axle mount....the hookup will be a close fit since the hitch mount is flat but seems there is enough room on the flat area of the bike to allow for this.

You need more than one bike.

I have a Burley D'Lite and a carbon Trek - they were not a good mix.

I would never want to clamp anything to a carbon frame and the skewer hitch caused a noticeable flex in the rear triangle. You may have a better experience, but it was a rough go with the Trek.

I opted to pull it with an aluminum cross bike instead. Much better for me.

I would recommend the skewer hitch (alternative hitch), based on my experience.

You need more than one bike.

I had the same thought! I've hitched the Burley to my folder, leaving the carbon bike for other things. :)

Repeat after me:

DO NOT CLAMP ANYTHING TO A CARBON FRAME!