[trinigen]

I am just wondering what the avdvantages are of a triler vs. a child seat? I was looking at the Rhode Gear Limo seat until someone mentioned the Burley Bee trailer to me today. I live in RI near the bech so we would like to ride there and on the local bike paths. The only way to get there is on a road that has a fair amount of traffic but extremely wide shoulders. I worry with a trailer in traffic being low profile and all. But I also worry about taking a fall with him (19 months old) on the back as well as the awkwardness of having an extra 28 pounds behind my seat. Also, is the trailer something that is easy to switch from my bike to my wifes bike? Any help would be much appreciated.

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[Paul L.]

Trailers are easy to switch. I myself try to find back roads to ride down when I have my kids in the trailer as the highways do make me nervous, although it is arguable that you are actually more visible with a trailer as it is not something drivers are expecting. I personally wouldn't use anything but a trailer. The kids can bring toys with a trailer and you don't have to worry about them throwing the toys into the spokes.

[geoduck]

I am just wondering what the avdvantages are of a triler vs. a child seat? I was looking at the Rhode Gear Limo seat until someone mentioned the Burley Bee trailer to me today. I live in RI near the bech so we would like to ride there and on the local bike paths. The only way to get there is on a road that has a fair amount of traffic but extremely wide shoulders. I worry with a trailer in traffic being low profile and all. But I also worry about taking a fall with him (19 months old) on the back as well as the awkwardness of having an extra 28 pounds behind my seat. Also, is the trailer something that is easy to switch from my bike to my wifes bike? Any help would be much appreciated.

This has been covered extensively...if you do a search on 'Burley' or 'trailer', you'll get to the gold.

I'm a trailer guy all the way, for the reasons you've mentioned (potential awkwardness, fall height, flexibility, etc.). Our Burley is 10+ years old, and still in great shape, except for wear and tear on the fabric.

Their linkage system is very slick, and hasn't changed much (if at all) in 10+ years. It is essentially a cam system that tightens up to form a wedge inside the rear triangle of the bike. There is no permanent hardware left on the frame, and it connects/disconnects in seconds.

The only potential problem might be with either a disc brake on the back, or if you have a full suspension bike with some funky geometry (not unheard of, I know) that completely does away with a rear triangle.

[caloso]

This has been covered extensively...if you do a search on 'Burley' or 'trailer', you'll get to the gold.



Check this thread: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=57779&highlight=trailer

BTW: When REI has its fall sale I'll be purchasing the Cougar Chariot to cart around the Wonder Twins. A bit spendy, but enthusiastically recommended by every owner I've met.

[Michel Gagnon]

Search the Recreational & Family forum, as there are many variants of the same subject.

Bike seat : Fewer advantages

- cheaper
- less sturdy, even if you take the best (incl. Rhode Gear Limo)
- limited carrying capacity; you almost nead a front lowrider and front panniers to pack stuff
- a bit hard to mount the kid on the bike and keep the bike upright
- less resistance in wind
- bumps are hard; the child can't lift up his rear end
- might work a bit better if you like to zigzag through heavy downtown traffic like a bike messenger (not recommended IMHO).


Trailer: Overall better, I think
- More stable
- Allows more carrying capacity, so you still have your rear rack for tools and mundane supplies, lunch, etc.
- Kid may have their toys (mine enjoyed the scenery instead);
- Easy to pack the kid in and out
- Less bumpy ride, as potholes' effect is split between both wheels. On mine, I added a 5" thick foam under the cloth seat, which added comfort; Some trailers have a suspension
- Two-children trailers are a bit wider, which is not a problem on roads but a definite problem on some trails.
- Trailers are/can be a drag, especially when confronted with a headwind. Some trailers (recent Burley and Chariot, amongst others) have a meshed seat, which is cooler for the kid and offers much less resistance when the trailer is childless.
- Contrary to what many think, trailers are quite visible in traffic, because drivers' attention is grabbed by their unusual shape.
- If you think it's challenging to add taillights to a loaded bicycle, it's worst with a trailer. I sewed a row of red and a row of amber automotive reflectors to the rear of the trailer and had to add a few collars to rig up a mast to attach taillights.
- A trailer with 2 kids is warm in Winter. Digging three tracks in snow is a decent workout!

[trinigen]

Thanks to everyone for your help and suggestions. I took my son out and we picked up the Burley Bee and a helmet this weekend. My wife and I love the trailer and so does he. He fusses a bit when he gets in but once he gets moving he loves it. Thanks again for everything.