Recreational & Family - Types of child trailer hitches

Hi,
I have a 1.5 year old son and I'd like to buy a trailer to pull him behind my bike. Just starting my research now.

I currently have a full suspension mountain bike and a "somewhat" high end road bike. I don't have enough space in my garage for the trailer and a dedicated bike for the trailer. I suspect I'd use the mountain bike and pull him mostly on neighborhood streets and bike paths.

I really don't want to install anything permanent on either of my bikes (or my wife's bikes) to be able to attach the trailer.

What are the different types of hitch mounts?
Do they make any that don't require permanent hardware on the bike?
Any recommendations?

Thank you.

Chariot carriers use their Ez-Hitch which makes it incredibly easy to attach the trailer to any bike outfitted with it within seconds. We store our Chariot separate from our bikes, three of which have the EZ Hitch installed. You can see more here (http://www.chariotcarriers.com/english/html/chariot_innovations.php?inoID=13)

Thanks Kat. Is Chariot the only company that has a system like that? Or are most of them like that? (Chariots look great, but they're a bit out of my price range for a double....only 1 kiddo now but I don't want to buy another when #2 comes along).

Thank you.

I bought a Burley. There's one piece that hooks up to the rear wheel using the existing quick release, and the trailer is attached that, no tools needed. I actually left the piece on there, it doesn't bother anything when the trailer's not connected. I believe most use the attachment to the rear wheel, but I have seen some that attach to the seat post.

Yes, Burley is expensive, but I plan on selling it for half retail in a couple years.

Thanks Kat. Is Chariot the only company that has a system like that? Or are most of them like that? (Chariots look great, but they're a bit out of my price range for a double....only 1 kiddo now but I don't want to buy another when #2 comes along). Thank you.

I totally understand. Sticker shock can be a bit daunting. Burleys have a quick release as well, but I don't have one so can't speak to its ease of use. If you are family planning in advance, perhaps you will only need the single carrier? When this little guy moves out and on to a trail-a-bike, making room for #2? Both Burleys and Chariots do have excellent resale value, so if possible, try to look further down the road. Also, I know of someone who got one at a REI Chariot-specific sale which helped bring the price to an attainable level. We bought ours at the REI 20% sale and benefitted from the member dividends that were applied. You can also search Craigslist for a used one. We have used ours 12 months out of the year for almost 2.5 years. It may be a bit dirty but no wear and tear on it yet.

We bit the bullet with the Chariot. Love love to cycle and didn't want to feel like we shouldn't/couldn't just because there was a small child we were fully responsible for. I should add that I also love to snowshoe and xc ski in the winter so I bought the Chariot ski attachment which totally rocks. But the way I look at it.... the Chariot saves me money in these ways:
1. I dont' have to pay for a gym membership
2. My physical health benefits.
3. My mental health benefits. And lets face it .. a happy momma is a much better momma. :)
4. I'm teaching by showing my child what a healthy lifestyle can include.
5. My child is safe and comfortable and nearby while I work out. How awesome is that?

Thanks Kat. Your post was very insightful. I noticed today that my neighbor has a Chariot Cougar 2 and asked him to show me. He HIGHLY recommended Chariot, and suggested that the he'd get the single if he had to do it again.

We've been searching craigslist and I found a 2005 with the bike and jogger attachments for $300. That seems like a reasonable price, but I'm really not sure what the differences are between the 2005 and a newer model. Any idea? Perhaps this question should be in another thread.

Thanks again!!