bikersteve
03-26-05, 09:49 PM
Hi i was wondering if anybody had any ideas on how to build a trailer to pull behind your bike and how to connect it any help would be appreciated thanks.
General Cycling Discussion - building a trailer
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DCCommuter
03-26-05, 10:56 PM
I'm sure you can buy a used trailer for less than it would cost to build one, but here goes:
You want to attach it so that the pivot point is over the rear tire contact patch, as low as possible. Normally this means attaching to the rear skewer or the rear triangle. You want the attachment to move in three dimensions, so the bike can go up-down, left-right, and lean independently of the trailer. You want to have a safety strap so that if your hitch fails you don't lose the trailer.
Wike and the Burley "Alternative" hitch are a similar design -- a u-shaped piece of aluminum. The bottom of the "U" has a hole drilled in it, and the skewer goes through it. The sides of the "U" have holes, the hitch goes between the sides, and a pin goes through the holes and the hitch. Look a the manufacturers' websites for details.
Wike sells a kit consisting of a hitch, 2 wheels and an axle for $65.
You want to attach it so that the pivot point is over the rear tire contact patch, as low as possible. Normally this means attaching to the rear skewer or the rear triangle. You want the attachment to move in three dimensions, so the bike can go up-down, left-right, and lean independently of the trailer. You want to have a safety strap so that if your hitch fails you don't lose the trailer.
Wike and the Burley "Alternative" hitch are a similar design -- a u-shaped piece of aluminum. The bottom of the "U" has a hole drilled in it, and the skewer goes through it. The sides of the "U" have holes, the hitch goes between the sides, and a pin goes through the holes and the hitch. Look a the manufacturers' websites for details.
Wike sells a kit consisting of a hitch, 2 wheels and an axle for $65.
SSP
03-27-05, 12:16 AM
Buy a BOB, new or used. It will be a whole lot better than anything you can build yourself, and safer too (I can't imagine going down a big hill with a home-built trailer behind the bike).
Nightshade
03-27-05, 10:18 AM
Hi i was wondering if anybody had any ideas on how to build a trailer to pull behind your bike and how to connect it any help would be appreciated thanks.
I built (and still use) this trailer out of an old OAK shipping skid and left over roofing plywood
& a wheels off a 20" kids bike over 20 years ago. It's been a huge help in the utility rides to
town to haul everything from my kids & groceries to building supplies. The total cost was
about $20 back then so I'd guess (with salvage materials) it would be a few bucks more
today.
http://www.motherearthnews.com/library/1981_July_August/Dime_on_the_Dollar_Bicycle_Trailer
BTW, this trailer has hauled in excess of 300 pounds a time or two!!!!!!!
I built (and still use) this trailer out of an old OAK shipping skid and left over roofing plywood
& a wheels off a 20" kids bike over 20 years ago. It's been a huge help in the utility rides to
town to haul everything from my kids & groceries to building supplies. The total cost was
about $20 back then so I'd guess (with salvage materials) it would be a few bucks more
today.
http://www.motherearthnews.com/library/1981_July_August/Dime_on_the_Dollar_Bicycle_Trailer
BTW, this trailer has hauled in excess of 300 pounds a time or two!!!!!!!
powers2b
03-28-05, 08:10 AM
I know a guy that builds bike trailers from used aluminum crutches.
Pretty simple design. 2 - crutches, 2 - 20" wheels, some decking and misc hardware.
Attaches to lower stay.
Enjoy
Pretty simple design. 2 - crutches, 2 - 20" wheels, some decking and misc hardware.
Attaches to lower stay.
Enjoy