ilovetheewind

OK, I got tired of missing my training rides because my wife works late, so I bought a trailer from target. (Schwinn). Now I can pull my kid behind me and still get a ride in (added bonus, the hills are REAL workouts now)

I'm pulling around 50 pounds on a decent bike and worry that I might damage my frame. Is it safe to pull a trailer with a lightweight bike? The trailer holder is attached to my frame with the rear wheel skewer.

Anyone else using one?

Side note: My rain bike is out of commision temporarily and I never intended to attach the trailer to my primary bike. I figured, what the hell.

jetbike

I pull a trailer with my Surly LHT. Wouldn't be game with a lightweight on a lightweight bike.

125psi

Hmmmmm I'd fix your rain bike

tuxbailey

This hurts just by reading.

Pilsley

The title of your thread suggests your priorities need adjusting.

Try this "My Seven is wicked for pulling the kids trailer."

helmut

I can't see this being an issue.

rollin

The frame shouldn't have an issue.

Braking on a road bike going downhill with a 50lb trailer might be an issue.

v70cat

I agree the frame is strong and as long as you don't scratch-up the bike at mount you should be fine.
Bike are to be used not viewed.

Chris_F

If your Schwinn trailer is like mine it mounts right to the rear axle. The frame never sees any additional load at all. Most of the trailer's weight goes through its own wheels so your bike will barely notice any difference. That said, you'll need to put a lot more torque down at lower gearings and this can stress your rear wheel more but I'd only worry about it if you think your wheels are marginal and fragile right now.

Remember that braking performance is going to suck big time. On my mountain bike with disk brakes it's not a problem, but I'm kinda scared to think about what would happen on my road bike downhill.

Pedaleur

Other than slightly increased wear on disposable rubber parts (brake pads, tires), I wouldn't even think about it. I pulled my daughter from my older Lemond many times, without any issues other than stopping distance.

v70cat

I just would not build-up much speed for safety and braking.

ilovetheewind

Yep, mounts on the rear axle (skewer). The trailer has a spring that attaches the arm and allows ,much movement. Not bad at all for the price I paid. Thanks for the response. My rain bike is fixed now, but I'll toss the trailer on my Seven from time to time. I think your right, it will be fine.

To the guy that says I need to get my priorities straight. Here is how I look at it.

1. Top Priority, Spend quality time with family. My kid had a blast !
2. Priority two. Ride and stay healthy so I will live longer and be healthy.....(this allows me to do priority 1 for many more years)

Good priorities?

Phantoj

I think that was intended as humor, but I didn't get it either.

Chris_F

BTW, when the shoulder is soft remember to leave a little extra room on your right because the trailer is wider than bike width. With practice you'll grow a sense of where the trailer's wheels are.