Does pulling a trailer destroy a bike?
 

Hello, A (racing) friend of mine saw me pulling my two children (total weight about 80 pounds) in my bike trailer. She said it's very bad for my bike. Does it kill the bottom bracket, chain, freewheel etc? I know it wears brake pads faster, but that's normal.

Thanks,
Chris

I would imagine that the increased weight might accelerate wear on the drivetrain or stress the frame somewhat, depending on where the trailer is attached, but to what extent I couldn't say.

Are frame and component manufacturers voiding warranties on bikes used to pull trailers?

Bah! Some cycle tourists pull trailers for thousands of miles. Maybe stuff will wear quicker, but so what? At least you are out there riding and enjoying it, and I bet your kids enjoy it too. Wearing down parts from heavy use is preferable to having a bike that is in perfect condition because it never gets ridden. Just keep the bike properly maintained and you should be fine.

I suppose it would be harder on all of those things that you mentioned than riding your bike by yourself but so what? I doubt it would put as much stress on the drive components as tandem riders produce. Besides, the reason why you bought your bike was to make youself happy so use it any way that you want - including pulling a heavily loaded child trailer. Bikes that never get ridden last indefinitely, but they don't contribute to their owner's happiness.

Mate, Look at any third world country where bicycles are THE
main means of transport and you'll find trailers in abundance. If the trailer load were a porblem they'd still
be using ox carts.

I've used a trailer off and on with my 10 year old Cannondale T700, sometimes pulling loads as heavy as 200 pounds, and have had no abnormal wear.

Paul

Thank you all so much for your support! You're right! Who cares?? To hear laughter and giggles and see blond hair and smiles is worth more than even Lance's bike!