Ozonation

I'm planning on getting a child trailer when biking. Although we only have one child, I'd like to get a two child model for the future (maybe!) and just for some extra room. I've more or less settled on the Burley D'Lite or the WIKE Softie. I can find a lot of reviews on the Burley, but very few on the WIKE trailers. Actually, a lot of the reviews or opinions I did find are a bit outdated. One or two reviews seem to prefer the WIKE over the Burley, but those are older reviews. A lot of people seem to rave about the Burley.

Safety is my primary concern. Burley really, really emphasizes the safety aspects of their trailers... bowed out side beams, roll cage aspects, tested to levels higher than ASTM, customer testimonials, etc. WIKE looks pretty good - perhaps not quite as robust - but then again, I'm not sure how accurate Burley's claims are.

The Burley looks a little wider, but the WIKE seems taller - maybe better as the kid gets a bit taller? The WIKE folds really compact. So does the latest Burley, but the Burley seems a bit more involved to fold down.

The Burley looks a little sleeker, but I suspect I won't care after the first rain fall/ride through mud.

Using the trailer as a stroller is a plus, but not my primary motivation. So long as the stroller kits work relatively painlessly, I'm good with that.

I'm in Ontario, Canada so WIKE is not too far away if I need to request replacement parts or get servicing done. I'd have to go through distributors for Burley.

There are some used Burley D'Lites for sale (mostly in neighbouring Michigan), but they're older models going back 10 to 20 years or so. Not sure how easily it will be to fix or replace parts that are worn, and some models don't look that they fold down too easily.

Finally, I have a few bikes - Brompton folding, regular road bike, fat bike - so if the trailer hitch attachment options are flexible, that would be a plus too.

Any opinions much appreciated. Thanks.

fietsbob

See reply in folding bike section, where you asked about using the Brompton .. left axle end is where the hitch goes.

Tim199

I only have experience with the Chariot myself and have a friend that has a Burley. The Wike looks like a decent option. I think you're right about it being taller. They mention that in their materials too.

I wouldn't overdo the safety aspect of the decision. Simple physics says in any vehicle vs trailer collision the trailer will lose, no matter how well designed the roll cages. Other than that I can't think of any differences in safety between any of the well made bike trailers. Burley is just selling to worried parents there.

The thing I found I really liked about the chariot is the integrated screen and rain shields. Basically you choose whether you want one or both and roll up and store the one you don't want. The rain shield is good not only to keep the kids dry in the rain, but I can take them out in much colder weather than I otherwise could have because it blocks the wind well.

The rain shield on the Burley works a little different, but basically the same I think. It doesn't look like the Wike has the same integrated rain shield. If you want a Burley or Chariot, hold out for one of the more recent models to become available. They typically sell quickly so that may be why you don't see as many listed. You'd have to have an alert set up or check daily to get one.

For the trailer hitches if you want them on multiple bikes, you'd have to order extra of the cup or U parts that go on the bike.

Alfster 

My wife and I lived close to Guelph when we bought our WIKE trailer. We use it for 2 dogs rather than kids, but it's basically the same trailer. I have not compared it to a Burley trailer, so no help there. My comments are basically already covered in your first post. Easy to fold up and put away. Good quality construction. No problems to date with it.

Ozonation

Thanks... helpful to know.

snow_echo_NY

i also use a chariot carriers CX1 before they were bought out by Thule. we've used it for 3 years and counting. i've crashed with it once, while slowly making not-enough-wide turn with it and going up a curb with it. i ended up falling off the bike and the trailer tipped over. the 5 point harness was great for keeping her in and secure. mostly we were both rattled.

i like it for the reasons the above commenter said he liked his. they make a 2 in one trailer as well.

best of luck choosing between the two models you're looking at! is there any way you can rent them and test them out before committing? is there a local cycle club with families where people might have them and bring them to a ride?