Experience with Bike Trailers?

I loved my Burley when my kids were younger. It was expensive, but well worth it. They have both a single and double version. I have the double one and I used to strap the infant seat into the back. Once the kids were out of the infant seat, I'd strap them back there with their bike helmets on (they need to learn early about using the helmets and Mom and Dad should also wear helmets as an example). The double burley can hold one child up to 75 pounds or two up to 100 pounds and I used it to it's limits. It's also convertible and can be used as a stroller. We never needed a regular stoller after we got the Burley (my kids were 2.5 years apart).

Not totally related, but I would not recommend later buying the single wheel burley that you can also hook onto the back of the bike for the younger/smaller kid as you won't get alot of use out of that.

We got one from Sun and Ski Sports at Grapevine Mills Mall. Our boys were about 9 months and 3.5 years at the time. We used to go on bike rides with them every weekend. They loved it! The one we got has two 5-point harnesses in it so it's very safe. I used to ride behind my husband and the boys so that a car could not drive directly behind the trailer. It has a big safety flag on it so it's very visible. We tried to stick mainly to routes where we could ride on the sidewalk or a bike trail. As far as price ranges, when it comes to safety I say get the absolute best one you can afford. Your little ones are well worth the investment and you usually do get what you pay for. Also, check out bike shops that may have a used trailer for a better price.

Hope this helps,

M.
www.GoodHealthMadeSimple.com

We've got a Burley that seats one and it's probably 5 or 6 years old. It's held up well and is easy to use. We bought a used Trek double trailer about a year and a half ago and it's awesome. It's more expensive than the brands you can get at Walmart, etc., but the construction is definitely superior. The kids have plenty of room and the storage area holds everything we need it to (backpack/diaper bag, lunch boxes, frisbee, bottled water). You can find the Trek models used on ebay or at bike shops. I think we paid $130.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5238214
We have a trailer similar to the link above & love it!!
My 3 yr. old has been riding in it for two years now. I haven't had any problems except that now she's more talkative & doesn't like the bumps! When she was younger I would put pillows on the side of her & ride right before bedtime - it always put her to sleep.

We ride on trails so I find it very safe & always wears a helmet. I think they are the best thing because she can't keep up with us yet on her bike & my 5 yr. old wants to ride all the time. This allows us to all ride as a family.

There are pockets inside the trailer so I place a sippy cup & lots of snacks inside. Plus she takes books & toys to keep her occupied.

Always make sure both the front & back flaps are open to allow air flow through the trailer. And if you're riding in the summer stop frequently to make sure your son is getting enough water & isn't too hot. You can also buy a cheapy battery fan to place inside the trailer for extra air flow.

HAVE FUN!!!!

i have the single trek and a double burley. love them both but wish the trek had been more portable. it did not collapse so transporting it for a ride around white rock was difficult. the trek converted into a stroller also and we used it that way a lot...it just required a different wheel upfront. my friend had the double chariot, which also converted easily into a stroller and collapsed for travel but she quit using it as her twins got older (10 months) because they had to sit too close together and would hit heads.

trailers are awesome though and allow you to get a great workout while also entertaining your kiddos. have fun!

We just got ours out again, and my 10 month old and 4 year old went for a ride with dad. They LOVE it. We have never done anything beyond street riding, so I cant say much about trails, but the great thing is that if for anyreason your bike falls, the trailer stays upright. I personally find that safer than the seats on the back of a bike. I honestly dont make the kids wear helmets, as we are normally on sidewalks etc, but that is a personal choice. I say go for it, but I know we did not spend more than $100 for ours and we have had it for almost 3 years. Have fun!! ~A.~