Trailgator Bicycle Tow Bar Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)About six months ago, I was struggling with what to do about our family bike riding. My son was approaching the weight limit on the Co-Pilot taxi seat and I really wanted to get him his own bike, but knew that it would be a while until he could keep up with our neighborhood rides. I weighed the options of a tandem attachment like the WeeRide trailer, a regular tow behind trailer and the Trail Gator + bike. The WeeRide didn't seem like a good option because it is not very portable and only has one use and I have never really liked the idea of a tow behind trailer, plus my 3 year old son would soon outgrow that as well. So, I decided to go the Trail Gator + bike route.

I recently purchased the Trail Gator from Amazon and installed it on my son's Trek Jet 16 bike and I have to say that I am very impressed! I was a bit skeptical about this product given the wide array of reviews out there. It seems as though people either love it or hate it. Well, I absolutely love it. Installation was quick and easy (20 minutes or less) and once I started riding with my son, he did not want to stop. I actually had to him that Daddy was getting tired and he made me promise that we would go for another ride the next day.

After looking at various photos online, I was a bit concerned that the incline on the child's bike would be a struggle for a 3 year old to hang on and peddle, but it seems almost perfectly natural for my son. You can hardly tell that his front tire is suspended a few inches off the ground. I was also concerned after reading a few reviews that he would not be able to use his training wheels and the Trail Gator at the same time (he only started riding a few months ago and can't balance on his own yet). I had no problems whatsoever with his training wheels and turning and have since come to the conclusion that the insistence on removing training wheels is a ploy to get us to purchase the company's flip-up training wheels. Don't fall for this -- your child can still use their training wheels with the Trail Gator!

All in all, this is an excellent product that we will have fun with for years to come. Thanks to everyone for all the helpful reviews you posted! I would highly recommend this product to anyone in a similar situation!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Trailgator Bicycle Tow Bar

Product Description:
The Trailgator Bicycle Tow Bar provides a fun and interesting way to tow your rookie rider. This durable steel bar attaches to the back of your adult sized bicycle and to the front of your childs bicycle, so you can tow them right along. When attached, the Trailgator lifts your childs front tire off the ground and locks their handlebars in place to prevent them from turning. You child can choose whether or not to pedal. The Trailgator fits almost any 12in to 20in commercial childs bicycle. No tools are required for attachment! Simply attach the quick release mechanism and go! Tow your child the fun and more affordable way with the Trailgator Bicycle Tow Bar!

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BOB Yak Plus Trailer In Black (Includes Dry Sak) Review

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(More customer reviews)A friend and I each carried a BOB trailer 3,751 miles from Dallas Tx to Fairbanks Alaska over the summer of 2003.As we rode unsupported and camped along the way, we carried all our gear in our trailers.We didn't have a single problem.I personally found the BOB extremely convenient especially since there was no need to manage gear weight placement (as with panniers).It tracks like its on rails and was stable at all speeds; we reached 51 mph descending into Flaming Gorge Utah without any fear or hesitation.Bouncing over curbs and down bumpy rutted jeep roads was also a cinch.I later tried it on single track with a Mt Bike and am convinced that it would suffice (no shock necessary) for bikepacking. The only downside is a little added weight as compared to panniers.

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Product Description:
BOB Yak trailers feature a single rear wheel and narrow width for snaking through the urban jungle or even cruising singletrack. For 700c with full-wrap fenders or 29" wheel equipp

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Aosom Elite 2in1 Double Baby Bicycle Bike Trailer and Stroller - Blue Review

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(More customer reviews)I've had this Elite for two days so far. Very easy to assemble there's even a youtube video of the assembly for the Version 1 which is not that different with the Elite. The difference is the brake location which I find it much easier to use since you don't have to remove the handle when changing from stroller to trailer. The brakes are more for emergency use or parking brake since it does eat up both the main wheels threads.
Max weight on this is 100lbs. I've used it with my 6 and 2 years old kids (+70lbs total). It's still roomy for them and there's two small pouch on each side they can fit a small toy. The center of balance is more to the back which can leave to a possibility of tipping but the handle does stop any possible injuries (of course that can only happen if you don't pay attention or don't have the brake on). The plus side, it's easier to tip back when aligning or turning during walking/jogging/running activities.
Taking it down for transport seems easy enough from the looks of it. There's be probably seven easy to take out pieces to breakdown, five if you reattach the wheel guards. Fits well in my large vehicle.
Storage wise, there's more than enough room in the back to keep the front wheel and 2(up to 4, maybe) gallons of water in the back compartment. I'll keep in touch as for the durabilty and longevity of this items. Overall I'm happy and satisfied with this items. PLUS I SAVED A TON OF CASH!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Aosom Elite 2in1 Double Baby Bicycle Bike Trailer and Stroller - Blue

Product Description:
This Aosom Elite 2in1 bike trailer comes with full suspension system, which means much more comfortable and smoother rides for your loving kids, as well as for you - the shocks absorb the force of jarring bumps and jolts, rather than letting it bounce the chassis around. With our 20" wheels and suspension system, you can travel on nearly all types of terrain. It is great for parents who like biking, jogging and taking long walks. Also same as our AOSOM 2in1 trailer/stroller 2010 New version, this Aosom 2in1 Elite comes with new hand brake system with lock. You can lock the brake when your jogging stroller is not in motion. This safety feature will prevent accidental collapses. It is easier to assemble and fold down than normal version,and also have 4 Reflectors on the front and back.Features: Brand NewFrame - Lightweight and strong.Made by Steel.Made for two children, also can be used for one kid.Full suspension system makes the baby trailer much more comfortable for your kids, and let the jogging stroller to be used for all terrain.New hand lock brake system on the rear wheel, so you can lock the jogging stroller when parked.Ultra smooth-rolling 20" wheels ride easily across uneven terrain.Sling seat w/ 5-point safety harness - Extra security and comfort for passengers. Fits in the trunks and storage areas of most vehicles after folded.Converts to stroller in seconds w/out tools - Convenient - no need to carry tools (conversion kits are included). Bike Hitch/coupler is included for connecting the trailer with bike, it also fits bike with quick release wheels.2-in-1 weather canopy - Helps protect kids from sun and rain. Rear storage area - Extra room for parents to carry items.4 Reflectors on the front and back.Age limit- 18 months or older.Max Weight Limit: 100lb .Assembled Weight: 37lb.Front wheel size 12".Rear wheel size 20". Brand: AOSOM, Model: 0096RB.

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InStep Quick N EZ Bicycle Trailer (Blue/Gray) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)March 25th, 2005

I am an avid cyclist who needed to maximize my time in the saddle by including my son on my rides. I searched all the brands from Wike on down to the Schwinn's and Insteps. I am a big believer in the right equipment for the job.

Value:
This trailer, although it may not last forever, should last a long time and is well worth the money spent; $[...]at Target. Especially compared to trailers at $[...]and up. Bottom line is how much do you bike, and how frequently will you use the trailer? I used it for the second half of last season (2004) and it still looks new and has little wear. I put approximately 1000 miles on it so far. On days where my son is not with me I load it up with approx. 65lbs of weight (50lb bag of charcoal and a case of Poland Spring water)and use it as a trainer.This weight approximates two small children and it holds up just fine.

Fun Factor;
My son loves going out on rides with me. It has a small pouch/cup holder sewn on each side of the interior, great for a sippy cup and a bag of snacks. It also has a trunk of sorts in the back. A flap that has snaps all around the perimeter of the rear, big enough to put an extra change of clothes and picnic things, or sand toys if you are visiting a playground on your journey.

Safety;
It comes with a basic small reflector on the bottom left of the rear. My opinion is this is not visible enough, get yourself a blinking reflector type light, approx. $10-15 in any bike shop.Mounting it may be a bit tricky, I cut the fabric at the bottom and clamped it on to the frame.It also comes with that neon orange flag, which can be spotted a mile away. And the base colors of blue and yellow stand out pretty good too. The harness,/hinge is a spring (with a safety cable through the center of the spring) that flexes, if you lay the bike down the trailer stays upright. The spring also flexes when you are riding to absorb some of the shifting of weight when your little guys move around back there, making it more comfortable than solid connections. Pros:
1) Price, $[...], you can't beat the price/value anywhere.
2) Quite, I'm used to a bike that makes no noise, and this did not let me down.
3) Bright colored fabric, help you to be seen, along with the neon orange flag.
4) Your own personal cheering team to "Go faster Daddy", and you really can't beat that!

Cons:
1) Floor is made from same fabric as the main compartment, this might be the first failure in the unit as my son gets bigger and heavier. Some more expensive models use a plastic tray as a base.
2) Needs a better light in the rear.
3) Once you get your child one of these , you will not be able to go for a solo ride anymore without dealing with tears and pleads to go "ridin" too.One very important recommendation, after you install your hardware and hook up the trailer, do yourself and your child a favor and put something heavier than your child in the back. Then ride it for a good long ride. Do a few panic stops, brake on corners, get used to the weight back there, it is very different than what you are used to without it. Don't learn while your little Man or Lady is back there.

Be safe and ride till your legs fall off.

Dave
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
Update 09/30/05

This past season 2005 I started riding with my two and a half year old daughter as well. It is a little tight at times. My son (4.5yrs) tends to elbow her in the face. Because the bottom is made out of fabric, they have a tendancy to fall into one another at the center(like an old mattress). This is not a problem when there is only one child of course, but two is a little uncomfortable. I have purchased the newer Instep with a plastic bottom to prevent this. I wont actually use it until next season; 2006, I will post on that when I have some experience with it.

If you only have one child, or two about the same size, this still gets high marks from me.

Also, the tubes in this do not hold air indefinitely. You do need to check on the PSI once in a while, you will roll much easier if you have the right air pressure, unless of course you want that workout.

Safe riding!
Dave

Click Here to see more reviews about: InStep Quick N EZ Bicycle Trailer (Blue/Gray)

Product Description:
InStep 12-QE100 Quick N EZ Bicycle Trailer features an easily assembled canopied trailer that folds compactly to fit into small spaces. Features also include 16-inch quick-release wheels, powder-coated steel frame that holds up to 100 pounds, a weather-proof transparent canopy and roomy storage area behind the child seat. Assembled dimensions measure 54 by 31 by 31 inches and folded dimensions measures measure 32 by 26 by 5 inches.
What's in the Box?
Bicycle trailer and owner's manual.
Manufacturer's Warranty
One year limited warranty

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Adams Trail a Bike - Original Folder Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I purchased the Adams Trail-a-Bike so my 3.5 year old son and I could go riding together.I researched all the available models and liked this design the best (I'm an engineer), but could not decide on which size would be best for my son (Compact or Original).So I called the company and got REAL person that actually understood the product to answer my questions.

But I was leary of purchasing the Trail-a-Bike without any customer reviews.So I decided to purchase a Wee-Ride Co-Pilot from a local store because I could return it if there were problems (such as described by other Amazon customers).Good thing.The Wee-Ride assembly prevented the U-joint hitch from moving.I tried loosening the bolt but my good tools only made the Allen head hexagonal flats into a circle (the bolt was made of mild steel).So I returned the bike and the other one in the store had the same tight u-joint problem. So I left without a bike.

Now Chritmas to fast approaching, so I ordered the Trail-a-Bike from Seasonal Outfitters through Amazon.It was shipped super quick and arrived a day early.

I wish I had not wasted two trips (purchase and return) in buying the Wee-Ride model.The Adams Trail-a-Bike is an excellent design and well built.The hitch/u-joint and the folding mechanism are what separate this trailer bike from the others.One quick connect clamp allows the bike to fold and to ajust the seat height.Even though it is easily loosened for folding, it is very secure because the natural pull by the lead bike tries to keep the bikes straight.

The hitch has different size inserts to securely grip the lead bike's seat post without allowing the clamp to crush the seat post and make it out-of-round.The hitch is cylindrical with a square post in the center.This makes a very stable connection but one that can easily slide apart when the hitch pin is removed.The connection on the Wee-Ride required a hammer to slide the hitch apart.I can easily make the connection with one hand while holding my bike from falling over.It works so good I would suggest buying a 2nd hitch Adams Trail-A-Bike Hitch With Shims, Replacementso that two bikes can be set up to pull the child's Trail-a-Bike.

I have pulled my son about 10 miles on 3 trips.He loves it.He is very stable and the Trail-a-Bike even goes around corners well.The u-joint even allows me to take sidewalk ramps to the street while making sharp turns without a problem.He is currently too small to peddle, but he can place his feet on the peddles when the seat is at the lowest position and I have turned the handle bar as low as possible.

I only have to remember to keep my speed down to the recommended level because I can't be sure that my son might see something interesting and decide to get off without telling me.That is why he has a helmet, knee and elbow pads.

Overall this was a good purchase.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Adams Trail a Bike - Original Folder

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WeeRide LTD Kangaroo Child Bike Seat Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)[...]

Back in Spring we got him a WeeRide LTD seat. This fits between the handlebars and my seat.(There is also a non-LTD version with less padding. Both versions are sold with the mounting bar included; the separately sold bar is only for a family that wants a second one, to be able to quickly move the seat from one bicycle to another.)

It works great. But there are a large number of caveats.

First, it does not fit every bicycle. The Amazon reviews make clear that some people had to return it for this reason.

Second, I am 5'4" and it just barely fits comfortably. Anyone smaller than me would probably have problems. I did not have to change how I pedaled, or where my knees where.

Third, the 5mm hex key it comes with is so poorly machined it does not work. Anyone ordering the seat should also buy a hex key set if they do not already own one.

Fourth, my leg length allows me to normally stop the bicycle without hopping off the seat, simply pointing one foot tiptoe to rest while stopped. Anyone used to hopping off the seat when stopped would obviously have to change habits.

Fifth, my fitness level and bicycles number of gears allow me to bicycle up even the steeper hills I would ride on without standing. I never had the habit of standing while pedaling up a hill. I have not tried standing while Smiley is in his seat, but from the Amazon reviews apparently this does not work.

Sixth, the harness system is odd. Smiley can twist out of a shoulder strap, as he did in the above picture when smelling roses at the Owen Rose Garden. I assume this is intentional. If, heaven forbid, I was to crash then having the toddler firmly stuck in the seat is probably not the best option. But a wiggly child who does not follow instruction would need a different bicycle seat.

Seventh, the child can grab the handlebars. Smiley does not try this while I hold them, but if I let go of one to adjust my MP3 player or blow my nose he sometimes does. Be alert for this potential source of swerving!

Eighth, the routes I might bicycle are all on streets and paths kept clean of gravel and debris. By using a bicycle seat instead of a trailer, I am betting that my likelihood of crashing my bicycle is less than a motorist's likelihood of hitting my trailer. If I lived near gravel roads or where autumn leaves sat damp and made slipping a danger, a trailer would be the better choice.

Ninth, there is no hole in the seat large enough to pass a cable lock through. Where I live I am not worried about the seat disappearing while the bicycle is locked in front of the library or a store. In other locations this might be an issue; the seat comes off quickly and easily but is very bulky to carry around while doing errands.

Tenth, pediatricians currently recommend that babies under a year of age not use any bicycle seat or trailer. Their brains still slosh around too much for that kind of vibration to be safe.

Click Here to see more reviews about: WeeRide LTD Kangaroo Child Bike Seat

Product Description:
The ultimate in child and comfort and safety, the WeeRide LTD Kangaroo child bike seat offers all the features of WeeRide's popular Kangaroo carrier--including a unique carrying position and adjustable foot cups--but ups the ante by adding ultra-thick padding on the seat and back and a padded shoulder harness. As a result, your child will be more secure and comfortable than ever while you ride across the countryside or to the grocery store.The LTD Kangaroo is an unusual child bike seat because it doesn't sit behind the bike saddle, as with most carriers, but in front of the rider. This puts your child in a safer position, where you can easily take note if he or she is upset.
The deluxe safety harness and oversized buckle system, meanwhile, will keep your child secure while giving him or her a much better view of the road and surrounding activities. Perhaps the subtlest yet most convenient feature, however, is the enhanced weight distribution, which keeps you from wavering while navigating corners or hitting bumps. The LTD Kangaroo bike seat--the plushest carrier that WeeRide makes--carries a two-year warranty.


A deluxe safety harness and oversized buckle system will keep your child secure.Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the age and weight limits for passengers of the Kangaroo child carrier?
A: The recommended limit is 4 years old and 40 pounds.
Q: What is the minimum age for passengers?
A: The child should be able to support his or her own head with the added weight of a helmet, usually one years old. Please consult your pediatrician.
Q: What is the maximum height for passengers?
A: This is also dependent upon the height of the adult piloting the bicycle, obviously the rider needs to see over and reach around the passenger. A good way to judge the height of the passenger is to sit him or her on a bench and have the adult sit directly behind them. If the adult can see over and reach around the child, you should be fine on the bike.
Q: Will I have to alter my cycling position or pedal stroke when using the child carrier?
A: Yes, but the alteration is minimal. It's not a tremendous alteration of your cycling, but you will have to pedal with your knees slightly more apart than usual to avoid hitting the seat. For the short recreational trips you are taking with your child, this will be a very minor inconvenience in comparison to the quality time spent with them. If you are going for a long training ride you wouldn't want to subject your child to that, so the seat is easily removed for those rides.
Q: Will the child carrier fit my bike?
A: Wee Ride carriers will fit most bicycles: mountain, hybrid, cruiser, men's, or women's bikes. It will not fit to road bikes with drop style handlebars (rider is too hunched over) and downhill/freeride bikes (DH forks have legs that go up almost to the handlebars and the WeeRide mounting bar will restrict steering).
Q: What if I want to switch the carrier between two different bicycles?
A: An additional mounting bar is available separately. You can mount it to the other bike and switch the carrier at will.

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Instep Sierra Bicycle Trailer Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Purchased this trailer after reviewing tons of them on Amazon and Google.Like the other reviewer posted purchased and received the product fast.This was amazing especially since it was a week and a 1/2 before Christmas.The product was easy to install.Was able to get the seat adjusted for my daughters weight and she has plenty of room sitting in the center.There is room for some groceries or such in the back behind the seat.She has plenty of clearance in the seat with a helmet and plenty of room to grow.Ride your bike without anyone in it at first.This will help you to get used to the added weight behind you.Especially with braking and the distance you need.I ride far to the right so adding about another foot or two is going to take some getting used to.I would highly recommend this trailer.I looked at the 3 and 400 dollar trailers and honestly do not see where the price difference comes from.This is easy to pull and looking forward to a great time with my daughter.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Instep Sierra Bicycle Trailer

Product Description:
Are you an active, busy parent who appreciates quality? Well then this is the bicycle trailer for you! The Sierra Bicycle Trailer is perfect for the bicycle enthusiast who wants a safe and comfortable way for their little one to join them on their bike ri

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