We recommend the Burley Bee if you're hunting for a high-quality trailer that is light on your legs and your wallet. This is noteworthy though because most other multi-sport trailers have a jogging kit with a handbrake. Whats included with the Thule Courier 2022? Also a top performer in this area is the Schwinn Echo. Their baby products like theThule Urban Glide 2 strollerimmediately catapulted its way to the top of the Best Jogging Stroller Lists everywhere. The weeGo is a little tippy and unstable for kids to get into, but they can find firm footing once inside. How can we improve GearLab? The trailer isn't entirely watertight, so if rain doesn't spoil your biking plans or you live in a climate with lots of cold, wet weather, you may want to look into a trailer with total rain protection. This makes it a pretty challenging trailer to tow uphill, even when there's nothing in it. This feature is especially useful on the long training rides of the endurance athlete, but it's pretty great for snooze cruises around the block, too. Canine tester Banner could stretch out in the Hamax Outback because its seat backs unclip from the trailer frame to lie flat, opening up a range of cargo hauling possibilities. For its stellar performance at a price point toward the low-end top-performing products, the Burley D'Lite X is our top recommendation. We found these cargo alternatives to be a mixed bag. Since it's only secured by Velcro, a squirmy passenger can easily poke hands and feet through the front flap of the Schwinn Echo. Still, the Burley D'Lite X is our top recommendation for those in the market for a trailer that does everything well and most things best. While this review's primary focus is analyzing how each product works for towing kids, we know that most users will end up going for at least a few spins with something else back there. Purchasing the Bee gets you the quality design, ease of use, and durability that usually comes from the Burley brand but at less than half the price of the D'Lite X. The Hamax Outback has a similar tow arm with a sharp bend that makes it nimble to maneuver, though it features a less flexible hitch. The Thule Cadence 2 Double is abike trailer only(no stroller setup option), with two child seats, roll away mesh sides, moderate rear storage, and perfect for tossing in a trunk at only 22lbs. Armed with the results, we rated each trailer on its safety and versatility, factoring in the all-important kid vote. TheThule Courier 2 Double is a well designed, and exciting piece of baby gear, that every adventurous family will fall in love with! But aside from these, you can still transform it from trailer to stroller within minutes, giving you great flexibility and travel options. Unfortunately, this trailer was so heavy that towing Banner to the park was a struggle. Weve tested for that. We carefully placed the water source to mimic a heavy downpour as well as to imitate road slick spraying off the bike's back tire. The door! However, each takes a slightly different approach to the design of the entryway and footwell. But aside from these, you can still transform it from trailer to stroller within minutes, giving you great flexibility and travel options. With average setup times of just 28 seconds for the Cross and 29 seconds for the Lite, the Thule Chariots have the most user-friendly frame designs and are outstanding performers in this category. Let's face it: price matters. Like the Burley D'Lite X, the Hamax has seats that can unclip to lie flat, which allows you to tow just about anything you can think of in its roomy interior. That said, this trailer supplies steller quality and a full range of multisport options. Having a dedicated, cycle-centric lifestyle gives Joanna a keen eye and the experience to understand a bike trailer's functionality. Diono 3RXT vs the updated Diono 3RXT Safe+. No sponsored content. Compared to a jogging-specific stroller, the Cross is heavier and harder to maneuver. While our familys first love is biking, I use the Thule Chariot for running almost as often as I do for biking. And now their bike trailers (like theThule Cadence, Thule Coaster XT, and Thule Courier)are carving out a space in the baby gear world for families who spend plenty of time outdoors in a variety of activities. Biking with your kids can be all kinds of fun for the whole family, so hopefully, you'll be pulling your trailer out and using it often. Bummer.) The seat padding seems adequatemy 4-year-old said it was comfortableand it removes for easy washing. Copyright 1995-2022 eBay Inc. All Rights Reserved. We'll explain why below. Our passenger testers were "d'lited" with the D'Lite X's comfort, reclining seats, and smooth ride quality. So what didnt I like on the new design? However, they probably wouldn't stay completely dry for more than 15 minutes of seriously heavy rain. The Thule Chariot Cross is THE most expensive bike trailer that Im aware of, so in that sense it really doesnt have any direct price point comparisons. Start planning your first ride,Spring begins in less than two weeks! And, we offer free shipping on orders over $99! We towed everything we could think of, from beach gear, dogs, and camping equipment, to groceries, gardening supplies, and of course kids. The former. The Thule Chariots are standouts in this area their hitches allow for maximal rotation, and their tow arms are sharply bent, which keeps the front of the trailer close to the bike and allows for quick turns. With the seats removed, the DLite X swallows a pop-up tent, foldable chair, foldable table, sand toys, a hammock, a large cooler, PFDs for the whole family, and towels. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. Were happy to chat with you anytime at 866-600-BEAN (2326) or over email atquestions@mbeans.com. Finally, the Thule Chariot Cross (the single version in particular) has a nice tight turning radius and Ive managed to squeeze it on wider dirt trails just fine. Although most of the time spent with bike trailers is, well, biking, a bike-and-trailer rig needs to be maneuverable when walking along a sidewalk or navigating to a bike rack. With our older Chariot, weve taken it off-road, weve flipped it over, weve left it out in the rain, weve used and abused it day in and day out. Although the Outback has some great features, we have to literally weigh the negatives as well. Although we weren't evaluating strolling capabilities, testers did find it useful to have the option to convert a trailer to a stroller once they reached their destination, especially those with younger kids. Like everything we do at OutdoorGearLab, this review started with copious amounts of market research into which products were best suited for purchase and testing. Instead of carrying 50-lbs of childrenthrough a busy store,simply switch the Thule Courier 2 Double from trailer mode to stroller mode. Younger children or those who get anxious when out of sight of parents may not tolerate the sunshade. Result? Although all the trailers are marketed for two passengers, we found that each model's interior space varied significantly when we measured the seats' total width. We'll guide you through what to consider when deciding Planning to take an overnight trip by bike or just hoping Searching for a new mountain bike helmet? By contrast, riders will quickly see their legs sculpted to exquisite marble when they tow uphill with the hefty Thule Chariot Cross, which is part of the reason we named it our top choice for athletes. Finally, there are lots of visibility features on the Chariot including an orange flag, two front headlight reflectors, and rear reflectors. The Thule Chariot Cross has the best suspension of all the trailers, in my opinion, as well as the highest quality fabric and overall durability. , and theres no on-board storing location for the metal bike trailer arm when its not being used. The Thule Chariots and the Weehoo weeGo come with stroller conversion kits included, and the latest model of the Burley D'Lite X has an integrated front stroller wheel that stows when not in use. In general, the less expensive (and less tricked-out) models, like the Schwinn Echo, the Allen Sports Steel, and the InStep Take 2 are slimmer and more comfortable to slip into an unused space in the garage. The Chariots suspension is also adjustable, so you can increase the travel as your child gets heavier. The humble Schwinn Echo is a surprise winner in this category with a 23"x12" cargo area footprint. Joanna uses her home in Reno, Nevada, as a base of operations for various Sierra Nevada excursions, including trail runs, skiing, and mountain biking. And, we offer free shipping on orders over $99! It's worth noting here that while we love the Hamax Outback's convertible interior space, its weight limits how much you can haul. Its hitch and tow arm are secure, so the only time we noticed slight lurching was when standing up on the pedals to tow a heavy load uphill. It also has the sleekest look. It's low to the ground and has a firm, flat, rubberized footwell that makes it super easy and stable for even smaller tykes to climb in and out by themselves. Whichever Thule Bike Trailer you decide on, youre going to have the best in the industry and most certainly the sleekest designs available! The Chariot Lite has one big open-topped pocket made of fabric and mesh that spans the trailer's back. But casual riders and families with at least one older child will love the Thule Cadence 2 Double for its smooth performance and swift design! The Thule Chariot has the reputation that it does because of its extremely high quality. The Thule Coaster XT Double and the Thule Courier 2 Double have three important differences. Our top choice for athletes, the Thule Chariot Cross. Of course, it is pretty BIG, but would work in most placesprobably just not the airport. Thule also offers the Chariot Lite. Still, the closest competitors to the Thule Chariot Cross are the Burley DLite X and Burley Cub X, the Hamax Outback, and the Qeridoo Kidgoo. Finally, you can use the Chariot for cross-country skiing, which Ive never done, BUT we have used it behind a fat-bike for snow biking. Thule already has a huge fanbase in America. These are denoted with an *. With strategically padded seats and harnesses to prevent little bodies from getting sore or chafed, the Hamax Outback, the Thule Chariot Cross, and the Burley D'Lite X all shine in this area. The Single fits one child, the Double fits two. By clicking on them, Rascal Rides gets a small commission on any sale. The Thule Chariot Cross and its pared-down version, the Thule Chariot Lite are unmistakably on the pricier side. Read review: Hamax Outback Multi-Sport Bike Trailer. Towing these trailers over uneven terrain requires more effort and makes for a bumpier ride. The only situation where it doesn't truly excel is a sustained downpour. In the market for a new mountain bike for trail riding carefully planned how we would judge each trailer's performance, children younger than one year simply do not have the neck strength to take part in running or biking activities, the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Ample storage space, best hitch connection, most versatile, Passenger comfort, totally weather-proof, easy to use, Waterproof, simplicity of use, lots of add-ons, Lightweight, best hitch design, water-resistant, excellent value, Comfortable seats, large passenger space, adjustable interior, great safety features, Not waterproof, awkward suspension adjustment, minor component durability, Expensive, not adjustable, little storage, No passenger padding, no bottom reinforcement, lacks versatility, Extremely heavy, large and bulky to store, not water-tight, This is an all-around excellent trailer with standout safety features and unmatched versatility, making it a clear pick for our Editors' Choice award, Great for athletes, this model is impressively durable and designed to keep passengers comfortable during long rides in tough conditions, This model is a pared down version of the Chariot Cross; it has great safety features and is one of the easiest trailers to set up and tow, This nimble trailer is durable and the easiest to tow at less than half the price of many high-end trailers, This contender offers a smooth, roomy ride for passengers, but bikers will struggle to pull this heavy trailer uphill, 2-in-1 mesh and rain shield, adjustabe sun shade, Mesh, removable rain shield and sun shade, This model scored at or near the top of the pack in every metric we tested, providing unrivaled protection for passengers and outstanding versatility, Those willing to tow the weight of this model will be rewarded with an exquisitely designed trailer that can handle all terrain and weather conditions, This may be the less fancy sibling of the Chariot Cross, but it's still one of the safest and most user-friendly products we tested, The Bee is light and easy to use and delivers the durability and design quality Burley is known for at a bargain price, Kid passengers will love this well-cushioned, roomy trailer, but their parents may have a tough time pulling so much weight, The most basic trailer in the Thule line, the Cadence is lightweight and rain-resistant but doesn't provide a very cushy experience for passengers, If you're willing to spend more for value, there are better options, The Allen Sports Steel is a solid, affordable option for parents seeking an entry-level bike trailer for occasional in-town use, The Take 2 is an inexpensive option for parents who want to roll with their kids but don't want to break the bank. . It hasbuilt in weather covers, an adjustable handlebar, six reflectors,the most head room, the most cargo space, and it has on-board storage for any trailer/stroller hardware not being used. These results are an indication of how jostled our dummy baby was during testing; lower numbers are better. The Hamax Outback also offers this feature, which opens up the possibilities for what you can haul. The D'Lite X and the Outback's ability to break down the barrier between their cargo and passenger spaces means they're more likely to accommodate those needs than any other trailers we tested. The Chariot Cross has a reclining seat which is nice for nap time. Just don't forget to buy a lock to protect that investment. It's relatively light, but compact and solid, so we found it easy to tow off-road with very little feedback transferred to the bike (note that since this trailer doesn't have suspension, we don't recommend towing kids off-road in it but that shouldn't stop you from hitting the local fire road on your way to the preschool pickup). Yes, if you plan to spend a BUNCH of time using the trailer on long trips or bumpy roads. For anyone ordering the Thule, Thule Bicycle Trailer Rain Cover Coaster / Cadence. (The InStep Take 2 also used to have lie-flat seats, but it appears that they've removed this feature from their newest models. This is also smart if you're thinking ahead to potentially reselling a trailer after the kids have moved on to their own bikes. Our testing took place with appropriately aged passenger testers. Its made with the same steel and aluminum materials and engineering as all the other Thule bike trailers so youre still getting the highest quality gear. Over 9 years, we've bought and tested the best 12 bike trailers on the market side-by-side. Since the seats fold flat, canine tester Banner could stretch out for his ride to the park. Best 20 Mountain Bikes (6 to 8 years old), Best 24 Mountain Bikes (8 to 12 years old), Best Trailer-Cycles (aka Tagalongs / Trail-a-Bikes), riding a bike with your children in traffic, Child Bike Carriers: 7 Ways To Haul Kids By Bike. The Bee is much more stylish, user-friendly, and durable than the Echo, so we still think the Bee is a better value. Some of the trailers are low-profile and easy to stow when not in use, while others are bulky and take up a significant amount of space. The individually adjustable seats of the Cross and D'Lite X are probably most useful for users who plan on doing long rides with multiple children. (No jokeit was the first thing I bought when I found out I was pregnant. We soaked each trailer with a sprinkler and/or hose to test their rainy day chops for water resistance. We could tow the Bee without shifting into our granny gears, even while going uphill with passengers or cargo. We mounted a rear-facing camera to the seat post for the visual test and towed the trailers over a series of bumps at controlled speeds while filming the test dummy. As far as featuresadjustable suspension, reclining seats, multi-sport options, it really has it all. Of course, there is always a risk when riding a bike with your children in traffic, but the Thule Chariot is one of your safest options. At just 20 pounds, the nimble Bee is the lightest trailer we tested. All of the contenders we tested demand extra energy expenditure than riding a bicycle without anything in tow. Whats included with the Thule Cadence 2 Double? The Bee is less than half the price of our top award winner, the Burley D'Lite X, but comes standard with many of the same great features we expect in a top-of-the-line Burley trailer. Its safety features impressed us: a comprehensive roll cage, substantial ventilation, UV-resistant windows, and a top-notch harness system with plenty of padding. Most of the trailers took about 20-30 minutes to go from boxed up to fully assembled, attached, and ready to ride. Another atmospheric concern is the sun. Comfort is key once passengers are in the trailer, and it can also pay off for parents. We explain why below. Fortunately, Thule recognizes this. However, we still do not recommend the safest trailer with the smoothest ride for children younger than one year, and we never recommend towing any child not wearing a well-fitted helmet. Also, consider how much weight you'll be putting in the trailer. We chose a diverse set of the most popular bike trailers for kids on the market and rode them for hundreds of miles in a series of side-by-side tests. Transferring virtually no movement to the bike, the Burley D'Lite X and the Burley Bee are outstanding in this area. This was rare, but it never happened with the Burley models, which feature our favorite hassle-free hitch. The test also demonstrates how jostling in a bike trailer has the potential to affect 6-to 9-month-old children who may not have the strength to resist what most bikers would consider unimpressive bumps. Our bike-commuting, toddler-toting test team pulled these trailers over 500 miles. (Weve never had this happen). Its made with the same steel and aluminum materials and engineering as all the other Thule bike trailers so youre still getting the highest quality gear. Keep in mind, sunshades are only valuable if they're practical. We all but forgot about our minivans, tackling playground missions, pool parties, and park outings with bike helmets on our heads. He enjoys life in Lake Tahoe, where he taxis his daughter and dog around the mountains, always exploring new challenges. The Burley Bee is a clear favorite in the biker experience category, followed closely by the Burley D'Lite X. They block the sun but can also block a passenger's view of the bike rider (and the rider's view of the passenger). Then we used our weighted ratings to calculate the overall score for each bike trailer. Nothing on it looks or feels cheap. Everything you need for a trip to the beach! questions@mbeans.com. The higher-end models, most notably our favorite for a comfy ride, the Hamax Outback, are heavier, bulkier, and harder to stow. The Burley D'Lite X is at or near the top of the pack in every metric we tested. The Schwinn Echo has the narrowest seating area at just 21". Switching between modes is quick and easy. Overall, very favorably. That said, the Thule Chariot Cross is definitely designed as a bike trailer first and a jogging stroller second. Exceptions are the InStep Take 2 and the Allen Sports Steel, which both have 16" tires. The Thule trailers, the Chariot Cross, Chariot Lite, and Cadence use a ball-and-socket hitch connection. Whichever Thule Bike Trailer you decide on, youre going to have the best in the industry and most certainly the sleekest designs available! The Thule Chariots were the clear winners in the rain tests, with their identical rain shields that fit very snugly and cover the trailer's entire front and top. The right trailer for your family isn't necessarily the one at the top of the chart, especially if you value one or more of our metrics more than we do. We evaluated the trailers' walkability by weaving them through tricky-yet-typical urban infrastructure. Ittransforms from one set up into another in literally 2-3 minutesso you'll find yourself using it on more occasions/errands than otherbike trailers. Most people don't have the garage space to keep their trailer permanently set up and attached to a bike, so a good trailer should be easy to assemble, attach to a bike, break down, and store. For me, personally, the Thule Chariot Cross IS worth the price. The Thule Coaster XT Double and the Thule Courier 2 Double have three important differences. The Thule Chariots have the easiest frames to set up and break down in our test group.