Which trailer-bike? - Cycling Mob: Road Cycling, Mountain Biking and More

10-28-2004, 10:25 AM

For my 6 mile commute, my 5-year-old daughter is towed behind me in a
trailer. I'm considering the purchase of a trailer-bike for this trip.
I might also attach it to the MTB for use on easier trails around here
on occasion. My 9-year-old rides his own bike on this commute.

There are three bike shops in my town. The Giant dealer has the Giant
Halfcycle for $185. The Trek dealer has the Trek Mt Train 201 for $169.
The 3rd dealer has the Adams Trail-A-Bike for $135. These are all for
the low-end, single-speed models. I think the Adams is the only one
that's steel; the others I think are Al.

Are these all basically equivalent? Is the Giant significantly better
than the Adams?

Also, is single-speed okay? or should I consider the multi-speed models
that are available? I'm not too worried about gears for my commute, but
I'm thinking about the potential MTB aspect.

Also, does anybody know if trailer-bikes fit on the fold-down bike
racks on the front of many city buses?
Thanks for any thoughts on this.

RFM

10-29-2004, 08:40 AM

[Only registered and activated users can see links. ] wrote:

> For my 6 mile commute, my 5-year-old daughter is towed behind me in a
> trailer. I'm considering the purchase of a trailer-bike for this trip.
> I might also attach it to the MTB for use on easier trails around here
> on occasion. My 9-year-old rides his own bike on this commute.
>
> There are three bike shops in my town. The Giant dealer has the Giant
> Halfcycle for $185. The Trek dealer has the Trek Mt Train 201 for $169.
> The 3rd dealer has the Adams Trail-A-Bike for $135. These are all for
> the low-end, single-speed models. I think the Adams is the only one
> that's steel; the others I think are Al.
>
> Are these all basically equivalent? Is the Giant significantly better
> than the Adams?
>
> Also, is single-speed okay? or should I consider the multi-speed models
> that are available? I'm not too worried about gears for my commute, but
> I'm thinking about the potential MTB aspect.
>
> Also, does anybody know if trailer-bikes fit on the fold-down bike
> racks on the front of many city buses?
> Thanks for any thoughts on this.
>
> RFM
>

Quite a bit of difference in how they attach to the adult bike. Some
have a quick release for the seatpost - some have a semi-permanent
seatpost piece that attaches to the trailer cycle (you'd need one for
each adult bike you want to use), and some have a folding option to make
it easier to get into a car. Burley has one that comes with a touring
type rack you attach to your bike and the trailer bike goes on like a
ball hitch. I don't think there's a lot of difference in handling
(besides maybe with the Burley) but I'd try installing all three types
on the bikes you'll be using to see which you like the best.

--
My bike blog:
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

10-29-2004, 08:40 AM

[Only registered and activated users can see links. ] wrote:

> For my 6 mile commute, my 5-year-old daughter is towed behind me in a
> trailer. I'm considering the purchase of a trailer-bike for this trip.
> I might also attach it to the MTB for use on easier trails around here
> on occasion. My 9-year-old rides his own bike on this commute.
>
> There are three bike shops in my town. The Giant dealer has the Giant
> Halfcycle for $185. The Trek dealer has the Trek Mt Train 201 for $169.
> The 3rd dealer has the Adams Trail-A-Bike for $135. These are all for
> the low-end, single-speed models. I think the Adams is the only one
> that's steel; the others I think are Al.
>
> Are these all basically equivalent? Is the Giant significantly better
> than the Adams?
>
> Also, is single-speed okay? or should I consider the multi-speed models
> that are available? I'm not too worried about gears for my commute, but
> I'm thinking about the potential MTB aspect.
>
> Also, does anybody know if trailer-bikes fit on the fold-down bike
> racks on the front of many city buses?
> Thanks for any thoughts on this.
>
> RFM
>

Quite a bit of difference in how they attach to the adult bike. Some
have a quick release for the seatpost - some have a semi-permanent
seatpost piece that attaches to the trailer cycle (you'd need one for
each adult bike you want to use), and some have a folding option to make
it easier to get into a car. Burley has one that comes with a touring
type rack you attach to your bike and the trailer bike goes on like a
ball hitch. I don't think there's a lot of difference in handling
(besides maybe with the Burley) but I'd try installing all three types
on the bikes you'll be using to see which you like the best.

--
My bike blog:
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

10-29-2004, 08:40 AM

[Only registered and activated users can see links. ] wrote:

> For my 6 mile commute, my 5-year-old daughter is towed behind me in a
> trailer. I'm considering the purchase of a trailer-bike for this trip.
> I might also attach it to the MTB for use on easier trails around here
> on occasion. My 9-year-old rides his own bike on this commute.
>
> There are three bike shops in my town. The Giant dealer has the Giant
> Halfcycle for $185. The Trek dealer has the Trek Mt Train 201 for $169.
> The 3rd dealer has the Adams Trail-A-Bike for $135. These are all for
> the low-end, single-speed models. I think the Adams is the only one
> that's steel; the others I think are Al.
>
> Are these all basically equivalent? Is the Giant significantly better
> than the Adams?
>
> Also, is single-speed okay? or should I consider the multi-speed models
> that are available? I'm not too worried about gears for my commute, but
> I'm thinking about the potential MTB aspect.
>
> Also, does anybody know if trailer-bikes fit on the fold-down bike
> racks on the front of many city buses?
> Thanks for any thoughts on this.
>
> RFM
>

Quite a bit of difference in how they attach to the adult bike. Some
have a quick release for the seatpost - some have a semi-permanent
seatpost piece that attaches to the trailer cycle (you'd need one for
each adult bike you want to use), and some have a folding option to make
it easier to get into a car. Burley has one that comes with a touring
type rack you attach to your bike and the trailer bike goes on like a
ball hitch. I don't think there's a lot of difference in handling
(besides maybe with the Burley) but I'd try installing all three types
on the bikes you'll be using to see which you like the best.

--
My bike blog:
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

10-29-2004, 08:40 AM

[Only registered and activated users can see links. ] wrote:

> For my 6 mile commute, my 5-year-old daughter is towed behind me in a
> trailer. I'm considering the purchase of a trailer-bike for this trip.
> I might also attach it to the MTB for use on easier trails around here
> on occasion. My 9-year-old rides his own bike on this commute.
>
> There are three bike shops in my town. The Giant dealer has the Giant
> Halfcycle for $185. The Trek dealer has the Trek Mt Train 201 for $169.
> The 3rd dealer has the Adams Trail-A-Bike for $135. These are all for
> the low-end, single-speed models. I think the Adams is the only one
> that's steel; the others I think are Al.
>
> Are these all basically equivalent? Is the Giant significantly better
> than the Adams?
>
> Also, is single-speed okay? or should I consider the multi-speed models
> that are available? I'm not too worried about gears for my commute, but
> I'm thinking about the potential MTB aspect.
>
> Also, does anybody know if trailer-bikes fit on the fold-down bike
> racks on the front of many city buses?
> Thanks for any thoughts on this.
>
> RFM
>

Quite a bit of difference in how they attach to the adult bike. Some
have a quick release for the seatpost - some have a semi-permanent
seatpost piece that attaches to the trailer cycle (you'd need one for
each adult bike you want to use), and some have a folding option to make
it easier to get into a car. Burley has one that comes with a touring
type rack you attach to your bike and the trailer bike goes on like a
ball hitch. I don't think there's a lot of difference in handling
(besides maybe with the Burley) but I'd try installing all three types
on the bikes you'll be using to see which you like the best.

--
My bike blog:
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

10-29-2004, 09:35 AM

RFM wrote:
> For my 6 mile commute, my 5-year-old daughter is towed behind me in a
> trailer. I'm considering the purchase of a trailer-bike for this trip.
> I might also attach it to the MTB for use on easier trails around here
> on occasion. My 9-year-old rides his own bike on this commute.
>
> There are three bike shops in my town. The Giant dealer has the Giant
> Halfcycle for $185. The Trek dealer has the Trek Mt Train 201 for $169.
> The 3rd dealer has the Adams Trail-A-Bike for $135. These are all for
> the low-end, single-speed models. I think the Adams is the only one
> that's steel; the others I think are Al.
>
> Are these all basically equivalent? Is the Giant significantly better
> than the Adams?

Suggest you try them out. Each would have a different hitch
configuration. I know that TAB sells spare hitches for mounting on
another bike.

> Also, is single-speed okay? or should I consider the multi-speed models
> that are available? I'm not too worried about gears for my commute, but
> I'm thinking about the potential MTB aspect.

When I got one, it was the folding 5-speed model, and the subject
user learned a lot about gearing before even being able to ride.

> Also, does anybody know if trailer-bikes fit on the fold-down bike
> racks on the front of many city buses?

Those racks are just a wheel track and a support bar. I would think
you'd have to unhitch the TAB, load your bike and the extra, and
secure the TAB somehow besides using the latching mechanism. (Remember
toe straps? Ideal for this purpose.)
Note that bus racks only hold two bikes, so if your son comes along
someone would have to catch a subsequent bus. -OR- get a folding TAB
and bring it on board. (When the buses in SE Mich finally got racked,
I was talking with a driver. "What if you get three cyclists?"
"Someone would have to bring their bike on board.")

Google for TAB and its other names (trailer cycle) in this group.
Many posts.

HTH
--Karen M.

10-29-2004, 09:35 AM

RFM wrote:
> For my 6 mile commute, my 5-year-old daughter is towed behind me in a
> trailer. I'm considering the purchase of a trailer-bike for this trip.
> I might also attach it to the MTB for use on easier trails around here
> on occasion. My 9-year-old rides his own bike on this commute.
>
> There are three bike shops in my town. The Giant dealer has the Giant
> Halfcycle for $185. The Trek dealer has the Trek Mt Train 201 for $169.
> The 3rd dealer has the Adams Trail-A-Bike for $135. These are all for
> the low-end, single-speed models. I think the Adams is the only one
> that's steel; the others I think are Al.
>
> Are these all basically equivalent? Is the Giant significantly better
> than the Adams?

Suggest you try them out. Each would have a different hitch
configuration. I know that TAB sells spare hitches for mounting on
another bike.

> Also, is single-speed okay? or should I consider the multi-speed models
> that are available? I'm not too worried about gears for my commute, but
> I'm thinking about the potential MTB aspect.

When I got one, it was the folding 5-speed model, and the subject
user learned a lot about gearing before even being able to ride.

> Also, does anybody know if trailer-bikes fit on the fold-down bike
> racks on the front of many city buses?

Those racks are just a wheel track and a support bar. I would think
you'd have to unhitch the TAB, load your bike and the extra, and
secure the TAB somehow besides using the latching mechanism. (Remember
toe straps? Ideal for this purpose.)
Note that bus racks only hold two bikes, so if your son comes along
someone would have to catch a subsequent bus. -OR- get a folding TAB
and bring it on board. (When the buses in SE Mich finally got racked,
I was talking with a driver. "What if you get three cyclists?"
"Someone would have to bring their bike on board.")

Google for TAB and its other names (trailer cycle) in this group.
Many posts.

HTH
--Karen M.

10-29-2004, 09:35 AM

RFM wrote:
> For my 6 mile commute, my 5-year-old daughter is towed behind me in a
> trailer. I'm considering the purchase of a trailer-bike for this trip.
> I might also attach it to the MTB for use on easier trails around here
> on occasion. My 9-year-old rides his own bike on this commute.
>
> There are three bike shops in my town. The Giant dealer has the Giant
> Halfcycle for $185. The Trek dealer has the Trek Mt Train 201 for $169.
> The 3rd dealer has the Adams Trail-A-Bike for $135. These are all for
> the low-end, single-speed models. I think the Adams is the only one
> that's steel; the others I think are Al.
>
> Are these all basically equivalent? Is the Giant significantly better
> than the Adams?

Suggest you try them out. Each would have a different hitch
configuration. I know that TAB sells spare hitches for mounting on
another bike.

> Also, is single-speed okay? or should I consider the multi-speed models
> that are available? I'm not too worried about gears for my commute, but
> I'm thinking about the potential MTB aspect.

When I got one, it was the folding 5-speed model, and the subject
user learned a lot about gearing before even being able to ride.

> Also, does anybody know if trailer-bikes fit on the fold-down bike
> racks on the front of many city buses?

Those racks are just a wheel track and a support bar. I would think
you'd have to unhitch the TAB, load your bike and the extra, and
secure the TAB somehow besides using the latching mechanism. (Remember
toe straps? Ideal for this purpose.)
Note that bus racks only hold two bikes, so if your son comes along
someone would have to catch a subsequent bus. -OR- get a folding TAB
and bring it on board. (When the buses in SE Mich finally got racked,
I was talking with a driver. "What if you get three cyclists?"
"Someone would have to bring their bike on board.")

Google for TAB and its other names (trailer cycle) in this group.
Many posts.

HTH
--Karen M.

10-29-2004, 09:35 AM

RFM wrote:
> For my 6 mile commute, my 5-year-old daughter is towed behind me in a
> trailer. I'm considering the purchase of a trailer-bike for this trip.
> I might also attach it to the MTB for use on easier trails around here
> on occasion. My 9-year-old rides his own bike on this commute.
>
> There are three bike shops in my town. The Giant dealer has the Giant
> Halfcycle for $185. The Trek dealer has the Trek Mt Train 201 for $169.
> The 3rd dealer has the Adams Trail-A-Bike for $135. These are all for
> the low-end, single-speed models. I think the Adams is the only one
> that's steel; the others I think are Al.
>
> Are these all basically equivalent? Is the Giant significantly better
> than the Adams?

Suggest you try them out. Each would have a different hitch
configuration. I know that TAB sells spare hitches for mounting on
another bike.

> Also, is single-speed okay? or should I consider the multi-speed models
> that are available? I'm not too worried about gears for my commute, but
> I'm thinking about the potential MTB aspect.

When I got one, it was the folding 5-speed model, and the subject
user learned a lot about gearing before even being able to ride.

> Also, does anybody know if trailer-bikes fit on the fold-down bike
> racks on the front of many city buses?

Those racks are just a wheel track and a support bar. I would think
you'd have to unhitch the TAB, load your bike and the extra, and
secure the TAB somehow besides using the latching mechanism. (Remember
toe straps? Ideal for this purpose.)
Note that bus racks only hold two bikes, so if your son comes along
someone would have to catch a subsequent bus. -OR- get a folding TAB
and bring it on board. (When the buses in SE Mich finally got racked,
I was talking with a driver. "What if you get three cyclists?"
"Someone would have to bring their bike on board.")

Google for TAB and its other names (trailer cycle) in this group.
Many posts.

HTH
--Karen M.

10-30-2004, 08:39 AM

I have the Trek with the 24" wheel and no gears. My daughter and I used it
like crazy and it was great. The folding feature was much more important than
I thought it would be. I was the only one that that towed her so having the
seat post attachment on my bike was no problem. Something silly like having
her own little water bottle holder on the frame was a big deal for her.
Whatever you do, GET ONE OF THEM AND USE IT. It was the best thing I did for
getting her out on the bike with the family and getting some exercise.