Bicycle trailers: purpose, types and choice

The capacity of the bicycles is small, so they cannot be used for transporting bulky goods. Installing a bike rack does not always solve this problem; the best choice would be to purchase a bike trailer. Let us dwell in more detail on the description of this functional device.

The need for a bicycle trailer is obvious: you are unlikely to be able to reliably fix 20-30 additional kilograms on a bicycle frame, and you can completely forget about transporting bulky items.

Like any other device, a bike trailer has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Among the undoubted advantages of using such products in comparison with a traditional trunk are the following:

• the center of gravity shifts downward, so the transported luggage has a lesser effect on the durability of the entire structure as a whole;
• when using a bicycle trailer, suspension wear is significantly reduced;
• the trailer has an increased carrying capacity.

Not without its drawbacks:

• in order to accelerate the bike trailer, as well as to stop or raise the loaded structure uphill, you will have to apply quite serious physical efforts;
• poor permeability on soft soil and loose soils;
• difficulty moving on narrow roads;
• the need to get off the bike and guide it manually in case of obstacles (logs, ditches, ditches and holes) in the way.

There are several main types of bike trailers. Depending on the area of ​​use, they can be classified into three categories: cargo, tourist and children.

As follows from the definition, cargo models are used to move heavy and bulky items. If desired, it can be used on a hike, but most often it is purchased by summer residents, inhabitants of the rural hinterland, as well as fishermen. For example, if you need to deliver a couple of bags of vegetables from the market, bring a galvanized pipe to your dacha, or even a not very sober adult, such a trailer will come in handy. The carrying capacity of the structure reaches one centner.

Technical cargo bike trailer is a particularly robust welded structure, which consists of a spacious platform and side wheels, some models are supplemented with sides, a waterproof awning, as well as light reflectors and lanterns. Trailer weight varies from 10 to 20 kg.

Depending on design features cargo bike trailers are divided into two groups.

Products with one wheel attract users with their agility. At the same time, similar models unable to withstand high loads, therefore, have a limited scope of use.

Two-wheeled versions have a higher carrying capacity, but at the same time they are distinguished by high weight, since they are made of heavy and durable metal, usually steel. In addition, manufacturers reinforce such models with stiffeners. As a result, users are faced with ever-increasing inertia during deceleration, making movement in urban areas much more difficult. The cyclist has to clearly predict all his actions and perform braking in advance... The purchase of such a trailer only makes sense if the cyclist has a constant need to move heavy and bulky luggage.

As for accessories for hiking enthusiasts, their carrying capacity is relatively small: as a rule, it does not exceed 20 kg, although there are models that can withstand loads of up to 50 kg.

From the point of view of design, products can differ significantly from each other. Some models are a trolley with a wheel, while others look more basic, such as a frame structure with a hanging container.

The low seating position and small width makes them hardly distinguishable on the road, therefore for greater visibility, special reflective flags are often attached to them.

A children's bike trailer is used to move the kids. It is no secret that many active cyclists often take their children on trips. Depending on the age of the child, you can use trailers or semi-trailers.

The semi-trailer is half a bicycle, only instead of the front part it has a bar, which is a continuation of the frame. Most often, this model is mounted to the leading bike through the bracket. The rear of the semi-trailer is equipped with a suspension and a transmission, which allows the child to actively participate in the movement.

Among children's bike trailers, the most widespread are options with a pair of wheels and shock absorbers, which are responsible for the most comfortable movement of babies. These structures are distinguished by an increased degree of safety, which is due to the following design features:

• articulated joints, due to which the risk of the trailer overturning in the event of the main bike falling is minimized;
• high-quality and reliable safety straps that prevent children from falling out of the cart while moving or in the event of a dangerous situation;
• waterproof capes will be appropriate in the rain.

All children's trailers on the market today have the most positive crash test results.

A separate type of bicycle trailers is the model for moving animals. Outwardly, such products resemble children's ones - they also provide for a supporting base, a waterproof awning and special holes for ventilation. But there is also a difference - it consists in lower parameters of convenience and safety.

Bicycle trailers are attached to the main bike in three ways:

• under the nut to the rear wheel hub;
• to the rear fork;
• under the saddle.

It should be noted that the latter mounting option is only used for trailers intended for transporting small children.

It should be noted that mainly imported products are found on the domestic market. The absolute leadership in the production of bicycle trailers belongs to the Thule brand... In the assortment of products of this brand, a separate place is occupied by trailers for babies, which are produced in a wide variety of versions, so that everyone can easily choose the optimal trailer depending on the age of the child, his physical activity, the conditions of use of the bicycle, as well as the riding style of his parents.

A good alternative to Thule is considered Schwinn products. It is a reliable manufacturer that specializes in cycling products. Among the highest quality trailers, the products of the German brand Trailblazer stand out, their bicycle trolley with a motor-wheel from the Carlo series allows you to turn an ordinary bicycle into a convenient cargo transport in the blink of an eye.

Bicycle carts can be distinguished from domestic products. "Pchelka", "Pchelka-2", "Pchelka-3", as well as "Bumblebee", however, they are produced in limited quantities and are not in great demand among consumers.

To date, the range of trailers is large enough, therefore the choice is not so easy to make.

When choosing a suitable model, you should pay attention not only to the parameters of the carrying capacity and the features of fastening the product, but also for additional accessories that are designed to ensure the comfort of movement and the safety of the user.

1. If you travel a lot, you should go for the foldable options. The choice of a mobile design will allow you to take the trailer on any trip, while it will not take up much space.
2. For a smoother ride on uneven terrain, heavy-duty models with adjustable suspension should be preferred.
3. When buying a trailer, you should pay special attention to the adjustment mechanism.
4. The presence of the luggage compartment will ensure the safety of the things necessary for the trip, relieve the bicycle user from the need to take a sports backpack with him.

The use of trailers significantly complicates the maneuverability of the bike, therefore, when using it, you should adhere to some recommendations.

1. When towing, keep in mind that the total length of the bike train has approximately doubled, so you should avoid turns by increasing their radius.
2. Whenever possible, try to drive on hard paved roads. In this case, there will be no difficulties with slipping, since the trailer is almost not felt and does not interfere with the control of the bike.
3. Try to avoid traveling over rough terrain. At best, it will be more difficult for you to pedal, at worst, you will simply get stuck somewhere.
4. The width of the trailer is greater than the width of the bike itself, so you should observe this feature when riding on narrow roads (near curbs, on city bike paths or overgrown forest paths).

A bike trailer is far from a necessary fixture. Nevertheless, it is indispensable for tourist trips or when moving bulky and heavy things. In terms of its functionality, such a trailer is significantly ahead of trunks and travel bags, so it has every chance of becoming a faithful friend of a cyclist, albeit at a rather impressive cost. Due to the rarity of products and small batches of goods, its cost remains quite high to this day.

For information on what kind of trailers there are, see the next video.