My wife is starting to train for triathlons as well. We have an 18mth old and finding time to ride is hard. As I am still much faster thought that if I pulled the little guy in a trailer we could ride together and save time (instead of one then the other riding) besides I could use the strength training on the bike.
Anyone use a trailer? Suggestions?
Thanks.
Adam,
We have both a double and single Chariot carrier (marketed and labeled “Trek” in the US). They are the absolute best!!! the best part is they have adaptors to convert from stoller to jogger to trailer and even to a ric shaw for hiking (that’s the only one we don’t have b/c we have back pack carriers). We literally searched the world over and they are the best!
We use the jogger all the time…did 10 miles today with my 3 year old. We only use the trailer on paths and trails for safety reasons.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Anyone use a trailer? Suggestions?
Thanks.
We got our first trailer 8 years ago when the first boy was born. Our third child is now happily using that trailer. It has been a great thing to have. My two boys ride their own bikes while I pull little sister in her trailer. A trailer is much safer than a seat that mounts up on the back of the bike. No special bike-handling and balancing skills are needed. Our babysitter takes our little one out for rides down to the park because the trailer is so easy to handle.
What brand did you buy?
We got a cyletote (www.cycletote.com). It’s a bit overkill for just hauling a kid around, but I wanted a long-lasting, bombproof trailer since I have it in mind to use it for touring after the kids are done with it. I think it will outlive any of my bikes.
It is very stable. When I first bought it, I put a 50-lb bag of sand in the seat and tried to get it to flip over, and I couldn’t. However, I did manage to get one wheel of it up onto an embankment with my daughter in it once and it flipped over (user error, to be sure). I heard a bump and a little squawk, and when I stopped, there she was hanging upside down in it quite concerned about my driving skills. No damage to her or the trailer and we sorted things out and went on our merry way. Lesson here – use the strap system! (and yes, this is among the ultimate “bad dad” stories – I have others involving baseballs and long fly balls, but I will spare you those.)
The Burleys and Treks are great for basic kid duty.
Burley D’Lite - Their trailers are bombproof and attach quickly and easily.
http://www.burley.com/products/trailers/default.aspx?p=d’Lite&i=0
My wife and I had the same dilemma at the beginning of the year. She wanted to start riding with me, and we have a little boy (almost 2 years old). After A LOT of research, we went with the Burley Encore. It is basically the same as their D’Lite, but only about 2/3 the price. If you h ave th emoney, get the D’Lite. However, if you are on a budget, we have been very happy with the Encore.
Burley is the pioneer and innovator in the world of pull-behind trailers. The safety standards that exist, in fact, were founded by Burley. I wouldn’t recommend getting one from someone else.
I use one made by Yakima about 5 years ago, although mine is labeled as a Schwinn. I think Trek’s model at the time also looked the same.
Burley used to be the only trailer to buy, but large strides have been made and I think several companies make good ones now. Personally, I’d buy used as there are a lot of parents who never use theirs and then sell them at garage sales for $25 or $50.
One point to keep in mind that you will get a chance to get out and ride, but you’ve got to be flexible with your training plan. I had to change a few diapers out in the middle of nowhere, and also had to turn back on rides when kids just weren’t into it. You do not want your child to associate bikes with not having fun. If you live near hills, you may need to adjust your gearing as well. When I was in New Mexico, I put a 30 on the back and still was tempted by a triple once I put a second kid in there.