First, I’m assuming that most trailers are going to attach to a quick-release skewer or will bolt onto the frame somehow. Is that correct?
Many attach to the interecting triangle of the seat/chainstays. Quite sturdy, with a release mechanism (and backup strap) to make it easy to take on and off. At least one brand (Cycletote, that I have) attaches to the seatpost.
Second, do you find that the trailer significantly affects maneuverability & the width of your bike? Do you have to be conscious of what roads you’re on so you don’t ride any narrow roads?
My Cycletote is a non-issue as far as handling. Don’t even notice it’s there. Like any trailer, you have to have awareness that it is back there. Turn too close to a post and you’ll bang the trailer on the post. Many trailers have some sort of frame design that prevents the wheel from actually snagging on a post, because that could be disastrous. I know the Burley does, and Cycletote does. Trailers make things wider, especially the two-kid models (don’t get a single because you won’t have room for kid #2 and/or their toys). You need to be smart about where to ride, like Tom said.
Third, do you find you need to use a LOT more power to get up hills dragging the trailer? I’m not going to need a triple on the front to get up hills, will I? 42/25 is my lowest ratio right now but I do use it occasionally on long hills, especially if I’ve been on the road for a while.
Well, depends on the hill, but yeah, going up hills reminds you of how heavy you don’t want to be. You’ll just have to get out there and see how it works. A 39 ring is probably in your future. I rode up a 2.5 mile 7% grade with my two boys in the trailer two summers ago. Combined weight of boys and trailer was about 125 pounds. I was in the 30x27 and nearly died.
Last, if anyone has had great or poor experiences with particular brands or models I’d appreciate the feedback.
Again, I have a Cycletote (cycletote.com). It’s very, very heavy duty (but still light in weight) and a bit on the pricey side. A bomb-proof trailer that will never wear out. When I first got it, I loaded a bag of cement in it and took it out to the bike path and all around the neighborhood trying to tip it over. I couldn’t. It has a roll cage anyway, but I wanted to see what its limits were. I could not get it to tip after all sorts of swerving and panic stopping and whatnot. I hear lots of rave reviews about the Burley, too.
I am a little embarassed to admit that I managed to flip it a few weeks ago with my baby girl in it. I stupidly let one wheel run up an embankment on the trail and over a rock. Before I knew what happened, I heard, “Waaaaaaah!” There she was, hanging upside down wondering what in the hell was going on. No tears, but a little distressed.
While Daddy was clearly pretty stupid, Daddy will also take credit for having all of the straps adjusted and attached properly, and she was none the worse for it all. We turned right side up and continued our trip down to the bagel shop. Those 5-point strap systems and roll bars really work! (I think my HR hit about 215 for a few seconds though.)