BIKEPGH MESSAGE BOARD ARCHIVE

I have a Novara (REI) model, and am planning on getting another, as our younger son has graduated from the trailer. I suspect the typical 20" models might be a bit big for a 4 year old, though.

My older son didn't like the trail-a-bike at first. He was already riding a two wheeler when he started, but it took him quite some time to get over the release of control of the bike. It didn't take long, but it was difficult at first to get him to even do a lap of the playground.

My younger son, who is five and has been riding a two wheeler since age four, took to it immediately, and he had no size issues with the Novara 20" model (and he's not big for his age).

I've had no complaints about the Novara, and truthfully, it's hard to find other trail-a-bikes in stock in the city.

Does your kid already ride a two wheeler?

my roommate rides with a trail-a-bike and a trailer for the littlest one attached to that, kinda like a train. I'll try to get some info out of him

Hey Erok - I think I know who you're talking about. This is Corey, we were neighbors. I was thinking about asking him about this too. I'll check out the Novara.

You can occasionally see them popup on Craigslist if you're looking for a used one

Not a huge amount to choose from:

1-Adams trail-a-bike

2-REI/Novara

3-Trek

4-Giant (do they still make the Half Wheeler?)

5-Wee-hoo recumbent style

6-Weeride (walmart, target)

Most of the ones I've seen (I've worked on a lot) all work pretty well, spending more money is going to get you lighter weight, more aluminum and less steel, maybe a bit easier to use hardware.

Burley makes/made a couple of models, too, but I suspect you won't find those 'round these parts.

There's also the Trail Gator attachment so you can use a normal kids bike. I have no experience with those, however.

We've had two for our kids both Trek/Gary Fisher.

Both work fine, with a pretty easy-to-use mount that just skewers a quick release rod through both the end of the trailer and the bracket on the seat post.

Regarding sizing, we have 20" wheels and started our younger daughter on it not long after her third birthday. As long as (a) the feet can reach the pedals, (b) the arms can reach the handlebars, and (c) the brain has the presence of mind to continue to hold on, they should be Ok.

When we purchased our first trailer, I was surprised to see that some had gears. I fail to see why that would be necessary - before the kid is 5 or 6 I wouldn't expect them to pedal much, anyway. I was told by someone that the gears were to let the kids practice shifting, but that seems more than a bit silly to me....

Regarding impact on the kids learning how to bike, I don't think that is anything worth worrying about.

I can definitely say that I had many happy hours with both my kids on their trailers, and I'm sure I'll look back on that time as something I was glad to have done.

Definitely look on craigslist for used trailers. Our second was used, and it (still) works fine.

Enjoy!

I was down at the Golden Triangle Bike Rentals yesterday & saw that they have tag-alongs & trailers to rent. I'm not sure the brands, but that might be a good way to experiment before buying.

I'm in the market, too. This is great advice. Thanks everyone.

my roommate has the adams. he says he likes it alot, but wishes there was a bit less play with the connection. he said that little bit of rocking makes for some getting used to because it effects the balance some, and can feel hairy when squeezing thru tight spaces. overall he likes it, and the on/off connection seems easy and quick

@erok: This is how the Novara is as well.

There will be a Bob trailer and an InStep trailer @ the Try-A-Bike Jamboree Saturday.

[edit] I know that's not the same as a trail-a-bike, but in case other parents are reading this thread...

I will bring a Novara trail-a-bike to Try-A-Bike, if I A) have room and remember.

Can you bring a couple of six-year-olds for the various trailers' live-load demo?

The only six-year-old I can guarantee to have is a bit too screamy and flaily to lend out.

That said, Nick D will be there, and he's the size of a six-year-old...

I've got a Burley Piccolo that I really like. I'm not sure how much difference there is among trailers though beyond how they attach and whether they are geared. I really like how the Burley attaches to the rear rack as opposed to the seat post.

We do use the gears, at faster speeds pedaling the trailer would not actually contribute forward momentum and they will downshift for hills. With a 4YO it likely doesn't matter though, they'll just be dead weight.

I don't know that I'd use one with a 4YO though. My 7YO who rides pretty well on her own was terrified on her first ride as a 6YO and it's taken about a year for her to be willing to talk about going back on. I have not put my 4YO on it and have no plans to. The 10YO and I will use it like a tandem for longer rides. My experience is all on roads and hills though, you mileage probably varies if you are thinking about using it for trails.

I don't think it has much impact on the kids learning to ride one way or the other except getting them excited about riding and extending their range.

I have a Weehoo (got it at REI), features I like are basically that either a 2.5 year old or a sort-of-special-needs kid can ride it... has a back and harness.

We have a Schwinn Runabout, I've found it makes handling squirrely at slow speeds and climbing. Additionally, if you ride in Schenley or on gravel, it tends to kick up, so plan accordingly. Didn't find it to help our eldest's riding ability, for that, I'd probably look to a balance bike. YMMV.