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Durable open-designed trailer that’s able to haul longer loads than other carts.
Durable open-designed trailer that’s able to haul longer loads than other carts.
Sturdy design with 100-pound weight capacity with 16-inch spoked wheels for stability. Connects and disconnects easily for most bikes and folds flat for better storage when not in use.
Pricier than others. Doesn’t include cargo straps.
Although it’s small in size, buyers compliment its weight limit and smooth ride.
Although it’s small in size, buyers compliment its weight limit and smooth ride.
Available in 2 color combination choices that will look great and operate smoothly while hauling objects. Features quick assembly mechanics and high-quality sturdy frame.
Some felt this option was a little on the small side.
Due to its upright position and closeness to rear tires, this is a great choice for high populated areas.
Due to its upright position and closeness to rear tires, this is a great choice for high populated areas.
Has a tool-free assembly making it easy to transfer from bike to bike. Features wheel guards and elongated tow arm allowing for protection and additional wheel room.
Weight distribution is tricky due to trailer angle.
Sturdy, decently-sized trailer that has a higher weight capacity and steel frame making it able to last.
Sturdy, decently-sized trailer that has a higher weight capacity and steel frame making it able to last.
Easily storable with a maximum capacity of 110 pounds. Features detachable front and back, and folding side sections to allow to carry larger/longer loads if needed.
Most had trouble with installation due to unclear instructions.
Closed trailer is a great choice for making small shopping trips without needing to carry them by hand.
Closed trailer is a great choice for making small shopping trips without needing to carry them by hand.
Simple, dependable design made with removable Oxford covering cloth and metal base with a weight capacity of 88 pounds. Bike hitch effortlessly attaches to most bikes.
Cannot make sharp turns with this trailer.
We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.
Bicycling is a great means of transportation for a number of reasons. You get your exercise, you help protect the environment, you save on gas money. One of the biggest limitations bicyclists notice is that they’re restricted in how much cargo they can carry with the bike. Enter the bicycle cargo trailer to solve this problem.
A bicycle cargo trailer is an extremely useful accessory for avid cyclists. With a trailer in tow, you can go on more elaborate camping adventures. You can use your bike to fetch the week’s groceries. Indeed, there are many possibilities.
Before you purchase a bicycle cargo trailer, we urge you to look at the most important factors, from capacity and assembly to features. The tires, hitch, and material with which a cart is made can all impact your user experience. In this guide, we examine these concerns as well as price ranges. For those eager to make a quick purchase, we highlight a number of our favorite bicycle cargo trailers for your consideration.
There are two separate weight considerations when shopping for a bicycle cargo trailer: the weight of the trailer itself and amount of weight the trailer can hold.
Trailer weight: Empty trailers range from under 10 pounds to 40 pounds or more. Bear in mind that you will be physically hauling it with your bike, so the heavier it is, the harder it will be to tow. While less of a concern if you’re riding around town, a heavy trailer could pose more serious concerns on a longer trip.
Trailer weight capacity: Depending on the model, bicycle cargo trailers can carry anywhere from 60 pounds to over 150 pounds. Think carefully about what you will be towing in your trailer before selecting its capacity.
Bicycle cargo trailers come in a variety of sizes. The larger the trailer, the more bulk you can carry. Two-wheeled cargo trailers tend to fit larger items, as do trailers with an open design — for example, no front or back walls.
Some assembly is usually required when a bicycle cargo trailer arrives at your door, but it shouldn’t be too arduous. A new trailer should include instructions for assembling and mounting the trailer to your bike. Hardware should also be included, but before you start, take note of any tools you might need.
Most bicycle cargo trailers feature a quick-release hitch so you can attach and unattach the trailer quickly. The majority fold down for easy storage when not in use, although some require a bit more breakdown work.
An important question to ask about a potential purchase is, “How smooth is the ride?” The suspension on these trailers varies considerably, from decent to little at all. Features such as tire size can affect ride quality, but you won’t find trailers with springs or shock absorbers. A trailer with decent suspension provides a smoother and quieter ride over bumps, potholes, gravel, and other rough surfaces. Furthermore, less physical work is required from a cyclist with a smooth-riding trailer.
Frame material can affect a bicycle cargo trailer’s durability, weight, and stability. Steel is commonly used. It holds up over time and is quite durable, but it can add to the overall weight of the trailer. An alloy frame offers the same durability in a lighter form, although you will pay up for it.
If a frame is welded, check the welds when you first receive the trailer to verify that they are solid.
Tires are typically 16 inches, although some run a bit larger or smaller. The tires should be durable and not prone to leaks. Some include reflectors for added safety around cars, joggers, and other bicyclists.
The point where the trailer attaches to the bike is the hitch. As mentioned, a trailer should ship with a hitch and all necessary hardware. Some hitches include an added safety strap to keep the trailer and bike together in the event of a hitch failure.
While not all trailers come with a cover, some do. A cover can help keep items in the cart while protecting them from dirt, dust, and the elements. The cover should fit the frame, attach securely using straps, buckles, or another method, and offer some level of water resistance. With some trailers, you can choose between several colors.
While not standard, some bicycle cargo trailers include a kickstand. Much like a regular bike, the kickstand can be deployed to keep the bike and trailer upright when not in use. This feature is particularly useful when loading and unloading the trailer.
Inexpensive: For under $100, you will find simple trailers with few features. While generally lightweight, these minimal trailers also have low weight capacities. Trailers at this level are best used for performing chores locally, such as grocery shopping.
Mid-range: In the $125 to $225 range, you will find a larger selection of cargo trailers in one-wheel and two-wheel designs. Some of these feature covers and improved suspension, and a weight capacity of 100 pounds is common. A trailer like this is a solid choice for recreational bicyclists who enjoy shorter trips.
Expensive: For $225 and above, expect to find high-quality trailers capable of carrying more weight. Improved suspension, stability, and handling are common here. These trailers are geared toward serious cyclists who enjoy long bike trips as well as cyclists who want to super-size their cargo-carrying capabilities.
Q. Can bicycle cargo trailers be used to carry children or pets?
A. No, these cargo trailers are not designed to carry children or pets. Think of a cargo trailer as the trunk of your bike. It should be used solely for cargo, not living beings. Specialized trailers do exist for carrying children and dogs. These products have numerous built-in safety features that cargo trailers do not.
Q. Will I need to buy a special hitch to attach the trailer to my bike?
A. The majority of bicycling cargo trailers ship with a hitch and all hardware to install it. However, there are a couple of issues to bear in mind. First, is the hitch made for a specific brand of bike? Some hitches only fit bikes from a specific manufacturer. If this is the case, contact the seller to find out if a hitch adapter is available for a more universal fit.
Second, will the hitch fit your specific bike configuration? Tire size, non-standard axle or seat posts, and brake configuration can all thwart a hitch mount. Be sure to check a trailer’s listing carefully, or contact the seller, to verify that a hitch will fit your bike.
Q. What’s the difference between a one-wheel and a two-wheel bicycle cargo trailer?
A. Some bicycle cargo trailers have one wheel; others have two. The type you use affects everything from how you load it to how it operates on the road.
One-wheel trailers tend to have less drag and resistance. This makes them easier to use on winding roads and trails. However, they can also be less stable, so you will need to pack carefully to even out the weight.
Two-wheel trailers typically have a much higher weight capacity and better balance and stability. They are also easier to load and unload. There are a wide range of two-wheel options to choose from. However, these trailers offer less maneuverability on the road.
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