Bicycle trailers: purpose, types and choice

Bicycles are small in capacity, so you cannot use them to transport bulky goods. The installation of a bicycle carrier does not always solve this problem; the acquisition of a bicycle trailer will be the best choice. Let us dwell in more detail on the description of this functional device.

The need for a bicycle trailer is obvious: it is unlikely that you can reliably fix 20-30 extra kilograms on a bicycle frame, and you can completely forget about the transportation of bulk objects.

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

Among the undoubted advantages of using such products in comparison with a traditional trunk, the following can be distinguished:

• the center of gravity shifts down, so the transported luggage to a lesser extent affects the durability of the whole structure as a whole;
• when using a bicycle trailer, suspension wear is significantly reduced;
• the trailer has a high carrying capacity.

Not without minuses:

• in order to accelerate the cycle trailer, as well as to stop or raise the loaded structure uphill, you will have to apply quite serious physical efforts;
• poor passability on soft soil and loose soil;
• difficulty moving on narrow roads;
• the need to climb off the bike and drive it manually in the event of obstacles (logs, ditches, ditches and pits).

There are several main varieties of cycle trailers. Depending on the scope of use, they can be classified into three categories: cargo, tourist and children.

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

Technical cargo trailer It is a particularly robust welded structure, which consists of a capacious platform and side wheels, some models are complemented by sides, a waterproof tent, as well as light reflectors and flashlights. The mass of the trailer varies from 10 to 20 kg.

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

Products with one wheel Attract users with their maneuverability. At the same time, similar models unable to withstand high loadstherefore have a limited scope of use.

Two-wheel options have a higher carrying capacity, but at the same time they are distinguished by high weight, as 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 a decrease in speed, and this significantly complicates the movement in the city. The cyclist has to clearly predict all his actions and perform braking in advance. The purchase of such a trailer makes sense only if the cyclist has a constant need to move heavy and overall luggage.

As for devices 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 the design of the product can vary significantly from each other. Some models are a trolley with a wheel, while others look more thoroughly, for example, a frame design with a hanging tank.

Low landing and low width makes them indistinguishable on the road, therefore for greater visibility, they often attach special reflective flags.

To move the kids use a children's bike trailer. 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 semitrailer is half the bike, only instead of the front part it has a rod attached, which is a continuation of the frame. Most often, such a model is mounted to the driving bike through the bracket. The rear of the semi-trailer is equipped with a suspension, as well as a transmission, which allows the child to actively participate in the movement.

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

• swivel joints, which minimize the risk of trailer overturn in the event of a fall of the main bike;
• high-quality and reliable safety straps that do not allow children to fall out of the cart during movement or in the event of a dangerous situation;
• waterproof capes will be appropriate in the rain.

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

A separate kind of cycle trailers is the model to move animals. Outwardly, such products resemble children's ones - they also provide a bearing base, a waterproof tent and special openings for ventilation. But there is a difference - it consists in smaller parameters of convenience and security.

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 last mounting option is used only for trailers designed to transport small children.

It should be noted that in the domestic market there are mainly imported products. Absolute leadership in the manufacture of bicycles belongs to Thule brand. In the assortment of products of this brand, trailers for babies occupy a separate place, which are produced in a wide variety of versions, so that everyone can easily choose the best trailer depending on the child’s age, physical activity, operating conditions of the bike, as well as the riding style of his parents.

Thule is considered a good alternative. Schwinn products. It is a reliable manufacturer that specializes in the production of bicycle products. Among the highest quality trailers, the German Trailblazer brand products are distinguished; their cycle carriage with a motor wheel from the Carlo series allows you to turn an ordinary bicycle into a convenient cargo transport in no time.

From domestic products can be identified bike “Bee”, “Bee-2”, “Bee-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 caravans is quite large, therefore the choice is not so simple.

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

1. If you travel a lot, you should give preference to folding options. The choice of a mobile design will allow you to take a trailer on any trip, while it will not take up much space.
2. To achieve greater smoothness when driving on uneven areas, preference should be given to reinforced models with adjustable suspension.
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 necessary things on the trip, save the bike user from the need to bring a sports backpack.

The use of trailers significantly complicates the maneuverability of the bike, therefore, its operation should adhere to some recommendations.

1. When towing, it should be remembered that the total length of the cycle train has doubled, so you should avoid turns by increasing their radius.
2. Whenever possible, try to drive on solid paved roads. In this case, there will be no difficulties with slipping, as the trailer is almost not felt and does not interfere with the bicycle.
3. Try to avoid cross country travel. In the best case, it will be harder for you to pedal; in the worst, you simply get stuck somewhere.
4. The width of the trailer is greater than the width of the bike itself, so you should observe the peculiarity when riding on narrow roads (near curbs, on city bike paths or overgrown forest paths).

A bicycle trailer is by no means an indispensable device. Nevertheless, it is indispensable for tourist trips or when moving bulky and heavy things. In terms of functionality, such a trailer is significantly ahead of luggage racks and travel bags, so it has every chance of becoming a loyal friend of a cyclist, however, at a rather impressive cost. Due to the rarity of products and small batches of goods, its value to this day remains quite high.

About what are the trailers, see the next video.