bike trailer

Are there any good bike trailers that aren't as expensive as the Chariots? We already have a jogging stroller, so we don't really need something that converts. Or is it worth it to spend the extra money? Also, how old does a baby have to be to go in a trailer?

I've heard that babies are ready to ride in a trailer at about 1 year of age. They really need to have solid head, neck and truck control before getting in the trailer. Also, introduce them slowly to riding in the trailer. Start with short rides of 20 minutes or less and work up to 60 minutes. One of the recent issues of Bicycling magazine did a great cover story on biking with kids. They talk about trailers, pull-behinds, tandems as well as safety equipment.

Thanks for the info. I'll see if I can find it on their website. Any advice on which trailers are best?

You can cut your costs significantly on a Chariot or a Burley by going with a model that does not convert to a stroller. You can also do pretty well by getting one of them second-hand; if you live in the northern half of the country (to keep the shipping costs reasonable) , you could check out www.mec.ca, which is Canada's version of REI. Click on the Outdoor Gear Swap, choose the Kids option over on the far left, and you'll not-infrequently see bike trailers for sale at very reasonable prices.

If you want to get a lower-end model new, I don't have any specific recommendations except to go with a company that manufactures bike stuff primarily (e.g. Bell), and avoid kiddie-stuff companies like Little Tikes, since their versions are not that sturdily made, or that well designed. (Someone I know recently passed a couple with a Little Tikes trailer on our local bike path. One wheel on the trailer had broken right off, mid-ride.)

HTH,

KathyO

Its in the June 2003 issue. They like the Burley d'Lite ($429)which I think also converts to a pseudo-jogger. Burley is a great bike company so I'd feel pretty confident in the safety & quality of their trailers.