Trek Bike Trailer: InStep Quick N Lite Bike Trailer (Red/Gold/Grey) Review

I researched this purchase alot and I found the reviews to be helpful so I will add my insights.
I have many years of biking experience and am a former bike mechanic. I would have recomended this trailer to my old customers.
The trailer is well made. The welds are very good and the canopy fits tightly. You do need to adjust some straps to get it to fit spot-on but that's to be expected.
This trailer is light and easy to fold up and store as well as unfold and get ready. The process to go from folded to ready to roll is about 4 minutes. The trailer is self explanitory so you don't need to haul the directions around to get it set up.
The bike hook up is easy, however you need to balance the bike upright to do the hook up. Not a big deal and once the coupling is complete you can lay the bike down.
I have two kids who will use the trailer. They are a tight fit inside as I expected. They are comfortable; they have good leg room and a spot for each of them to have cups etc. There is ample room behind them for storage too. The saftey straps are a real bugger. They are not a fastex buckle as you would expect. They are a snap-hook and a "D" ring hook for the shoulder straps. This is ok going on and a pain getting off. Not horrid but really annoying.
The trailer tracks the bike very well. It does change the geometry of the bike though; so it will take some getting used to. The added weight really is a good workout. I have kept the speed down. I don't want to really be moving and need to do a quick manuver with it. You do need to be careful about clearance though. Keep in mind your footprint is three times larger than without the trailer.
I have been sticking to pavement for now. I want to get my daughters comfortable with it before I go to dirt roads. I will have to do some adjusting of the tire pressure for off road so they don't bounce to death.
Over all for the price you are getting more than your moneys worth. I will add to this review if I have an issue down the road.
************* Update 7/18/07. We have around 200 miles on the trailer. So far there have been two issues. The first is with the front wheel you use when using the trailer as a stroller. My wife used it twice and noticed one of the wheels was tilted.-The amazon picture shows one front wheel, there are actually two side-by-side- It ended up being more than tilted the axle was bent badly. I called InStep and they shipped a replacment out very quickly. I would really caution you not to load this up and use it as a stroller...the front wheel just can't handle it.
The second issue is a trivial one yet it is an area that a design change could be made. The floor of the trailer is fabric. When rolling your child needs to keep their feet on the front frame bar. If they do not they can push the fabric down so it rubs along the ground. My daughter did this for a short trip and one area is now very worn. It would not take long to get a hole. A plastic tray or a rub pad on the bottom could solve this. So far asking them to keep their feet on the bar has sufficed....just keep it in mind.
I would rate this as my best buy of the year and one I wish I done three years ago. I'll update this again if an issue crops up.

Click Here to see more reviews about: InStep Quick N Lite Bike Trailer (Red/Gold/Grey)

Product Description:
InStep's Quick N Lite bike trailer offers a comfortable and safe ride for children while tagging along on family bike rides. The trailer features a lightweight aluminum frame, 16-inch alloy wheels with a quick-release design, and also folds flat for easy transport and storage. This trailer attaches quickly and easily to most bikes and it also quickly converts to a stroller. A built-in weather shield provides extra protection from the elements and will keep your child dry from the rain and out of the direct sunlight. The Quick N Light will support two children and up to 100 pounds.

The Quick N Lite trailer can hold two children and up to 100 pounds.Specifications:

Key Features:

Get 29% OFF