I purchased the Adams Trail-a-Bike so my 3.5 year old son and I could go riding together.I researched all the available models and liked this design the best (I'm an engineer), but could not decide on which size would be best for my son (Compact or Original).So I called the company and got REAL person that actually understood the product to answer my questions.But I was leary of purchasing the Trail-a-Bike without any customer reviews.So I decided to purchase a Wee-Ride Co-Pilot from a local store because I could return it if there were problems (such as described by other Amazon customers).Good thing.The Wee-Ride assembly prevented the U-joint hitch from moving.I tried loosening the bolt but my good tools only made the Allen head hexagonal flats into a circle (the bolt was made of mild steel).So I returned the bike and the other one in the store had the same tight u-joint problem. So I left without a bike.
Now Chritmas to fast approaching, so I ordered the Trail-a-Bike from Seasonal Outfitters through Amazon.It was shipped super quick and arrived a day early.
I wish I had not wasted two trips (purchase and return) in buying the Wee-Ride model.The Adams Trail-a-Bike is an excellent design and well built.The hitch/u-joint and the folding mechanism are what separate this trailer bike from the others.One quick connect clamp allows the bike to fold and to ajust the seat height.Even though it is easily loosened for folding, it is very secure because the natural pull by the lead bike tries to keep the bikes straight.
The hitch has different size inserts to securely grip the lead bike's seat post without allowing the clamp to crush the seat post and make it out-of-round.The hitch is cylindrical with a square post in the center.This makes a very stable connection but one that can easily slide apart when the hitch pin is removed.The connection on the Wee-Ride required a hammer to slide the hitch apart.I can easily make the connection with one hand while holding my bike from falling over.It works so good I would suggest buying a 2nd hitch Adams Trail-A-Bike Hitch With Shims, Replacementso that two bikes can be set up to pull the child's Trail-a-Bike.
I have pulled my son about 10 miles on 3 trips.He loves it.He is very stable and the Trail-a-Bike even goes around corners well.The u-joint even allows me to take sidewalk ramps to the street while making sharp turns without a problem.He is currently too small to peddle, but he can place his feet on the peddles when the seat is at the lowest position and I have turned the handle bar as low as possible.
I only have to remember to keep my speed down to the recommended level because I can't be sure that my son might see something interesting and decide to get off without telling me.That is why he has a helmet, knee and elbow pads.
Overall this was a good purchase.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Adams Trail a Bike - Original Folder
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