Trail-Gator Child Bike Tow Bar Review

Puchased this last week and installed it relatively easly.Being a bit particular, I had a tough time getting the the kid's bike to trail straight behind the adults, and to stand straight upright.The first adjustment turned out to be a bit easier to accomplish then the second.

Seemed to work well, although I don't think I'd like to push the listed weight limit of 100lbs (didn't seem like it had a big margin).Very easiy and quick to hook-up the two bikes, but there are 2 things that you'll have to remember to do or you could have an injurred little rider (but the instructions do a fine job of warning you).

The kid's bike is supposed to have a front wheel ground-clearance of 3-5 inches, which means that if you're careful during the installation then you'll be able to adjust the adult seat height for different riders (for us it's the difference between my wife and me).

You'll pretty quickly learn the tricks, like turning the adult bike 90 degress to the kid's bike when you're parking them (which allows the adult kickstand to work).We had a 2 wheel trailer before, and this feels a bit different due to the kid moving around.If you've got a heavy kid and light adult it could take some getting used to.But, it is easier and lighter to pull this then the trailer, and the kid really does help with peddling (just make sure they don't try to peddle backward).

As an odd application, it occured to me that it would work well to transport an empty bike for somebody else to ride (i.e. how do you use your own bike to also pull an empty bike for somebody else to use at your destination).If you've got a frequent need for this, then it might work with even a full-sized bike.The installation effort wouldn't make it worthwhile for a short, single use, but it's an interesting idea.

Overall I think it's well made and a good purchase.It comes with a number of parts for fitting different bikes, and you can go to the manufacture's web page for a PDF instructions if you want to figure out in advance whether it'll work with your equipment.In terms of the equpment you get, it's a bit more expensive then the single-wheel tag-alongs, but the dollars out of pocket are considerably less, it's less equipment to store, your kid will get practice on their own bike, and it'll likely retain a good deal of its value for resale.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Trail-Gator Child Bike Tow Bar

Product Description:
The Trail-Gator™ tow bar converts an ordinary child's bike into a safe, towable trailer bike. When the child's bike is connected, the front wheel is lifted off the ground and a stabilizing bar prevents the handlebars from turning, so the adult is in control of steering. Children can choose to coast or pedal while they are being towed, making the ride much easier for them.

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InStep Quick N EZ Bicycle Trailer (Blue/Gray) Review

March 25th, 2005

I am an avid cyclist who needed to maximize my time in the saddle by including my son on my rides. I searched all the brands from Wike on down to the Schwinn's and Insteps. I am a big believer in the right equipment for the job.

Value:
This trailer, although it may not last forever, should last a long time and is well worth the money spent; $[...]at Target. Especially compared to trailers at $[...]and up. Bottom line is how much do you bike, and how frequently will you use the trailer? I used it for the second half of last season (2004) and it still looks new and has little wear. I put approximately 1000 miles on it so far. On days where my son is not with me I load it up with approx. 65lbs of weight (50lb bag of charcoal and a case of Poland Spring water)and use it as a trainer.This weight approximates two small children and it holds up just fine.

Fun Factor;
My son loves going out on rides with me. It has a small pouch/cup holder sewn on each side of the interior, great for a sippy cup and a bag of snacks. It also has a trunk of sorts in the back. A flap that has snaps all around the perimeter of the rear, big enough to put an extra change of clothes and picnic things, or sand toys if you are visiting a playground on your journey.

Safety;
It comes with a basic small reflector on the bottom left of the rear. My opinion is this is not visible enough, get yourself a blinking reflector type light, approx. $10-15 in any bike shop.Mounting it may be a bit tricky, I cut the fabric at the bottom and clamped it on to the frame.It also comes with that neon orange flag, which can be spotted a mile away. And the base colors of blue and yellow stand out pretty good too. The harness,/hinge is a spring (with a safety cable through the center of the spring) that flexes, if you lay the bike down the trailer stays upright. The spring also flexes when you are riding to absorb some of the shifting of weight when your little guys move around back there, making it more comfortable than solid connections. Pros:
1) Price, $[...], you can't beat the price/value anywhere.
2) Quite, I'm used to a bike that makes no noise, and this did not let me down.
3) Bright colored fabric, help you to be seen, along with the neon orange flag.
4) Your own personal cheering team to "Go faster Daddy", and you really can't beat that!

Cons:
1) Floor is made from same fabric as the main compartment, this might be the first failure in the unit as my son gets bigger and heavier. Some more expensive models use a plastic tray as a base.
2) Needs a better light in the rear.
3) Once you get your child one of these , you will not be able to go for a solo ride anymore without dealing with tears and pleads to go "ridin" too.One very important recommendation, after you install your hardware and hook up the trailer, do yourself and your child a favor and put something heavier than your child in the back. Then ride it for a good long ride. Do a few panic stops, brake on corners, get used to the weight back there, it is very different than what you are used to without it. Don't learn while your little Man or Lady is back there.

Be safe and ride till your legs fall off.

Dave
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Update 09/30/05

This past season 2005 I started riding with my two and a half year old daughter as well. It is a little tight at times. My son (4.5yrs) tends to elbow her in the face. Because the bottom is made out of fabric, they have a tendancy to fall into one another at the center(like an old mattress). This is not a problem when there is only one child of course, but two is a little uncomfortable. I have purchased the newer Instep with a plastic bottom to prevent this. I wont actually use it until next season; 2006, I will post on that when I have some experience with it.

If you only have one child, or two about the same size, this still gets high marks from me.

Also, the tubes in this do not hold air indefinitely. You do need to check on the PSI once in a while, you will roll much easier if you have the right air pressure, unless of course you want that workout.

Safe riding!
Dave

Click Here to see more reviews about: InStep Quick N EZ Bicycle Trailer (Blue/Gray)

Product Description:
InStep 12-QE100 Quick N EZ Bicycle Trailer features an easily assembled canopied trailer that folds compactly to fit into small spaces. Features also include 16-inch quick-release wheels, powder-coated steel frame that holds up to 100 pounds, a weather-proof transparent canopy and roomy storage area behind the child seat. Assembled dimensions measure 54 by 31 by 31 inches and folded dimensions measures measure 32 by 26 by 5 inches.
What's in the Box?
Bicycle trailer and owner's manual.
Manufacturer's Warranty
One year limited warranty

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