A bike is a fantastic means of transport. It becomes even more so when it transforms into a genuine cargo vehicle! For long-distance touring, long rides or holidays, racks and panniers are excellent solutions, but a trailer allows you to take the experience even further by multiplying the loading capacity! Its great advantage: it sits close to the ground and does not raise the centre of gravity. The bike thus maintains balanced handling and loading is easy and quick.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BIKE TRAILERS
Cargo trailers are ideal for transporting goods or equipment on a bike tour. They are most often made up of a steel tube frame and one or two wheels, of 16 inches for example. The trailer is generally attached at the rear wheel of the bike, using a specific quick-release fitting provided.
Manufacturers sometimes provide a custom-made waterproof and durable bag to store the items being transported. Some trailers are suited for use on rough paths, thanks to a sturdy knobbly tyre and sometimes a shock absorber!
The payload of a cargo trailer can easily reach around thirty kilograms. Accessories complement it, such as a mudguard, a rear light, reflective elements or a safety flag. Trailers can be folded to make manual transport or storage easier.
Two-wheeled models are particularly well suited for manual transport: a third wheel and a handle are sometimes included!
Which bike trailer should you choose?
First of all, check the compatibility of the trailer with your bike. Manufacturers indicate the compatible wheel sizes, such as 26'' or 700c. Most trailers today take into account the most common wheel sizes and offer multi-compatibility.
A bike trailer is, most of the time, suitable only for use on roads, in the city, or on very smooth paths. Some models offer a more off-road orientation (reinforced frame, shock absorber, oversized tyre) but whatever the equipment, don't expect to venture into rocky terrain with a trailer in complete safety! For genuine MTB use, suitable luggage fixed directly to the bike or on a rack is more appropriate.
If you make regular journeys in the city, for example to deliver goods, take into account your preferred routes and visualise their constraints before choosing your trailer. It must be suited to what you are transporting, but also to the width of the cycle lanes you are going to use! For winding and very busy routes, with changes of pace and therefore accelerations, a lightweight single-wheel trailer will be more comfortable. If on the contrary your journeys are mainly on wide and fast routes at a constant speed, a heavier two-wheel model will offer you more stability without exhausting you.
Don't overlook safety:
A trailer sits close to the ground and many motorists may not see it. A signal flag, positioned up high, is essential, as well as adding a fun element to the whole thing! Lights, reflectors and cat's eyes, along with flashy colours on the cabin fabric or loading bag, complete the safety features.
Finally, even if trailers can carry 30 kilograms or more without any problem, don't forget that the trailer itself can already weigh more than 10 kilograms. The total weight of the whole convoy can reach an impressive figure! Take it easy so the enjoyment remains intact: only load what is necessary!
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