Tow-bike things

salsajake

I have seen little bikes attached to big bikes by means of a poley thing, so in effect they are doing a constant wheelie. This seems much more sensible than buying one of those purpose built 'bikes' that have rear wheel, seat tube and transmission, but the top tube is just a link to the main bike, because at least with the former, when the kid is under their own steam, you just detatch the pole and they have their bike they can ride themselves.

a) what are they called
b) who sells them;
c) any experiences (good or bad) at using them?

cheers

Cunobelin

There are three options with these:

1. Seatpost mounted Trailer bikes:




2. Rack Mounted Trailer bikes



3. Bike Tow Bar



I only have experience with the first and they are feine, but with a couple of reservations...

The additional wieght and impetus needs good brakes onthe towing bike
The child will not always put in an effort so there is addditional weigh to pull
Finally there is a "flick" as the child changes position and this is transferred to the lead bike. Not unmanageable, but can be difficult to manage at the start.


For a good guide to the pros and cons look at Whycycle


Finally - the seatpost mounted ones will be available from most local bike shops, the rack mounted are more difficult to obtain.

The "tow bars" such as "trailgator" are available widely including in Tesco! and Halfords

I would reccomend however that you should try one before buying as they do not suit everyone.[/img]

plain lazy

i picked up a trailer bike off ebay that fixes to my seatpost. you can get them cheap if your lucky. it is one of the best things i ever did. my son loves it. i take him mountain biking on it. its great fun and a cracking workout.

stumpyjon

The tag alongs (top one) can work out a lot easier than the trailgator towbar. The bar is pretty heavy and you have all the extra weight of the front wheel. Plus the kids bike has breaks :shock: .

The other thing to bear in mind is that the tag along bikes are designed to be towed, a kids bike is not designed to have the front wheel 6 inches off the ground.

I've got a tag along for my daughter and she loves it, can handle quite rough terrain on it and should last her a lot longer than her normal bike (it is a 20" wheel).

bompington

+1 for Trailgator. We used one for both our kids, they loved it, no technical problems at all, and one big plus compared to dedicated towbikes - we could go out and do more demanding rides, towing when they got tired or whenever the going was tough, but let them pedal on their own when they could.
I'll never forget the surprise from all the supposedly serious MTBers when our mini-bunch (Mum & Dad, 1 kid on trailgator, 1 toddler on bike seat) passed them on supposedly serious mountain routes.
Whichever you choose, one thing did happen to us a couple of times - make sure your child is actually on the bike when you move off after a stop...

cycledad2

There are some alternatives:

This one seems the best for younger kids: http://www.velorution.biz/?page_id=1322

The main advantage is that it keeps your rack free for eg a younger chlid in a seat, which is why we'll be getting one in a about 18 months
In the US there is:

http://www.x2cycle.com/

jonsi

I would also say +1 for the trailgator.

Have been using one with my son for >12 months now - very quick and covenient and easy to use. It's also ideal because you can unhitch the trailgator very quickly and let your little one cycle under their own steam for a bit if safe to do so.

He has however just graduated to riding without his stabilisers so he is refusing to go with the trailgator as well as he is a big boy now 8)

mtbcommuter

another vote for the trailgator. I bought ours when my son was 5 (he's 13 now) I used to drag him around and he loved it. It's been hung up in the garage since. The youngest (5) has just graduated from sitting in the bike trailer (which she loved) to being able to ride her own bike without stabilisers. The benefits of this are as stated when you get to where you want to be it takes 2 minutes to unhook the kids bike for them to use. Last weekend we did a lovely circular 20 miler along cycleways by the river Tyne we stopped half way and she cycled around by herself. They aren't cheap but then again they are well made and last for years.

Mayhemwmb

I love the tag-along, would recommend one to anyone prepared to listen to me going on about it!!!!!!

We went to a small forest called Thrunton woods near Rothbury in Northumberland, even did my first section of single track with my 4 year old son in tow...... The biggest problem I experienced was his apparent lack of fear. Everytime I braked he was shouting to go faster. :shock:
They appear cheap enough on ebay.
The problem I see with the trail-gator is the fact that they raise the front wheel off the ground and alter the sitting position on that bike.

coactive

Take a look at the Weehoo trailer, google "weehoo bicycle trailer". I've had it for a week and probably ridden some trails that I shouldn't have with my 6-year old son. No kidding one single track was at least 30degrees and we rode right up it. Glad we made it because i don't know how I would have bailed out if I hadn't. My son can pedal so hard in it that he pushes me at 12 mph with my feet off the pedals. He' spends half the ride with a bug net catching bugs. It's been pretty fun.

pansy_pots

Like the look of the weehoo. WHere did you get it?

nicklouse

pansy_pots


be aware it seems to be a Canadian thing as the poster is from the other side of the pond.

and may well be a spammer but the product looks good.

pansy_pots

Thanks nicklouse

yendrek3

Cunobelin wrote:

There are three options with these:

1. Seatpost mounted Trailer bikes:




2. Rack Mounted Trailer bikes



3. Bike Tow Bar



I only have experience with the first and they are feine, but with a couple of reservations...

The additional wieght and impetus needs good brakes onthe towing bike
The child will not always put in an effort so there is addditional weigh to pull
Finally there is a "flick" as the child changes position and this is transferred to the lead bike. Not unmanageable, but can be difficult to manage at the start.


For a good guide to the pros and cons look at Whycycle


Finally - the seatpost mounted ones will be available from most local bike shops, the rack mounted are more difficult to obtain.

The "tow bars" such as "trailgator" are available widely including in Tesco! and Halfords

I would reccomend however that you should try one before buying as they do not suit everyone.[/img]

These attachable bikes is a great thing for kids. I love them and my little boy too. Sometimes it is just quite hard to tow your little boy and the bike up the sharp hill. I was thinking if for buying one of these would not be good to get one of the electric bikes. Actually it could be quite nice to have some assist up the sharp hills. The only drawback of it is the price!!!