Trailbikes: A 2008 Review and Buying Guide

A trailerbike is a one-wheeled bike extension that attaches to the back of your bike. They are a great way to bring your child on a longer bike ride. Your smaller companion can assist you with pedaling, while you control the steering and speed. This allows your child to become familiar with the process of riding a bike, and they can relax if they feel tired.

The original trailerbikes were introduced into the market by the Adams company in 1986. They were marketed under the name “trail-a-bike”, and this is now their trademarked term.

Most trailerbikes also include adjustable handlebars and seats that accommodate a growing child. Here’s our round-up of the trailbikes available this year:

Instep Pathfinder Trailbike

The Instep Pathfinder is an inexpensive biketrailer, that easily folds up for storage. It’s recommended for children aged 4-9, and it’s designed to support a rider who weighs up to a maximum of 70 pounds. The trailer itself weighs 30 pounds. Other trailers are lighter and have more features, but this trailer gets the job done. I’ve been using this trailer for about 6 months, and it has been performing well.

Available from Amazon for about $120.

Schwinn Runabout Trailbike

The Runabout trailbike from Schwinn is similar to the Instep, but it attaches with a higher arch. Like the Instep, it’s also designed to support a maximum of 70 pounds. The Runabout weighs 32 pounds, which is slightly heavier than the Instep Pathfinder.

Available from Amazon for about $90.

Burley Piccolo TrailBike

The Piccolo trailer by Burley features a few nice features not found on the trailers from Schwinn and Instep. It has a 7-speed twist gear shift, and it attaches to the bike using Burley’s patented ball-bearing guided hitch with a double locking mechanism. The hitch sits perpendicular to the ground, which makes the Piccolo handle well. It comes with the storage rack shown in the photos. It sells for about $275.

If your child is too inexperienced for shifting gears, you might want to consider the Burley Kazoo.

The Burley trailbikes do not fold.

Adam’s Original Trail-A-Bike

They were the first to market, and Adams’ Trail-A-Bikes still have a lot going for them. The company offers seven different models, including a tandem trailer. They are made with quality components and they are lightweight (the titanium model shown here weighs just 23 lbs). The trail-a-bikes fold easily for storage — the company claims that their trailers fold smaller than any other (see details here).

They are available from Amazon for about $130.

Chariot Catch’Em Trailbike

The Catch ‘Em by Chariot is a high-end trailer that offers a unique suspension system in the seat post that makes bumps a bit easier to take, and a low profile makes it much easier to maneuver through corners. Front and rear fenders keep road muck and rain at bay, security measures like the padded crossbar, reflectors, and flag provide a bit of additional safety so you’re child can feel more confident while they learn. When not in use, the Catch ‘Em folds to half its size, and clips closed for storage or transportation.

You can read a full review of the Catch’Em here.

Available for about $250 from Amazon.

Morgan Cycle Caboose Trailer

The Morgan Cycle Caboose Trailer is a two-wheeled trailer with can be used with young or inexperienced riders. The two wheels give extra support, and the chain is completely enclosed to protect the child’s legs. It also has a padded spring seat, and a luggage rack.