Want to make bicycle trailer
11-16-23, 02:09 PM
#1
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Want to make bicycle trailer
The grocery store is only 2 miles away, I would like a trailer that I could switch between a mountain bike that is now my utility bike, and my folding bike (that I haven't received yet).
I don't know if my folder will fold with anything on the seat tube, I was hoping to find something, or make something, that would be easily switched between bicycles.
I haven't looked at the used market yet, thought I would ask the experts first.
I don't know if my folder will fold with anything on the seat tube, I was hoping to find something, or make something, that would be easily switched between bicycles.
I haven't looked at the used market yet, thought I would ask the experts first.
11-17-23, 01:19 AM
#2
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It will be cheaper and easier to find a used kid trailer, and remove the seating arrangement, leaving you with a cargo bay. Many of which have tongues that attach to your rear axle, and can be pretty easily swapped from bike to bike. I use a Burley kid trailer for exactly the type of grocery runs that you describe (and sometimes much longer trips). Mine is a double-wide, for 2 kids, and without the seats, has room for a couple hundred dollars' worth of groceries.
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11-17-23, 04:49 AM
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11-19-23, 10:05 PM
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I was talking to my neighbor who has a child trailer on his bike, he got it barely used for 50 bucks. I'm going to keep my eyes open.
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11-24-23, 12:58 PM
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It will be cheaper and easier to find a used kid trailer, and remove the seating arrangement, leaving you with a cargo bay. Many of which have tongues that attach to your rear axle, and can be pretty easily swapped from bike to bike. I use a Burley kid trailer for exactly the type of grocery runs that you describe (and sometimes much longer trips). Mine is a double-wide, for 2 kids, and without the seats, has room for a couple hundred dollars' worth of groceries.
Over 15 years ago I paid $5 for this Schwinn Varsity and $10 for this well worn child trailer at a garage sale. Modified the trailer by adding rubber strap/bungee cords (all roadside finds) and topped with a few flattened cardboard boxes for a stable floor for cargo. Has been in use ever since for hauling groceries, recyclables, yard waste and whatnot without any issues.
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11-26-23, 08:57 AM
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For a trailer that will be swapped between bikes, I favor single wheel trailers, like the BOB Yak. The modified Q/R skewer that stays on the bike is completely invisible when no trailer is attached. Also the single wheel trailer complements the handling and maneuverability of a bicycle very well. I'd try to find an actual BOB Yak used, or as an alternative, a used Burley Nomad cargo trailer. Either is, to me, much more aesthetic than modifying a child trailer <shudder>.
Last edited by Leisesturm; 11-26-23 at 09:07 AM.
11-26-23, 09:35 AM
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For a trailer that will be swapped between bikes, I favor single wheel trailers, like the BOB Yak. The modified Q/R skewer that stays on the bike is completely invisible when no trailer is attached. Also the single wheel trailer complements the handling and maneuverability of a bicycle very well. I'd try to find an actual BOB Yak used, or as an alternative, a used Burley Nomad cargo trailer. Either is, to me, much more aesthetic than modifying a child trailer <shudder>.
11-26-23, 05:55 PM
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Both of the options I suggested earlier are designed from the ground up, to attach to a bicycle, and carry cargo. They are not compromise solutions that in any way diminish practicality for aesthetics. Win-win in my opinion.
