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Another Project "Behind ME"...

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Another Project "Behind ME"...

Old 06-21-22, 08:28 AM
  #1  
BobbyG
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Another Project "Behind ME"...

I bought a used bike trailer! Yeah, I'm excited about it. I've never needed one, but I'm not getting any younger, so when I found a used, customized, folding trailer for $30 I bought it.

Last year I bought a folding bike (also not needed) and bodged together an airline-compliant suitcase I could tow behind it, but it doesn't use a real bicycle hitch, and it just made me want a trailer even more.

The only complication came when I went to remove the quick release skewer from the rear hub of my utility/winter bike...The axle was broken! As I discovered a few years ago with my old 12-speed, you can ride around with a broken axle without realizing it until maintenance is needed. In the 12-speed case, I went to change the rear cassette, in this case, simply removing the skewer.

So I did the first short, around-the-block ride on my 700c commuter without the rails attached. But yesterday afternoon, after getting a replacement wheel I hitched the trailer to my utility bike and rode 10 miles.

On the level and downhill portions I didn't feel a thing, although I'm sure that will change with a load. On the uphill portions, especially the steepest hills, I definitely felt the extra weight, but my utility bike has crazy low gears, so I just slowly spun my way up those portions.

I plan to explore carrying possibilities and will probably get a plastic storage bin, and also a large semi-rigid bag or possibly make fitted panels for the rails,

The wheels have a clever quick release latch, and the rails quickly fold and are easily removable (even more so if I use cotter pins). There is a hole upfront on the arm for a caster and with the high handle in the back I could conceivably us it as a shopping cart if a store allows it.

Since losing my daily commute, I have been trying to find more excuses and motivations to ride. By allowing me to carry larger and bulkier items, and being customizable, this trailer does both.

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Old 06-21-22, 10:54 AM
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double sweet !

additional pics welcome - especially close-up pics of the hitch and trailer - thank you !
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Old 06-21-22, 11:01 AM
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Juan Foote
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I have to admit a level of regret for not picking up a "stroller" trailer that was in the local Goodwill some years ago. I opted to think about it and came back the next day already purchased and gone.
That one was a good deal at $30. Well done.
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Old 06-21-22, 11:24 AM
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Germany_chris
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Originally Posted by Juan Foote
I have to admit a level of regret for not picking up a "stroller" trailer that was in the local Goodwill some years ago. I opted to think about it and came back the next day already purchased and gone.
That one was a good deal at $30. Well done.
Those are great laundry holders for apartment dwellers
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Old 06-21-22, 12:36 PM
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Juan Foote
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Originally Posted by Germany_chris
Those are great laundry holders for apartment dwellers

Had I been a little more cognizant of its use case, it would also have made an excellent dog pen for rides with the wiener pup(s).
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Old 06-21-22, 12:54 PM
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Good grief, that set up is a beast! Pedal strong.
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Old 06-21-22, 05:02 PM
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Originally Posted by delbiker1
Good grief, that set up is a beast! Pedal strong.
Without the trailer the bike feels light and nimble...except uphill of course.
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