Another Project "Behind ME"...
#1
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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.
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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#2
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double sweet !
additional pics welcome - especially close-up pics of the hitch and trailer - thank you !
additional pics welcome - especially close-up pics of the hitch and trailer - thank you !
#3
LBKA (formerly punkncat)
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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.
That one was a good deal at $30. Well done.
#4
I’m a little Surly
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Those are great laundry holders for apartment dwellers
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#6
Mother Nature's Son
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Good grief, that set up is a beast! Pedal strong.
#7
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