Trailgator Bicycle Tow Bar Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)About six months ago, I was struggling with what to do about our family bike riding. My son was approaching the weight limit on the Co-Pilot taxi seat and I really wanted to get him his own bike, but knew that it would be a while until he could keep up with our neighborhood rides. I weighed the options of a tandem attachment like the WeeRide trailer, a regular tow behind trailer and the Trail Gator + bike. The WeeRide didn't seem like a good option because it is not very portable and only has one use and I have never really liked the idea of a tow behind trailer, plus my 3 year old son would soon outgrow that as well. So, I decided to go the Trail Gator + bike route.

I recently purchased the Trail Gator from Amazon and installed it on my son's Trek Jet 16 bike and I have to say that I am very impressed! I was a bit skeptical about this product given the wide array of reviews out there. It seems as though people either love it or hate it. Well, I absolutely love it. Installation was quick and easy (20 minutes or less) and once I started riding with my son, he did not want to stop. I actually had to him that Daddy was getting tired and he made me promise that we would go for another ride the next day.

After looking at various photos online, I was a bit concerned that the incline on the child's bike would be a struggle for a 3 year old to hang on and peddle, but it seems almost perfectly natural for my son. You can hardly tell that his front tire is suspended a few inches off the ground. I was also concerned after reading a few reviews that he would not be able to use his training wheels and the Trail Gator at the same time (he only started riding a few months ago and can't balance on his own yet). I had no problems whatsoever with his training wheels and turning and have since come to the conclusion that the insistence on removing training wheels is a ploy to get us to purchase the company's flip-up training wheels. Don't fall for this -- your child can still use their training wheels with the Trail Gator!

All in all, this is an excellent product that we will have fun with for years to come. Thanks to everyone for all the helpful reviews you posted! I would highly recommend this product to anyone in a similar situation!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Trailgator Bicycle Tow Bar

Product Description:
The Trailgator Bicycle Tow Bar provides a fun and interesting way to tow your rookie rider. This durable steel bar attaches to the back of your adult sized bicycle and to the front of your childs bicycle, so you can tow them right along. When attached, the Trailgator lifts your childs front tire off the ground and locks their handlebars in place to prevent them from turning. You child can choose whether or not to pedal. The Trailgator fits almost any 12in to 20in commercial childs bicycle. No tools are required for attachment! Simply attach the quick release mechanism and go! Tow your child the fun and more affordable way with the Trailgator Bicycle Tow Bar!

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InStep Quick N EZ Bicycle Trailer (Blue/Gray) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)March 25th, 2005

I am an avid cyclist who needed to maximize my time in the saddle by including my son on my rides. I searched all the brands from Wike on down to the Schwinn's and Insteps. I am a big believer in the right equipment for the job.

Value:
This trailer, although it may not last forever, should last a long time and is well worth the money spent; $[...]at Target. Especially compared to trailers at $[...]and up. Bottom line is how much do you bike, and how frequently will you use the trailer? I used it for the second half of last season (2004) and it still looks new and has little wear. I put approximately 1000 miles on it so far. On days where my son is not with me I load it up with approx. 65lbs of weight (50lb bag of charcoal and a case of Poland Spring water)and use it as a trainer.This weight approximates two small children and it holds up just fine.

Fun Factor;
My son loves going out on rides with me. It has a small pouch/cup holder sewn on each side of the interior, great for a sippy cup and a bag of snacks. It also has a trunk of sorts in the back. A flap that has snaps all around the perimeter of the rear, big enough to put an extra change of clothes and picnic things, or sand toys if you are visiting a playground on your journey.

Safety;
It comes with a basic small reflector on the bottom left of the rear. My opinion is this is not visible enough, get yourself a blinking reflector type light, approx. $10-15 in any bike shop.Mounting it may be a bit tricky, I cut the fabric at the bottom and clamped it on to the frame.It also comes with that neon orange flag, which can be spotted a mile away. And the base colors of blue and yellow stand out pretty good too. The harness,/hinge is a spring (with a safety cable through the center of the spring) that flexes, if you lay the bike down the trailer stays upright. The spring also flexes when you are riding to absorb some of the shifting of weight when your little guys move around back there, making it more comfortable than solid connections. Pros:
1) Price, $[...], you can't beat the price/value anywhere.
2) Quite, I'm used to a bike that makes no noise, and this did not let me down.
3) Bright colored fabric, help you to be seen, along with the neon orange flag.
4) Your own personal cheering team to "Go faster Daddy", and you really can't beat that!

Cons:
1) Floor is made from same fabric as the main compartment, this might be the first failure in the unit as my son gets bigger and heavier. Some more expensive models use a plastic tray as a base.
2) Needs a better light in the rear.
3) Once you get your child one of these , you will not be able to go for a solo ride anymore without dealing with tears and pleads to go "ridin" too.One very important recommendation, after you install your hardware and hook up the trailer, do yourself and your child a favor and put something heavier than your child in the back. Then ride it for a good long ride. Do a few panic stops, brake on corners, get used to the weight back there, it is very different than what you are used to without it. Don't learn while your little Man or Lady is back there.

Be safe and ride till your legs fall off.

Dave
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Update 09/30/05

This past season 2005 I started riding with my two and a half year old daughter as well. It is a little tight at times. My son (4.5yrs) tends to elbow her in the face. Because the bottom is made out of fabric, they have a tendancy to fall into one another at the center(like an old mattress). This is not a problem when there is only one child of course, but two is a little uncomfortable. I have purchased the newer Instep with a plastic bottom to prevent this. I wont actually use it until next season; 2006, I will post on that when I have some experience with it.

If you only have one child, or two about the same size, this still gets high marks from me.

Also, the tubes in this do not hold air indefinitely. You do need to check on the PSI once in a while, you will roll much easier if you have the right air pressure, unless of course you want that workout.

Safe riding!
Dave

Click Here to see more reviews about: InStep Quick N EZ Bicycle Trailer (Blue/Gray)

Product Description:
InStep 12-QE100 Quick N EZ Bicycle Trailer features an easily assembled canopied trailer that folds compactly to fit into small spaces. Features also include 16-inch quick-release wheels, powder-coated steel frame that holds up to 100 pounds, a weather-proof transparent canopy and roomy storage area behind the child seat. Assembled dimensions measure 54 by 31 by 31 inches and folded dimensions measures measure 32 by 26 by 5 inches.
What's in the Box?
Bicycle trailer and owner's manual.
Manufacturer's Warranty
One year limited warranty

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