Bike Trailers: How to choose and use them

A growing number of cyclists are discovering the convenience of bike trailers. Whether you are dropping the kids off at school, taking your dog for a long trip into the woods, or doing your weekly grocery shopping - a trailer behind your bike offers a surprising number of possibilities. We understand that switching to a bike trailer may feel like a big step. After all, you are adding extra weight, and your bike suddenly responds differently. And what can you actually use it for? In this blog, we will explain what to look out for when buying one, and how to ensure a safe and comfortable ride.

Why buy a bike trailer?

A bike trailer is an ideal alternative to a car or a heavily loaded cargo bike. The biggest advantage is flexibility - simply hitch up the trailer when you need it, and enjoy a light ride when you go out without it. For children, it is a safe and comfortable way to travel because they stay dry and are usually transported in a sturdy roll cage construction. For dogs that are too old or, rather, too young for long-distance walks, it is a great solution to head out into nature together and increase your travel range.

Of course, there are also some downsides to keep in mind. You are quite a bit wider on the bike path, and the extra weight means that braking and accelerating require more effort. You will definitely feel that you are towing an additional load, especially on hilly terrain or in a strong headwind. However, if you combine the trailer with an electric bike, this disadvantage is quickly solved and you will barely notice it while pedalling!

Check out all bike trailers here!

What types of bike trailers are available?

There are three main categories to choose from. Which one suits you best depends entirely on your personal circumstances and daily needs.

For the kids

For families, there are many popular child trailers on the market. These include the very affordable Thule Coaster 2 XT and the multifunctional Bobike 2 in 1 Bike Trailer, which can also be used as a stroller. If you are looking for a model for two children, the Cube Kids Trailer Double and the sleekly designed Cube Kids Trailer Double Pure are excellent options. For added luxury and suspension on sporty rides, you can look into the the Thule Chariot series, which offers versions for one or two children. You can go for a lighter model, such as the Thule Chariot Lite Single or the Thule Chariot Lite Double, or a more robust model like the Thule Chariot Cross Single.

Thule Coaster 2XT

RRP 399,95

From 299,95

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Thule Chariot Lite Double

RRP 949,95

729,-

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Single-seat bike trailers Double-seat bike trailers

For your four-legged friend

For pet owners, specific dog trailers or conversion kits are available. With the Thule Courier Dog Trailer Kit, you can quickly transform a compatible trailer into a safe mode of transport for your dog. This makes it incredibly easy for your furry friend to join you on even more outdoor adventures.

Thule Courier Dog Trailer Kit

RRP 99,95

89,95

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For heavy loads

If you like to head out with a lot of gear, sturdy bike trailers are the real workhorses. A model like the Thule Chariot Cross Double multi-sport trailer is ideal for long cycling holidays with the kids or for transporting heavy loads without overloading your bike's luggage rack. For this heavy-duty work, suspension in the bike trailer is not a luxury - it keeps the ride pleasant and keeps your passengers from getting shaken up!

Thule Chariot Cross 2 Double

RRP 1.299,95

1.034,-

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All bike trailers with suspension

What to look out for when buying and fitting a bike trailer

When looking to buy a bike trailer, it is important to think carefully beforehand about your specific needs, and to take your bike’s technical requirements into consideration. First of all, look at the hitch. Most trailers attach to the bike’s rear axle. Check carefully whether yours is suitable for this, or if you might need an adapter to mount the hitch safely. Bikes with a gear hub, for example, need the Thule Internal Hub Hitch Adapter or the classic Thule ezHitch Cup with Quick-Release Skewer. If you have a modern bike with a thru-axle, a specific solution like the Acid Cube Kids Trailer thru axle is required.

View all components here

In addition, your child(ren)'s comfort is crucial. For the littlest ones, an infant sling or baby seat is essential. With accessories such as the Cube Baby Seat or the Thule Infant Sling, you can transport even young babies safely and comfortably in the bike trailer. If you also want to use the bike trailer for running or off-road walking, you can easily expand it with many different upgrade kits. A great example is the Cube Jogger Kit, which increases stability for your workout.

Cube Jogger Kit

RRP 99,95

89,95

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Thule Infant Sling

RRP 99,95

89,95

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Browse all accessories here

Practical tips for your first ride

Once you have made your choice, it is time for your first ride. We recommend practicing without any precious cargo first, so you can get used to the handling of your new bike.

• Take a quiet test ride in a wide street or an empty car park.

• Practice taking corners and find out just how much wider your turning circle really is.

• Test your braking distance well, because with extra weight, you will need much more time to come to a stop.

• Before setting off, always check that the safety pin and the extra backup strap are securely attached to your bike frame.

• Pump up the trailer's tyres regularly for lower rolling resistance, a smoother ride, and to minimise the risk of punctures.

Browse and compare all options

Hopefully, these tips and explanations will help you hit the road with confidence! Would you like to view the different models in detail and compare the specifications side by side to find the perfect match for your bike? Check out our complete range of bike trailers! After reading, if you still have questions about fitting or are unsure about the correct axle for your bike, come see us at our Superstores - our expert staff will be happy to answer any questions and help you think things through to come to the right decision.