GearLab is reader-supported. If you are an active family that bikes, that runs, that does bike touring, that commutes to daycare, etc, etc, etcthe Chariot is worth the price. It has UPF 30 windows and an adjustable sunshade, and it's well-ventilated for rides on hot days. Other aspects of this trailer's design are also a challenge. And it STILL has lots of life left in it. At the rear of the Chariot, there is an open mesh pocket where I like to stuff my thingsa jacket, my wallet, a phone, etc. If you are planning on riding off-road, in sand, or snowy conditions, that could make a difference to you. Unless they're tiny toddlers, fitting two passengers into the Echo could be a squeeze. The D'Lite's cargo space is large and easily accessible, so it easily accommodates groceries and potables for mom and dad. Result? When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support, Size Folded- wheels removed LxWxH (inches), How to Choose a Bike Trailer for Your Child. Ive used this trailer to haul groceries, library books, and a kids bike. The door! Let us know! Were happy to chat with you anytime at 866-600-BEAN (2326) or over email atquestions@mbeans.com. The D'Lite X scored exceptionally well in this category for several reasons. Take a look at the top tierThule Chariot Cross 2 Doublefor a all-in-one bike trailer/ 4-wheel stroller/ jogging stroller! We evaluated the trailers' walkability by weaving them through tricky-yet-typical urban infrastructure. The Hamax Outback is an outlier in this category with a weight of 44 pounds. A well-adjusted harness one that holds the child in place but doesn't crush them is essential for a comfortable ride, and we found the five-point systems in the Hamax Outback and the Thule Chariot models to be the easiest to adjust and the best at staying in place during long rides. The humble Schwinn Echo is a surprise winner in this category with a 23"x12" cargo area footprint. Copyright 1995-2022 eBay Inc. All Rights Reserved. We carefully placed the water source to mimic a heavy downpour as well as to imitate road slick spraying off the bike's back tire. The Thule Chariot Cross is THE penultimate piece of equipment for active parents everywhere. Compared to a jogging-specific stroller, the Cross is heavier and harder to maneuver. However, it has no flat bottom, so hauling groceries or bulky items with this trailer was not ideal. Those riding in the Outback are in for a real treat: they'll enjoy wide, comfortable seats, large windows to take in the view, a secure footwell design that makes climbing in and out a cinch, and an adjustable suspension system that lets you dial in a smooth ride. While this required some muscle at first, by the end of the testing period we could do it with one hand. By contrast, none of the other models have rain covers that stretch tautly over their tops, so saturation in prolonged heavy rain is inevitable. A small indicator panel, shown as red in this photo, clicks over to green when the frame is properly secured, giving parents peace of mind. Adjustable suspension can help make the ride more comfortable on off-road terrain, and reclining seats are great for nap time on long days. We soaked each trailer with a sprinkler and/or hose to test their rainy day chops for water resistance. We love the Thule Chariot because it can be used on-road and off due to its suspension. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. On the old Chariot, the sunshade, rain cover, and screen were all part of the same integrated door. The Thule Chariot Cross and its pared-down version, the Thule Chariot Lite are unmistakably on the pricier side. Towing these trailers over uneven terrain requires more effort and makes for a bumpier ride. They block the sun but can also block a passenger's view of the bike rider (and the rider's view of the passenger). Keep in mind that trailers with larger cargo areas, such as the Burley D'Lite X, might be lighter on their own but tend to get filled up with heavy gear fast since the space is available, often negating the benefit of a more lightweight trailer. We'll explain why below. We also paid close attention to which trailers tend to need mid-ride adjustments, how easy they are to tow off-road or on uneven terrain, and how well we can maneuver the bike-and-trailer rig while walking through and around obstacles. Its safety features impressed us: a comprehensive roll cage, substantial ventilation, UV-resistant windows, and a top-notch harness system with plenty of padding. The weeGo is a little tippy and unstable for kids to get into, but they can find firm footing once inside. The lack of a hand brake is fine with me, as I actually think the hand brakes are a pain to take on and off when converting to a bike trailer, but its worth considering if you are running in an area with steep hills. The Chariot is easily and quickly foldable for transportation and storage. Since the seats fold flat, canine tester Banner could stretch out for his ride to the park. The Chariot Cross has a back pouch with interior pockets about the size of an average messenger bag. Our top choice for athletes, the Thule Chariot Cross. The Thule Chariot Cross has the best suspension of all the trailers, in my opinion, as well as the highest quality fabric and overall durability. No, they arent cheap, but they offer excellent value for the price. This makes it a pretty challenging trailer to tow uphill, even when there's nothing in it. By excelling in every aspect of the passenger experience category, the Hamax Outback impressed us enough to become our top choice for a comfy ride. The new handlebar is screwed in (so it doesnt easily uninstall like the old version), but I never took it off anyhow, so no biggie. The only difference is the width of the trailer, the weight, and the number of child harnesses. For me, personally, the Thule Chariot Cross IS worth the price. Let's face it: price matters. questions@mbeans.com. Since it's only secured by Velcro, a squirmy passenger can easily poke hands and feet through the front flap of the Schwinn Echo. Nor is there quite as much legroom for older kids as the Hamax Outback or Wike trailer. Finally, the Thule Chariot Cross (the single version in particular) has a nice tight turning radius and Ive managed to squeeze it on wider dirt trails just fine. Also, consider how much weight you'll be putting in the trailer. The Burley Bee stood up great in our 5-minute sprinkler challenge, but it's not quite as bomber as the Thule Chariot models. For its stellar performance at a price point toward the low-end top-performing products, the Burley D'Lite X is our top recommendation. It's worth noting here that while we love the Hamax Outback's convertible interior space, its weight limits how much you can haul. The first was a visual assessment of shock absorption, and the second was a quantitative measurement of acceleration over a series of bumps on a surface of broken pavement. The right trailer for your family isn't necessarily the one at the top of the chart, especially if you value one or more of our metrics more than we do. In our experience, bikes without rear fenders tend to throw up water and nasty road sludge that can make their way under a trailer's front cover. Instead of carrying 50-lbs of childrenthrough a busy store,simply switch the Thule Courier 2 Double from trailer mode to stroller mode. Although the Outback has some great features, we have to literally weigh the negatives as well. 20" wheels and an adjustable suspension system make the D'Lite easy to tow and comfortable for passengers. No regrets). There seems to be a problem serving the request at this time, One stop shop for all things from your favorite brand, Thule Stroller Conversion Bicycle Trailers, {"modules":["unloadOptimization","bandwidthDetection"],"unloadOptimization":{"browsers":{"Firefox":true,"Chrome":true}},"bandwidthDetection":{"url":"https://ir.ebaystatic.com/cr/v/c1/thirtysevens.jpg","maxViews":4,"imgSize":37,"expiry":300000,"timeout":250}}, Thule Chariot Cross Multisport Trailer & Stroller Double Alaska, THULE Urban Glide 2 Double 18-x Stroller Handlebar Assembly w/ Hand Brake, Thule Chariot Lite 2 Multisport Trailer - Blue Grass/Black. Keeping kids safe is a top priority, so we considered passenger protection to be our most important rating metric. With the seats removed, the DLite X swallows a pop-up tent, foldable chair, foldable table, sand toys, a hammock, a large cooler, PFDs for the whole family, and towels. Again, we didn't evaluate these kits, but we rated these contenders higher in the versatility category because they give parents the option to purchase one outdoor kid mobile instead of potentially four. Theres also a large rear trunk (that can fold up out of the way when not in use), and it is large enough to hold a diaper bag or large bag of groceries. Comfort is key once passengers are in the trailer, and it can also pay off for parents. Biking around town and need to make a stop with your young kids? Reproduction without permission is prohibited. The large and adjustable sunshade keeps the kids cool, but may also upset children who dont want to lose sight of Mom or Dad. Forget wipe warmers and baby monitorsthe Thule Chariot Cross is what you should really be putting on your baby registry. The newThule Courier 2022and theThule Coaster XT Doubleare both dual bike trailer + stroller models while the lower costThule Cadence 2 Doubleremains a bike trailer only. Once youre towing it, the Thule Chariot Cross performs admirably. Among the trailers on the high end of the price spectrum, the Hamax Outback stood out for how poorly it performed when doused. The higher-end models can also convert into a stroller, a jogger, a ski sled, or all three. Its hitch and tow arm are secure, so the only time we noticed slight lurching was when standing up on the pedals to tow a heavy load uphill. Not only do the seats in this trailer recline, but they can be adjusted separately -- chariot, indeed! Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. For active families, the Thule Chariot is an essential piece of gear that will allow you to keep running biking and skiing even with a rug-rat in tow. So is the Thule Chariot Cross worth the price? This model is outstandingly versatile not only do its seats fold flat to accommodate dogs, camping gear, over-sized cargo, or anything else you can think to throw in it, but multisport families can purchase optional walking/hiking, jogging, and cross-country ski kits as aftermarket add-ons (not included). Of course, it is pretty BIG, but would work in most placesprobably just not the airport. Throughout our rain tests, the Burley Bee, Thule Cadence, and Burley D'Lite X remained relatively dry inside and are undoubtedly suitable for long rides in drizzly conditions. On top of havingthe most featuresit'sreallyfour pieces of outdoor equipment in one:Bike trailer, Stroller, Cargo trailer, and Dog Trailer. Some parents discover that purchasing a bike trailer allows them to ditch their second car, so we evaluated each product for its ability to haul groceries, pets, and bulky items. Thule already has a huge fanbase in America. We noticed some lurching while testing each of these models since the ball has a little bit of wiggle room in the socket, and it can move both horizontally and vertically. Turning the Cross or correcting course requires pushing back on the handlebar to unweight the front wheel and then turning the trailer. We explain why below. I was the Chariot Cougars #1 fan, so was slightly skeptical about how it could have been improved. Finally, the trailers suspension system helps absorb vibration from the road or trail (read more on this topic later on). Meanwhile, its rain cover keeps passengers completely dry even in truly miserable conditions. On top of havingthe most featuresit'sreally. This is mostly due to the superior Burley hitch design, which attaches the tow arm to the hitch adapter with a single super-secure connection point that allows for no back-and-forth play. Read our full privacy policy for more information. Most of the trailers in our test group consist of one ample interior space, separated by the seat-back into passenger and cargo areas. It's also not light on your wallet, so those who aren't committed to biking regularly with the kids (or who have kids who will soon outgrow a trailer) would be wise to look elsewhere. Obviously, this is probably not recommended but does go to show that the kiddos are secure in there. Investing in a bike trailer with a suspension system is a good idea if you're considering riding off paved roads and/or bike paths, and it will keep your passengers much more comfortable and happy. The former. In his adventures, he has thru-hiked big-name trails, lived and adventured on four continents, and biked across America (twice). Although the Chariots were speedy to set up, we occasionally had to pull hard enough on one of the hitch components during attachment that we knocked the bike over, startling our young passengers. The lower front panels of the Burley D'Lite X, Burley Bee, and Allen Sports Steel unclip so that little legs can quickly step up into the trailer. The Thule Chariot Cross is a roll-cage for babies. The Cross comes with a range of abilities and a depth of thoughtful design that will leave most families very satisfied. Continue on to see how Magic Beans compares the Thule Cadence, Thule Coaster XT Double 2022, and the Thule Courier 2022 to your familys outdoor activity! Then we used our weighted ratings to calculate the overall score for each bike trailer. The Hamax Outback has a similar tow arm with a sharp bend that makes it nimble to maneuver, though it features a less flexible hitch. We chose a diverse set of the most popular bike trailers for kids on the market and rode them for hundreds of miles in a series of side-by-side tests. And for the days without kiddos in tow, it transforms into a reinforced-floor cargo trailer, and even a fur-baby trailer with the, The Thule Courier 2 Double has two seats but is weight balanced for seamless use with a single child. People buy their Chariot trailers and use them for multiple children, over multiple yearsand then still manage to sell them on Craigslist for a fair amount of money. Between the two trailers, weve gotten in 7 years worth of biking, running, strolling, and fat biking. As we evaluated each product in this category, we considered factors like construction quality, roll cage coverage, rain and sun protection, harness effectiveness, ventilation, and suspension. Personally, we use a thru-axle from the Robert Axle Project, although Thule is now offering its own thru-axle adaptors (sold separately). The trailers are generally suitable for children between 1 and 5 years of age, after which many kids start to want their own wheels, and towing multiple kids can get too heavy. All of the trailers we tested meet the minimum requirements set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), but some treat those standards as a baseline and layer on additional safety features. A custom testing protocol was developed for each metric, such as a protection test using an accelerometer fixed to a water bladder while towing the trailers across rough terrain meant to compare the ride smoothness. The handlebar does change positions with the simple push of a button, which I appreciate. One of the Bee's best features is that it is the lightest trailer we tested, yet it also has one of the largest cargo spaces, so it's an excellent option for commutes or running errands around town. The Cross has strategically padded seats that recline individually, a rain-proof cargo pouch, an adjustable suspension system, and a flare that can't be beaten. While this isnt a big deal necessarily, Im always surprised when running with a real jogging stroller just how much easier it is to turn and maneuver. All else being equal, a lighter trailer will offer less towing resistance, which means your legs won't become jelly before you reach your destination. For anyone ordering the ThuleCoaster XT Double 2022orThule Cadence 2 Double, make sure to pick up aThule Bicycle Trailer Rain Cover Coaster / Cadenceto keep you rolling and the kids dry through inclementweather. The Bee is less than half the price of our top award winner, the Burley D'Lite X, but comes standard with many of the same great features we expect in a top-of-the-line Burley trailer. By contrast, riders will quickly see their legs sculpted to exquisite marble when they tow uphill with the hefty Thule Chariot Cross, which is part of the reason we named it our top choice for athletes. For families wanting to get the most out of their bike trailer but maybe already have a heavy duty double stroller, theThule Coaster XT Double 2022is the perfect middle ground. In fact, it's so good that we dubbed it our top choice for a comfy ride. The Thule Chariots are standouts in this area their hitches allow for maximal rotation, and their tow arms are sharply bent, which keeps the front of the trailer close to the bike and allows for quick turns. The Hamax's weight made it challenging to venture to far afield. He enjoys life in Lake Tahoe, where he taxis his daughter and dog around the mountains, always exploring new challenges. Our passenger is stoked. With average setup times of just 28 seconds for the Cross and 29 seconds for the Lite, the Thule Chariots have the most user-friendly frame designs and are outstanding performers in this category. We love this feature and wish that every manufacturer in our test group would include it. Unfortunately, the weight limit on the trunk is only 8 pounds which is less than our older Cougar. (The xc ski kit does take a bit more effort). The Thule Chariots and the Cadence are relatively low to the ground, so while their front panels are fixed, they're still easy for kiddos to navigate. Thule also offers the Chariot Lite. Read review: Hamax Outback Multi-Sport Bike Trailer. Switching between modes is quick and easy. The Schwinn Echo has the narrowest seating area at just 21". The foot brake is nice as it allows you to park the Chariot without fear that it will roll away, and is much easier to operate than the one on the older Chariot Cougar. We evaluated how easy it is for kids to get in and out of the trailer, how comfortable the seat and harness are, and how much space passengers have to spread out and stow their belongings. It has. Canine tester Banner could stretch out in the Hamax Outback because its seat backs unclip from the trailer frame to lie flat, opening up a range of cargo hauling possibilities. Its multi-sport applications and extremely high level of quality have provided the Thule Chariot with a cult-like following. Although we weren't evaluating strolling capabilities, testers did find it useful to have the option to convert a trailer to a stroller once they reached their destination, especially those with younger kids. Our passenger testers appreciated being able to step easily in and out of this model. We paid close attention to any feedback from the trailer to the bike, like lurching, shuddering/vibrating, or lateral pulling, since these movements can make the cyclist feel unstable and can tire legs out quickly, especially while climbing. Using an accelerometer and an obstacle course, we objectively tested how each trailer handles speedbumps, curbs, or unexpected potholes. Speaking of things rolling away, there is also wrist strap for use when strolling or jogging as an added precaution. The primary purpose of this trial was to obtain numerical results to complement our visual test. The individually adjustable seats of the Cross and D'Lite X are probably most useful for users who plan on doing long rides with multiple children. If you are going to be riding on rough surfaces, whether that is a dirt rail trail, or just uneven pavement, your child will be so much more comfortable and happy in a trailer with suspension. Start planning your first ride,Spring begins in less than two weeks! If you own a roof or bike rack, and love it, its probably by the Thule brand. When P was a baby, we never used the strolling kit (we never used a stroller in general), but after using the strolling kit with the new Thule Chariot Cross, I can also see how the Chariot would work just fine for a primary stroller. None of the other trailers we tested have suspensions, and we found that the lighter trailers, like the Burley Bee and the Thule Cadence, tend to feel pretty jumpy on trails, even when towing passengers. Overall, not a big deal, but this was the one thing I will miss about the old Chariot. Not only does it allow full use of its ample interior space (its seats can unclip from the top frame of the trailer to lie flat), but it also has plenty of cargo space in the rear, even with children sitting in the main compartment. The Thule Coaster XT Double and the Thule Courier 2 Double have three important differences. No ads. By far, the best value award goes to the Burley Bee. The Chariot Cross has a reclining seat which is nice for nap time. The Burley Bee is close behind at 23"x11.5", and the Burley D'Lite X and InStep Take 2 also impressed us with generous cargo footprints. Although they might stand up to a bike ride on a foggy day, these models are best for dry conditions only. Armed with the results, we rated each trailer on its safety and versatility, factoring in the all-important kid vote. The input from children near the high end of the age spectrum for bike trailers was essential in determining which models supplied the smoothest ride. Sure, the Bee isn't as fancy or plush for passengers as the D'Lite X, but it's still an incredibly simple trailer to set up and tow, and the kids aren't likely to complain about it. Diono 3RXT vs the updated Diono 3RXT Safe+. So its first important to know that no matter which Thule bike trailer you choose, its going to be one of the industrys best. We think you'll get the most value by springing for a trailer with suspension so you can enjoy the full range of riding options. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. Additionally, this contender is a single-function trailer with no options for additional strolling or multisport conversion kits. The aluminum cage is super sturdy, and there is even a newly added roll bar directly over the childs head, so if it flips, they are still supported. (See above video for a demonstration). It's also fitted with solid safety features and is light enough to remain useful as an around-town grocery hauler and cargo trailer long after your kids have outgrown it. The Thule Chariot has the reputation that it does because of its extremely high quality. Field testing the Schwinn Echo with passenger on board. The quickest trailer, the Burley Bee, took just 12 minutes, while the slowest, the Thule Chariot Cross, took 40 minutes. It hasbuilt in weather covers, an adjustable handlebar, six reflectors,the most head room, the most cargo space, and it has on-board storage for any trailer/stroller hardware not being used. The Thule Chariot models also performed well in this aspect, with an even larger adjustable sunshade, mesh backing behind the passengers' heads, and adjustable ventilation panels in the footwells. There was enough seepage through the top of the trailer to partially soak the seats (and any passengers sitting in them). The Weehoo weeGo and the Burley Bee are both positive safety standouts with well-developed roll cages combined with secure harnesses. Setup requires two quick snaps to lock the frame into place, and breakdown is accomplished with the push of a button, as shown. With our older Chariot, weve taken it off-road, weve flipped it over, weve left it out in the rain, weve used and abused it day in and day out. It's low to the ground and has a firm, flat, rubberized footwell that makes it super easy and stable for even smaller tykes to climb in and out by themselves. So how does the new Chariot Cross compare with the older Chariot Cougar? Once collapsed, it fits easily in the back of my Ford Escape SUV. This is also smart if you're thinking ahead to potentially reselling a trailer after the kids have moved on to their own bikes. . We believe its weight is enough to limit its versatility since carrying large loads simply isn't feasible with such a heavy baseline weight. How do you pick the best Thule bike trailer when theyre all rated so well? After months of rigorous testing, we're confident in our analysis of how these trailers stack up. For comparison, the Burley D'Lite X took 52 seconds to set up, and the Burley Bee took 48 seconds. We towed everything we could think of, from beach gear, dogs, and camping equipment, to groceries, gardening supplies, and of course kids. None of the other models we tested featured suspensions, resulting in very slow, cautious riding to avoid bouncing our passengers around in the non-suspended trailers. Planning on riding in cold, wet weather? TheThule Coaster XT Double 2022is acombination bike trailer and 3-wheel stroller. We mounted an iPhone with an accelerometer app to the test dummy to measure suspension performance, then towed the trailers over several prominent bumps at identical speeds. However, we still do not recommend the safest trailer with the smoothest ride for children younger than one year, and we never recommend towing any child not wearing a well-fitted helmet. Four setups: Bike trailer, Stroller, Cargo trailer, Dog Trailer (Thule Courier Dog Trailer Kit). Burley's hitch setup is the best we tested because it makes it easy to hook up the trailer and the bike while providing a stable, lurch-free towing experience. In this review, Ill share why weve used the Chariot for so many hours of our sons childhood (even when we had other trailers to use and test) and why the Thule Chariot Cross remains our FAVORITE convertible bike trailer. That said, the Thule Chariot Cross is definitely designed as a bike trailer first and a jogging stroller second. All trademarks property of their respective owners Although its certainly heavier than some less substantial trailers (and heavier yet than a bike seat), at 28 pounds, the Thule Chariot wont kill you. It takes no time and you won't even have to move the kids around toswitch it! But aside from these, you can still transform it from trailer to stroller within minutes, giving you great flexibility and travel options. The Thule Coaster XT Double and the Thule Courier 2 Double have three important differences. Its seats are comfortable, its harness straps are easy to adjust and stay in place well, and it's surprisingly easy to set up it's time to ride. However, the Burley models' sharply slanting floors make it harder for kids to find their footing, and the elastic straps that secure the lower front panels are potential breakage points. Even in a super-secure trailer like the Thule Chariot Cross, children being towed should be at least one year old and should always be wearing a helmet. Biking with your kids can be all kinds of fun for the whole family, so hopefully, you'll be pulling your trailer out and using it often. Nothing on it looks or feels cheap. There are two versions of the Thule Chariot Cross. If you think it is fun to ride on a dirt road in a trailer with no suspension, think again. Two tests were performed. Overall, we believe you'll be thanking yourself for strongly considering one of the Chariot models if you're not daunted by riding in a consistently wet climate. Each testing metric has been weighted according to its contribution to the overall experience of using a trailer. If you can afford to shell out more money upfront, the more pleasant experience of the suspension models will encourage you to use it more often and lower the cost per ride over time. As far as featuresadjustable suspension, reclining seats, multi-sport options, it really has it all. Most of the other trailers, including the Burley Bee and the Thule Cadence, have unpadded bench-style seats and unpadded harnesses. Were happy to chat with you anytime at 866-600-BEAN (2326) or over email at. The trailer isn't entirely watertight, so if rain doesn't spoil your biking plans or you live in a climate with lots of cold, wet weather, you may want to look into a trailer with total rain protection. This is noteworthy though because most other multi-sport trailers have a jogging kit with a handbrake.
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