Schwinn Trailblazer Double Bicycle Trailer
I searched and researched for a while before deciding on this trailer. We live two blocks from the bike trail, so I really wanted one. The really expensive ones looked okay, but most of them only got four stars. The padded seat seemed to be the only thing the spendy ones had that the cheapy ones didn't. Then I saw this one. It has almost everything the more expensive ones had, including the padded seat, but was much more affordable! It's a Schwinn, so I trusted the name, and it's really nice-looking. People stare and ask about it almost every time we're out and about.
I will say our toddler had to get used to it (and wearing a helmet, but that wasn't negotiable), but now that he has gotten used to both, he loves going for bike rides. Especially when there's a picnic involved, and the storage compartment in back allows us to bring along food, a blanket, and, I think, a dog... just kidding... Dad actually put the dog in the seat with the toddler...
Anyway, we love this trailer and highly recommend it. Especially if your budget's under $200!
BalasHapusThis trailer is also listed on amazon.com as the Schwinn Trailblazer Double Bicycle Trailer. The padded seats seem comfortable for the kids, although their helmets don't sit that well against the back of the seat. The trailer is easy to assemble. It attached without a problem to my 1999 Marin hybrid bike, without having to remove the rear bike rack that holds the pannier sacks. It tows smoothly over pavement; I've been on a couple 20 mile rides with it. It appears to be well-built, and the materials are good.
BalasHapusI'd really give it four stars, because I'd like to think that five means "best thing ever", but thanks to rampant star inflation throughout the site, I can't really justify fewer than five.
My 2 year old loves riding in this trailer. I've also used it to take her up to the grocery store and get my week's worth of food!
BalasHapusIt's very easy to put together and couple with my bicycle, and it folds down pretty nicely when we're all done, too.
The only opportunity for improvement I see is that it should have a cut out or something to prevent children's helmets from being pushed down into their eyes when they sit back.
Out of the box and on the road in roughly a half hour, 18 month old strapped in. To the store, grocieries loaded in rear compartment, smooth as silk. It is a pup tent on bicycle wheels, but it is an easy to assemble and pull pup tent on bicycle wheels. Not pictured, mine came with a handlebar for a stroller and a flag.
BalasHapusI searched and researched for a while before deciding on this trailer. We live two blocks from the bike trail, so I really wanted one. The really expensive ones looked okay, but most of them only got four stars. The padded seat seemed to be the only thing the spendy ones had that the cheapy ones didn't. Then I saw this one. It has almost everything the more expensive ones had, including the padded seat, but was much more affordable! It's a Schwinn, so I trusted the name, and it's really nice-looking. People stare and ask about it almost every time we're out and about.
BalasHapusI will say our toddler had to get used to it (and wearing a helmet, but that wasn't negotiable), but now that he has gotten used to both, he loves going for bike rides. Especially when there's a picnic involved, and the storage compartment in back allows us to bring along food, a blanket, and, I think, a dog... just kidding... Dad actually put the dog in the seat with the toddler...
Anyway, we love this trailer and highly recommend it. Especially if your budget's under $200!
I purchased this trailer to use as a stroller for 2-5 mile walks and short 2-5 mile rides at times when I want to exercise but my 5 and 6 year old may not be up to it, they get lots of other exercise. I was worried about finding a trailer that would accommodate them, they are 47 lbs each and about 46" tall. I am very satisfied with how they fit into this trailer. The kids are pretty comfy, not too squished and really enjoy riding in it. It was very easy to assemble, seems sturdy enough and has plenty of storage. I was surprised at how lightweight it feels as a stroller and as a bike trailer, although any hint of an incline changes our leisurely rides into quite a workout for me, but I am new to biking and hope this changes as I get more fit. I would recommend this item.
BalasHapusI managed to assemble in minutes.
BalasHapusThe front wheel is too small for a jogging stroller (who cares, I only use it as a trailer:))
Really lightweight, still rigid.
Wheels are awesome, they go on rough terrain really smooth.
The fabric has some minor alignment issues (doesn't perfectly fits the frame).
If you have 2 bikes make sure you buy the extra ring for the 2nd bike because it's not that simple to transfer that over (I didn't know so I had to do a separate order for that).
I like it so much I even ride with my kids to HEB to get groceries. There is a nice little trunk in the back, excellent to carry even larger / heavier things.
You will enjoy it a lot with your kids.
I purchased the trailer in May. I take my 17 month old on 20 mile rides. He seems to like the trailer and even falls asleep. I have taken an additional child along for the ride with no problem. Both children wear helmets and seem to have no trouble fitting comfortably.
BalasHapusI also take the trailer onto the beach, I live 12 miles from the Jersey shore and ride my son in the trailer to the beach, hang out on the beach and ride home with no problem. The large tires pull well through the sand with my son and beach equipment inside. It has a good size storage area, which can hold a bag of towels and clothes, as well as a lunch cooler and even our tent (folds into a big circle shape thing). I put the shovels and pails upfront with the baby.
The trailer is easy to manipulate, it opens/folds in one minute. It is a bit wide but fits fine in my Subaru back/trunk area. I have used the trailer briefly as a stroller and it maneuvers well. I have not used it as a jogging stroller.
Shortly after receiving the trailer the handlebar rubber area ripped. After a brief phone call to Schwinn, a new handlebar was covered under warranty and delivered to my home for free.
As for pulling it, it feels like a break on your tail. It takes a little muscle to move from a stopped position but rolls really well once you get started. Going uphill is a definite challenge, just think of a 50lb dumbbell on wheels attached to your bike, so unless you are a super fit, really strong legged person gear shifters on your bike are a necessity.
If you're a casual rider or a avid cycler this trailer is a great investment.
The day after I received this item I hurt my knee and haven't yet been able to use it; however, we unpacked it and put it together. It was really easy to assemble and then to disassemble and store. ALL the packaging except for one little plastic tie and a 1" foam tube was recyclable - AWESOME! It seems fairly straightforward to attach it to my bike, with a small piece that goes on the bike and stays there. The trailer "hitch" then pops into that when I want to tow it. I have a cruiser bike, so I have yet to see how it fits with my particular bike, but it seems like it will be okay. It also smells really strongly of rubber or plastic - but I think it's the rubber on the wheels. We put them away separately to air them out a bit. I have one child for whom this was intended, but it ends up that my son (9 years old and 55 pounds) could actually fit in it if he had to. The instructions say not to have a child over 50 pounds in it to avoid an imbalance of weight, so I wouldn't PLAN on doing this. BUT in an emergency it would totally work. It feels well-built and I'm really looking forward to using it. I'll update this later if anyone wants to know how it works with my bike...
BalasHapusUPDATE - I've been using it and it's great. It works great with my bike - and I think it would work with any bike. My kids love it. I've even stuffed my son in it and it was fine. It's easy to ride with, it fits through all the spaces my bike fits through. I've ridden my bike with and without it and feel no difference - it's really great. We love it. At first I was taking the wheels off, folding it up and keeping it in its box for ease in storing it. Now I just fold it up and leave the wheels on - it fits standing up on end right next to our bikes. Couldn't be happier!