kids trailer, advice

souter

Hi, since upgrading the bike and with the youngest out of nappies I can't do the short haul, 1 on crossbar, 1 on panniers anymore (yes I know it's dangerous but it was a very short haul along cycle paths).
Did briefly get the hots for a long bike i.e. kona ute but decided a trailer would be more cost effective for the short years when the kids are portable, and could also be use for shopping runs.
Looking at something like this, http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=20682 , but can't see how it attaches. My only bike is a specialized singlecross with panniers for the commute, with a flip-flop hub. The trailer attachement looks low down, presume it attaches to the hub axle, can't see how I could attach to the seat post especially with the panniers.
I'd plan on flipping the rear wheel when carrying the kids, anyone have any ideas how easy it it to attach/detach a trailer like this?

rp

souter wrote: »

I'd plan on flipping the rear wheel when carrying the kids, anyone have any ideas how easy it it to attach/detach a trailer like this?

All child trailers I've seen/used have attach the drawbar on the axle or chainstay (that is, low on the left): this is for stability. Depending on the coupling type, the bike portion attaches to either the QR/Axle or to a frame bolted between the seatstay/chainstay: the Weber is my favourite for ease of use and security, although the Becco isn't bad either. Don't forget the safety strap, ever.

souter

I get the jist of it now, would you (or anyone) have any opinions on the kiddy van 101, on sale at cyclesuperstore: http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=0&idproduct=16988

Seems a reasonable price as well. NB my kids are 2 and 5, so at the tail end of trailer dom.

rp

souter wrote: »

I get the jist of it now, would you (or anyone) have any opinions on the kiddy van 101, on sale at cyclesuperstore: http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=0&idproduct=16988
Seems a reasonable price as well. NB my kids are 2 and 5, so at the tail end of trailer dom.

I think its sound for the price-point, but it might wear-out if used extensively.
I have a Swiss Leggero trailer, which costs about €700, but it was carrying two kids for something like 24km a day, across town and up and down hills.

How solid a structure is it? Trailer safety depends upon the trailer being shoved aside in a collision without deforming, and a solid roll-cage is also essential.

The hitch looks reasonable, the bike part bolts to the chainstay, so it shouldn't interfer with hub gears or disk brakes. You could upgrade, but a Weber hitch costs about €90.

Depending on the size, you should be able to carry kids up until about 7. We stopped at that age, as her head was higher than the roof/rollbar.

(here's the manual)

souter

rp wrote: »

but it was carrying two kids for something like 24km a day, across town and up and down hills

Consider me impressed!
I'd planning on a fraction of that - occasional spin to nearby parks, along cycle paths and quiet roads, then some shopping runs as well. Thanks for the manual, it looks just right for my needs.