Here are some of the most common reasons bike riders use bike trailers:
It’s often easier to cart around one bag off the bike rather than the complete suite of panniers.
Bike trailers come in two main variations, those with two wheels and those with one wheel.
Two Wheeled Trailers are better for around town as they’re easier to load and are more stable at low speeds.
One Wheeled Trailers are generally narrower, lighter, have a lower rolling resistance, are more maneuverable (as they lean with the bike), have one less wheel to puncture and can better avoid potholes.
But, even one and two wheeled trailers are broken down by how they attach to the bike; on the seatpost, on or around the rear axle, and even on the rack above the rear wheel.
The rear axle is the most common mounting location and is often the quickest for trailer installation and removal. Trailers put little stress on bike frames.
Seatpost mounting trailers have a tighter turning circle as they pivot closer to the front of the bike.
Bike trailers eliminate the need for heavy-duty frames, forks and wheels. This not only allows you to use lighter weight bikes and components, but permits the use of mountain, road, cyclocross and folding bikes (as touring bikes).
If you’re biking and hiking, it can be awkward to carry a decent-sized hiking pack on the bike. Trailers are able to easily cradle large bags.
Given the large single storage space of trailers, you can fit long tent poles and other bulky items into trailers.
The below trailers weigh 22 pounds (10 kg) or less with a carrying capacity of at least 66 pounds (30 kg).
Adventure CT1 Bike Trailers
The Adventure trailer comes with a 16 inch wheel. The simple axle fitting system works with any bike and comes with a waterproof storage bag. The CT1 Bike Trailer also comes with a reflector and flag for added visibility. The maximum recommended cargo weight is 77 pounds (35 kg).
Some people recommend replacing the back tire with a tire of equal quality to what you are riding on your bike. Another recommendation is to inspect the nuts and bolts that come in contact with the bag to ensure they do not have sharp edges and damage the integrity of the waterproof bag. The Adventure Trailer is only available on European Amazon sites or 3rd party retailers in Europe.
Aevon KIT L80 Bike Trailer
The Aevon KIT L80 trailer has a 16 inch wheel. There is also an adjustable air shock to help smooth out rougher riding. The seatpost mount allows for taking sharper turns than an axle mount. The trailer comes with a waterproof bag that can fit the whole trailer when disassembled. The maximum recommended cargo weight is 77 pounds (35 kg). The Aevon KIT L80 Bike Trailer is available from the manufacturer’s website.
Aevon UNO 100 Bike Trailer
The Aevon UNO 100 trailer has a 16 inch wheel. This model does not have an adjustable air shock as it is intended for road use. The seatpost mount allows for taking sharper turns than an axle mount. The trailer comes with a waterproof bag that can fit the whole trailer when disassembled. The maximum recommended cargo weight is 99 pounds (45 kg). The Aevon UNO 100 Bike Trailer is available from the manufacturer’s website.
BOB Ibex Bike Trailer
The Ibex Trailer has a 16 inch wheel. This model does have a suspension system. The axle fitting system is compatible with most full-suspension bicycles and most bicycles that have solid-axle hubs. The trailer comes with a waterproof Dry Sak bag. The maximum recommended cargo weight is 70 pounds (32 kg). On Amazon the BOB Ibex 28 Plus Suspension Bike Trailer with Dry Sak is rated 4.8 out of five stars with 21 reviews.
BOB Yak Bike Trailer
The BOB Yak Bike Trailer is the least expensive of this series of bike trailers. The Yak Trailer has a 16 inch wheel. This model does have a suspension system. The axle fitting system is compatible with most full-suspension bicycles and most bicycles that have solid-axle hubs. The trailer comes with a waterproof Dry Sak bag. The maximum recommended cargo weight is 70 pounds (32 kg). On Amazon the BOB Yak Plus Bike Trailer with Dry Sak is rated 4.3 out of five stars with 42 reviews.
Burley Coho XC Bike Trailer
The Coho XC trailer has a 16 inch wheel. This model has a coil-spring suspension. The axle mount has an adjustable width yoke allows for simple, tool-free adjustment and installation on a wide range of hub widths. The waterproof bag is an additional accessory. The maximum recommended cargo weight is 70 pounds (32 kg). On Amazon the Burley Design COHO XC Bike Trailer is rated 4.6 out of five stars with 3 reviews.
Extrawheel Bike Trailer
The Extrawheel trailers have wheels in various sizes so they can be used as a spare front wheel to the bike. This series of trailers do not have a suspension system. The Extrawheel comes with an axle mount. The trailer is designed to carry panniers. The maximum recommended cargo weight is 77 pounds (35 kg). Extrawheel Bike Trailers are available from the manufacturer’s website.
Free Parable T2 Bike Trailer
The T2 bike trailer has a very small wheel. The Free Parable comes with an axle mount. The trailer comes with a waterproof bag. The maximum recommended cargo weight is 66 pounds (30 kg). The Free Parable T2 Bike Trailer is available from the manufacturer’s website. With the Power T2 you can have a way of generating electricity while you ride. It puts out 13 watts of power using SunUp Eco’s MaxiDyn Dynamo.
Maya Bike Trailer
The Maya trailer has a 16 inch wheel. This model does not have a shock suspension. It attaches via quick-release or solid axle. The trailer comes with a water resistant bag. The maximum recommended cargo weight is 66 pounds (30 kg). On Amazon the Maya Cycle Bike Trailer is rated 4.4 out of five stars with 13 reviews.
Burley Nomad Bike Trailer
The Nomad trailer has two 16 inch wheels. The axle mount connects to the right side of the axle for quick and easy detachment. The trailer comes with a water resistant cover to go over the cargo. The maximum recommended cargo weight is 99 pounds (45 kg). On Amazon the Burley Nomad Cargo Trailer is rated 4.1 out of five stars with 31 reviews.
Topeak Journey Bike Trailer
The Journey trailer has a 16 inch wheel. The SlideLock QR attachment makes mounting or removing trailer quick and simple. The trailer comes with a waterproof bag made specifically for the trailer and it straps to several points in the trailer. The maximum recommended cargo weight is 70 pounds (32 kg). This is one of the lightest trailers available on the market. On Amazon the Topeak Journey Trailer Aluminum Main Frame Water with Proof Drybag, Rear Fender and Flag is rated 4.5 out of five stars with 4 reviews.
The next two trailers are only available in Europe as they are produced in Germany.
Tout Terrain Mule Bike Trailer
The Terrain Mule trailer has a 20 inch wheel. This model does have an adjustable air shock for off road and street travel. The seatpost mount allows for taking sharper turns than an axle mount. The maximum recommended cargo weight is 99 pounds (45 kg). The Tout Terrain Mule Bike Trailer is available from the manufacturer’s website or German Amazon.
Weber Monoporter Bike Trailer
The Monoporter trailer has a 20 inch wheel. This trailer has a swing arm suspension. The Weber Monoporter has an axle mount. The trailer comes with a bag. The maximum recommended cargo weight is 44 pounds (20 kg). The Trailer Weber Monoporter Yellow 24 – 28 Inch is available from the manufacturer’s website or German Amazon.
You can see my post that covers trailers for carrying kids behind your folding bike here.
FAQ
Can you use a folding bike for touring?
Yes, folding bikes can be used for touring, but they may have limitations in terms of carrying capacity and comfort compared to full-size touring bikes. Choose one with appropriate gear range and consider using bikepacking bags for lightweight travel.
Is a bike trailer better than panniers?
The choice between a bike trailer and panniers depends on personal preference and the type of tour. Bike trailers offer higher weight capacity and better balance, while panniers are more accessible and maintain bike maneuverability.
Why no panniers for bikepacking?
Bikepacking favors lighter and more streamlined setups, making panniers less suitable. Bikepacking bags attached directly to the frame and handlebars offer better weight distribution, lower wind resistance, and increased maneuverability on rough terrain.
Can you put panniers on a folding bike?
Some folding bikes have mounting points for panniers, but not all do. Check your bike’s specifications and frame design to determine if it can accommodate pannier racks.
Will a bike trailer damage your bike?
When used correctly and within weight limits, a bike trailer is unlikely to damage your bike. However, prolonged use or excessive weight could potentially strain some components, so it’s essential to use the trailer appropriately.
Can you pull a trailer with a Brompton?
Yes, some Brompton folding bikes are compatible with specialized trailers designed to fit their rear rack. Ensure the trailer is designed for your specific Brompton model and consider weight limits for safe towing.
Do folding bikes ride well?
Folding bikes can ride well, offering a comfortable and smooth experience on urban and light touring rides. However, they may have slightly different handling characteristics compared to full-size bikes, but riders can adjust and get used to them.
How do you transport a folding bike?
Transporting a folding bike is convenient due to its compact size. Fold the bike and place it in a carrying bag or store it in the trunk of a car. Many models can also be taken on public transportation easily.
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