A trailer bike or tag along is a child’s bicycle minus the front forks and front wheel; it attaches to the rear portion of an adult bike allowing parents to cycle in safety with their children.
Basic models have no gears or brakes but come with freewheel hubs allowing the child to pedal when desired. Higher quality bikes offer 3 to 7 speeds and in some cases brakes allowing children to learn the basics of cycling whilst being securely “fastened” to an adult.
Advantages of Using a Tag Along
- A tag along allows family cycling for longer distances, the adult being able to move faster and further as the child is pulled along at the back.
- It teaches road safety and awareness, pedaling skills and, where gears are fitted, how to change gear to maintain pedaling cadence.
- They offer a great healthy family day out in the fresh air without the fear of kids getting tired to spoil the fun.
- For young children, a bicycle trailer is much safer especially in built-up areas
- They are great fun for both adult and child; the latter will often surprise by giving the adult a much needed “push” from behind!
- They are an economical alternative to buying a tandem.
- Trailer bikes have excellent resale values as they are highly sought after; most resale bikes in good condition fetch at least half of their original price.
Trailer Bike Brands
As with other specialty bike markets such as electric bikes, tag alongs have a wide supply base and prices vary from £80/$130 to £400/$650 depending on features required.
Brands to consider include Adams, a quality Canadian brand making their trademark trail-a-bike since 1986, Avenir, Roland and Burley, US industry leader and provider of high quality trailers of all description.
Points to Consider Before Buying a Trailer Bike
- A child cannot ride independently which may not suit extremely active kids; it can conversely encourage laziness.
- Most bicycles are only suitable for smaller children aged 4-9 up to 80 lb/36 kg.
- A trailer bike weighing 12 kg plus child could mean pulling up to 50 kg; they are really best suited to flat terrain!
- These bikes are long and can be unwieldy in tight corners.
- Always use a safety flag so the small person at the back can get noticed.
- In muddy or wet conditions, little Johnny could get very dirty at the back! Consider how often the trailer bike is likely to be used when deciding how much to spend.
Cycling with Children
Trailer bikes offer a safe fun way for the whole family to get out and ride. Especially good for small children who tire easily, being pulled along teaches basic riding skills whilst giving the parent a good work-out at the same time.
Related Articles
Also of interest may be
- How to Choose a Tag Along Bicycle
- Child Bike Seats
- Trailer Bikes for Children with Special Needs
- How to Choose a Bike, Road, Mountain, Hybrid or Fold-up
Helen Smeaton - Helen Smeaton runs a cycling and hiking business and is also a freelance writer and web designer. Read her profile for more information
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