An Article About Bicycle Trailers - Its Types And Uses
Bicycle trailers are popular bike attachments commonly seen these days. These are two wheeled carts which are attached to the bicycle's rear axle and allow a cyclist to tow a load. These trailers come in many different types and are made of various materials. A number of benefits can also be gained by using these carts.
A bicycle trailer is a motor-less wheeled frame with a hitch system for transporting cargo by bicycle. Its component parts include a frame, an axle, two wheels, a fender or a mudguard, and a hitch. The frame is often made from metal such as steel and aluminum alloy but can also be made from wood. The trailer's axles-which allow the load carrying area to be between the wheels so as to keep the center of gravity relatively low-are separate from that of the bike and are usually mounted directly on the frame using threaded nuts, quick-release mechanisms, or some press fit arrangement.
Bicycle trailer wheel's come in two forms, namely, pneumatic tires or solid metal wheels. There is also the fender or the mudguard which as the name suggests helps in protecting the trailer from road spray and dirt. Finally, the trailer has a hitch which is the one connecting the trailer to the bicycle. An example of a hitch position is the seat post wherein the trailer hitch is attached to the seat post with a temporary or permanent clamp assembly. Rear axle, chainstay, rear cargo or pannier rack along with other improvised positions are other more popular hitch positions.
Bicycle trailers generally have three types which users can choose from depending on the type of cargo that needs to be hauled and transported. The first type of trailers is the one designed to carry gears which in most cases resemble standard flat bottom trailers. This is also completely enclosed to provide utmost protection to the cargo. A passenger carrying trailer is the second type and is probably the one most of us is familiar with. This is designed to carry both adults and children but is more recommenced to children between the ages of one and five. These trailers are often enclosed with nylon fabric panels, screen windows, and zippered access. Finally, we have the pet carrying bicycle trailers which usually have hard floors that are easily hosed out. Such trailers need to also have leash tethers or harness in order to properly secure the animal and avoid the chances of it escaping.
But why should one use a bicycle trailer instead of a car to haul things? Among the many advantages of bike trailers is their efficiency. They allow one to isolate the bike from the load so energy is not wasted in wiggling the load. They are also safe to use as they corner predictably and remains maneuverable. They are also easy to pack, convenient to hitch, and light to walk with. Also, as trailers are rotationally isolated from the bike, attaching them to the bike does not damage the two wheeled vehicle while allowing the user to handle the bike normally.
Bicycle trailers are indeed great attachments to bicycles. With the number of benefits that can be derived from their use, and with the number of types depending on one's needs, finding the right bike trailer has never been this easy.
A bicycle trailer is a motor-less wheeled frame with a hitch system for transporting cargo by bicycle. Its component parts include a frame, an axle, two wheels, a fender or a mudguard, and a hitch. The frame is often made from metal such as steel and aluminum alloy but can also be made from wood. The trailer's axles-which allow the load carrying area to be between the wheels so as to keep the center of gravity relatively low-are separate from that of the bike and are usually mounted directly on the frame using threaded nuts, quick-release mechanisms, or some press fit arrangement.
Bicycle trailer wheel's come in two forms, namely, pneumatic tires or solid metal wheels. There is also the fender or the mudguard which as the name suggests helps in protecting the trailer from road spray and dirt. Finally, the trailer has a hitch which is the one connecting the trailer to the bicycle. An example of a hitch position is the seat post wherein the trailer hitch is attached to the seat post with a temporary or permanent clamp assembly. Rear axle, chainstay, rear cargo or pannier rack along with other improvised positions are other more popular hitch positions.
Bicycle trailers generally have three types which users can choose from depending on the type of cargo that needs to be hauled and transported. The first type of trailers is the one designed to carry gears which in most cases resemble standard flat bottom trailers. This is also completely enclosed to provide utmost protection to the cargo. A passenger carrying trailer is the second type and is probably the one most of us is familiar with. This is designed to carry both adults and children but is more recommenced to children between the ages of one and five. These trailers are often enclosed with nylon fabric panels, screen windows, and zippered access. Finally, we have the pet carrying bicycle trailers which usually have hard floors that are easily hosed out. Such trailers need to also have leash tethers or harness in order to properly secure the animal and avoid the chances of it escaping.
But why should one use a bicycle trailer instead of a car to haul things? Among the many advantages of bike trailers is their efficiency. They allow one to isolate the bike from the load so energy is not wasted in wiggling the load. They are also safe to use as they corner predictably and remains maneuverable. They are also easy to pack, convenient to hitch, and light to walk with. Also, as trailers are rotationally isolated from the bike, attaching them to the bike does not damage the two wheeled vehicle while allowing the user to handle the bike normally.
Bicycle trailers are indeed great attachments to bicycles. With the number of benefits that can be derived from their use, and with the number of types depending on one's needs, finding the right bike trailer has never been this easy.
About the Author:
Ginafe Bandit is a single mother of two from Germany. Everyday, Ginafe sends her kids to school with her bicycle trailer ("Fahrradanhaenger" as they call it in German) while she drives the bike.