A great functional kid accessory. A+
Written: Feb 10 '06 (Updated Nov 28 '06)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Lightweight, sturdy, safe, roomy. Good value although pricey.
Cons: none
The Bottom Line: Overall I would definitely recommend this trailer and would buy another one if the need arose.
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| wolfcabrio's Full Review: Burley D'Lite |
This review if for the Burley bike trailer that I purchased about 2 years ago when our daughter was born. This trailer is made for two kids together or one in the middle by themselves. I'm excited to have our new baby soon and will be able to take them both together when the new one is big enough. I generally use this trailer on the roads because there are not very many trails where I live, and it works great on the roads. There are bumps, holes, cracks, and rigid pavement that puts the trailer to the test, but it does fare very well. With two kids, it will probably be even more smooth with the added weight, although more work for me.
The trailer is made of a lightweight aluminum frame, like most bikes. This is partly why it cost so much, but it is well worth it. The frame is a brushed aluminum finish that is somewhat scratch resistant, and rust-proof. The fabric that covers the occupants is a high quality nylon material that is coated on the inside with water resistant rubber. This practically cuts out all the wind and moisture from entering. The fabric appears to be tailored to the frame very precisely because the nylon fits over the frame like a glove. There are no loose parts that flap in the wind because it fits so securely on the frame with elastic in some areas for lower profile. There are side windows that are tinted to keep out the strong sun and light. They are a thick plastic that is tear resistant and fade resistant. Hopefully they won't be like an old convertible in a few years with the foggy back window. The nylon shell is secured to the frame with heavy duty snaps that require a little bit of work to put snap in and out. There is also a window feature on the front that allows air to enter through a mess fabric by simply unzipping the window. The fabric is large enough to feel air and communicate through, but is small enough to keep bugs and other debris out of the trailer. The unzipped window even rolls up and can be secured to the trailer with velcro straps.
Behind the passenger seats is tons of storage space for whatever you may need. There is seemingly infinite room to store clothes, snacks, water, diapers, or any other item you may need on your outing. Kids always come with accessories, and Burley has thought of this as well. You won't have to strap on loose clumsy bags on the sides or rear to store things.
On the rear of the trailer is a bike brake that can be engaged while you stop to do any adjusting. It secures the wheels much like a wheel chair brake. The apparatus that secures the trailer to the bike is a durable plastic triangle that fits on almost any bike. It takes about a minute to secure the trailer to the bike with the device, and even comes with a safety strap in case you don't secure the plastic locking device correctly.
The trailer is extremely stable while riding at any speed. I have gone up to 30 mph with my daughter and have felt no signs of instability. It would be hard to tip the trailer upside down under normal conditions. The wide wheel base and low center of gravity cause the trailer to be very stable on turns at any speed. If you can take the corner at a high speed on a bike, so can the trailer. A friend of mine accidentally tipped his over while his kid was in it while turning and hitting a rock at the same time. He said his kid was asleep and didn't even notice. Even if you do tip it over, there is a very small chance that the child would be hurt.
One of the greatest parts of the trailer is how it can be folded up for easy storage. If it wasn't for the folding feature, the trailer would be very large and cumbersome to store in the garage.
The trailer has two bike tires like a normal bike. Therefore, you have to be careful of flats. I have gotten a few already but it is an easy quick fix because you don't have bike gears and brakes to deal with in removing the wheel.
Overall, a wonderful product with many great features!
Just an addition to this review-
I have found a new exciting use for this bike trailer recently. I have been using our running stroller with my daughters now for about 2 years and have loved it. I love running with them because I get a better workout, and we can stop at the park and play at the same time. I've been looking at buying the Bobb running stroller for two kids because we just had another baby. The Bobb is a very high end running stroller with suspension, aluminum frame, and a very light-weight easy to maneuver setup. We have the option on the trailer that allows you to insert a wheel on the front to convert the trailer into a stroller. I never thought it would be an easy application as a running stroller, but I just took both girls for a run together in it, and it swivels, moves, and goes as straight as an arrow! I was shocked and happy that I don't have to put out the $450 for the Bobb stroller because I can just use the trailer. A nice feature that will save me money and provide a similar function to that of a running stroller.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
wolfcabrio
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Reviews written: 20
Trusted by: 0 members
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