Davidenko said:
I ordered a cougar1, but hasn't been delivered yet.
My biggest concern is cargo capability. The cargo space seems really small. Putting load on top chariot-roof-rack has two dissadvantages: higher center of gravity (cougar1 tends to roll-over in corners), and rack is certified for only 10lbs (5kg). I'm thinking of selfmade or enlargment pack for rear cargo storage.
Other alternatives are panniers mounted on your bike, or a bag that fits over the rear handle (like a messenger bag) and just rides on top of the chariot trunk. I would try to avoid putting too much stuff in the chariot with the kid, as it may be a hazard IF you did turn it over.
Davidenko said:
Second: mudguard (water): is riding wet roads a problem? After rain roads have water and puddles. If mudguard is needed - original is pricey. Any self-remodeld wallmart alternative?
I use ours pretty much year around and haven't found a need for fenders on the chariot itself. The wheels are outside the body, so any water they kick up doesn't (for the most part) make it onto the chariot, the sides stay pretty clean.
Davidenko said:
Also stroller kit is pricey. I was looking at stroller wheels and some fork-arc. Could get it at half the price, plus putting on color at wish.
The stroller kit is absolutely worth it, IMO. We use that as much as any other attachment, and it makes destination type trips easier, like riding to the store or farmer's market, or to the zoo, etc. Just show up, lock up the bikes, unhook the chariot and swing the stroller wheels down and go. No getting kids in and out, etc. Increases the useability of the chassis by a ton IMO. We do have friends that have never bought them, and get by with the jogger wheel, but it adds considerable length and makes using it in a store or restaurant impractical.
Davidenko said:
What about dirt, stones and dust getting in childs dept through rollerd-down mesh net? Especially when road wet after rain? If you close rain cover, then it's unnecessary hot inside.
Unless you have fenders on the towing bike, you'll kick up sand and small gravel onto the chariot, no way around it. Closing the rain cover is one way around it, but it can get stuffy in there (even using the wing windows). Get some decent coverage fenders (with a mudflap) and eliminate that worry, plus it keeps water off the chariot too, keeping things newer and cleaner for longer.
Davidenko said:
I've seen people loosing rubber push buttons on QR wheels. How to avoid that?
It's a wear and tear item. They're not that durable, just thin rubber covers for the release mechanism. They tear easily, then they're gone. Loading/unloading into vehicles, parking it in the garage, doorways, etc. Haven't found it to be an issue missing them.
Davidenko said:
Is changing tires for big-volume a huge advantage?
Not with the suspension.
Davidenko said:
Is there anything to take special care about? Like - can something be easily broken, damaged, torn - when not handling the trailer with special care?
For example:
- rain cover tends to tear when pulling it quick and strong,
- stroller kit clutch mech tends to crack from salt roads in winter?
- and so on...
Just take care of it and maintain it like you would anything else. I typically vaccuum out all the cheerios and goldfish every month or so, and give it a wash in the spring after the roads have cleared up. You could try some waterproofing/sealer for the codura, but I haven't and it appears to be holding up and cleaning up just fine.
Other tips:
-For colder weather, use a nalgene (or any leak proof) water bottle with hot water inside an old wool sock as a heat source in the chariot. Warm it up with the tea kettle, throw it in the sock under a blanket and you're good for a few hours or more, depending on how cold it is or how often you open up the cover. We also keep an old blanket or two in there for park stops and for colder weather (or late afternoon trips when the sun is down). Kids don't generate a lot of heat on their own, and they're not doing any work inside there either, so a little supplemental heat goes a long way towards comfort.
-Put an emergency stash of food/diapers/wipes/clothes etc into a small bag or pouch and leave it in the chariot trunk. It'll come in handy sometime. -Put a spare tube/patch kit and pump in the trunk as well, it'll save an outing.
-Soft toys, stuffed animals, books all help extend 'happy' trailer time. Schedule park stops. Give them a sippy cup and a snack, etc. If they have things to do, they'll be happier for longer.
Plum
