Nashbar Kid Karrier - Child Trailers for MTB ??

Nashbar trailer

BullSCit said:

Does anyone have any experience with the Nashbar Kid Karrier? A buddy of mine is looking at getting a trailer to pull his son behind, and was wanting to see if the Nashbar one was close to the $400 Burley trailers. Thanks for any info.

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I bought the Nashbar trailer, it is acceptable for the price (it was about 80 plus shipping using a discount coupon), my only complain right now is the quality of the rubber protection in the part that attaches to the chainstay, it is falling apart, is not a security risk, but it may scratch my bike.

I would not recommend it for off road use. The tires have are too small for that purpose and it does not have any kind of suspension, the kid would feel all the bumps in the trail.

Nonetheless, it has served its purpose very well, other more expensive trailer my additional bells and whistles. When I bought it there where not the option to convert it into a stroller, now there is. The only other suggestion I would give to that people is 20� tires.

I have used it four or five times, and my two years old kid love it.

depends on ages...

BullSCit said:

Does anyone have any experience with the Nashbar Kid Karrier? A buddy of mine is looking at getting a trailer to pull his son behind, and was wanting to see if the Nashbar one was close to the $400 Burley trailers. Thanks for any info.

Click to expand...

"Trailers" are ok for real young kids (eg, less than 4). However, nothing compares at all to the "Trail-a-bikes" made by Adams or now many other companies make versions. These are the ones that connect to the seatpost of your bike and effectively turn your bike into a tandem. They allow the child to do everything they would do on their own bike thus, is a great teaching tool....they have handlebars, drivetrain, shifters, etc...I have 4 kids and they love nothing more than to have daddy take them out mountain biking. They work great off-road since again, it is just like your are towing a regular 20" bike behind you. I even have the version called the "Ultimate Tandem" which turns my bike into a 3 person bike. Having said that, it depends on your kids ages but at some point at least, i would definitely consider one of these. Many of friends have gotten them and the kids always love them.

Cheers

Try before you buy

Nope, but I've also been shopping for a trailer for my 7-month-old soon-to-be-MTB'er. The only recommendation I'd make is to try before you buy.

I went into REI with my son and looked over the Burley D'Lite and Chariot Cougar, both about $400. Lifted them, folded/unfolded them to see how easy they will be to get into a trunk, loaded & unloaded my baby.

That said, even at the top of the line that these two are, the Chariot's restraint system was MUCH better than the Burley's, in terms of ease of loading, adjusting, and (apparent) comfort for the baby. The Chariot also folded easier, and has a leaf-spring suspension suitable for off-roading (at least on fireroads). The only advantage the Burley had was more storage. I'd imagine the differences versus a $100 trailer are even greater.

I haven't seen those lower-priced trailers in a store yet, but when I do I'll try one out to confirm if the extra money is worth it. Because if the trailer isn't easy for the parent and comfortable for the kid, neither will have fun with it.