Adult Bikes and Bike Trailers

Hi K.,

I bought a Specialized bike years ago and I love it. It's considered a hybrid bike. That means it works well on pavement, but can also handle a little bit of off road.

Before you buy a bike, really think about how much you're going to use it. If you think it's just going to be an occassional thing...then by all means...go to Target or some place like that, find one that fits you well and go for it.

If you think you're going to use it more often and you want it to last many years...then go to a bike shop that specializes in bikes. The workers there can direct you to a bike that will fit you and meet your needs long term.

Bike trailers.... wow...there are so many out there. You can spend $99 or $900. Seriously. Recently, we bought an InStep for $130 at a big sporting goods store in Novi. (I can't remember the name of the place!) Although I had done some research and there are other brands that I know will last longer...we just couldn't afford to spend the money. My husband lost his job several months ago, so things are tight. BUT, we knew we wanted something because we love to be outdoors, ride our bikes and we had nothing to accommodate our daughter.

The instep we bought is actually a double. I will give you what I like and what I don't like.

Likes:
The double room. It allows us to bring along some fuzzy friends, a book, or other things to keep my daughters attention while we're riding. (otherwise she constantly is taking off her helmet!)

It was easy to hook onto my bike. Quick, painless... easy peasy.

It has a good amount of storage behind the seat. Coats, snacks, bike helmet when we're not riding, etc...

It has a mesh cover to allow air in and a rain cover if it rains while we're out. Perfect.

It meets our needs.

Dislikes:

It's steel. That means it's heavy. It is attached to my bike because I am the one who most often is out riding with our daughter. I DO notice the difference. I wish we would have had the money to get an aluminum frame trailer.

You get what you pay for. It was only $130, we've had it about 3 weeks... and already there are rips in some of the seams.

Because it is a little heavier then I would like my bike easily tips over. I have to be careful where I park it. Although, it DOES have the special spring so the trailer doesn't tip when the bike tips. VERY important.

It can also be used as a stroller, it comes with an extra handle. However, I find the handle short. I'm 5'10" ... and I wish the handle were longer, or could expand. It doesn't.

So...those are the pros and cons in my opinion of the double instep. If you do a little googling, you will find TONS of information on trailers. Again, a good bike shop could help you find the one that best meets your needs. But, it most likely will be a pricier one.

Craigs list is a good place to look for trailers... often you can find quality trailers (used of course) for not a lot of money. I will say, when I looked the pickins were slim. MANY people looking for them.

Good luck!

Something to think about...while your daughter is 12 months old she still may not ride comfortably in the trailer. take her to the store with you to try it out. It was not until my son was about two that he really fit in our trailer. Also make sure you get a helmet, just because they are in the trailer does not mean that they do not need one.

I just bought a bike ant trailer I love both. I bouth my bike from Target. I got a Schwinn Cruiser. It has wide wheels like a Mt bike but the comfort of a liesure bike.
I also got a Schwinn bike trailer from craigs list. It was almost new and very light weight, alumanim frame! the trailer retailed at $250 and I got it for $90!!!
Good luck and happy riding!
K.

I love my TREK bike. It's a mountain bike with a cushion gel seat and the handlebars are higher so its easier on your back.

My husband and I both got GIANT bikes before coming over to Germany. We use them quite regularly for all different things, smooth and bumpy surfaces, hills and flat, shopping and pulling a trailer. They are fab! Smooth and light. :o)
I don't know if they have it there but we got a Croozer, for two. Love it. Don't forget to look on Ebay, they can be very costly store bought. We went to the store, but my girlfriend got a really good deal on one off Ebay.

I just got both! I wanted a cheap bike to haul the kids around the neighborhood so I bought the cheap Target Schwinn. The handle bars are wide, but the seat is pretty comfy. Overall I like it. If you want to spend a little more money look for a bike that is a "hybrid". This bike works well on roads and trail. If you just want to hit the trails then you will need to look for a Mountain Bike. If you have the money to spend I would head for the nearest bike shop and talk with them about your needs.

I bought the bike trailer from Dick's. It's an instep. I would just be cautious about the weight of the trailer. Try to get one as light as possible to make it as easy to haul as possible.

There are tons of both on Craigs List so check that out too! Have fun!