Trailer bike
A trailer bike (also known as a trailer cycle, and trademarked names such as Trailerbike, Trail-a-bike, Half wheeler or Tagalong) is a one-wheeled, or sometimes two-wheeled, bicycle trailer designed to carry one or more children in positions that closely resemble that of a bicycle rider. It can be described as the, "back half of a bicycle."[1] The rider of a trailer bike usually has a saddle, handlebars, and pedals. Some fold for more compact storage.
History
The trailer bike was patented by Canadian entrepreneur Delbert Adams.[2] Adams started the manufacturer of trailer bikes, Trail-a-Bike, and began selling them in the early 1990s,[3] although the same concept had been previously independently and imitatively invented by others at least as far back as the 1930s with the Rann Trailer.[4]
Configurations
Trailer bikes have come in a variety of configurations. These include upright-bicycle-like seating, and recumbent-bicycle-like seating as with the Weehoo iGo.[5] Trailer bikes have been available in single-seat and tandem configurations.[6] Trailer bikes may have just one gear or more than one. They seldom have brakes.
Attachments
A trailer bike is attached to a bicycle at either the seatpost or on a special rear rack by a linkage that allows for pivoting. Alternatively, the hitch mechanism may rotate using the seatpost as the pivot. The attachment may include a quick-release option.[7]
Variations
The Trail-Gator tow bar converts an existing, complete kid's bike into a trailer bike.[8]
Gallery
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Adult and two children cycling using two-wheeled tandem trailer bike (a Pashley U+2)
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Tandem + two trailer bikes + cargo trailer for family of four
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A Burley Piccolo behind a triple tandem
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A recumbent IGo by Weehoo
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Rear rack attachment as alternative to seatpost attachment
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A recumbent two-wheeled Trets trailer bike by Hase on the back of a tandem
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A complete child's bike converted into a trailer bike
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A complete child's bike converted into a trailer bike
See also
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Trailer bikes. |
References
- ↑ "CTC - the UK's national cyclists' organisation: Trailer-cycle". Retrieved 2007-04-01.
- ↑ United States Patent No. 379,782. Retrieved 2009-10-01.
- ↑ Hammond, Bill (June 5, 1996), "Kids in the 'awkward years' of cycling? Try a trailer bike.", Star Tribune (Minneapolis, Minnesota) – via HighBeam (subscription required)
- ↑ "CTC - the UK's national cyclists' organisation: Trailer-cycle". Retrieved 2007-04-01.
- ↑ Linda Bookman (December 19, 2014). "Review: Weehoo iGo Pro child bike seat". MTBR.com. Retrieved 2015-06-26.
- ↑ "GOPBC.org Active Passenger Trailers". Retrieved 2007-04-01.
- ↑ "The Adams Trail-A-Bike! at SheldonBrown.com". Retrieved 2007-04-01.
- ↑ Lisa. "Trail Gator Trailer Cycle-Review". Two Wheeling Tots. Retrieved 2015-06-26.
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