Bike Cargo Trailer - Should You Choose Single or Double Track?
Short answer – we recommend double track bike trailers for transporting all your gear during longer bike rides or during bike rides with kids. Double track will allow you to get more cargo with you and will give you more stability. Single track bike cargo trailer, on the other hand, is easier to maneuver as it’s very lightweight.
Let’s dive into the details now, starting from the single track bike trailers.
Single Track Bike Trailers
They have single wheel on the back. Luggage is placed between the bicycle and the wheel of the trailer or on both sides of the wheel. The big advantage of these trailers is their low weight (11-15 lbs). They are also very maneuverable and really easy to maneuver. On the plus side, single-tracking with a bicycle works – bypassing the obstacle, the trailer follows it almost perfectly.
When buying a trailer with a wheel the size of a bicycle, we theoretically have the option of treating it as an emergency spare wheel. Especially in the vast wasteland, this is a life-saving thing. Prices for a single track bike cargo trailers, for item that is worth buying, range from $150 to $400.
Here’s an example of a single track trailer we really like:
M-Wave Single Track 40 Bicycle Luggage Trailer
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$249.00
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03/05/2024 07:12 pm GMT
There are basically two disadvantages – trailers with one wheel, understandably, have a lower load capacity than two-wheelers (approx. 40-60 lbs). Also, using their luggage space is not very convenient and requires skillful arrangement of luggage, to make sure it stays stable.
Here’s another single track bike trailer we like:
QuietKat 20QKCTSW Rear Cargo Trailer, Single Track FatTire Off Road, 14”x 24” Storage
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$359.00
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03/05/2024 07:05 pm GMT
I would not recommend buying the cheapest trailers, I would rather choose a trailer of a well-known brand or Before buying, I would carefully examine such a trailer, or ask people who already use such trailers. Good idea is also to test if you’ll be able to cycle comfortably with single track trailer.
Double Track Cargo Bike Trailers
These are “traditional” two-wheeled trailers that have long been available, for example for the transport of all kinds of goods, from coal to potatoes. They are of course also used for cycling.
The main advantage of these trailers is the load capacity of up to 90 and even about 130 lbs . In addition, we have the ability to transport larger-sized equipment without the need to stuff it, as in one-wheeled constructions. The advantage is definitely the possibility of taking, for example, a larger tent, which would simply not fit in the smaller trailer. Two-wheel trailers are also much more stable.
Those trailers are usually heavier (although there are also lighter constructions), they put up more resistance while cycling, and the ability to maneuver is less than in one-wheelers.
Here’s one we recommend:
Schwinn Day Tripper Cargo Bike Trailer, Folding Frame, Quick Release Wheels, Red/Grey
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$149.99
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03/05/2024 07:00 pm GMT
Prices are similar to the smaller brothers, Prices from about $ 150, although there are of course more expensive designs. You can also find cheaper constructions on the Internet but I’d really recommend prioritizing quality to make sure you’re comfortable cycling with your new trailer.
Here’s out favorite:
Burley Design Nomad, Aluminum Touring Cargo Bike Trailer , Yellow/Black
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Conclusion about bike cargo trailers:
Which trailer to choose? The decision must be made by the You. Each of these structures has its undeniable advantages and disadvantages.
It seems to me that the single-track design, due to its weight and maneuverability, will be the best choice, especially if you’re going for a long route, and double track trailer will be your best choice if you want stability and you want to take more and heavier cargo with you.
On the Internet you can find some reviews and descriptions of trips around the world with trailers. It is worth searching and reading, and even writing to people who had the opportunity to test such constructions in the most difficult conditions.
And if you’re wondering how to cycle with a bike trailer, then we have an article about cycling with trailer, here.