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.
The trailer bike was patented by Canadian entrepreneur Delbert Adams.[2] Adams started the first manufacturer of trailer bikes, Trail-a-Bike, and began selling them in the early 1990s.[3]
Trailer bikes have come in a variety of configurations. These include upright, bicycle-like configuration, and the seated passenger position as with the Weehoo iGo.[better source needed][4] Trailer bikes may have just one gear or more than one. They seldom have brakes.
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.[5] Trailer bikes have been available in single-seat and tandem configurations.[6] The Trail-Gator tow bar converts a kid's bike into a trailer bike.[better source needed][7]
Gallery[edit]
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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
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Side view of a single-speed, seatpost mounted trailer bike
See also[edit]
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Category:Trailer bikes |
References[edit]
- ^ "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)
- ^ http://www.weehoobicycletrailer.com/
- ^ "The Adams Trail-A-Bike! at SheldonBrown.com". Retrieved 2007-04-01.
- ^ "GOPBC.org Active Passenger Trailers". Retrieved 2007-04-01.
- ^ Trail-Gator: the bicycle tow bar, retrieved 2009-08-03
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