Double trailer

[Noloudnoises]

I've got an electric bike (Pendleton from Halfords) which is fab.

I've also bought a double trailer to use with a 4 & 2 year old. Don't plan to use it on proper roads too much, thankfully, we have off road and nice flat paths around us.

I'm freaking out about how much weight will be behind me when stopping.

Does anyone have experience and could describe to me what it is like to tow two in a double trailer? I guess maybe your experience would be useful to hear?

I tow one 3 1/2 year old a lot, on and off road and it’s really hilly here... I can’t imagine it’d be that drastically different having two, apart from being tougher climbing. You’ll be fine with an engine! I’ve towed at speed down mountain passes (so round hairpins) with no issues, so you’ll be fine on a flat path. Just make sure the wheels are fitted in correctly, then double check - I’ve got quick release on my Burley and have had one come off as I’d not checked. Make sure the hitch is fastened to the bike and trailer correctly (and double check). Enjoy. It’s a lovely way to spend a day.

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. We're going to go for it.

I went to a specialist bike local shop near me for advice about a special bit I needed and who immediately poo-poo'd my 'cheap' £899 bike and said minimum of £2.5k for a decent bike. And also put the fear of how to stop with 40-50kg extra behind you so that's why I came on here to ask if it's completely terrifying carrying two of them!

And thank you, it's a Thule one with quick release wheels so we shall double check each time

It’s a pleasure. Anymore questions please ask. I’ve never come across anyone else who tows. People think I’m odd.

Ooo nice! I was torn between the Thule (CX1 I think) and Burley Solo. I went for the burley purely because it was marginally lighter and packed smaller. Thule’s are excellent!

What a knob!!!!!!! Sounds like he’s never towed, didn’t have a clue what he was talking about and was just a salesman. I do most of my towing on my aluminium winter road bike - Frameset cost £400, with the cheapest Shimano wheels and 105 groupset. I swapped the tyres to Schwalbe Marathon Plus (you’ll notice your tyres wear quicker towing). I also had to swap the cassette and have a road link put in. But other than that it’s pretty much the best bike for the job. You don’t really wanna be towing on anything fancy as I can’t imagine it’s great for the bike. I certainly wouldn’t dream of towing on my best road bike let alone one worth 2.5k WTAF?!

When I’ve holiday’d in Germany (epic place for cycle paths/ cycling being normalised for transport) I’ve seen people towing on all sorts, anything goes!

I do much prefer towing on my MTB because I have disc brakes which are much more efficient and effective at stopping! BUT... my calliper/rim brakes (on road bike) are absolutely fine - bearing in mind my twice weekly ride includes a twisty descent averaging 10%. I also live on a steep hill and manage perfectly well to stop, hold my bike and get the trailer brake on. I get through pads quickly (unsurprisingly) and my rims wear quicker... so two things worth keeping an eye on. Like I said I’ve been up and down mountain road passes... including Ventoux (the look on other people’s faces was priceless... especially as I was overtaking people on the descent )

It really will be fine. DS absolutely LOVES his rides and it’s such a wonderful way to spend time together. I’ll really miss it once he’s too big for towing, but, can’t wait to ride with him.

Report back on your first tow!

I will thank you!