trail-a-bike questions

[La Bibliotecaria Feroz]

We are looking at getting a trail a bike for Big Brother, who turns 4 today. Doubt we'll use it much in winter, but want to start stalking Craigslist, so here goes:

1. Can you use a trail a bike if you are very short? I have so little clearance between my seat and the wheel that I was not able to install a rear cargo bag.

2. Can you use panniers with them?

My feeling is that I might need a Burley Piccolo, which attaches to the cargo rack instead of the seat post, but wanted to collect opinions here first.

[TrMama]

1. Are you sure your bike is the right size for you? If so, are you able to move the seat up just enough to get the hitch on? Can your spouse be in charge of hauling the spawn if you're bike isn't a great fit? If there really is no room and you can't "delegate", then yes the only one I'm aware of is the Burley Piccolo.

2. There is room for a pannier if you get a model where the attachment arm curves way up over the rear wheel of the tow bike. I am also short, and have a really old trail-a-bike with a straight arm that just clears my rear wheel. I cannot use both the trail-a-bike and the pannier rack at the same time.

[La Bibliotecaria Feroz]

Pretty sure bike is sized right, yes. I used to ride a 24-inch girls' bike quite comfortably, but upgraded to a petite women's hybrid. I only want the trail-a-bike if it can go on my bike; we have a younger kid, so for family rides, probably Little Brother would ride in the trailer behind Mr. FP and Big Brother could help Mommy. And/or we might want to use it for daycare dropoff (they go to different schools).

Any brand recommendations for ones that might have a high enough arch?

[TrMama]

Thanks for clarifying. If there really isn't room to put the hitch on your seat post, then the only bike I'm aware of is the Burley Picolo. If you go that route, then the "arch" of the attachment arm is a moot point because that bike is specifically designed to work with panniers.

Don't forget to also make the tyke wear a backpack so he can help haul his own gear :-)

[rocketpj]

We have one, my wife can't attach it to her bike because of the seat post issue.  If that is an issue for you then definitely find a different design.

The kids love(d) it.  Of course, being kids they won't pedal at all uphill, and when you are cruising downhill and thinking about controlling your speed they will be having fun and pedalling as hard as they can.