Review on 🚲 Thule Chariot Bike Trailer Kit by David Plunkett

To get straight to the point this kit is part number 20100506 and will NOT work with the Chinook Chariot carrier series (part number 20100507). Even the Thule website seems a bit unclear on the matter. So if you have a CX/Cougar/Cheetah, read on. This kit will help you build a strong hitch for your bike. It is NOT something that falls apart after a few miles. In fact, it's clearly intended for serious drivers and serves them well. There are two parts: 1) Bike end or (IIRC) EZHitch. This is a ball hitch that stays on your bike and mounts on the left side. If your bike has a quick release, installation is a breeze. If not, you can still install a towbar, you just need to fit the towbar cup under the axle nut. I have the last one and everything went fine. 2) The clutch lever is made of aluminum, but it is very strong. When not in use, the clutch lever snaps into a bracket on the side of some trunk models (namely Cougar and IIRC CX - Cheetah owners have no bracket), giving you more flexibility. The wheels of the stroller set are removed when towing and stowed upside down in the VersaWing mount. The clutch lever then moves forward and engages the clutch. When you arrive at your destination, switch the stroller wheels and insert the clutch lever into the bracket on the side of the carrier and you have the stroller. Very pretty. The kit includes reflectors and a flag to keep it looking nice and legal. Each side of the hitch also has safety straps to hold everything together in case the hitch connection fails. In terms of usage, you get a more flexible connection than other typical towbars because the towbar uses a ball joint design. This allows you to lean better into turns without fear of the trailer tipping over. You are somewhat limited when making a right turn compared to a left turn simply because the hitch is on the left. However, this whole ride is VERY smooth compared to other trailers, especially on corners. Now for your towing setup. Chariots are usually in the 25 to 30 pound range and that's BEFORE you put your child and other loads inside. I believe the average weight of a trailer for most people will be at least 60-70 pounds and if you have carriers for two children then more. What I'm trying to say is that you need to take care of your bike and make sure you adjust to the different handling characteristics that you will have. For example, I use an old mountain bike to tow this car - it has a wide range of gears and pretty powerful brakes. A light touring/road bike may need (at least) some brake upgrades to make it safer. They have longer stopping distances, and I mentioned cornering issues (which can be an issue with skinny touring tires, but of course YMMVs). The main thing is that throwing money on a trailer is easy, but you also have to think about your trip. All that said, if you already have a Chariot trunk this kit is a no-brainer. If you are thinking of a convertible stroller/stroller, rest assured that this kit offers best-in-class performance for a chariot converted to bike trailer.