Review on InStep Bike Trailer for Toddlers and Kids with Single or Double Seat, 2-In-1 Canopy Carrier in Various Colors by Radney Taala

Media could not be loaded. This is a review of the InStep Sync Single Bike Trailer. ♦ I bought it at full price from Revain about three years ago. ♦ Meet Wrigley, the 4-year-old Maltese whose fluffy paws hug us. ♦ WHAT'S IN THE VIDEO? (1) Riding with a rear seatpost mounted GoPro facing a trailer: bumping; Driving at 10 mph (recommended speed limit) and 15 mph (not recommended); transition from street to sidewalk to street; driveway to the switchbacks; (2) riding behind a trailer with a GoPro attached to the handlebars of a bicycle; (3) driving behind a trailer with a GoPro mounted on a vehicle windshield; (4) trailer assembly + inspection and storage tips; (5) tire tube replacement; (6) hitch installation (the part that attaches to the bike) ♦ SUMMARY • SAVE: As long as you're aware of the downsides (listed below), I think you'll like this trailer if: (1) the budget is a main consideration; (2) it is only used for one child and then transferred to another place; (3) it is important to have a narrow footprint (to fit easily through interior doors and stay entirely on the sidewalk or bike path); (4) You drive at a leisurely pace (maximum 10 mph). • BREAK UP: I think premium two-seater trailers are worth it if: (1) you're willing to spend three to twelve hundred plus; (2) They like to drive faster (> 10 mph); (3) the pendant is expected to be used for many years; (4) it is used for multiple children or grandchildren; (5) Looking for a stroller conversion option (Pacific Cycle no longer makes a stroller conversion kit for InStep); (6) Also want as a cargo trailer (with folding seats) ♦ I SAVE This trailer is on the lower end of the price range; When I bought I couldn't even find a used one with a trailer much cheaper. So I decided to take a chance, knowing that if there were small bipods in our future I could upgrade to a premium two seater trailer. Yellow and Black (Got it?) (TW), a charm made especially for furry babies. I liked the 15 mph alloy wheels, solid platform, sidecar conversion kit, mesh side panels, and the ability to use it as a cargo trailer with a maximum payload of 75 pounds. Seeing a good offer, I ordered something on impulse about 5 months ago. Although I think the quality is worth the price (four times what InStep) I still have InStep and I don't regret buying it. ♦ MY EXPERIENCE The trailer is easy to pull: My husband first pulled it during filming and he expected it to be much more difficult. • ASSEMBLING AND DISASSEMBLING: I remember assembling InStep was quick and intuitive. Installation/folding takes no more than 5 minutes. The coupling is also easy to assemble. I found it worth buying an extra [cheap] hitch - InStep & Schwinn bike trailer for each bike that will be towing a trailer rather than having to switch back and forth. Strapped to an InStep seat, an American Kennel Club pet booster. We've since switched to the 15" by 15" by 15" K&H Manufacturing Mod Safety Seat Gray that Wrigley uses in the TW and in their new Burley Solstice carriage. The Wrigley harness connects to the integrated child harness with a harness loop and webbing. When riding in the summer, Wrigley wears his Ruffwear cooling vest. He also brings a bowl of water and a cooling towel. We rode the InStep up to 40 miles. • WHAT I LEARNED FROM THE FUCKING TRACK: The trailer *rolls* over when loading too many things in the back or taking bumps/corners too fast. After colliding with a car that's too close, I make sure to release the spikes before each intersection to prepare for a stop. As difficult as this hill may seem, DO NOT route the chain from the large front sprocket to the largest rear cassette sprockets, or from the small front sprocket to the smallest rear cassette sprockets. This is called "cross-chaining" and can damage the rear cassette and derailleur. [Note: This can happen when towing a trailer or no trailer at all.] • STORAGE: When I fold the InStep and store it under my bed, I wrap pasta around the hitch to keep it from scratching the floor. Bungee cords keep everything in place. ♦ CONS (ADDITIONS) • PLASTIC WHEELS: This is mentioned in many other reviews. I really had no problem with it and I don't think it should be a deal breaker. I have noticed that the tires inflate easily (ie the tire sticks out and one side of the tire wall comes out of the rim). To avoid this, I hold the top and sides of the tire while I inflate it. • DURABILITY: My biggest concern is that the strap that ties the trailer and bike to it will break where it attaches to the hitch. After re-reading the instructions while writing this review, I realized that I may not have wound the cord as recommended. So it's possible that I caused excessive wear. While this is a safety issue, I consider it maintenance, similar to changing tires or brakes on a car. It would be nice if InStep sold them as replacements. My plan is to buy a piece of webbing and either screw it on or wrap it around the D-ring with a screw. I don't think there is an inherent flaw in the instep, but the design and quality of the TW's strap seems much better. stress and weaken the material. The pendant has three button-sized holes in the fabric at the bottom to the back. I think they were caused by the frame rubbing against the fabric when folded. I plan to iron the patches in the hope that the holes on the sides don't get bigger. The straps around the trailer don't seem particularly flimsy, but if I had to guess first what wears out or fails, this would be it, especially where it goes around the side of the frame to support the seat. If I had to replace this webbing myself I would find it more labor intensive than a tether, although it's still a reasonable DIY project. • NOT FOR LOADS: Cargo trailers have a solid floor. If you cannot use the MacGyver platform to sit on the frame, the lower and sling seat is not very suitable for carrying inanimate objects. There are many cargo trailers out there, some in the same price range. • OTHER NOTES: There are gaps in the fabric joints at each corner of the frame. Put small items in large containers or bags to keep them from falling out. [Note: This is not exclusive to InStep] The sides of the tag are clear vinyl. Living in a hot climate I would have preferred them to be mesh like the front, with weather shells that can be rolled up or down as needed. now (as well as a two-wheel stroller conversion kit to be ordered separately). While most buyers won't have to choose between an economy one-man trailer and a high-end dog trailer, here are a few first impressions of the differences: • + INSTEP: The InStep is significantly narrower than the TW, making it easier to maneuver. both inside and out (slowly and carefully the TW drives through our outer door, but it's too wide to fit through our inner doors without removing the wheel). I prefer the secure way the InStep wheels lock into the frame. One day I must not have fully inserted the axle of the TW wheel into the axle of the trailer. When I stopped at the bike shop, the wheel came loose and bent the axle. Luckily the mechanic was able to fix it, otherwise we would have been in trouble. Luckily my other two Burleys (Solstice and Travoy) are not the same design. While the InStep doesn't have a brake, the TW's brake pedal is far from perfect. He has scratched curbs more than once.•+TW: The TW comes with a detachable steering wheel. Even before I ordered wheels for the stroller, this made it possible to move the trailer comfortably without having to tow it by the trailer hitch. When opening/closing the InStep frame, the fabric can easily get caught; the TW design prevents this. The sides of the TW are mesh, not the vinyl sides of the InStep. The TW's hitch is detachable, which is preferable for storage; InStep folds together and locks into place. TW has alloy wheels while InStep has plastic wheels. Both are 16 inches, but most premium baby trailers have 20 inch wheels. Two-Wheeling Tots is a great resource for comparing different bike trailers. If I buy a two-seater trailer, I will definitely look at it first. ♦ SAFETY FIRST: Check with the Consumer Product Safety Commission about trailer recalls of your choice. (2) always drive with the safety flag on; (3) maximum child weight: 50 pounds; (4) total weight (child + cargo) must not exceed 65 pounds; (5) Never ride more than one child on the trailer at a time • ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS RECOMMENDATIONS: (1) Children under 12 months of age should never be transported on a bicycle; (2) Bike trailers are the preferred means of transportation for children; (3) Children must wear helmets 100%. • ILLUMINATION AT NIGHT: I use this Nathan Hi-Viz Yellow reflective cycling vest, specifically designed for cycling with a long tail on the back. This Planet Bike Blinky Super Flash 1/2-Watt Blaze LED Plus 2 eXtreme LED Taillight attaches to the rear of a bike rider or bike trailer. The NiteRider MiNewt 600 Lumen USB Rechargeable Flashlight (Discontinued) is one of my favorite items. (2) Height (with wheels): 31" (Box - 38.5" extra); (3) Frame: 19" (width) x 31.375" (length); Trailer hitch adds an additional 18 inches; (4) wheels: diameter about 15.25 inches; Tires: 1.625 inches wide; (5) about 22 lbs including 6 lb wheels • MISCELLANEOUS: (1) Tires can be inflated to 36 psi and use 16 x 1.75" hoses (Schrader valve); (2) Made in China; (3) the seat has three vertical slots for adjusting the shoulder straps; (4) There is a small elastic pocket on each side of the seat, which can be used for drinks, snacks, a small toy, a phone or something similar. ♦ PACIFIC CYCLE (MANUFACTURER): Excellent customer service. I have contacted them several times (not about any issues) and have always received prompt, polite and knowledgeable replies. They even sent me a free security flag when my original was lost. ♦ MAINTENANCE TIPS: Before I got a road bike, my father or husband always took care of inflating my tires. If I had an apartment, I would take the bike to the workshop. If this applies to you, let me encourage you. Learning the basics of bike maintenance (cleaning and oiling, safety checks, wheel repairs and minor adjustments) empowered me and wasn't too difficult, especially in the internet age. This saves time, money and stress. Read Sheldon Brown for everything you ever wanted to know and more about bikes. • INFLATE: The floor pump makes it easy to keep your tires at the right pressure. I check mine before every ride. The Trek Bontrager Turbo Charged HP is great for adult-sized wheels. However, the chuck (the part that attaches to the valve) is large, making it difficult to use on small wheels.• BE PREPARED: These items are stored in the BV Saddle/Saddle Bag with Bike Strap, Medium Size, Black: ( 1 ) patch kit (preferably glue); (2) Replacement hose (tip: dust with cornstarch, roll up tightly, wrap with cling film and Velcro cable ties); (3) tire levers (Pedros are best); (4) multi-tool with wrenches, screwdrivers and chain tool; (5) main chain link; (6) spoke wrench; 7 – tire sleeve; (8) CO2 kit (adapter head and cartridges). The compact air pump is attached to the side of the drinking bottle holder. • APARTMENT REPAIR (SELF): Once you get the hang of it, fixing panels and replacing pipes is like riding a bike. There are many tutorial videos and I recommend working out at home first. 16 inch tires (like the InStep) are very easy to change. Whenever there is an apartment, it is important to find out what caused it. For example, on my racing bike, which was new at the time, it took a few clicks to realize that the spokes were piercing the tubes. Once the tape was added between the tube and the wheel the problem was gone. *If you can't find a hole in the pipe, dip it in water and check for bubbles. • FIGHT BEFORE THEY HAPPEN: Living in the thorny capital of the universe, I am compelled to take proactive protective measures. There are multiple combat options, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. I use all four in various combinations for my various "wheel items" (as my husband calls them). (1) Puncture-resistant tires (e.g. Continental Gatorskins, Serfas with FPS, Specialized Armadillo); (2) tires (e.g., StopFlats, Mr. Tuffy); (3) anti-thorn tubes; (4) Sealant (the most popular of these is Slime, but I prefer FlatAttack). From what I've read, (2) and (3) increase rolling resistance the most (minus).