Will the Bike Trailer Fit on your Bike?

A Bike Trailer connects to the lead bike at the hub of the rear wheel. A trailer can offer you multiple family recreation options, single or double trailers as well as bike only or multi use (stroller and jogging options).

Supporting you and your family to SMILE when you ride.

Welcome. The Bike Trailer is a great towing solution as it is compatible with most standard adult bikes including E-Bikes. It is easy to attach and remove from the adult bike and offers lots of options single or double depending on the number of children and the amount of storage you would like. Trailers can be bike specific or offer you multiple recreation solutions including being able to convert to a stroller and a jogger. There weight limits vary depending on the trailer.

Your riding experience will be different when riding with a Bike Trailer than if you are riding solo… please see How does it feel to ride with a Kids Bike Trailer

To understand and compare your options for towing kids, who ride their own bike, please read Bike Trailer Buying Guide 

Where does it attach?  

To connect the trailer to your bike it attaches at the rear hub of the adult bike.  This attachment applies to all the Bike Trailers we sell.

Lead (Adult) Bike: a Bike Trailer has a Mount and Quick Release to be attached through the rear wheel hub at the axle  You replace your current rear wheel axel with this adaptor.

When not in use a Bike Trailer can remain attached to the Adult Bike or it can be easily unhitched.  Your new axel is a permanent attachment that stays on your bike.

 

 

tow rope

The Bike Trailer attaches to your bike at the rear wheel hub. You need to replace the quick release axel with the one provided.

tow rope

The Thule Quick Release Axel and Hitch Mount that you replace your quick release with to provide attachment for the bike trailer on the adult bike.

tow rope

Rear wheel attachment point at the axel, showing a Thule Bike Trailer hitched to or mounted on the bike

Will it fit your bike?

Bike trailers are compatible with most bikes.

Lead Bike Checks

1. A Bike Trailer attaches to your rear wheel hub at the axle using an adaptor. Bike Trailers come with a Standard Quick Release (QR) Adaptor.

  • The Recreation/Town Trailer (Vantly) has no alternative adaptors. You must have a Quick Release Axel for your bike to be compatible for use with this trailer.
  • If you do not have a quick release purchasing different adaptors is an option for the Multi-Use trailer range (Thule). 

You will need to determine the type of axle your bike has to determine whether your bike will fit the supplied adaptor.  

Do this by removing your rear wheel from your bike. See the options below, which one matches your bike? Identify your axel to understand if you will need an alternative adaptor. 

 

A Quick Release ( QR) Axle 

A Quick Release (QR) Axle – a thin skewer will come out of the middle of your hub.  It will have either

  •  A lever and spring on one end and spring with cone nut on opposite
  •  or A cone nut at both ends

QR Axel = compatible with adaptor that comes with all the Bike Trailers we sell.

 

A Through Axle 

Through Axle – is thicker shaft usually 12 or 15mm diameter will come out of the middle of your hub. It will have

  • A lever or nut on one end with thread on opposite end

You will need to purchase an Alternative Adaptor – measure your rear hub width from the inside of the rear hole to the inside of the other rear hole

Through axels are not QR axles so you will need an Alternative Adaptor = Thru Axel Adaptor

Through axles come in a variety of lengths usually 142mm or longer. Measure your rear axel width so we can help you get the right Through Axel Adaptor. Please go to Thule Bike Trailer Axel Options.

Rear Internal Gear Hub 

Rear Internal Gear Hub – Popular on Electric Bikes and modern Commuting or Mountain Bikes this gear system is sealed within the rear wheel hub.

This is not a QR axle so you will need an Alternative Adaptor = Internal Hub Adaptor. Please go to Thule Bike Trailer Axel Options.

 

Advantages of a Bike Trailer

It has a low point of attachment on the adult bike.  The design is very stable &  balanced making it easy to pull weight.

Ability to use for other activities (walk, jog, ski).  The trailer can be enclosed or open depending on the weather so has good potential for year round use.

Provides the option of riding with a child or multiple children from a young age (one year).  The design gives great storage.  There are model choices depending on where you would like to ride or how you would like to use the bike trailer – urban, off road, multi sport

The stability allows you to tow from a younger age compared to other towing solutions

Can be used with other adult bikes by purchasing an additional Axel Mount with QR.

 

A Thule Bike Trailer with the Bicycle Kit attached to an adult bike.

The stable design and ease of use with multiple children make this a great option for families.

Bike trailers that have multiple uses give families great options for getting outdoors.  This versatility means you will get a lot of use from your Bike Trailer.  goRide believes a Bike Trailer is the best choice for a young family wanting to be adventurous, with one or more children, on a daily basis.  It will encourage you to be an active family rather than use your car.  

We’re here to help.  If you need further assistance… you can use our Kids Bike Seat Solution Finder or call us on 021 025 15576 or 0800 44 33 77 or CONTACT us via email

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