I’ve been looking at bike trailer options for months now and settled on the Burley Solo as the most preferred because (A) the maker has good reviews and (B) it’s one of the few one-child options out there. Why do so many people buy trailers for two? I guess lots of people have more than one kid or think they might in the future. I’m having one and no amount of discussion, debate or [wink wink] oh-you’ll-change-your-mind’s are gonna change that. One baby, single trailer. Very simple.
So eagle eye Gary found some Solo’s on Ebay and we won one at a reasonable price. Why buy new when you can buy used at a lower price? No reason, so now we have a Burley Solo on the back porch. It’s getting pretty crowded out there with the jog stroller, Total Gym sled and TT bike on the trainer. It’s not that big of a porch. We were quite excited with the nice shed that came with our home because that’s where we would store all the bikes and related gear. Hadn’t quite counted on six bikes (Gary has one plus my five), a jogger stroller, bike trailer, race wheels, tools, what have you. Anyway, the shed doesn’t have enough square footage to handle more than the five bikes that currently inhabit the floor space and you should see me try and extricate a bike from the back position. Very entertaining. It’s important to store the lighter bikes back there because it’s a move that doubles as upper body strength work and light contortionism. Gary is considering rigging up a ceiling hook system, but until then, the Burley’s on the back porch.
So how early can a baby ride in a bike trailer? I figured the infant insert that we used on the stroller would help, but he’s outgrown that already. Then I was reading that children on bikes or as passengers must wear helmets in the state of North Carolina. I don’t think Remy’s little neck, as strong as it is for a 3 1/2 month old, is ready for a helmet. So what say you, those who are experienced in such things? When is it OK to tote the youngin’ behind a two-wheeled self-powered vehicle? It’s going to be fun. I think he’ll like it. He’s giving the unit a test run for comfort already.
That’s so cool. I can’t believe Remy is so big already! Don’t know what to tell you about when you could take him out… the roads around here are all very narrow and rough and way too dangerous for me to even consider a trailer like that. BUT if we lived on the mainland I’d totally want one!
One-year old is how we do it here in Vermont. Child has to have full full control of neck muscles and be able to give you feedback on what is going on if they are uncomfortable, not just that they are uncomfortable. My daughter is four and has a suspension trailer and there are still times where she tells me that she is uncomfortabley jarred by potholes and manhole covers. My two cents.
I have no idea when he can ride in the stroller but my goodness, he’s HUGE.
I pushed Molly in the jogger in a carseat at 4 weeks I think. Then w/out a carseat at 3 months or so. Same with Noah about 3 months in the jogger. I don’t think we put them in the bike trailer until 1 or so only b/c I didn’t use it much. I use the jogger more. Plus the jogger holds them in tighter and at an incline. The burley isn’t as tight. I think once they can sit up on their own the burley is easier. Good luck! He will be fine:)
I took Caden out when he was about 1. I agree that the helmet is mandatory and it’s tough to get a helmet that really fits an infant. Also, the other part I did not like is that the trailer we had said that the max “safe” speed we could ride was 12mph!! Of course, with the additional load, I still got in a workout, but it wasn’t really the same. Truly, whatever you choose, you are Remy’s Mommy and you know what is best! That is the cool thing about being a Mom, supreme control!! Have fun!!
You won’t be able to find properly fitting helmets for a while but you can carve out various sized gourds for him. As his head grows you can either carve out more gourd filling or upgrade to a larger pumpkin.
When he is old enough to say “faster” then he is ready to ride on the back of the tandem. Also I wonder if you can’t rubber-band some cleats to his little feet?
i was wondering if you can give me your opinion regarding the burley solo. my son has a neuromuscular disorder and is generally weak. i’m just wanting to make sure i get a trailer that has a “firmer” seat. some just seem to be sacks of nylon. thoughts?