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Trail Gator, Experi...
 

[Closed] Trail Gator, Experiences?

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[#1807612]

Little Sinatra is now riding her own bike and I fancy taking her longer and longer distances. Trail Gators seem pretty good option for making sure we don't get stuck if she gets tired.

Has anyone used these and how do you find them? Are they stable / safe / easy to use. My biggest concern is that they seem to lift the front wheel of the little bike really high, does this make it difficult for the kid to 'hang on'.

Ta


 
Posted : 17/07/2010 9:29 am
 LD
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They are great. Childs riding position is compromised a bit but life is about compromises! It all seems stable and solid to me. I put Camerons front wheel as low as possible and it does hit ground/curbs occasionally but that's OK. Only other problem to watch out for or make little one aware of is pedal postion in corners. He is quite happy with his postion and loves riding with me.
Was round Carron Valley trails (red/blue) the other day and that worked fine other than some of the switchbacks being a bit tight, it makes for a long vehicle!


 
Posted : 17/07/2010 10:18 am
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I found that it doesn't fit all kids bikes


 
Posted : 18/08/2010 12:51 pm
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As Charlie said. If it fits your bikes, life is sweet. If it doesn't, when you do a sharp turn, it pitches the kid's bike the other way (to the outside of the corner, which is totally counter intuitive.


 
Posted : 18/08/2010 1:14 pm
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They are excellent. I'm now rodong with No.2 son and we can venture a bit further afield knowing that i can hitch him up and tow him home if his wee legs get tired...


 
Posted : 18/08/2010 1:18 pm
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Remember that the rear bike will cut in on sharp corners. When you trap the little one's fingers against a railing in front of onlookers you will feel like a VERY BAD parent. Otherwise I found it great for a couple of years when the boy was younger.


 
Posted : 18/08/2010 1:23 pm
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Absolute git to fit.
Three hours last week setting up Thump's bike (Islabike Cnoc 14). Still need some tuning to do - he keeps creeping up on my inside.

Have all the brackets fitted to a second seatpost - wouldn't want that all crap permanently fitted to my commuter bike.
Found one for £40 on the web so worth shopping around.


 
Posted : 18/08/2010 1:42 pm
 wors
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I've got one and it's great. Have a turning circle of a super tanker though.


 
Posted : 18/08/2010 1:47 pm
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Hijack!

I have one for sale...£25 posted email me in profile if you want one, all my kids are past this.

cheers


 
Posted : 18/08/2010 2:50 pm
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as stirlincrispin said - don't expect to be able to get it on the bike in a few minutes - its the kids end that takes time budget a couple of hours!- you can put the bracket different ways to get to fit and/or improve stability - and yes i'd do the seatpost thing too

i'd say def worthwhile if riding independently but not big enough for stamina - used lots with youngest - oldest stuck on tagalong and then straight to doing distance without help


 
Posted : 18/08/2010 9:54 pm