Hauling things on a trailer with a bike is a great way to combine exercise and chores in one go. Take the recyclables on the trip out and bring groceries back to double the efficiency of your journey. But what kind of trailer? Two commercially available designs are available — one-wheeled (or in-line) trailers, and two-wheeled trailers. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. The single-wheeled designs are preferred by cyclists who travel off-road, while the two-wheeled trailers are a favorite among parents who transport their kids in them. For shopping, the two-wheeled bike trailer is a winner. It’s stable when hitched or unhitched, it’s easy to load, and it distributes weight well.

Shopping with a trailer instead of panniers makes sense for bulky loads and for trips when more than about 40 pounds will be hauled. But shopping with a bike and trailer isn’t exactly like shopping with your car. With a little thought and adaptation, however, it’s a satisfying and economical way to do this necessary chore. Read more…