Bike Trailer Installation
Instructions in English, Spanish and French all appear to be Greek
Nobody likes reading the instructions for a new appliance or mechanical device. The print is small, the paper thin, and the language incomprehensible. Add to that the fact that manufacturers often assume you know the hard stuff and meticulously cover what seems to be common sense, and you're well on your way to squandering the better part of a Saturday and possibly the evening, too. The following advice is applicable to bike trailers for children, cargo, pets and tagalong bikes as well.
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As simple as 1.1a, 1.1b, 1.1c, through 12.5d But unfortunately, this isn't a new DVD player or plug-and-play computer add-on. Consequences of improperly installing a bike trailer can be expensive, embarrassing, painful, and even tragic. So do like the instructions say: lay out the pieces, make sure they are all there, then methodically follow instructions, starting at number one. Assemble the bike trailer We can't go over all the specifications and possible points of confusion for all manufacturers of bike cargo trailers and child bike trailers. We have read and executed them, though, with success each time. And despite the teasing found above, we can attest that by and large the instructions are thorough, not insulting, and clear. They are not, however, short. Reserve a couple of hours for assembly, just so you don't hurry, plus another hour or two for testing. Once the cargo bike trailer or child bike trailer is assembled and attached, do the next logical thing and take it for a test spin. For the truly fastidious tester, we suggest weighing it down with something cheap and replaceable. This not only gives you an idea of the trailer's performance with cargo or a child, but will give you an idea of how much weight you can comfortably tow. You may find you don't want to go down certain hills with the knowledge that you'll soon have to go up them. |
Post test diagnostics
After your test rides, check the quick release connections, safety bars, straps, and general soundness of the frame. Did the wheels loosen? Did a safety pin bounce out or otherwise try to wiggle out? If you suspect something is wrong, err on the side of caution and go back to the instructions to make sure you didn't forget anything. When all else fails, give a ring to customer service or take it to a shop that specializes in bicycle assembly and repair.