For easier stopping on the go, Thule also offers a rear hand brake as an upgrade, which activates both rear wheels at the same time. The rain guard is not permanently adhered to the trailer and attaches with elastic loops in 6 places. As a result, there are very few bike trailers on the market that offer recline. If you store items in the mesh pocket behind the trailer seat, the air flow will be partially blocked as well. Impeccable design and quality make for a luxurious bike trailer, Comes standard with double stroller wheels, Exceptionally smooth ride in both trailer and stroller mode, Easier to load and unload kids than other trailer brands, Weather covers are easy to use and provide thorough protection from the elements, Front mesh cover pulls taut for a sleek, polished look, and clips in at the bottom to prevent kids from tossing things out, Through-trailer ventilation with front vents and rear mesh backing (front vents can be closed in cooler weather), Stroller wheels and tow bar are stored on body of the trailer when not in use, Inside snack pockets are hard for little ones to reach, Covered top of trailer makes it difficult to see your child while in stroller mode. When she's not testing bikes, Carrie's actually still testing bikes. These vents can be opened and closed. While the storage capacity of the Cross is significantly less than the Burley DLite, weve found that for our family, the storage is sufficient. Jogger wheel installation is a little more involved than the stroller wheels, but not too complicated. While we clearly didnt take it on any serious mountain biking trails, we did tackle the easy flow and jump trails in the bike skills area, as well as all the valley floor trails paved and dirt and plenty of inclines. If you see this potentially happening to you in the future, the Cross might be a better bet. Proper ventilation is limited with the rain cover on, which will likely result in the trailer fogging up on cold days. The single parking brake pedal easily engages the brakes on both wheels, and there is a handy red/green indicator to show whether the brakes are on or off. The seat back of Thule Chariot Cross is angled backward, as well as the area where a child rests their legs. With the mesh door down, your toddler cant throw out their sippy cups, blankets cant slide out, and overly friendly strangers cant touch your kids :). Bikes in the house, bikes in the garage bikes are everywhere and it's the best way of life. The front tires are solid plastic, so no need to worry about them going flat, but flats can occur in the rear tires. No monetary compensation was provided for this review, however, the reviewed product was supplied by the manufacturer or distributor to help facilitate this review. The Thule Chariot Cross double is about the same sitting width as the Burley DLite double, but doesnt have the bowed out sides for added shoulder room. We earn an affiliate commission when you buy through our links. If you are concerned about weight, the Thule Lite is a better option with the double weighing 27.5 lbs. This resulted in THULE CHARIOT, a series of beautiful bicycle trailers with a level of innovation, safety and quality that can only be found in Thule Chariot bicycle trailers. Last summer we went to king of all biking destinations -Whistler, Canada- and brought our Cross. On several occasions Ive returned home from a run or ride to find the water spilled and cracker mush all over the seats. This might just be our favorite feature of this entire trailer, which is saying a lot because every part of its design is incredible. You have to insert both jogger arms into the wheel guards on the body of the trailer, locking them in place. tackle the easy flow and jump trails in the bike skills area, as well as all the valley floor trails paved and dirt and plenty of inclines. As a self-proclaimed gear nerd who has used the Thule Chariot Cross for many years, I was itching to get my hands on the very similar (but more affordable) Thule Chariot Lite. as single, the Cross is light for the features it offers, but not as light as many other trailers. These mesh layers also create a pocket, which although designed to store the screen door when not in use, could easily hold a small towel or shirt for complete shade. The raised (curved) portion of the contoured handle also makes pushing the stroller or jogger much more comfortable for my wrists as compared to the standard flat handlebar. Bikes in the house, bikes in the garage bikes are everywhere and it's the best way of life. Whether or not you feel like you need more recline than the Lite offers is up to you. Because its so thick, its best to use from fall to spring. TRAILER CAPACITY: Single or DoubleTRAILER ARM: IncludedSTROLLER KIT: Included (2-wheel)AVAILABLE KIT UPGRADES: Jogger, Ski SUSPENSION: AdjustableWEIGHT: 28 lb. The Cross adjustable suspension helps smooth the ride and is incredibly easy to adjustsimply slide the latch up or down based on the childs weight. The bottom of the trailer is made of the same thick nylon fabric as the sides. The Cross didnt skip a beat and our toddler was able to enjoy this mountain biking mecca just as much as the rest of us. It has two recline positions, reclining a full 7 at its max. Because the pocket is directly attached to the back of the trailer, its usually better to store softer or less bulky items that wont end up jabbing your child in the back. View our Terms of Use. It also folds completely to the front to be out of the way for trailer use. Its roomy for a 2-year-old, cozy for a 5-year-old, and slightly more narrow than the Burley DLite single. Even the rain cover and sunshade pull nice and tight so youre always looking crisp and smooth, no matter the weather situation. (single), 32 lb. The Burley DLite X single weighs in at 27.6 pounds, and the Hamax Outback single weighs 37.5 pounds! This sling is a baby hammock that hooks into your trailer and sits independently above the seats. It comes standard with a 4-wheeled stroller conversion kit and the bike trailer arm. Burley trailers, by comparison, do not latch closed is this way. In this review well primarily cover how the Thule Chariot Lite is different from the Cross, and when it makes sense (or doesnt) to save $200 and get the cheaper Lite. Do you want to buy a Thule Chariot Bicycle Trailer online? The arm, instead, can be stored in the main trunk space. Probably not, but completely dependent on how you will be using your Thule Chariot. For babies less than 12-months of age, Thule offers an infant sling and babysupporter for use in stroller or jogger modes. (The back of the trailer doesnt have any openings for rain to get in. Sold standard with a bike tow arm and double stroller wheels, the Lite can cover the miles in whatever capacity you choose. Yuck!). It has a hole to allow water to easily pass through in the event of a spill. All opinions and images are that of Two Wheeling Tots LLC. Well also show you side by side comparisons of the Lite and the Cross. Hollandbikeshop.com uses cookies to analyze and improve the use of this website. This is due to two factors: While the original Cross models had an issue with sufficient ventilation, the 2019 update added front vents that increase air circulation, especially when the rain cover is on. But with our own baby, we found the most ideal time to be using the Baby Supporter is from six months to around a year. Inside the chassis, there are also small pockets on both sides for snacks and sippy cups that are accessible to your child. Every inch of the Thule Chariot Lite is proof of Thules intense focus on user experience. It was a bumpy ride, but one that was smoothed out enough to make it seem like an epic roller-coaster ride. In principle, folding the Cross is easy: push the blue buttons on either side and while holding them in, push forward on the frame. Also, because its removable, it could easily be lost or forgotten and may not be available if you need it unexpectedly. The trailer also comes with the required safety jogging strap (so the trailer doesnt get away from you on declines). (single), 27.5 lb. If you do happen to have an issue, Thule does offer additional padding that can be placed on the back of the seat to push the rider forward, thereby creating a small space for the helmet. The Cross was able to absorb more of the jostling, although the Lite still did a good job. Whether youre strolling, jogging, or going for a bike ride, everything about the Thule Chariot Cross will impress you. We also found that the stroller works pretty great as a jogger too. Thule markets this padding for babies 6 months to 18 months. The only downside is that the silicone tab of the hitch does require some effort to stretch in order to lock the hitch in place. It can be rolled up out of the way when not in use. Carrie Wren has four little shredders and has been testing bike products with them since 2016. Copyright 2008 - 2022 Hollandbikeshop.com Webshop by MARK-APP, Polisport Bicycle Childseat Bilby With Windscreen, FastRider Single Pannier Shopper Country Salt, FastRider Single Pannier Shopper Anemone White, FastRider Single Pannier Shopper Anemone Gray, HBS Fork Spreader Plastic - Red/White/Blue, Starry Bicycle Headlight Green 5 LED Battery, Starry Bicycle Headlight Turquoise 5 LED Battery, Smart Polaris Headlight 3 LED Batteries - Anthracite. All content and images are copyrighted and should not be used or replicated in any way. The stroller is easy to maneuver and doesnt feel bulky. Suspension absolutely smooths out big bumps in the road, whether paved or mild singletrack or just uneven sidewalk! After several years of use, Ive compiled everything you need to know about the Thule Chariot Cross in this review. Thule makes my absolute favorite trailer hitch. Last summer we went to king of all biking destinations -Whistler, Canada- and brought our Cross. Even the most reclined position in the Burley DLite X isnt very reclined its about at the same angle as the Lites stationary seat back. We tested this out after a terrible milk spill, and it truly is washable! If I had to sum up the Thule Chariot Cross in one word, it would be smart. You then insert the wheel between them with a quick-release axle. The Thule Chariot Lite is incredibly similar to the even higher-end Thule Chariot Cross. The stroller wheels and the trailer arm can all be stored in or on the trailer without taking up any storage areas. (This also happened once with milk. On the back of the trailer itself, there is a mesh pocket that is big enough to hold diapers, wipes, jackets, etc. I did find that many times the brakes didnt fully disengage when releasing the pedal, and I had to fiddle with it to get it to fully release. The seats on the Cross double recline independently of each other using the same system. The bottom portion is a thick, sturdy vinyl. Many toddlers will be able to sleep just fine with the angled back of the Lite. No monetary compensation was provided for this review, however, the reviewed product was supplied by the manufacturer or distributor to help facilitate this review. There is a nifty red/green indicator to show whether the frame is locked or ready to fold. The 5-point-harness in the Cross is very easy to adjust and buckle, and the strap pads stay put where they belong protecting little necks. (More on this below.). Want to see the Thule Chariot Cross in action? By clicking "Hide this notification" or by continuing to use this website, you are agreeing to the use of cookies. The top is made of mesh, to allow for ventilation through the rear of the trailer (when its not stuffed full). On a regular basis, I only store the Lites weather covers in the back, along with a few just in case water bottles and snacks. We are a reader supported site. If you know that you need to haul a ton of stuff (for example, bikebacking or very long trips), you may want to consider a Burley trailer for its much larger cargo area. From a child comfort standpoint, both the Cross and the Lites bum padding are plenty comfortable theres really no difference. To prevent flats,we highly recommend using tire sealant. It folds up flat when not in use, latching to the frame to stay closed which provides more legroom for strolling and jogging. Of the high-end trailers, the Lite is the most lightweight. It proves thick, plush cushioning along the back, sides, and bum. And to be honest, even in the scorching Texas summer sun, our toddler has enjoyed daily runs and bike rides in the Thule Chariot Cross. For a full review on the Infant Sling, check out our article Why the Thule Infant Sling is on My (Very) Short List of Must-have Baby Products. Ive tested over a dozen trailers in the last year, and the Thule Cross is the easiest to load and unload your kids. If you want to use the stroller with a baby, there is really nothing better than the Infant Sling! Simply push the reclining button on the exterior of the trailer and gently pull back. With both the Lite and Cross in jogger mode, we braved our way over very uneven, snowy terrain. View our, Thule Chariot Lite is a multi-sport trailer, I highly recommend buying the handlebar console. The Cross performs beautifully as a trailer, giving a smooth ride for adult and child alike whether on paved sidewalks or rugged dirt trails. The Thule Chariot Lite does not have padding on the back of the seat. Designed to take a beating from energetic toddlers and outdoorsy moms and dads, the precision-built Lite will be your trusty sidekick through years of constant use (and abuse!) While most trailers sit a child relatively upright, the angle of the Lites seat back is set in a pretty reclined position. The Lite is what is called a multi-sport trailer, a label it executes with excellence. Everything about this trailer has been well thought-through and designed with the user in mind. Our full review of the Thule Chariot Lite details the following differences. Hollandbikeshop.com and third parties use cookies to collect information about your visit to this website and your personal interests, for example to show you customized ads. Read the review below for all the details. The pocket is quite deep, which is great for capacity, but its less ideal for storing small items you need easy access to. With every part designed and assembled to the most precise and exacting standards, these beautiful machines pull quiet and smooth, making the trailer seem at one with your bike. Whether these features matter to you will really depend on how youre using the trailer, and if you really want to save $200. The top panel of the Thule Chariot Lite is solid fabric, while the Cross has a mesh ventilation and viewing window. The rain cover on the Thule Cross is so effective and so easy to use! I also regularly run in the rain because I know my child isnt going to get wet at all. The Cross thin but dense and soft pads stay firmly in place when loading your child. As a 510 woman, I need to extend the entire length of my arm into the pocket to reach the bottom. Another unique feature of the Cross (and Lite) is the onboard storage of its main conversion kits. All the little details done right make it a joy to use for all of your familys outdoor adventures. The Cross didnt skip a beat and our toddler was able to enjoy this mountain biking mecca just as much as the rest of us. You appear to be visiting us from France. So while theres no perfect trailer, the Cross single and double come as close as weve seen. The rain cover on the Thule Cross is so effective and so easy to use! The Cross doesnt have a large storage area, but it makes the most of the space it has. The Cross has a supportive bench-style seat that truly reclines without any hassle. Smoothly transitioning from a bike trailer to a stroller, jogger, or ski trailer, the Thule Chariot Cross will lead you through every season and every outdoor activity possible! When pushing the trailer/stroller from behind, you cant see your child inside unless you stop and tip the stroller waaaaay back, or walk around to the side or front. Hollandbikeshop.com has the Thule Chariot Bicycle Trailer youre looking for. Without the pressure of a childs body weight to deal with, its much easier to access the straps and buckle and to get everything clicked into place. For avid runners, a jogger wheel kit is a smart upgrade. In the odd event that youre having a problem with the trailer tracking straight, a small blue adjustment knob on the left jogging arm allows for easyadjustment of the alignment. The standard sitting position in the Cross and the Lite is leaned back enough to be very relaxing and comfortable for most situations. That way you can load the cabin full of books and stuffed animals and your toddler cant chuck anything out! And for snow lovers, the ski kit for cross-country skiing and fat-biking means you can still get your fill of winter wonderland before your baby is old enough to strap on their own skis. It was much more bumpy than most terrain we usually venture out on, including groomed singletrack. When in use, the jogger tracks beautifully from the get-go and is easy to run with. View our, Thule Chariot Cross vs. Thule Chariot Lite, many other great bike trailers on the market, look at the Thule Chariot Cheetah XT, which is 10 pounds lighter. The double stroller swivel-wheels come standard with the trailer and lock into the wheel guards in seconds without the need for pins. FTC Disclosure: Affiliate links are included in this review. DONT bring milk in a trailer! While not a necessary feature for most families, suspension is a nice to have feature for anyone. The advantage of this design is that when in use as a trailer, the stroller wheels actually store in the same holes, just upside down. We wont re-hash that here, because all of that information is the same. The Baby Supporter is designed for use in stroller and jogger mode, as it does not work while a child is wearing a bike helmet. The Thule Chariot Cross Single is an average sized trailer. But is the Cross really worth its price tag? We are a reader supported site. Thule was founded by Erik Thulin in Sweden in 1942. Storage is another feature that will completely depend on how you plan on using your trailer/stroller. Ive used a lot of trailers and been out in a lot of wind and rain. The Thule Chariot trailers (Cross and Lite) are the only trailers we know of that have a front mesh cover that completely seals shut at the bottom and in the rear. Whether youll be using the Cross primarily as a trailer, jogger, stroller, or all three, this thing performs like a dream. The Thule Chariot Lite features suspension, but it cannot be adjusted for heavier or lighter loads like the more expensive Cross. To compensate, the viewing window is covered by two layers of mesh for added shade. If youre primarily going to be using the Lite as a trailer or ski stroller, this wont matter. If youll be using the Lite in stroller mode with an infant, youll need the Thule Chariot Infant Sling. The main storage area is in the trunk which is separate from the body of the trailer and has an elastic cover. While in some trailers these pads are removable, the Cross back padding is actually incorporated into the seat back. We even used the jogger kit to conquer the frozen tundra of Texas during Snowmageddon 2021. When using the Cross, Ive been able to remove the bottom seat and put it in the washer. Ive used a lot of trailers and been out in a lot of wind and rain. Most other trailers (even high-end brands) have covers with a bit of slack and always end up looking a little messy. The stroller wheels attach upside down on the front wheel guards and the trailer arm snaps into place on the side of the trailer. Carrie has a master's degree in Marketing from Northwestern University and thinks being a professional bike mom is living the dream. (double). The padding in integrated into the trailer, and cannot be removed like the Cross seat bottom padding (on the right below, in the orange trailer). Like different models of the same car, the Thule Cross and Lites overall performance are the same, but with slight differences in functionality via features. After 2.5 years my Cross is a little dirtier than when I pulled it out of the box, but wear and tear is super minimal. and the single weighing 25.8 lbs. Well cover those differences below. Do you want to change the country setting to France? This wouldnt be an option with the Lite. When she's not testing bikes, Carrie's actually still testing bikes. Having owned more strollers than we care to count, the Thule is incredibly smooth and as easy to push as other high-end strollers. I let my toddler eat in the trailer fig bars, gold fish, peanut butter crackers. Some of our mom testers use the recline in their Thule Chariots frequently, others periodically, and me basically never. Carrie has a master's degree in Marketing from Northwestern University and thinks being a professional bike mom is living the dream. If you will regularly be going on rough terrain, or taking your Cross bike packing, we do recommend that extra layer of padding. Its also removable for washing if need be, but should be left out to air dry. All opinions and images are that of Two Wheeling Tots LLC. This accessory was a post-pregnancy life saver and sanity saver. The Lite is an incredible multi-sport trailer that empowers you to dominate the outdoors, no matter what the weather gods throw at you. If youll be using the Thule Chariot Lite stroller or jogger regularly, I highly recommend buying the handlebar console. Optional conversion kits for jogging and skiing can be purchased separately. View our Terms of Use. Its independently reclining seats is a first for trailers and greatly improves the overall functionality of the stroller mode as does its viewing window and wipe down seat cushions. Most high-end bike trailers have pads to provide cushioning to the childs back. Many trailers have a cut-out or other space to allow kids to wear a helmet without pushing their head forward. As you can see in the image below in the blue Cross, the arrow indicates its padded area, which provides lower back cushioning. But what about sleeping infants you say? The brake easily integrates into the handlebar and is activated by twisting (as shown here). And you dont have to look at it all the time if youre not using it. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Like all jogging strollers, the front wheel is stationary and you have to push down on the handlebar to turn the trailer with the back tires.
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thule chariot double bike trailer