Spring is here, and summer is fast approaching, which means it’s the perfect time to get the bikes out for school runs and family adventures. For the past year, we’ve been using the Adam’s Trail-A-Bike to make cycling with our kids easier and more enjoyable. This add-on kid hauler has become a staple for school trips, dirt road explorations, and even quick jaunts to the local farmer’s market.
There are several versions of the Trail-a-bike available, with most featuring a 20-inch rear wheel. Our review focuses on the Original Alloy Folder One model. This version stands out because it’s constructed from alloy, making it three pounds lighter than the original steel model. It also conveniently folds in half for easier storage and transportation in a car, and operates as a single speed. For families needing more options, Adams offers models with larger wheels, geared versions for kids who like to engage with shifting, and even a tandem model for hauling two children simultaneously.
A trail-a-bike provides a fantastic way to transport a child to school or run errands. It’s particularly useful for kids who are not quite ready to navigate streets on their own bikes, or when the distances are a bit too far for little legs. Plus, it can be a great workout for the adult rider, especially when the child decides to take a break from pedaling! Let’s dive into the details of our experience with the Adams Trail-a-bike.
A child happily riding on an Adams Trail-a-Bike attached to an adult bicycle, showcasing a fun and engaging way for family biking.
Age Range and Size Considerations for a Trail-a-Bike
Adams recommends the Trail-A-Bike for children aged 4 to 6 years. While this is a good guideline, our experience suggests it can be suitable for a broader range. Our 7-year-old still enjoys riding on it for school commutes. We even started using it with our daughter when she was 3-1/2 years old. To make it work for her at that age, we had to slightly modify the seatpost by cutting about an inch off to achieve a lower seat height.
This modification was necessary to ensure a comfortable fit for our younger child, but it does mean we’ve reduced the maximum seat height adjustment for future growth. Alternatively, purchasing a replacement seatpost would solve this issue and allow for full adjustability as she gets older. It’s also worth noting the Trail-a-bike has a claimed maximum weight limit of 85lbs, which most kids in the 4-6 age range are unlikely to reach.
Adams also offers a tandem trail-a-bike, but personally, managing even one child on the back requires attention. When kids are on the trail-a-bike, they can sometimes introduce wobble to the adult bike, especially if they get playful and try tricks, turn around, or pedal erratically. Consistent pedaling from the child minimizes feedback to the adult rider, but be prepared for moments where it feels like your rear wheel is wrestling with extra resistance. This can be more pronounced for lighter adult riders, which is why my wife finds it less comfortable to tow compared to myself. It’s definitely advisable that the adult pulling a trail-a-bike should be a confident and experienced cyclist.
Close-up view of a child comfortably seated and riding an Adams Trail-a-Bike, highlighting the adjustable seat and child-friendly design.
Attachment and Stability of the Trail-a-Bike
The Trail-A-Bike connects to the adult bike via a robust seatpost clamp. This clamp and the trailer itself are linked by a quick-release bolt, which includes a threaded nut and an additional clamp for enhanced security. A universal joint in the system allows for free movement both vertically and horizontally. The clamp kit includes various sized sleeves to ensure a snug fit to different seatpost diameters. It’s crucial to use the correct size sleeve for secure and safe attachment.
The secure seatpost clamp mechanism of the Adams Trail-a-Bike, showing how it attaches to the adult bicycle for safe towing.
Using the wrong spacer or overtightening the clamp can lead to damage. I learned this the hard way when I overtightened a clamp with a too-thin spacer, resulting in a damaged clamp that needed replacement. The plastic spacers are essential; they not only ensure a correct fit but also protect your seatpost from direct metal-on-metal contact. Each spacer is designed with a lip to prevent the clamp from rubbing against your frame or seatpost collar.
Initially, the slight play in the connection points can feel a bit unsettling, as it might seem like the child is swaying. However, you quickly adapt to this sensation, and it becomes less noticeable. This minor movement could likely be minimized by adding a small shim to the connection between the clamp and the trailer, though it hasn’t bothered me enough to warrant this modification.
Comparison of a new, undamaged seatpost clamp for the Adams Trail-a-Bike alongside a damaged clamp due to overtightening, emphasizing the importance of correct installation.
Features and Benefits of the Adams Trail-a-Bike
The trail-a-bike features an adjustable stem for height and reach, allowing you to customize the fit for your child as they grow. The handlebar includes a padded top bar for added safety. A fabric sleeve is thoughtfully included to cover the upper part of the front tube, preventing scratches to your bike frame when the unit is folded.
Safety is well-considered with a tall flagpole and a bright orange flag topped with a foam ball for increased visibility. Reflectors are included as standard, and adding a rear blinky light on the seatpost further enhances safety, especially in lower light conditions. The Trail-a-bike comes equipped with a full fender, a complete chainguard, and even a bashguard integrated into the frame. We’ve confidently navigated downhill stretches and fast corners, and the Trail-a-bike has consistently felt stable and secure. Going uphill, it’s almost like having a little extra boost when your child pedals along!
Beyond the practical benefit of getting my kids to school without using the car, the trail-a-bike encourages exercise for both of us and brings smiles to people we pass. Interestingly, we’ve noticed that drivers are noticeably more courteous and give us more space when passing compared to when I cycle alone. Perhaps it’s the charm of seeing kids enjoying the ride and waving to everyone that makes our presence more agreeable on the road.
The retail price for the Adams Trail-a-Bike Original Alloy Folder One is $319. The steel version is available for $245 and only adds about 3lbs in weight (23.5 lbs for steel vs. 20.5 lbs for alloy). Whether you choose the alloy or steel model, a trail-a-bike is a worthwhile investment for active families looking to cycle together safely and enjoyably.
A child happily riding the Adams Trail-a-Bike, showcasing the handlebar pad, safety flag, and overall design for a secure and fun ride.
