“There’s no reason to be afraid,” my spouse said, but the piercing shrieks from our 1-year-old and 4-year-old suggested otherwise. Strapped into the Burley Encore X, their reactions to being gently wheeled down a small, steep hill to the beach were more akin to a medieval torture scene than a family outing. For a moment, as the stroller hovered over a three-foot drop, even I felt a twinge of panic. Toddler tantrums? Perfectly understandable in this scenario.
We’re no strangers to hauling our kids around. For years, the Thule Chariot has been our go-to active parent’s bike trailer. With its various iterations and adaptable kits for jogging, biking, and even cross-country skiing, the Chariot set a high bar.
This year, Burley, a company synonymous with safety and based in Eugene, Oregon, aimed to raise that bar with a new series of rugged child bike trailers. The Cub X, D’Lite X, and Encore X are designed to venture beyond paved streets, tackling sand, snow, and dirt paths. I decided to put the Encore X performance sport stroller-trailer to the test. Positioned between the base Encore and the more luxurious D’Lite model, the Encore X boasts suspension, a feature lacking in the base model. After several weeks of rigorous testing, while my loyalty to the Chariot remains, the Burley Encore X revealed itself as a worthy contender, offering compelling reasons for Burley enthusiasts to celebrate.
First Impressions and Assembly of the Burley Encore X
Right out of the box, the Burley Encore X impresses with its user-friendly design. Echoing Burley’s Solstice jogging stroller, key operational components are highlighted in bright yellow plastic. This thoughtful design cue immediately clarifies which parts are meant for adjustment, simplifying the assembly process and minimizing frustration. The intuitive design made setting up the Bike Trailer Burley a breeze, even for those less mechanically inclined.
Measuring just 31 inches in width, the Encore X proved surprisingly nimble. It navigated through our front door – albeit snugly – a crucial factor for everyday usability. At a mere 24.7 pounds, it’s also lighter than our Chariot Cheetah, which tips the scales at 26.5 pounds. This lighter weight contributes to easier handling, especially when maneuvering through tight spaces or tackling hills.
Comfort and Capacity for Growing Kids
The Burley Encore X comfortably accommodated my two children, aged one and four. The seating area is well-designed, providing ample space for both kids without feeling cramped. However, it’s worth noting the 100-pound total capacity. Realistically, I anticipate being able to carry both children together for perhaps another year before outgrowing the weight limit. This is a common consideration for parents with rapidly growing children when choosing a bike trailer burley.
Versatile Cargo and Conversion Capabilities
One of the standout features of the Encore X is its impressive cargo capacity. The 60-liter cargo bin is remarkably spacious. It’s tempting to fill it with everything imaginable – picnic blankets, sports equipment, even pet supplies. This generous storage makes the Encore X not just a child carrier but also a practical hauler for family outings and errands. For even more versatility, the seats can be removed entirely, converting the Encore X into a dedicated cargo trailer.
Furthermore, the included one-wheel stroller conversion kit enhances its functionality. Setting up the bike trailer burley for cycling mode involves attaching the Burley hitch to your rear axle. Switching between bike trailer and stroller modes is incredibly swift. To bike, simply hook up the trailer hitch, slide in the pin, lock it, and flip up the front stroller wheel. For stroller mode, unhook the pin and flip the front wheel down. This seamless transition is a significant advantage, especially compared to systems like the Thule Chariot, where storing the hitch bar when not in use can be less convenient. While some convertible strollers, including the Thule Chariot, utilize a sturdier ball and socket attachment in addition to a pin, the Burley system prioritizes ease of use and storage.
Burley Encore X vs. Thule Chariot: A Matter of Preference
While the Burley Encore X offers numerous improvements and features that cater to active families, my personal preference still leans towards the Thule Chariot. However, this preference is nuanced and largely based on prior experience and specific needs. Burley fans will find ample reasons to appreciate the Encore X, particularly its ease of assembly, lightweight design, and generous cargo space.
The Encore X excels in its ruggedness and straightforward functionality, making it an excellent choice for families who prioritize off-road adventures and ease of use. The suspension system adds a layer of comfort for both children and parents when navigating uneven terrain. However, for those seeking ultimate versatility across various terrains and activities, the Thule Chariot’s broader range of conversion kits and potentially sturdier hitch system might still hold an edge.
Conclusion: Is the Burley Encore X Your Next Bike Trailer?
The Burley Encore X is a well-designed, robust, and user-friendly bike trailer burley that confidently caters to active families. Its easy assembly, lightweight build, ample cargo space, and smooth stroller conversion make it a practical and appealing option. While it may not entirely replace the Thule Chariot as my top pick, the Burley Encore X stands out as a strong contender, particularly for those already invested in the Burley ecosystem or seeking a rugged and reliable trailer for diverse family adventures. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual priorities and specific family needs, but the Burley Encore X undoubtedly earns its place as a top-tier option in the bike trailer market.
