The Burley Bee Bike Trailer has long been a popular choice for families, recognized as Burley’s entry-level model for both single and double riders. While positioned as a more budget-conscious option within the Burley lineup, it retains the brand’s commitment to exceptional quality and long-lasting durability. This makes it a compelling option for parents seeking a reliable and safe way to cycle with their children without breaking the bank.
We conducted a thorough test of the Bee with our own kids to assess its performance and value. In this detailed review, we’ll compare the Burley Bee to budget-friendly alternatives from Schwinn, Allen, and InStep. We aim to highlight why investing in the Burley Bee is a worthwhile upgrade for families who value quality and frequent use.
Burley Bee Bike Trailer: Quick Overview
OUR VERDICT: Highly Recommended
MANUFACTURER’S SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE (MSRP): $349/$379
IDEAL FOR: Families seeking a dependable and easy-to-use bike trailer for kids for regular cycling adventures while staying mindful of their budget.
SPECIFICATIONS
PASSENGER CAPACITY: Available in Single and Double models
TRAILER STYLE: Bike Trailer only – not convertible to stroller or jogger
WEIGHT: 20 lbs (approximately 9 kg)
INTERIOR HEIGHT: 27.5 inches (approximately 70 cm)
INTERIOR WIDTH: 22.5 inches (approximately 57 cm)
WHEEL SIZE: 20 inches
UV-PROTECTED WINDOWS: Yes
Explore the Burley Bee on Burley’s Official Website
KEY ADVANTAGES:
- Built with high-grade components and a robust, durable construction ensuring longevity.
- Delivers an exceptionally smooth and comfortable ride for children.
- Features an intuitive and user-friendly child harness system.
- Includes UV-protective windows and a weather-resistant cover for enhanced comfort in various conditions.
- Offers ample storage space for essential gear and supplies.
- Simple initial setup and conveniently folds for storage and transportation.
- Equipped with top-tier safety features for peace of mind.
- Offered in both single and double passenger configurations to suit different family needs.
- Fabric construction incorporates 55% recycled materials, reflecting an eco-conscious approach.
DRAWBACKS:
- Hammock-style seats provide less structured support compared to the bench seats found in higher-end models.
Burley Bee Video Review: First Look and On-Road Performance
Watch our video review to see the Burley Bee in action and discover how it stacks up against the Honey Bee model! Based on our hands-on testing with children, we highlight the key distinctions between these popular Burley bike trailers and reveal five crucial factors to consider before making your purchase.
Burley Bee Bike Trailer Review: Real-World Performance Insights
Our review process involved extensive testing of both the double and single capacity Burley Bee models. Notably, as of January 2021, the single Burley Bee replaced the previous Burley Minnow in their product line, streamlining their trailer offerings.
Burley Bee: Positioning Within the Burley Bike Trailer Family
The Burley Bee stands out in the Burley range as the dedicated bike-only trailer. Unlike other models, it’s specifically designed for towing and does not offer conversion kits for stroller or jogging functionalities. The Burley Honey Bee, in contrast, is nearly identical to the Bee but includes stroller conversion capabilities, offering added versatility.
For cyclists who primarily intend to use their trailer for biking, the Burley Bee presents a smart choice. Its focused design translates to a more accessible price point as you aren’t paying for stroller features you might not need. This makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers who still prioritize Burley’s renowned quality.
It’s important to note that across all trailer brands, including Burley, comfort and features typically increase as you move up to higher-end models. Burley’s premium trailers often include a single swivel stroller wheel as standard and are compatible with conversion kits for four-wheel stroller configurations, jogging wheels, or even ski kits.
Investing in higher-end models unlocks upgrades such as more supportive bench seats, enhanced padded seating, expanded interior space, integrated suspension systems, and reclining seat options. For those seeking the ultimate in bike trailer luxury and features, the Burley Encore X or D’Lite X are top-tier choices, both of which include stroller functionality as standard.
Therefore, even if you don’t initially plan to use your trailer as a stroller, opting for a higher-end model might be the way to go if you prioritize premium features and overall performance. This often means factoring in the cost of stroller capabilities, even if primarily used for biking. (This premium experience typically comes with an additional cost of $200 or more.)
Burley Bee, Encore X, and D’Lite X Compared Side-by-Side
If your primary need is a dedicated bike trailer without stroller conversion, the Burley Bee stands out as an exceptional choice compared to other brands in its category. Embodying the quality, durability, and thoughtful design that Burley is known for, the Bee ensures your investment of $300+ will provide years of reliable use, keeping your children safe and comfortable on every ride.
Burley Bee vs. Budget Bike Trailers: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
With a price tag around $380, the Burley Bee, while considered Burley’s “budget” option, is still a significant investment compared to true budget trailers from brands like Allen, Schwinn, or InStep, which can be found in the $100 – $200 range. The crucial question is: Is the Burley Bee worth the extra cost? Our answer, based on extensive testing, is a resounding YES. We’ve rigorously tested numerous budget trailers and will break down the key differences below. You can also explore our top recommendations on our 10 Best Bike Trailers for Kids page for a broader perspective.
Burley Bee Outperforms Allen, Schwinn, and InStep Trailers
When placed in direct comparison with “budget” bike trailers, the Burley Bee clearly surpasses offerings from Allen, Schwinn, and InStep. It’s important to acknowledge the price difference—the Burley Bee typically costs $100 – $200 more. While we consistently recommend the Burley Bee for its superior quality, we also recognize that budget constraints are a reality for many families.
Here’s a concise overview of the areas where the Burley Bee excels when compared to the Allen Premier, Schwinn Trailblazer, and InStep Take 2 bike trailers.
Burley Bee: Advantages Over the Allen Premier
- Superior overall design and component quality, leading to greater durability and longevity.
- Noticeably smoother and quieter towing experience.
- Trailer cover constructed from thicker, higher-grade fabric for enhanced weather protection and resilience.
- Integrated UV-protective windows for shielding children from harmful sun rays.
- Larger and more secure storage capacity for carrying essential items.
- Significantly easier folding mechanism for convenient transportation and storage.
- Quick-release button for effortless wheel removal.
- Side battens strategically positioned to prevent passengers from contacting the wheels.
- Simpler and faster initial assembly process.
Burley Bee: Advantages Over the Schwinn Trailblazer
**Building upon the benefits listed above**
- Enhanced seat quality and improved comfort for children.
- Harness system designed for easier adjustment and more intuitive operation.
- Buckle mechanism operates more smoothly and is easier to fasten and unfasten.
- Mesh helmet pocket positioned at a height accessible even for younger riders.
- Superior rain protection – Schwinn’s rain cover is adequate but side gaps allow rain ingress.
- Wheels equipped with wheel guards to protect against ground obstacles.
- Convenient side pockets for snacks, easily accessible for young children.
- Hook-based cover securing system provides greater stability compared to a basic snap system.
Burley Bee: Advantages Over the InStep Take 2
**Adding to the advantages already mentioned**
- Rejection of low-quality 16″ plastic rims found on the InStep Take 2, which are not recommended for durability or safety.
- Elimination of the sagging trailer bottom issue present in the Take 2, which can drag close to the ground.
Overall Quality and Performance of the Burley Bee
A defining characteristic of Burley is their unwavering commitment to quality across their entire trailer line. Every Burley trailer is meticulously engineered and built to the highest standards. They are known for their appealing aesthetics, exceptionally smooth towing, user-friendly design, and robust, safe construction, ensuring peace of mind when carrying your most precious cargo.
The only minor observation (hardly a complaint!) we had during testing was that Burley trailers are so quiet and smooth on paved trails that we occasionally had to glance back to confirm the Bee was still securely attached to the bike!
Weighing just 20 lbs, the double Burley Bee is Burley’s lightest double trailer option. It’s a significant 10 lbs lighter than the 30 lb D’Lite X due to its streamlined design, omitting features like suspension, stroller wheel, reclining seats, and premium seat padding.
While these extra features can be desirable, the added weight of 10 lbs can become noticeable on longer rides, especially when towing two children. If you don’t require these advanced features, the Bee offers a compelling lightweight alternative.
NOTE: Interestingly, the single Bee model weighs slightly more at 21.8 lbs, due to the use of steel wheel hubs instead of aluminum found in the double version.
One of our test rides took place at a local nature park with diverse terrain, ranging from paved paths to grass, dirt, sand, potholed roads, and root-covered trails. While the Bee isn’t specifically engineered for rigorous off-road conditions, it performed surprisingly well across these varied surfaces.
The absence of suspension was noticeable to both the adult cyclist and older child rider, but our 18-month-old passenger remained cheerful and entertained throughout the ride, seemingly enjoying the bumps!
Even without suspension, the Burley Bee generally provides a smooth ride. Suspension adds to both the price and weight of a trailer, but significantly enhances rider comfort, especially on uneven terrain. If you anticipate frequent rides on trails or rough surfaces, upgrading to the Burley Encore X or D’Lite X is worth considering.
Burley Bee vs. Budget Trailers: We would not have attempted the same challenging terrain with a true budget trailer like those from Allen or Schwinn. While budget trailers serve a purpose, the Burley Bee represents a substantial upgrade in overall quality, durability, and safety.
Burley Bee Interior Features: Comfort and Convenience
Capacity: Choosing Between Single and Double Burley Bee
Deciding between a single or double Burley Bee depends on your family size. If you have two children, a double is clearly necessary. However, for families with only one child, we strongly recommend the single model.
While the single Bee offers slightly less cargo space, it allows the single child passenger to sit centrally within the trailer. As illustrated in the image below, a single child in a double trailer is positioned on the right side. Consequently, a single rider enjoys more personal space and can spread out more comfortably in a single trailer than in a double.
Interior Space and Weight Capacity: Double Bee
The double trailer category typically features a 100 lb weight capacity, and Burley adheres to this standard, allocating 80 lbs for children and 20 lbs for cargo.
In the left image below, you’ll see an 18-month-old weighing 27 lbs and a 2.5-year-old weighing 32 lbs. With a combined weight of 59 lbs, they occupied the Bee quite snugly. The Bee’s interior shoulder width is 22″, which is fairly standard across both budget and mid-range trailers.
The image on the right shows the same 18-month-old alongside a 5-year-old tester, together reaching the 80 lb child weight limit.
Based on our experience, towing two children in any bike trailer is inherently a cozy affair. Toddlers should be comfortable with close proximity to siblings and anticipate becoming a bit more compressed as they grow. This snugness is a common characteristic across most bike trailers, not exclusive to the Burley Bee.
We’ve also observed that many parents opt for a double trailer even with only one child, often using it in single-child configuration due to the increased effort of towing two. However, a double trailer can prove invaluable for family bike outings with a young child on a balance bike. When fatigue sets in, they can easily hop into the trailer with a younger sibling.
The Burley Bee excels in headroom, offering over 3″ more than the Burley D’Lite X and over 1″ more than the Honey Bee. In practical terms, it’s unlikely you’ll encounter a child exceeding the trailer’s weight capacity before outgrowing its height.
Burley Bee vs. Budget Trailers: The Burley Bee provides comparable interior seat and elbow room to the Allen Premier Trailer Stroller. The Schwinn Trailblazer and Instep Take 2, however, offer slightly more generous interior width at approximately 25″. Despite this, the other shortcomings of these budget trailers prevent us from recommending them over the superior Burley Bee.
Interior Space and Weight Capacity: Single Bee
The single Burley Bee has a total weight capacity of 75 pounds, allocated as 40 pounds for the child and 35 pounds for cargo. While the cargo capacity is substantial, Burley’s official recommendation limits child weight to 40 lbs for safety and optimal performance based on weight distribution testing.
The single Bee offers ample space for a child to grow without feeling cramped, as they are seated centrally with room on either side. Our 3-year-old tester, weighing 40 lbs and measuring 40.5″, reached Burley’s recommended weight limit but still had plenty of headroom and legroom within the trailer.
Seats and Trailer Bottom: Quality Hammock Seat Design
This Burley bike trailer features a hammock-style seat, a common design at this price point and prevalent in most budget trailers. Hammock seats consist of a fabric panel stretched between the trailer’s side frames.
Due to the absence of a rigid base, hammock seats tend to sag slightly in the center. In double trailers, this can cause children to gravitate towards the middle, potentially making harness adjustments and entry/exit a bit more challenging.
However, the Burley Bee’s hammock seat is designed to be taut, minimizing sag. It’s also positioned sufficiently higher than the trailer’s bottom, preventing excessive drooping. Among hammock-style seats, the Bee’s design stands out for its quality and support. Bench-style seats, found in higher-end models like the Burley Encore X and D’Lite X, offer superior comfort and ease of use for parents but come at a higher price.
Burley Bee Hammock Seat vs. Premium Bench Seat Comparison
The image below illustrates the significant sag in the InStep Take 2‘s hammock seat. Furthermore, the seat is positioned so low that sagging bums can actually extend below the trailer’s chassis. This could pose a problem when encountering road obstacles and limits vertical legroom for children.
While the Bee’s hammock seat also exhibits slight sag, it’s minimal and well-contained compared to budget alternatives.
Significant Seat and Trailer Bottom Sag in InStep Trailer
The Burley Bee’s trailer bottom is constructed from a robust polyester layer, comparable in quality to the Allen Premier but superior to the InStep and Schwinn Trailblazer in terms of durability.
Burley Bee vs. Budget Trailers: Burley’s hammock-style seat is considerably better than those found in lower-tier trailers like the InStep Take 2. The Allen Premier trailer features a seat similar to Burley’s but with added breathable padding. The Schwinn Trailblazer uses a hybrid bench/hammock seat design to minimize sagging, but its cushioning is of lower quality and somewhat firm.
Harness System: Highly Adjustable for Safety and Comfort
The Burley Bee excels with its continuously adjustable shoulder strap height, ensuring optimal comfort and safety. Many budget trailers, such as InStep and Schwinn models, offer only three fixed shoulder height settings, limiting customization.
Continuously Adjustable Shoulder Straps: Burley Bee vs. Schwinn
The 5-point harness system on the Burley Bee is well-made and easy to operate. The buckle functions smoothly, and the harness straps tighten and loosen effortlessly to achieve a secure and comfortable fit for each child. While the Bee’s harness straps lack padding, this is a minor point. Padding on budget trailers is often of low quality, prone to detaching, and ultimately more of a nuisance than a benefit.
Burley Bee vs. Allen S2 Harness Systems
Burley Bee vs. Budget Trailers: The Bee and the Allen S2 share nearly identical harness systems, both significantly outperforming the InStep and Schwinn systems. The latter lack continuous height adjustability and are generally more cumbersome to adjust. Additionally, their buckle systems feel stiff and less durable.
Mesh Helmet Pocket: Enhancing Child Comfort
A helmet pocket is a surprisingly crucial feature for bike trailer comfort. Why? Because children should always wear helmets while riding in a trailer. The bulk of a helmet’s back can push a child’s head uncomfortably forward when pressed against a solid trailer back.
Recently, my toddler experienced a ride in a trailer lacking a helmet pocket and with a solid canvas back. The experience was unpleasant – she was visibly uncomfortable throughout the ride, and we had to shorten our trip.
The Burley Bee addresses this with a loose mesh layer at the top of the seat. This allows the back of a child’s helmet to recess comfortably into the seat back, enabling them to sit upright naturally.
While many trailers include helmet pockets, we’ve found that on many budget models, the mesh is positioned too high to be truly effective.
On the Bee (and the Allen), the mesh layer begins 10.5″ above the seat bottom (indicated by the yellow arrow below). In contrast, the Trailblazer’s mesh starts at 15″ and the Instep Take 2 at 15.5″ above the seat bottom!
As seen in the image below, our (very tall) 18-month-old toddler’s head doesn’t even reach the mesh pocket on the Instep, rendering it ineffective for helmet recess, except perhaps for minimal ventilation.
Helmet Recess Pocket: Bee vs. InStep
Burley Bee vs. Budget Trailers: The Bee and Allen Premier feature nearly identical and effectively positioned mesh helmet pocket systems. The Schwinn and InStep’s pockets are positioned too high to provide practical helmet recess for younger children.
Accessible Mesh Cup Holders: Kid-Friendly Convenience
A seemingly minor detail, but easily accessible cup holders can significantly impact a child’s (and parent’s) enjoyment of a bike ride. The Burley Bee’s mesh side pockets are perfectly placed and sized for young toddlers to reach their drinks and snacks independently.
It’s surprising how poorly designed some side pockets are on budget trailers. Compare the InStep’s side pockets below to the Burley’s. The InStep pockets are shallow and tight – a young child would struggle to remove or insert even a standard sippy cup.
Burley vs. Budget Trailers: The Burley Bee’s mesh pockets are generously sized to hold sippy cups and snacks and are easily accessible. The Allen Premier offers similar pocket functionality. Unfortunately, the snack/sippy cup pockets on Schwinn trailers are smaller, tighter, and challenging for young children to use independently.
Burley Bee Cup Holder vs. InStep Cup Holder
Burley Bee Exterior Components: Durability and Weather Protection
Covers: Premium Quality and Secure Fit
This is a standout feature that truly distinguishes the Burley Bee from other budget trailers. The Bee’s cover is crafted from thick, high-quality, water-resistant 600D polyester. It feels exceptionally durable and robust – requiring considerable force to tear or puncture.
Most other budget trailers utilize much thinner fabric covers that lack the same sense of durability. These thinner fabrics are more prone to tearing, wear and tear, and often exhibit stretched stitching, indicating potential long-term durability issues. If durability is a priority, the Burley Bee is a clear winner.
We also appreciate the secure front cover attachment system on the Bee, using a combination of Velcro and hooks that effectively stay in place. The Allen trailer’s Velcro-only system is decent but can become slightly messy and less secure, especially with active children kicking the front cover.
The Schwinn Trailblazer and InStep Take 2 utilize a less reliable Velcro and snap system that can easily detach and is challenging to keep securely fastened.
Schwinn Trailblazer’s Snap and Velcro Cover System
Burley Bee vs. Budget Trailers: The Burley Bee’s outer cover is significantly superior in quality and durability compared to the Allen, Schwinn, and InStep trailers.
Integrated Rain Cover: Ready for Weather Changes
The rain cover on the Burley Bee is permanently integrated into the trailer. When not needed, it rolls up neatly and secures at the top of the trailer’s front opening with elastic loops. When rain threatens, simply unroll the cover and attach it securely with Velcro.
Burley Bee vs. Budget Trailers: Most budget trailers include a weather cover that functions adequately. However, in true Burley fashion, the Bee’s rain cover is noticeably more durable and user-friendly compared to those found on true budget trailers.
UV Windows: Sun Protection Without a Sunshade
Budget trailers typically lack a dedicated sunshade for the front cover. Depending on your climate and sun exposure, this could be a significant consideration. If you prefer to avoid constant sunscreen application, investing in a trailer with a sunshade is advisable, although these models are generally more expensive.
While the Bee doesn’t have a front sunshade, it does feature tinted UV-protective side windows. Budget trailers generally do not offer tinted UV windows. For those in sunny climates, UV windows are a valuable feature and contribute to the Burley Bee’s worth, justifying its higher price point compared to basic budget trailers.
Burley Bee’s UV-Protective Windows vs. Allen S2 Windows
Burley vs. Other Budget Trailers: The Burley Bee includes UV-protective side windows, a feature absent in the Allen, Schwinn, and InStep trailers.
Folding Mechanism: Fast and Compact for Storage
The Burley Bee folds down quickly and compactly for storage and transport. The process involves unhooking one of the two frame tubes from the red release latches and collapsing the trailer inwards.
Wheel removal is necessary for folding, but the wheels detach easily by pressing the center button on the axle. The folded dimensions are a compact 35.5 x 29.25 x 11.25″ for the double and 32.3 x 26 x 11.3″ for the single, with weights of 20 lbs and 21.6 lbs respectively, making them easily transportable.
Burley vs. Budget Trailers: The Burley Bee’s folding mechanism is significantly easier and more streamlined than budget trailers. This is a major advantage if you frequently transport your trailer. Wheel removal is also slightly easier on the Bee, although not dramatically so.
Generous Storage Compartment: Ample Space for Gear
The Burley Bee features a readily accessible and spacious storage area behind the seats. It’s deep and roomy with a flat base, capable of carrying a substantial amount of gear needed for outings. A small mesh pocket inside is ideal for storing phones and keys securely.
If ample cargo capacity is a priority, even with just one child, the larger rear storage area of the double capacity Bee might be a worthwhile consideration.
Burley vs. Budget Trailers: The Burley Bee’s storage area is not only larger than budget trailers but also features a solid high back, preventing items from accidentally falling out through a Velcro opening.
With the Bee, you can confidently store valuable items in the rear compartment. Budget trailers, with their less robust construction and shallower compartments, increase the risk of items accidentally falling out.
Limited Storage Compartment on the Schwinn Trailblazer
Metal Wheels and Air-Filled Tires: Smooth and Durable
Wheels and tires are critical components where budget trailers can vary significantly in quality. The Burley Bee excels with its robust 1.75 x 20″ wheels featuring metal rims and quick-release center buttons for easy removal. The tire tread is standard and identical to that found on the Burley Encore X, a step up from the Bee.
Many budget trailers utilize lower-quality 16″ tires mounted on plastic rims. 16″ tires generally have a lower recommended maximum speed of 10 MPH for safety. In contrast, 20″ wheels typically allow for a maximum speed of 15 MPH, making them better suited for longer distances and faster cycling.
Burley Bee 20″ Wheels vs. InStep 16″ Wheels
Plastic rims, common on low-budget trailers, are less durable and more susceptible to warping. We advise against trailers with plastic rims, such as the InStep Take 2.
The Bee’s 20 x 1.75″ tires have a mild tread pattern best suited for paved surfaces and occasionally packed dirt trails. For regular use on challenging terrain like all-terrain paths, snow, sand, or gravel, Burley offers optional 16″ fat tires as an upgrade.
Burley Bee vs. Budget Trailers: The Bee’s wheels and tires are comparable to the Allen S2 in quality, with the Bee featuring a quick-release mechanism. Both include wheel guards to protect the trailer from minor obstacles. (The wheel guard is visible in front of the tire in the Burley Bee image above.)
The Schwinn Trailblazer’s 20″ wheels are of decent quality but lack wheel guards. The InStep Take 2’s 16″ tires on plastic rims are not recommended, and they also lack wheel guards.
Hitch Style: Secure and Reliable Burley Design
The Burley Bee utilizes the same hitch system found on all Burley trailers. It attaches to a socket mounted on the adult bike’s rear axle. A cylindrical joint with a pin is inserted and secured with a retaining pin at the socket’s base. For added safety, a nylon strap wraps around the bike frame and connects to the tow arm via a D-ring.
Burley vs. Budget Trailers: Every budget trailer we’ve tested has a hitch system somewhat similar to Burley’s. The Burley system is refined, precise, and clearly well-engineered. While budget trailer hitch systems are not of the same high quality, they are generally functional.
Assembly: Quick and Straightforward
Having assembled seven different Burley trailer models, I can attest to their exceptional ease of assembly. They are largely pre-assembled out of the box, requiring only unfolding, attaching wheel guards, and installing the wheels.
Schwinn and InStep trailers are also similarly easy to assemble, comparable to the Bee. While the Allen Premier is a favored budget trailer, its assembly process is notably more time-consuming. It also uses quick-release pins for component connections, which require periodic safety checks.
Burley Bee Trailer: The Verdict
The Burley Bee is unequivocally superior to any true budget bike trailer on the market. While priced $100 – $200 higher than basic trailers, its enhanced durability, user-friendliness, and comprehensive safety features make it a clear winner. For families who cycle even semi-regularly, the Burley Bee’s higher-quality design and features will significantly improve both parent and child enjoyment and peace of mind.
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