After rigorous testing of over 40 bike trailer models, we’ve pinpointed the Allen Sports child bike trailers as standout budget-friendly options. These trailers impress with smooth-rolling tires on metal rims, generous storage, and a user-friendly 5-point harness, offering superior value compared to other brands in the same price range.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into two popular models: the Allen T2 Deluxe child bike trailer and the versatile S2 Premiere child bike trailer, which doubles as a stroller. Our hands-on tests will help you decide which model best suits your needs and show how they stack up against other budget trailers in the market.
Since our initial tests, Allen Sports has introduced a new model that blends the compact size of the T2 Deluxe with the stroller convertibility of the S2 Premiere, all at a compelling mid-range price. Navigating the Allen bike trailer lineup can be a bit confusing, so we’re here to clarify the differences and empower you to make the optimal choice for your family and budget!
For a broader perspective on child bike trailer options, be sure to explore our comprehensive guide to the best child bike trailers.
Allen Sports Bike Trailer: An In-Depth Look
OUR VERDICT: Highly Recommended
CURRENT PRICES for Double Models:
- $139 Allen Sports Deluxe Child Bike Trailer
- $169 Allen Sports Deluxe Child Bike Trailer Stroller
- $209 Allen Sports Premier Child Bike Trailer Stroller
IDEAL FOR: Families seeking an exceptionally affordable bike trailer that doesn’t compromise on comfort, especially suitable for younger or smaller toddlers and casual biking activities.
KEY SPECIFICATIONS
PASSENGER CAPACITY: Available in Single or Double models
BIKE HITCH: Included with all trailers
STROLLER ADAPTER: Included in ‘Stroller’ models
JOGGER CONVERSION KIT: Not available
UV PROTECTED WINDOWS: No
SEAT RECLINE: No
WHEEL DIAMETER: Deluxe Models: 16 inches, Premier Models: 20 inches
ADVANTAGES:
- Surprisingly smooth ride quality for a budget trailer.
- User-friendly 5-point harness system with easily adjustable height.
- Padded, hammock-style seat that minimizes sagging compared to competitors.
- Standard rain cover included.
- Easy-to-use, zippered mesh front cover.
- Ample storage capacity.
- Stroller wheel tucks neatly under the trailer, closer than many brands.
DRAWBACKS:
- Switching between trailer and stroller modes necessitates unloading children.
- May not withstand long-term heavy use as well as premium trailers.
- Can be a snug fit for two larger toddlers.
Video Review: Allen Sports Bike Trailers in Action
Want a closer look? Our video review walks you through the top 8 essential features of Allen Sports Bike Trailers, covering everything from seat specifics to rain covers, ensuring you’re fully informed before making a purchase.
Allen Sports Deluxe vs. Premier: Model Breakdown
Allen Sports is synonymous with affordable yet reliable bike trailers. Standing a cut above basic, low-cost trailers, Allen bike trailers are the best value we’ve encountered in their price bracket.
While premium brands like Burley or Thule cater to dedicated cycling enthusiasts, Allen trailers are perfect for families who enjoy casual bike rides and need a safe, budget-conscious way to bring their children along on neighborhood jaunts or paved trail explorations.
This review focuses on three key Allen Sports models: the Deluxe Trailer, the Deluxe Trailer Stroller, and the Premier Trailer Stroller.
Allen Sports Bike Trailer Model Comparison
| Feature | Deluxe Trailer | Deluxe Trailer Stroller | Premier Trailer Stroller |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stroller Conversion | No | Yes | Yes |
| Wheel Size | 16″ | 16″ | 20″ |
| Max Speed (MPH) | 10 mph | 10 mph | 15 mph |
| Interior Space | Compact Cabin | Compact Cabin | +2″ Cabin Space |
The yellow trailer frequently shown in the images is the Premiere Trailer Stroller (S2), while the red trailer is the smaller Deluxe Trailer (T2). Although we haven’t tested the Deluxe Trailer Stroller, Allen Sports confirms its sole difference from the base Deluxe model is the addition of stroller functionality.
Both the Deluxe and Premier Allen bike trailers deliver impressive performance for their price. Ranging from approximately $100 to $200, they represent exceptional value in the market.
Side-by-Side: Allen Bike Trailers – Deluxe (Left) & Premier (Right) Models
Interior Space and Weight Capacity
The width is consistent across both Allen Premiere and Deluxe trailers, aligning with standard dimensions for budget trailers. As illustrated below, fitting two toddlers in these trailers results in a snug arrangement. The child on the left is wearing size 2T clothing and weighs 27 lbs, while the child on the right wears 3T and weighs 35 lbs.
With a combined weight around 60 pounds, accommodating significantly larger children in these trailers would be challenging. Despite a stated 100 lb weight capacity, practically fitting that much weight in children would be difficult.
It’s important to note that even many high-end trailers with a 100 lb capacity would struggle to comfortably hold that much weight. The popular Burley Bee, costing approximately $250 more, only offers about 1.5 inches of additional width. While this helps, it’s still not designed for maximum comfort at the 100 lb limit. (Some trailers, like the Bee, specify an 80 lb rider weight limit, with the remaining 20 lbs for cargo.)
For optimal rider comfort, we recommend limiting the total weight in Allen trailers to between 60 and 70 lbs.
Headroom and Legroom Dimensions
The Allen Premier trailer & stroller offers slightly more headroom and legroom compared to the Deluxe models. For children of a size realistically suited to the width of these trailers, both models provide adequate headroom and legroom.
Given its increased height and depth, the Premier trailer & stroller is preferable to the Deluxe, especially for taller or rapidly growing children, or even for single-child use as they age. The Premier offers more room for leg extension and delays the point at which a child’s head might touch the top.
Seats and Base Design
The Allen Premiere and Deluxe trailers feature a mesh upper back seat section designed for ventilation and to accommodate helmets. This flexible mesh allows a child’s helmet to recess into the seat back, preventing their head from being pushed uncomfortably forward.
The seat bottom is a hammock-style design – a fabric sheet stretched between the trailer sides. Hammock seats, lacking firm support, can sag in the middle, reducing comfort compared to the bench-style seats found in higher-end trailers. Even Burley’s entry-level Bee utilizes a hammock seat.
However, Allen’s hammock seats are superior to many found in other budget trailers. Some Schwinn and InStep trailers have seats directly attached to the trailer bottom, causing significant sag and minimal protection from the road.
Allen’s hammock seat is well-padded and independently sewn into the frame above the trailer floor. While it sags more than a bench seat, the sag is minimal, and it provides an extra layer of cushioning.
Switching from a bench-style daily-use trailer to the Allen, the difference in loading was noticeable. Initial strap adjustments were a bit more cumbersome. However, buckling in becomes manageable with practice, especially considering the price.
The trailer floor is made of standard thick polyester, common even in premium bike trailers.
5-Point Harness System
Both Premier and Deluxe models are equipped with high-quality, easy-to-use 5-point harness systems. A significant upgrade from older Allen models, this buckle style is similar to those in Burley trailers.
The harness straps are padded for comfort, though the pads are detachable and can be easily misplaced. The crotch pad, in particular, detaches frequently and is arguably unnecessary when children are clothed—consider removing it.
Harness height is easily adjustable, allowing a precise fit for different-sized riders. The adjustment buckles are designed to be firm enough for adult adjustment but not so loose as to slip during rides.
This height adjustment system is superior to those in competitors like InStep and Schwinn budget trailers, which require re-threading straps through fixed holes rather than offering continuous adjustability.
Exterior Cover Details
The front cover of Allen Sports bike trailers features a mesh “door” with polyester sides secured by Velcro. The mesh cover zips vertically for easy access. The lower section of the mesh is then secured with a wide Velcro strip, creating a taut, streamlined appearance.
As a budget trailer, the cover material is thinner and may show wear or tear sooner than more expensive options like the Burley Bee ($380). This is a common trade-off in affordable trailers.
Rain Protection System
Allen trailers include a permanently attached rain cover that rolls up and secures at the trailer top with an elastic loop when not in use. When needed, it unrolls and attaches at the bottom corners with D-ring hooks.
For ventilation and to prevent window fogging, small oval openings are located near the top of the side windows. These openings could allow some rain in, so while the rain cover is excellent for unexpected showers, prolonged riding in heavy rain is not recommended.
Sun Shade and Window Design
Allen Premier and Deluxe models feature large side windows for optimal viewing. Like most trailers under $300, these windows are not tinted and lack UV protection—a key difference from higher-end models. Allen bike trailers also do not have a front sunshade, which is standard for budget trailers.
The necessity of UV protection depends on riding conditions, duration, and time of day. In sunny climates, sunscreen for children is advisable, especially during longer morning rides.
While the Burley Bee ($380) offers UV windows, even it lacks a front sunshade. Superior sun protection typically requires investing in higher-priced models like the $900 Burley D’Lite X trailer.
Unlike some trailers, Allen models do not have a rear window. This enhances sun protection from behind but limits visibility of children in stroller mode unless the trailer is tilted back.
Wheels and Tire Quality
Allen Deluxe models come with 16-inch wheels, while the Premier features 20-inch wheels. Both use air-filled tires on metal rims and spokes—a significant upgrade over most budget trailers that use plastic rims. (The Schwinn Shuttle even uses plastic rims with FOAM tires).
Plastic rims are less durable and offer a less smooth ride over time. We strongly prefer metal rims, making Allen trailers stand out at their price point.
While 16-inch metal-rimmed wheels are adequate, 20-inch wheels improve performance at higher speeds. The maximum recommended speed for 16-inch wheels is 10 mph, while 20-inch wheels are rated for up to 15 mph (standard even for high-end 20-inch trailers).
For casual neighborhood rides, the wheel size difference might be negligible. However, for longer, faster rides, 20-inch wheels are safer and more comfortable, especially over bumps.
Cargo and Storage Features
Allen bike trailers include a readily accessible storage compartment behind the seats. It’s reasonably spacious with a flat base, capable of holding a backpack, diaper bag, and jackets.
Two small fabric pockets on the exterior of the storage area can hold small water bottles, wallets, or keys. However, they are somewhat flimsy and less secure for valuables in trailer mode, though useful in stroller mode.
Cup Holders and Parking Brake
The mesh cup holder on Allen trailers is well-designed and conveniently placed—a feature often overlooked in even premium trailers.
The Allen Premiere stroller includes a parking brake on each wheel, absent on the Deluxe model. This lever-activated brake engages a metal tab against the tire. While not the most refined system, it’s functional and appreciated at this price.
Folding and Assembly
Folding the Allen trailer is possible but not designed for frequent use. It requires partial disassembly, taking about 5 to 10 minutes. While not overly complex for the price, it may be inconvenient for those needing frequent car transport.
If frequent transport is a priority, higher-end trailers with easier folding mechanisms might be preferable, albeit at a higher cost.
Allen Sports Trailers: Bike Trailer Performance
Having recently reviewed a $900 trailer, expectations for the Allen bike trailers were modest. Surprisingly, these budget trailers performed admirably, offering great value for their low price.
Both models are lightweight due to their basic design, which, while sacrificing some comfort and features, enhances ease of towing. They tracked straight and smoothly, with minimal noise compared to high-end trailers—to be expected given the price difference.
The adult rider experience was impressive for such affordable trailers, nearly comparable to much pricier models in terms of basic functionality.
In bike trailer mode, the difference between the 20-inch wheel Premier and the 16-inch wheel Deluxe was minimal in typical neighborhood riding. However, the Premier’s 20-inch wheels offer better ground clearance and a higher speed rating, making them preferable for varied terrain or faster rides.
Hitch System
The Allen bike trailer tow arm connects to a socket mounted on the adult bike’s rear axle. It uses a cylindrical joint secured with a pin and a retaining pin, plus a safety nylon strap around the bike frame as a backup—standard for safe trailers.
The socket system resembles Burley’s hitch but is slightly less refined. It functions effectively, however.
Attaching and detaching the tow arm is straightforward but requires keeping the bike upright to align the pinholes. The Deluxe model’s hitch pin was slightly easier to insert than the Premier’s, possibly due to minor manufacturing variations.
Tow Arm Design
The tow arm of Allen trailers folds under the trailer for storage and is secured in the extended position with a retaining pin. This system is convenient, but the pin design raised a slight concern during testing.
A potentially defective pin on our Premier trailer barely engaged with the D-loop, unlike the securely fitting pin on the Deluxe model. If this pin were to fail during use, the tow arm could potentially bend upwards, posing a safety risk.
While Allen Sports stated this issue is rare and thousands of trailers have been sold without similar reports, it’s advisable to inspect the pin and request a replacement if it appears faulty.
Allen Sports Premiere as a Stroller
The Premier model’s stroller performance was surprisingly good. Compared to high-end stroller-jogger-trailers like the $900 Thule Cross, the Allen stroller, while less refined, performed well for its price.
The front stroller wheel is slightly noisy, and the single-height handlebar is basic, but the stroller is functional for everyday use.
The stroller wheel attaches to a dedicated short arm, positioning it close to the trailer—a significant advantage in maneuverability, especially in tight spaces.
However, this design has a drawback: the trailer arm must be folded and stored underneath the trailer to use stroller mode, requiring the trailer to be flipped over.
Switching between trailer and stroller modes requires unloading children, which might be inconvenient for some users, especially on outings requiring both modes. For users primarily using one mode per outing, this is less of an issue.
Assembly Experience
Trailer assembly is moderately complex, with somewhat unclear instructions. Assembling the Premier trailer and stroller initially took about an hour due to confusing diagrams.
Once familiar with the process from the Premier model, assembling the Deluxe trailer was much faster. The Premier model requires tools for parking brake and handlebar attachments, while the rest of the trailer uses quick-release pins with locking loops.
Locking Pin Loops and Stitching Detail on Allen T2
A helpful tip for Premier trailer & stroller assembly: attach the trailer cover before installing the stroller handlebar attachments to the rear frame, as part of the fabric needs to be positioned under a rear tube.
The trailer cover’s construction is adequate but not exceptionally durable. Stitching may show stress during assembly, indicating potential limitations in long-term durability, which is typical for trailers in this price range.
Final Verdict: Allen Sports Bike Trailers
The Allen Sports Premier Bike Trailer & Stroller and the Allen Deluxe Bike Trailer are impressive budget-friendly options. The Premier model, for a slight price increase, adds stroller functionality, larger wheels, and more interior space. While both are snug for two larger toddlers, they are unbeatable for casual, paved rides at their price point.
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