Bike cargo trailers are a fantastic way to expand the carrying capacity of your bicycle, whether you’re commuting, grocery shopping, or embarking on a bike tour. For anyone looking to ditch the car for errands or adventures, a reliable Bicycle Bike Cargo Trailer can be a game-changer. We’ve tested a range of models to bring you our top recommendations for the best bicycle bike cargo trailers on the market today.
Best Overall Bike Cargo Trailer: Burley Coho XC
Burley Coho XC bike cargo trailer
Price: $490 at Amazon
Overall Score: 83
Category Scores:
- Capacity: 8.0
- Ease of Use: 9.0
- Ease of Towing: 8.0
- Smoothness of Ride: 8.0
- Versatility: 9.0
Reasons to Buy:
- Adjustable suspension for a smooth ride
- Excellent tracking behind the bicycle
- Convenient one-handed hitching system
- Integrated kickstand for stability when detached
Reasons to Avoid:
- Can become wobbly if not packed with balanced weight distribution
- Slightly heavier compared to some other single-wheel trailers
Specifications:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Weight | 21.5 lbs |
| Capacity | 70 lbs |
| Number of Wheels | 1 |
| Open Size (L x W x H) | 32.5” x 22” x 22.5” |
| Wheel Size | 16” |
The Burley Coho XC stands out as an exceptionally durable and versatile single-wheel bike cargo trailer capable of handling substantial loads. Its customizable suspension and robust build make it suitable for a variety of terrains and uses, from quick trips to the store to extended bike tours. We were particularly impressed with its user-friendly features, such as the integrated kickstand and effortless one-handed hitching mechanism. Assembly is also refreshingly simple. Whether your cycling adventures take you on paved bike paths, gravel roads, or even some singletrack trails, this trailer is our top pick.
Despite its impressive versatility, the Coho XC isn’t without minor drawbacks. Its rugged construction contributes to a heavier weight, even for a single-wheel trailer. Additionally, the noticeable gap between the bicycle’s rear wheel and the trailer’s cargo area necessitates careful packing to prevent unwanted sway or wobble. However, these minor points are easily overshadowed by the trailer’s overall durability, versatility, and ease of use, making it a top-performing bicycle cargo trailer. If you prioritize a lighter weight and larger capacity flatbed design, the Burley Design Flatbed is worth considering, although it requires straps to secure your cargo.
Read the full review: Burley Coho XC review
Burley Coho XC bike cargo trailer hauling groceries
Packing around 40 pounds of groceries in the Burley Coho XC bike cargo trailer for regular commutes makes errands drama-free and easy.
Credit: Brian Martin
Best Bang for Your Buck Bike Cargo Trailer: Aosom Wanderer
Aosom Wanderer bike cargo trailer
Price: $105 at Amazon
Overall Score: 70
Category Scores:
- Capacity: 9.0
- Ease of Use: 7.0
- Ease of Towing: 6.0
- Smoothness of Ride: 5.0
- Versatility: 7.0
Reasons to Buy:
- Simple and straightforward assembly
- Reliable tracking due to spring-loaded connection
- Durable construction for the price point
Reasons to Avoid:
- Can rattle when unloaded
- Heavier than many comparable models
- Axle mount can sometimes rotate
Specifications:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Weight | 30 lbs |
| Capacity | 110 lbs |
| Number of Wheels | 2 |
| Open Size (L x W x H) | 57″ x 27.6″ x 19.2″ |
| Wheel Size | 16″ |
The Aosom Wanderer stands out for its impressive weight capacity and exceptional affordability. This two-wheel bike cargo trailer proves that a robust, durable, and dependable design doesn’t have to come with a premium price tag. We were also impressed by its versatility, ease of setup, and surprisingly good towing performance for such a budget-friendly trailer.
However, the Wanderer is one of the heavier and noisier trailers we tested, particularly when empty. While the build quality is solid, it lacks the refinement of some higher-end competitors. Fortunately, these minor drawbacks don’t significantly impact the Wanderer’s core functionality as a capable urban hauler. We confidently recommend this bicycle cargo trailer to anyone seeking a heavy-duty option without breaking the bank. For a slightly more refined option with better towing and smoothness, consider the Burley Travoy, although it has a lower weight capacity.
Read the full review: Aosom Wanderer review
Aosom Wanderer bike cargo trailer heavy load test
The Aosom Wanderer bike cargo trailer successfully passed our Super Heavy Load Test, proving its robust capacity.
Credit: Kat Elliott
Best Bike Cargo Trailer for Heavy Loads: Burley Design Flatbed
Burley Design Flatbed bike cargo trailer
Price: $279 at Amazon, $300 at Backcountry
Overall Score: 82
Category Scores:
- Capacity: 9.0
- Ease of Use: 9.0
- Ease of Towing: 7.0
- Smoothness of Ride: 7.0
- Versatility: 9.0
Reasons to Buy:
- Lightweight design for its capacity
- Large carrying capacity for bulky items
- Versatile flatbed design accommodates various cargo types
Reasons to Avoid:
- Straps or dry sack not included for securing cargo
- Smaller wheels may impact smoothness on rough surfaces
Specifications:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Weight | 14.5 lbs |
| Capacity | 100 lbs |
| Number of Wheels | 2 |
| Open Size (L x W x H) | 33″ x 16.1″ x 30.9″ |
| Wheel Size | 16″ |
The Burley Flatbed is an exceptionally versatile and lightweight two-wheel bicycle cargo trailer designed for hauling significant weight. It’s capable of carrying up to 100 pounds of cargo while maintaining a remarkably light trailer weight of just 14.5 pounds. This trailer is unique for its exceptional cargo-to-trailer weight ratio, simple open-bed design, and thoughtful construction. It’s hard to imagine cargo that another bike trailer could haul that the Flatbed couldn’t manage as well.
While there might be more specialized trailers for long-distance touring or lighter loads for quick errands, none offer the combination of lightweight design and high payload capacity of the Burley Flatbed. Although the smaller wheels can slightly reduce ride smoothness on gravel, this is a minor compromise for such a fantastic trailer. We wholeheartedly recommend the Burley Flatbed for anyone who frequently needs to transport heavy or bulky loads with their bicycle. Another strong contender for heavy hauling is the Aosom Wanderer, which offers a slightly higher capacity at a lower price, though it is heavier and less smooth.
Read the full review: Burley Flatbed review
Burley Design Flatbed bike cargo trailer ski trip
Taking a break on the way to the ski hill with a fully loaded Burley Design Flatbed bike cargo trailer. The trailer arm can act as a kickstand for the bike.
Credit: Kat Elliott
Best Bike Cargo Trailer for Grocery Shopping: Burley Travoy
Burley Travoy bike cargo trailer
Price: $300 at Backcountry, $300 at Amazon
Overall Score: 69
Category Scores:
- Capacity: 5.0
- Ease of Use: 9.0
- Ease of Towing: 7.0
- Smoothness of Ride: 7.0
- Versatility: 8.0
Reasons to Buy:
- Incredibly stable and maneuverable design
- Folds compactly for easy storage in a tote bag
- Softback design helps protect groceries and delicate items
Reasons to Avoid:
- No included dry bag for weather protection
- Smaller wheels may struggle with curbs and rough terrain
- Susceptible to damage when hitting curbs
Specifications:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Weight | 10.2 lbs |
| Capacity | 60 lbs |
| Number of Wheels | 2 |
| Open Size (L x W x H) | 43″x 22″ x 16″ |
| Wheel Size | 12″ |
The Burley Travoy is specifically engineered for urban environments and excels at around-town tasks like grocery shopping. Its integrated tote bag and the ability to easily detach the trailer and wheel it directly into stores make it exceptionally convenient for errands. These user-friendly features are enhanced by its foldable design, allowing for compact storage in its own tote bag when not in use.
The updated Travoy addresses previous shortcomings with a more robust hitch and an extendable attachment point to prevent rubbing issues with the bicycle’s rear wheel. However, the previously included tote bag is now sold separately, which is a notable change. The smaller wheels and plastic components are also less desirable for rougher use. Despite these points, the Travoy remains an excellent choice for urban cyclists who need to haul groceries and other everyday items with ease. If you are looking for a more budget-friendly grocery hauler, the Schwinn Day Tripper offers similar towing performance and a slightly larger capacity for groceries, albeit with a less smooth ride.
Read the full review: Burley Travoy review
Burley Travoy bike cargo trailer with tote bag
The Burley Travoy bike cargo trailer with the optional tote bag, a fantastic and easy-to-use option for grocery runs.
Credit: Brian Martin
Product Comparison
Burley Coho XC bike cargo trailer camping trip
The Burley Coho XC bike cargo trailer proved ideal for luxury camping trips, offering ample space for gear.
Credit: Brian Martin
How We Test Bike Cargo Trailers
Our testing process for bike cargo trailers starts with evaluating over 40 models to select the best for in-depth testing. We then purchase and rigorously test these top contenders. To assess ease of towing, we systematically hitched and compared each model side-by-side. Ride quality was evaluated across diverse surfaces, from smooth pavement to rough gravel and singletrack trails. We maximized cargo loads to determine capacity, assessed assembly and hitching for ease of use, and examined all features to gauge versatility. This comprehensive testing spans many months to provide a truly thorough evaluation of bike cargo trailer options. Learn more about our testing metrics and how each trailer performed in key areas.
Our bike cargo trailer testing focuses on five key rating metrics:
- Capacity (30% of overall score)
- Ease of Use (20% of overall score)
- Ease of Towing (20% of overall score)
- Smoothness of Ride (20% of overall score)
- Versatility (10% of overall score)
Why Trust Us?
This bike cargo trailer review is spearheaded by OutdoorGearLab Senior Review Editor Katherine Elliott, a seasoned gear testing expert based in Tahoe. Kat’s extensive outdoor experience, often enhanced by bicycle cargo capacity, makes her uniquely qualified to evaluate these products. She is joined by Brian Martin, a former Yosemite Search and Rescue member and SAR technician. Brian’s background in mountain sports and equipment maintenance for Search and Rescue provides a critical eye for outdoor gear performance and durability. Both testers regularly use bike trailers in their daily lives, bringing practical expertise to this review.
Aosom Wanderer bike cargo trailer affordability
Yes, our tester is wearing two fanny packs! Don’t let that distract you from the Aosom Wanderer, a very affordably priced and effective bike cargo trailer for urban use!
Hitching heavy loads is made noticeably easier with the Coho XC because its kickstand positions the hitch directly below the bicycle’s attachment points. This design allows you to focus on stabilizing the bicycle and only lifting the trailer slightly for hitching.
Analysis and Test Results
To comprehensively evaluate our selection of bike cargo trailers and identify the ideal model for every user, we established five testing metrics: capacity, ease of use, ease of towing, smoothness of ride, and versatility. Below is a detailed discussion of these metrics and the performance of each model in each area.
What’s the Best Value Bike Cargo Trailer?
Price is a crucial consideration when purchasing a bike cargo trailer. We observed a significant price range among the tested trailers, with hundreds of dollars separating the most affordable from the most expensive. However, price alone doesn’t tell the whole story. Your intended use and the trailer’s overall performance are vital factors in determining the best value for your cargo-hauling needs.
For us, “value” represents the optimal balance between price and performance for your specific requirements. While some top-performing trailers in our review come with a significant investment, more budget-friendly options can be excellent for basic needs. If you primarily need a trailer for grocery runs or transporting items to the park without spending a fortune, consider the Schwinn Day Tripper, Retrospec Rover Hauler, or the Aosom Wanderer.
Schwinn Day Tripper bike cargo trailer greenway cleanup
During our greenway trail cleanup, the Schwinn Day Tripper bike cargo trailer was a delight. Its two-wheel design kept uneven loads stable even when heavily loaded.
Credit: Brian Martin
Capacity
We placed a high emphasis on capacity, as it’s a primary reason for choosing a bike cargo trailer, whether for camping gear or weekly groceries. Two-wheel trailers generally offer higher capacity but can have increased rolling resistance. Single-wheel options typically have less capacity but lower rolling resistance and more nimble handling, though they require more careful packing for balance.
The Aosom Wanderer boasts the highest stated weight capacity of all trailers we tested at 110 pounds. This is substantial weight, suitable for hauling firewood or even a large dog on a camping trip.
Aosom Wanderer bike cargo trailer folded sidewalls
The folded-down sidewalls of the Aosom Wanderer bike cargo trailer facilitate easy transport of large objects, similar to the Burley Design Flatbed but at a lower cost.
Credit: Kat Elliott
The Burley Flatbed and Burley Nomad offer a 100-pound carrying capacity. The Flatbed slightly edges out the Nomad due to its open front and back, making it easier to load bulky items like firewood rounds. The Aosom Elite II also deserves mention for its large volume capacity, even if it doesn’t officially claim a 100-pound weight limit.
Aosom Elite II bike cargo trailer durability
If a large and rugged bike cargo trailer is what you need, the Aosom Elite II is a durable and budget-friendly option.
Credit: Brian Martin
Trailer Loading Tip: Attach single-wheel trailers to your bicycle when they are empty for greater stability and easier handling, then load your cargo. Initially, attaching a single-wheel trailer might require assistance or leaning your bike against a support. With practice, you’ll likely be able to manage it independently.
Ease of Use
A bike cargo trailer that is difficult to assemble, has complicated attachment points, or is cumbersome to use will likely end up unused. In our ease of use assessment, we focused on assembly time, initial setup, and the ease of hitching and unhitching for frequent use.
The Burley Coho XC excels in ease of hitching once set up, even allowing for one-handed operation. However, initial setup involves determining the correct thru-axle size, which may require additional research and potentially delay initial use. Loading is straightforward, and a stretchy cargo net provides secure cargo containment.
Burley Coho XC bike cargo trailer kickstand and hitch
We appreciate the thoughtful design elements of the Burley Coho XC bike cargo trailer, such as the user-friendly kickstand and hitch release.
Credit: Brian Martin
The two-wheeled Nomad and Flatbed also feature user-friendly trailer attachments with a forged steel hitch that mounts to the bicycle frame at the rear wheel. A quick-release pin secures the trailer while allowing free movement relative to the bike. Additionally, these trailers have button-activated quick-release wheels for easy removal for storage or transport.
Burley Flatbed bike cargo trailer quick release wheels
The Burley Flatbed bike cargo trailer comes equipped with 16-inch quick-release alloy wheels, contributing to quick assembly and convenient heavy load hauling.
Credit: Brian Martin
The Schwinn Day Tripper and Retrospec Rover Hauler, new additions to our test lineup, were surprisingly easy to assemble, hitch, and use daily. Their hitching points are relatively small and lightweight, allowing them to be left on a commuter ebike without being obtrusive, facilitating quick trailer attachment when needed. These trailers use pins and clips for collapsible side rail assembly and were easily put together.
Schwinn Day Tripper and Retrospec Rover Hauler bike cargo trailers urban test
The Schwinn Day Tripper and Retrospec Rover Hauler bike cargo trailers underwent urban testing, proving easy to assemble, hitch, and load for city errands.
Credit: Brian Martin
The Aosom Wanderer uses bolts to mount its wheels, requiring more time for adjustment. We encountered a slightly bent rear connector but managed to straighten it and attach it to the quick-release skewer. The initial setup took around 15 minutes and was otherwise straightforward.
Aosom Wanderer bike cargo trailer hitch closeup
A close-up view of the Aosom Wanderer bike cargo trailer being connected to the hitch mounted on the bicycle.
Credit: Kat Elliott
Ease of Towing
Understanding the difference between one-wheel and two-wheel trailers is crucial for assessing towing ease. Two-wheel trailers are inherently stable and require less precision in packing. Simply load cargo, ensuring it’s not heavily weighted towards the rear, and they generally tow well. Single-wheel trailers, however, demand more careful packing, with heavier items positioned low and centered. Imbalanced or top-heavy loads in a single-wheel trailer can lead to handling challenges, especially at stops.
A key consideration is maneuverability and efficiency. Two-wheel trailers can be cumbersome on singletrack or rough paths, while single-wheel trailers can navigate these terrains more easily due to their narrow profile and close tracking behind the bicycle. Single-wheel trailers also exhibit less rolling resistance and benefit from the slipstream of the bicycle, whereas wider two-wheel trailers create additional wind resistance.
Burley Flatbed bike cargo trailer gravel path
On gravel paths, the Burley Flatbed bike cargo trailer demonstrates superior quietness and build quality compared to budget options. It remains poised while many two-wheel trailers rattle and bounce.
Credit: Brian Martin
The single-wheeled Burley Coho XC is the easiest to tow. Its tracking is so seamless that it’s easy to forget it’s there. The low center of gravity enhances maneuverability with or without cargo. The single-wheel design is ideal for navigating tight spaces and crowded streets. However, single-wheel trailers are more prone to overloading, which can make hike-a-bikes and technical trails challenging. When properly loaded and balanced, the Coho XC provides a smooth and stable ride, even on rough roads and trails.
Burley Coho XC bike cargo trailer hitch system mobility
The Coho XC bike cargo trailer hitch system allows independent movement between the trailer and bicycle, enhancing mobility on technical trails and during gear reviews.
Credit: Brian Martin
Among the two-wheel trailers, the Burley Nomad stood out for its towing performance. Its hitch design allows the bicycle to pitch and yaw without affecting the trailer’s level. This smooth-pulling characteristic is particularly appreciated when standing to pedal uphill.
Burley Nomad bike cargo trailer payload and smooth ride
The Nomad bike cargo trailer offers a substantial payload capacity and smooth rolling performance for urban and touring use.
Credit: Brian Martin
The Burley Travoy has unique features like a padded handle for detaching the trailer, wheeling it into stores, and re-attaching it one-handedly. This feature is a significant advantage for urban grocery shopping commutes.
Burley Travoy bike cargo trailer easy attachment
The Travoy bike cargo trailer features the easiest and most back-friendly attachment system, allowing for one-handed clipping once familiar with the mechanism.
Credit: Brian Martin
Smoothness of Ride
Suspension significantly improves the ride quality of bike cargo trailers. The Burley Coho XC, with its suspension, offers a remarkably smooth and efficient ride. After experiencing the Coho, towing rigid trailers off-road feels noticeably less comfortable due to the rattling and increased perceived weight from bumps.
Two-wheel trailers are generally less smooth, as bumps impact both wheels simultaneously. Washboard gravel can induce significant vibrations. A smoother ride translates to less energy expenditure when pedaling the trailer. The Coho XC offers a quieter and smoother ride compared to most other trailers.
Burley Coho XC bike cargo trailer suspension
The Burley Coho XC bike cargo trailer’s suspension provides a luxurious and predictable ride, especially when encountering bumps and uneven terrain.
Credit: Brian Martin
Among non-suspension two-wheel trailers, the Burley Flatbed, Nomad, and Travoy performed decently. The Flatbed is smooth even when empty, a rare trait, while the Nomad is quiet and composed on rougher surfaces. The Travoy is stable and smooth in urban environments, its intended use, though its small wheels are less ideal for non-paved surfaces.
Burley Flatbed bike cargo trailer two-wheel stability
The Burley Flatbed bike cargo trailer’s two-wheel design ensures upright stability, and its sturdy nylon bottom maintains shape even with heavy loads.
Credit: Kat Elliott
Versatility
Versatility is a valuable asset depending on your trailer needs. For short, paved trips to the store, it might be less critical. However, if you need to transition between pavement and trails or carry diverse cargo, versatility becomes important.
The Burley Coho XC is exceptionally versatile. Its robust construction, cargo net, kickstand, and one-handed hitch make it suitable for various applications, from grocery runs to camping trips. The Burley Flatbed, with its open design and stability, is also top-tier in versatility, capable of hauling almost anything.
Burley Coho XC bike cargo trailer versatile loading
The Coho XC bike cargo trailer is one of the most versatile models tested, capable of handling full grocery loads while remaining nimble on the road.
Credit: Brian Martin
The Burley Nomad, with its cargo cover, also offers good versatility for securing loads. The cover is easily attached and detached, accommodating larger or uneven cargo. The Burley Travoy, despite being designed for urban use with smaller wheels, is surprisingly versatile, handling odd-shaped loads and performing adequately on packed terrain.
Burley Travoy bike cargo trailer versatile cargo hauling
The Travoy bike cargo trailer is surprisingly versatile, capable of hauling bulky, lighter items and those needing to remain upright.
Credit: Brian Martin
Different Types of Bike Trailers
- Single Wheel Cargo Trailer: Burley Coho XC
- Two-Wheel Cargo Trailers: Burley Flatbed, Burley Nomad, Aosom Wanderer, Burley Travoy, Schwinn Day Tripper, Retrospec Rover Hauler, Aosom Elite II
- Pedal Trailers & Trail-a-Bikes: like the Weehoo iGo Turbo and the WeeRide Co-Pilot – these are less enclosed cargo trailers, with the WeeRide being more of a child bike trailer.
Burley Nomad bike cargo trailer urban trails and touring
From urban trails to grocery runs and occasional overnight trips, the Nomad bike cargo trailer is excellent. However, for long-distance tours, single-wheel trailers are generally preferred.
Credit: Brian Martin
Conclusion
The market offers numerous viable bike cargo trailer options. We’ve narrowed down the selection to models that we believe offer excellent performance and durability. We hope our detailed review and assessment of these top-tier bike cargo trailers will assist you in choosing the perfect one for your specific needs and cycling lifestyle. For other biking needs, we offer comprehensive reviews of everything from mountain bikes to electric bikes and essential accessories like bike pumps and top-rated bike helmets.
