Looking for a reliable and budget-friendly way to bring your kids along on bike rides? Schwinn bike trailers are popular options, and for good reason. In this comprehensive review, we put two of Schwinn’s most common models, the Schwinn Echo and the Schwinn Trailblazer, to the test with our own children. We’ll dive into everything you need to know, from comfort and size to key features, helping you decide if a Schwinn bike trailer is the right choice for your family.
There are several Schwinn bike trailer models available, with the Schwinn Echo and Schwinn Trailblazer standing out as two frequently chosen options. We’ll compare these models head-to-head, highlighting their differences and helping you determine whether the upgraded Trailblazer is worth the extra investment, or if the more basic Echo will meet your needs.
If you’re interested in Schwinn’s ultra-affordable $99 trailer, you can find our detailed review of the Schwinn Shuttle Foldable Bike Trailer here.
Schwinn Bike Trailers: Echo vs. Trailblazer – What’s the Difference?
This review focuses on the Schwinn Trailblazer and Echo bike trailers. Before we get into the nitty-gritty details, here’s a quick comparison table outlining the key differences between these two models:
| Feature | Schwinn Echo | Schwinn Trailblazer |
|---|---|---|
| Single MSRP | – | $209 |
| Double MSRP | $299 | $349 |
| Wheels | 20″ metal | 20″ metal |
| Stroller Option | No | Yes |
| Seat Style | Hammock | Bench |
For a broader perspective on bike trailers, check out our list of the 10 Best Bike Trailers for Kids, where we break down the pros and cons of various major brands.
Schwinn Bike Trailer Video Review
Want to see a Schwinn bike trailer in action? Watch our video review below to see why the Trailblazer is our preferred Schwinn model. Prefer reading? No worries! All the information from the video is also covered in the review below.
[Video Placeholder – Ideally, embed the video here if available, or link to it.]
Schwinn Trailblazer Trailer Performance: Ride and Stroll
The Schwinn Trailblazer is offered in both single and double versions. A significant advantage of the double Trailblazer is its stroller conversion capability, while the single version does not offer this feature.
Ride Quality of the Schwinn Trailblazer
Interestingly, during our testing, we found that the Trailblazer’s ride wasn’t as smooth as the Echo. We noticed a considerable rattle from the Trailblazer’s tow arm during our test rides. The tow arm joint seemed to have excessive play, resulting in noisy movement and rattling.
This was unexpected, especially since the trailer frames and tow arm designs appear to be identical between the Schwinn Echo and Trailblazer trailers. This rattling issue might have been specific to our test unit, but we experienced the same problem with a single version of the Trailblazer as well.
However, it’s important to remember that both Schwinn trailers are equipped with 20” aluminum wheels. These larger wheels contribute to a smoother and more comfortable ride for your child and are significantly more durable than the smaller, 16″ plastic wheels often found on budget trailers like those from InStep.
Schwinn Trailblazer as a Stroller: Convenience on the Go
One of the standout features of the Trailblazer is its stroller conversion option. The stroller wheel easily attaches to the end of the tow arm, making the transition from bike trailer to stroller incredibly simple. You can even convert it without needing to take your children out of the trailer!
The Trailblazer performs adequately as an occasional stroller. However, during longer walks, we found that our feet would frequently bump into the back of the trailer, which became quite bothersome. For everyday stroller use, this might be a deal-breaker. But, as a bonus feature for a bike trailer, the stroller option is a definite plus and adds to its versatility.
Schwinn Echo Trailer Performance: Basic but Effective
The Schwinn Echo is Schwinn’s entry-level bike trailer model. It shares similarities with even more basic trailers like those from InStep, but incorporates key upgrades that, in our opinion, justify its slightly higher price point. (Both Schwinn and InStep are brands under Pacific Cycle, Inc.) The Echo is exclusively available as a double trailer and does not offer a stroller conversion option.
Ride Quality of the Schwinn Echo
For its price range, the Schwinn Echo’s ride quality was surprisingly good, and notably better than the InStep trailer we recently tested. While bumps were noticeable, our 5-year-old tester didn’t express any discomfort. It’s best to stick to smooth paved surfaces and maintain slower speeds (the recommended maximum speed is 10 mph, although we did test it safely at 15 mph without issues).
Interior Features of Schwinn Double Bike Trailers: Comfort and Safety
Harness, Buckles, and Seats: Key Differences
Schwinn uses basic buckles, but the straps do include some padding. However, buckling in larger children can be challenging in the Schwinn Echo due to its hammock-style seat, which tends to sag under their weight. We appreciate that the seat is lightly padded and sags less than the seats in InStep trailers.
Harness System and Seat Sagging in the Schwinn Echo
While the Schwinn Echo features less supportive hammock-style seats, the Schwinn Trailblazer upgrades to bench-style seats. Bench seats offer significantly better support and eliminate sagging. This makes buckling kids in much easier and prevents two children from sliding into the center of the seat together.
Seat Comparison: InStep Hammock Seat vs. Schwinn Trailblazer Bench Seat
Although we prefer bench-style seats, the Trailblazer’s padding is minimal, and the seat feels somewhat firm. It’s still a step up from the InStep or Schwinn Echo seats, but higher-end (and pricier) trailers offer more refined and comfortable seat designs. Interestingly, the budget-friendly Allen S2 trailer/stroller actually has a softer bench seat that we prefer over the Schwinn’s.
The trailer floor provides more leg and foot room compared to the InStep trailer, but it lacks reinforcement.
Interior Space: Room to Grow
The Schwinn Trailblazer boasts 24″ of shoulder space and 23″ of seated height. This generous interior space is larger than many other budget and even mid-range bike trailers. The Echo offers very similar interior dimensions.
As you can see in the image below, the Trailblazer is shorter in height than the Instep Take 2, which might mean children outgrow it sooner in terms of height. This is partly due to the sagging seats in the InStep, which position children lower in the trailer.
So, the trade-off is: sagging seats and more headroom, or supportive seats with potentially less vertical growing room? The choice is yours! 🙂
Furthermore, while the InStep is slightly wider overall, the hammock-style seat forces children to slide together in the middle. In the Schwinn Trailblazer, the bench seat effectively separates the riders, giving them more usable personal space.
Interior Space Comparison: InStep vs. Schwinn Trailblazer
Shoulder Strap Adjustment: Basic but Functional
Schwinn trailers offer three distinct slots for adjusting the shoulder strap height. These settings should accommodate most children, but we prefer the continuously adjustable shoulder straps found on many other trailers, including the Burley Bee and the budget-conscious Allen S2.
Shoulder Strap Adjustment: Burley Bee vs. Schwinn Trailblazer
Mesh Helmet Recess: Limited Effectiveness
Most bike trailers incorporate a mesh recess behind a child’s head to accommodate helmets and prevent discomfort.
The mesh helmet recess in Schwinn bike trailers starts quite high and is relatively short. In practice, it’s not very helpful for most children who fit in the trailer. In comparison, the Burley Bee’s helmet recess starts much lower and extends higher, offering better helmet accommodation.
However, compared to the InStep Take 2, the Schwinn’s helmet recess does start a few inches lower. So, while not ideal, the Trailblazer’s helmet recess is at least an improvement over the very basic InStep.
Helmet Recess Comparison: Burley Bee vs. Schwinn Trailblazer
Exterior Features of Schwinn Trailers: Practicality and Durability
Cover Design: Shared Design, Basic Quality
While Schwinn bike trailers are generally better than the cheaper InStep trailers, both the Trailblazer and Echo share the same cover design as the InStep Take 2, including its challenging snaps and inexpensive nylon material. The snaps are noticeably harder to use compared to higher-quality systems that utilize velcro or zippers.
In terms of quality and durability, we observed a small hole starting near the top snaps on both the Echo and Trailblazer after just one ride, despite reinforcement with clear vinyl on the reverse side.
Once the snaps on the front cover are secured, the bottom of the cover is held in place by a long velcro strip. This cover securing system is somewhat cumbersome to use and makes accessing your children during outings a bit inconvenient. Children can also kick at it and potentially open it during rides.
Both Schwinn bike trailers include a rain cover that fits over the mesh front cover. While the nylon fabric of the trailer itself isn’t waterproof, the rain cover will provide some protection in light rain.
Wheels: A Key Upgrade
The 20″ wheels on Schwinn bike trailers are a major selling point compared to budget trailers with smaller 16″ plastic wheels. In our opinion, the 20″ wheels with metal rims are a worthwhile upgrade, offering improved durability and a smoother overall ride. Whether this upgrade justifies the price difference is a personal decision.
Wheel Size Comparison: InStep 16″ vs. Schwinn Bike Trailers 20″ Wheels
Storage: Basic and Less Secure
Both Schwinn trailers offer ample rear storage space. However, the rear cover is secured only by a basic velcro strip. For small, lightweight items like jackets or helmets, it’s likely sufficient. However, we advise against storing anything bulky or valuable, as this storage system is less secure than those found on higher-end brands.
Schwinn Hitch and Tow Arm: Standard and Functional
The hitch and tow arm setup are identical for both Schwinn trailers. The tow arm easily inserts into the coupler attachment and is secured with a pin. The coupler attaches to the rear axle of the adult bike.
While the hitch joint is less refined than those on more expensive trailers, the 10 mph speed limit recommended for these trailers means this is unlikely to be a significant issue in practical use.
Schwinn Bike Trailer Review: The Bottom Line
Choosing between the Schwinn Trailblazer and Schwinn Echo bike trailers ultimately depends on your budget and specific needs. In general, both the Schwinn Trailblazer and Schwinn Echo share a similar entry-level design, budget-oriented components, and provide an adequate riding experience.
If you plan to use your bike trailer occasionally on smooth paved trails and don’t need it to withstand heavy use over many years or multiple children, Schwinn bike trailers offer excellent value for the money. Just be aware that their affordability comes with compromises in overall quality.
Key Reasons to Choose the Schwinn Trailblazer over the Schwinn Echo:
- Bench-style seat: Provides better support, enhances child comfort, and simplifies loading and unloading.
- Stroller conversion kit: Adds versatility for families who want a stroller option.
If you anticipate regular trailer use and desire the ability to ride faster or on varied terrain, we strongly recommend considering the entry-level Burley trailer, the Burley Bee. The Burley Bee offers significantly higher-quality design and components built to last for years and through multiple children.
FTC Disclosure: Affiliate links are included in this review. No monetary compensation was provided for this review, however, the reviewed product was supplied by the manufacturer or distributor to help facilitate this review. All opinions and images are that of Two Wheeling Tots LLC. All content and images are copyrighted and should not be used or replicated in any way. View our Terms of Use.
