The Burley Bee bike trailer has long been a favorite among families, renowned as Burley’s most fundamental yet reliable option for transporting one or two children. Often considered their “budget-friendly” model, the Bee doesn’t compromise on the exceptional quality and long-lasting durability that Burley is celebrated for.
As a dependable workhorse in the realm of basic bike trailers, we put the Burley Bee through rigorous testing with our own kids to assess its real-world performance. In this comprehensive review, we’ll compare the Bee to other budget trailers from brands like Schwinn, Allen, and InStep, highlighting why investing in the Burley Bee is a worthwhile upgrade for your family’s cycling adventures.
Burley Bee Bike Trailer: Quick Overview
OUR VERDICT: Highly Recommended
RECOMMENDED RETAIL PRICE: $349/$379
PERFECT FOR: Budget-conscious families seeking a dependable and easy-to-use bike trailer for regular outings.
KEY SPECIFICATIONS
CHILD CAPACITY: Available in Single or Double models
TRAILER STYLE: Bike Trailer Only – No stroller or jogger conversion capability
WEIGHT: 20 lbs (Double), slightly heavier for Single
INTERIOR HEIGHT: 27.5 inches
INTERIOR WIDTH: 22.5 inches
WHEEL SIZE: 20 inches
UV-PROTECTED WINDOWS: Yes
Explore the Burley Bee on Burley’s Website
THE UPSIDES:
- Built with high-grade components for exceptional durability
- Provides an incredibly smooth and comfortable ride for children
- Features a user-friendly and secure harness system
- Equipped with UV-blocking windows and a weather-resistant cover
- Offers ample storage space for essentials
- Simple initial setup and easy folding for storage and transport
- Incorporates top-tier safety features for peace of mind
- Comes in both single and double child capacity options
- Constructed with eco-conscious materials, utilizing 55% recycled fabrics in total
DRAWBACKS:
- Hammock-style seats, while comfortable, offer less structured support compared to premium bench seats found in higher-end models.
Burley Bee: Video Review and Comparison
Want to see the Burley Bee in action? Check out our video review to get a closer look at its features and how it stacks up against the Burley Honey Bee. We tested both models with our kids and break down the key differences to help you make the best choice before you buy!
In-Depth Look: Burley Bee Bike Trailer Performance
For this review, we thoroughly tested both the double and single capacity Burley Bee models. As of early 2021, the Burley Bee single trailer became available, succeeding the previous Burley Minnow in their lineup.
Burley Bee in the Burley Bike Trailer Family
The Burley Bee stands out in Burley’s range as the dedicated “trailer-only” model. This means it’s specifically designed for bike towing and doesn’t offer conversion kits for stroller or jogger functionality. The Burley Honey Bee, on the other hand, is very similar to the Bee but includes stroller conversion capabilities.
If your primary need is a reliable bike trailer and you don’t anticipate needing stroller features, the Burley Bee presents a cost-effective option by excluding functionalities you might not use.
It’s important to note that across all bike trailer brands, including Burley, comfort and features typically increase as you move up to more expensive models. Burley’s higher-end trailers often include a single swivel stroller wheel as standard and are compatible with conversion kits for 4-wheel stroller, jogger, or even ski attachments.
Moving up the Burley line, you’ll find upgrades such as bench seats for enhanced support, premium padding, more spacious interiors, suspension systems for smoother rides, and reclining seat options. For those seeking the most luxurious trailer experience, consider the Burley Encore X or D’Lite X, both of which come standard with stroller functionality.
Therefore, even if you’re not initially looking for a stroller, investing in a higher-end trailer often means you’re also paying for stroller features to gain access to superior overall trailer quality.
Burley Bee, Encore X, and D’Lite X Comparison
For cyclists specifically looking for a high-quality trailer without stroller conversion, the Burley Bee is an exceptional choice compared to other brands in its class. True to Burley’s reputation, the Bee delivers outstanding quality, durability, and thoughtful design. You can be confident that your investment in the $300+ Burley Bee will provide years of reliable use, keeping your precious cargo safe and comfortable on every ride.
Burley Bee: Outperforming Budget Bike Trailers
With a retail price around $380, you might wonder about the advantages of Burley’s “budget” Bee compared to significantly cheaper trailers from brands like Allen, Schwinn, or InStep, which can be found in the $100 – $200 range. Is the extra cost justified? In our experience, the answer is a resounding YES. We’ve tested numerous budget trailers alongside the Burley Bee, and the differences are clear. For a broader perspective, you can also explore our comprehensive list of top picks on our 10 Best Bike Trailers page.
Burley Bee vs. Allen, Schwinn, and InStep: A Detailed Comparison
In a direct “budget trailer” comparison, the Burley Bee decisively outperforms the Allen, Schwinn, and InStep models. However, it’s important to acknowledge the Bee’s higher price point, typically $100 – $200 more than these alternatives. While we consistently recommend the Burley Bee for its superior quality, we understand that budget constraints are a reality for many families.
Here’s a quick overview of the areas where the Burley Bee excels when compared to the Allen Premier, Schwinn Trailblazer, and InStep Take 2.
Burley Bee Advantages Over the Allen Premier:
- Superior overall design and component quality, leading to greater durability.
- Noticeably smoother and quieter towing experience.
- Thicker, higher-quality fabric used for the trailer cover.
- Includes UV-protective windows for enhanced sun safety.
- Offers more generous and secure storage capacity.
- Significantly easier and more compact folding for transport and storage.
- Features quick-release buttons for effortless wheel removal.
- Integrated side battens prevent children from pushing against the trailer walls and contacting the wheels.
- Simpler and faster initial assembly process.
Burley Bee Advantages Over the Schwinn Trailblazer:
(In addition to the points listed above)
- Higher quality and more comfortable seat base.
- Harness system is more intuitive to adjust and use.
- Buckle operation is smoother and more user-friendly.
- Mesh helmet pocket is positioned lower, making it effective even for younger riders.
- Enhanced rain protection – Schwinn’s rain cover is adequate but side gaps can allow rain to enter.
- Wheels are equipped with wheel guards for added protection from ground obstacles.
- Convenient side pockets for snacks are easily accessible for small children.
- Hook-based cover securing system is more reliable than the Schwinn’s snap system.
Burley Bee Advantages Over the InStep Take 2:
(In addition to the points listed above)
- Rejection of low-grade 16″ plastic rims found on the InStep Take 2, which are not recommended for durability.
- Elimination of the InStep Take 2’s issue where the trailer bottom sags excessively close to the ground.
Overall Quality and Performance of the Burley Bee
A hallmark of Burley is their unwavering commitment to quality across their entire trailer range. Every Burley trailer is meticulously designed and manufactured to the highest standards. The Burley Bee is no exception – it boasts a sleek aesthetic, provides an exceptionally smooth ride, is incredibly user-friendly, and inspires confidence in its robustness and safety, ensuring the well-being of your most precious passengers.
The only minor observation (hardly a complaint!) we had while testing Burley trailers was their quiet and smooth towing on paved paths. Occasionally, we’d glance back to confirm the Bee was still securely attached to the bike!
Weighing in at just 20 lbs for the double model, the Bee is Burley’s lightest double trailer. It’s a full 10 lbs lighter than the 30 lb D’Lite X, thanks to its streamlined design that omits unnecessary extras like suspension, stroller wheel, reclining seats, and premium seat padding.
While these additional features can be desirable, those extra pounds can become significant on longer rides, especially when towing two children. If you don’t require all the bells and whistles, the Bee is an excellent choice.
NOTE: Interestingly, the single Bee model weighs slightly more at 21.8 lbs due to steel wheel hubs compared to the aluminum hubs on the double version.
One of our test rides took place at a local nature park with diverse terrains, from smooth paved trails to grassy paths, dirt tracks, sandy stretches, potholed roads, and root-filled trails. While the Bee isn’t specifically engineered for extreme off-road conditions, it performed remarkably well.
The lack of suspension was noticeable for both the adult cyclist and older child, but our 18-month-old passenger was actually delighted by the bumps, giggling throughout the ride!
Even without suspension, the Burley Bee generally offers a smooth ride. Suspension systems increase cost and trailer weight but significantly enhance rider comfort, especially on uneven surfaces. If you plan to frequently ride on trails or rough terrain, upgrading to the Burley Encore X or D’Lite X is advisable.
Burley Bee vs. Budget Trailers: We wouldn’t attempt the varied terrain we tested with the Bee using a true budget trailer like those from Allen or Schwinn. While budget trailers serve a purpose, the Burley Bee is demonstrably superior in overall quality, durability, and safety.
Burley Bee Interior Features: Comfort and Space
Capacity Options: Single or Double Burley Bee?
Choosing between a single or double Burley Bee depends on your family size. If you have two children, a double is essential. However, for single-child families, we strongly recommend the single model.
Although the single Bee has slightly less cargo space, it allows the child to sit centrally in the trailer. As illustrated in the image, a single child in a double trailer sits on one side, whereas in the single, they enjoy more room to spread out.
Interior Space and Weight Capacity: Double Bee
The double trailer category typically features a 100 lb weight capacity. Burley specifies this as 80 lbs for children and 20 lbs for cargo.
In the left image, you see an 18-month-old (27 lbs) and a 2.5-year-old (32 lbs). Even with a combined weight of 59 lbs, they are quite snug in the Bee. The Bee’s 22″ interior shoulder width is standard for both budget and mid-range trailers.
The right image shows the same 18-month-old with a 5-year-old tester, nearing the 80 lb child weight limit.
In our experience, towing two children in any bike trailer is generally a cozy experience. Toddlers need to be comfortable sitting close to siblings and may feel increasingly confined as they grow. This is typical of most trailers, not unique to the Burley Bee.
Many parents opt for a double trailer even for one child, finding it useful for family bike rides with a balance bike rider. When the balance biker tires, they can easily join a younger sibling in the trailer.
The Burley Bee offers generous headroom, exceeding the Burley D’Lite X by over 3″ and the Honey Bee by over 1″. Realistically, you’re unlikely to have a child outgrow the trailer in height before reaching the weight capacity.
Burley Bee vs. Budget Trailers: The Burley Bee offers comparable interior seat and elbow room to the Allen Premiere Trailer Stroller. The Schwinn Trailblazer and the Instep Take 2 actually offer slightly more width at 25″, but their other shortcomings make them less recommendable than the Bee.
Interior Space and Weight Capacity: Single Bee
The single Burley Bee has a total weight capacity of 75 pounds, allocated as 40 lbs for the child and 35 lbs for cargo. While the cargo capacity is substantial, Burley’s safety guidelines recommend a maximum child weight of 40 lbs due to weight distribution considerations in safety testing.
The single Bee provides ample space for a growing child as they are positioned centrally. Our 3-year-old tester, weighing 40 lbs and measuring 40.5″, fits comfortably with plenty of room.
Seats and Trailer Bottom: Quality Hammock Design
This Burley bike trailer utilizes a hammock-style seat, common at this price point and found in most budget trailers. Hammock seats are constructed from a fabric panel stretched between the trailer sides.
Lacking a solid base, hammock seats tend to sag slightly in the center. In a double trailer, this can cause children to slide towards the middle and make harness access a bit more challenging.
However, the Burley Bee’s hammock seat is notably taut and minimizes sagging. It’s also positioned sufficiently high above the trailer floor. Among hammock-style seats, the Bee’s is among the best in terms of quality and support. Bench-style seats, offering superior comfort and ease of use, are found in higher-end models like the Burley Encore X and D’Lite X and 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. Worse, the seat sits almost directly on the trailer bottom, causing sagging bottoms to extend below the trailer chassis. This could pose a problem when encountering road obstacles and limits legroom.
While the Bee’s hammock seat also sags slightly, it’s minimal, as shown in the bottom image.
Significant Seat Sag in InStep Trailer vs. Minimal Sag in Burley Bee
The Burley Bee’s trailer floor is constructed from a durable polyester layer, comparable to the Allen Premier but superior in quality to the InStep and Schwinn Trailblazer.
Burley Bee vs. Budget Trailers: Burley’s hammock seat is far superior to those found in lower-end trailers like the InStep Take 2. The Allen Premier trailer has a similar seat to the Burley Bee but adds a layer of breathable padding. The Schwinn Trailblazer uses a hybrid bench/hammock seat to minimize sagging, but its cushioning is low-quality and rather firm.
Harness System: Highly Adjustable and Secure
The Burley Bee features continuously adjustable shoulder strap height, maximizing both comfort and safety. Many budget trailers, like InStep and Schwinn models, offer only three fixed shoulder height positions.
Continuous Harness Adjustment on Burley Bee vs. Fixed Settings on Schwinn
The 5-point harness system on the Burley Bee is high-quality and easy to operate. The buckle functions smoothly, and the straps tighten and loosen effortlessly to achieve a perfect fit for your child. While the Bee’s harness straps are not padded, we don’t consider this a significant drawback. Padding on budget trailers is rare, and when present, it’s often cheap and prone to detaching, creating more hassle than benefit.
Burley Bee vs. Allen S2 Harness System Comparison
Burley Bee vs. Budget Trailers: The Bee and Allen S2 share nearly identical harness systems, both significantly better than the systems on InStep and Schwinn trailers. The latter lack continuous height adjustment and are generally more difficult to adjust. Additionally, their buckle systems are often stiff and feel less durable.
Mesh Helmet Pocket: Enhancing Child Comfort
A helmet pocket is a surprisingly critical feature for child bike trailers. Why?
Children should always wear helmets in trailers. However, the helmet’s bulk can push a child’s head uncomfortably forward when pressed against a solid trailer back.
Recently, my toddler experienced a ride in a trailer without a helmet pocket, featuring a solid canvas back. The result? A very unhappy child and a shortened, unpleasant ride.
The Burley Bee addresses this with a loose mesh section at the top of the seat back. This “helmet pocket” allows the helmet to recess, enabling children to sit upright comfortably.
While most trailers include a helmet pocket, many budget models position the mesh too high to be truly effective, especially for younger children.
On the Bee (and the Allen), the mesh starts 10.5″ above the seat base (yellow arrow in image below). In contrast, the Trailblazer’s mesh starts 15″ up, and the Instep Take 2’s a whopping 15.5″ from the seat base!
As you can see, our tall 18-month-old’s head barely reaches the mesh pocket on the Instep, making it practically useless for helmet accommodation, serving only as a ventilation feature.
Helmet Recess Depth: Bee vs. InStep
Burley Bee vs. Budget Trailers: The Bee and Allen Premier have virtually identical mesh pocket systems. The Schwinn and InStep’s pockets are positioned too high to be useful for younger passengers.
Easily Accessible Mesh Cup Holders
A seemingly small detail, but easily reachable cup holders can significantly impact a child’s (and parent’s) ride enjoyment. The mesh side pockets on the Burley Bee are perfectly placed and sized for easy access by toddlers.
The side pockets on some budget trailers can be surprisingly impractical. Compare the InStep’s pockets below to the Burley’s. The InStep pocket is shallow and tight – a young child would struggle to remove or insert a sippy cup.
Burley Bee Cup Holder vs. InStep Cup Holder
Burley vs. Budget Trailers: The Bee’s mesh pockets are generously sized for sippy cups and snacks and are easy for children to reach. The Allen Premier offers similar pockets. Unfortunately, the snack/drink pockets on Schwinn trailers are smaller, tighter, and harder for young children to use independently.
Burley Bee Exterior Components: Built to Last
Covers: Premium Quality and Secure Fit
This is a key area where the Burley Bee truly distinguishes itself from budget trailers. The Bee’s cover is made from thick, high-quality, water-resistant 600D polyester. It feels exceptionally durable and robust—you’d need significant force to tear it.
Most budget trailers use much thinner, less confidence-inspiring fabric for their covers. These thinner fabrics are more susceptible to tearing or wear and tear over time. Often, stitching appears visibly strained, also raising concerns about long-term durability. If durability is a priority, the Bee is the clear winner.
We also prefer the Burley Bee’s front cover attachment system, using Velcro and hooks for a secure fit that stays in place. The Allen trailer‘s Velcro system is decent but can become messy and less secure with active children kicking the front cover.
The Schwinn Trailblazer and InStep Take 2 use a less reliable Velcro and snap system that easily detaches and is difficult to keep securely fastened.
Schwinn Trailblazer’s Less Secure Cover Attachment System
Burley Bee vs. Budget Trailers: The Bee’s outer cover is significantly superior in quality and durability compared to the Allen, Schwinn, and InStep trailers.
Integrated Rain Cover
The rain cover on the Burley Bee is permanently attached. 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 and attach it 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 cover is more durable and easier to use than those on true budget trailers.
UV-Protective Windows, but No Sunshade
Budget trailers generally lack a sunshade for the front cover. Depending on your climate, this could be a significant factor. If you prefer to avoid sunscreen application before every ride, a trailer with a sunshade is worth considering. However, these trailers typically cost significantly more.
While the Bee doesn’t have a front sunshade, it does feature tinted, UV-protective side windows. No budget trailers offer tinted UV windows. For those in sunny climates, UV windows are a valuable feature and help justify the Burley Bee’s price over cheaper budget options.
Burley Bee’s UV-Protective Windows vs. Allen S2 Windows
Burley vs. Other Budget Trailers: The Bee includes UV-protective side windows, a feature absent in Allen, Schwinn, and InStep trailers.
Fast and Compact Folding
The Bee folds down quickly and compactly by unhooking one of the two frame tubes from the red release latches and collapsing the trailer.
Wheel removal is necessary for folding, but the wheels detach easily by pressing the center button on the axle. The folded dimensions (Double: 35.5 x 29.25 x 11.25″, Single: 32.3 x 26 x 11.3″) and light weight (Double: 20 lbs, Single: 21.6 lbs) make it very easy to transport and store.
Burley vs. Budget Trailers: The Bee folds much more easily than budget trailers, a significant advantage if you frequently transport your trailer. Wheel removal is also slightly easier, though not dramatically so.
Generous Storage Compartment
The Bee offers a large, easily accessible storage area behind the seats. It’s deep, spacious, and flat-bottomed, accommodating most ride essentials. A small mesh pocket inside is perfect for phones and keys.
If cargo space is a priority, and you have only one child, the double-capacity Bee model might be a better choice due to its larger rear storage area.
Burley vs. Budget Trailers: The Bee’s storage area is not only larger than budget trailers but also features a solid high back, preventing items from accidentally falling out.
The more robust construction and taller compartment of the Bee inspire confidence in storing valuables, unlike budget trailers with less durable construction and shallower compartments, which increase the risk of items falling out.
Limited Storage Compartment on the Schwinn Trailblazer
Metal Wheels and Pneumatic Tires
Wheels and tires are another area where trailer quality varies significantly. 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 versatile and identical to that on the Burley Encore X, a step up from the Bee in the Burley range.
Many budget trailers use lower-quality 16″ tires with plastic rims. 16″ tires typically have a lower recommended maximum speed of 10 MPH, while 20″ wheels are usually rated for up to 15 MPH. If you plan to ride at higher speeds or cover longer distances, 20″ wheels are preferable.
Burley Bee 20″ Metal Wheel vs. InStep 16″ Plastic Wheel
Plastic rims, common on budget trailers, are less durable and more prone 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 suitable for paved surfaces and occasional packed dirt trails. For regular all-terrain, snow, sand, or gravel riding, Burley offers 16″ fat tire upgrades.
Burley Bee vs. Budget Trailers: The Bee’s wheels and tires are very similar to the Allen S2’s, except for the 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 good quality but lack wheel guards. The InStep Take 2’s 16″ tires with plastic rims and no wheel guards are not recommended.
Hitch System
The Bee uses the same hitch system as all Burley trailers. It attaches to a socket mounted on the adult bike’s rear axle via a cylindrical joint and pin, secured with a retaining pin. A nylon safety strap wraps around the bike frame and attaches to a D-ring on the tow arm for added security.
Burley vs. Budget Trailers: Budget trailers generally use similar hitch systems. The Burley system is refined and precisely engineered. While budget trailer hitches are less refined, they are generally functional.
Easy and Quick Assembly
Having assembled seven different Burley trailer models, I can attest to their exceptional ease of assembly. They arrive practically pre-assembled; you mainly need to unfold, attach wheel guards, and insert the wheels.
Schwinn and InStep trailers are also similarly easy to assemble, comparable to the Bee. While the Allen Premier is our top budget trailer pick, its assembly is more time-consuming. It also uses quick-release pins for many connections, requiring periodic safety checks.
Burley Bee Bike Trailer: The Verdict
The Burley Bee is unequivocally superior to any true budget bike trailer on the market. While costing $100 – $200 more than cheaper alternatives, its enhanced durability, user-friendliness, and safety features make it a clear winner. For families who plan to cycle semi-regularly or frequently, the Bee’s higher-end design and features will significantly improve both parent and child enjoyment.
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