Bike trailers any good?

**Joan.of.the.Arch** · 08-13-2015, 09:13 AM

Why is that unsustainable? You are young and healthy, no? I did our main grocery shopping by bike for several years, though I admit that sometimes my young son came and carried some on his bike & back as well. We used flat racks plus bungie cords over the rear wheel, and there were times when one or the other had a front basket. That plus backpacks made it doable. If you have to take a trailer on and off the bike depending on the reason you are going to ride your bike, it becomes a bigger hassle, and you might be less likely to use the bike as frequently as you'd intended. Maybe you could just go to the store more frequently so as not to have so much to carry at one time.

**ExcuseMyIgnorance** · 08-14-2015, 07:32 AM

Originally posted by Joan.of.the.Arch View Post

Why is that unsustainable? You are young and healthy, no? I did our main grocery shopping by bike for several years, though I admit that sometimes my young son came and carried some on his bike & back as well. We used flat racks plus bungie cords over the rear wheel, and there were times when one or the other had a front basket. That plus backpacks made it doable. If you have to take a trailer on and off the bike depending on the reason you are going to ride your bike, it becomes a bigger hassle, and you might be less likely to use the bike as frequently as you'd intended. Maybe you could just go to the store more frequently so as not to have so much to carry at one time.

I must just live too far from the store then. It's about 3.2 miles shortest distance. I hate just the backpack method because whenever something's on saying like a buy 10 for 10, I can't ever take advantage of it. Plus having a backpack on my back in the summer is sweaty and slinging it over the handlebars is awkward and a bit dangerous. I already go to the store 2x/week and it's a drag. Ain't nobody got time for that.

**corn18** · 08-14-2015, 07:42 AM

Originally posted by ExcuseMyIgnorance View Post

I must just live too far from the store then. It's about 3.2 miles shortest distance. I hate just the backpack method because whenever something's on saying like a buy 10 for 10, I can't ever take advantage of it. Plus having a backpack on my back in the summer is sweaty and slinging it over the handlebars is awkward and a bit dangerous. I already go to the store 2x/week and it's a drag. Ain't nobody got time for that.

So 20 minutes there and 20 minutes back. Each trip is 40 minutes plus shopping time. That's a commitment. Is there a real bike shop around that you could check out a trailer? Or Amazon prime? (they'll take pretty much anything back for free)

**Joan.of.the.Arch** · 08-14-2015, 08:30 AM

Ah, yeah, I was being kind of centered on my own experience when I said that. I live a LOT closer to multiple grocery stores than that. The convenience of city living, ya know! Plus I really did have plenty of time to do the shopping as often as I wanted....My apologies for being so myopic.

**snafu** · 08-14-2015, 09:53 AM

Have you checked out the possibility of on-line grocery & delivery service that has price match? Research says the less time you spend in a grocery store, affects the sum spent. Meal planning saves money, and you do better eating food before it goes bad or expires.

**ExcuseMyIgnorance** · 08-15-2015, 07:35 PM

Originally posted by snafu View Post

Have you checked out the possibility of on-line grocery & delivery service that has price match? Research says the less time you spend in a grocery store, affects the sum spent. Meal planning saves money, and you do better eating food before it goes bad or expires.

I don't know of any online grocery shopping that isn't expensive. I think Amazon Prime may have something that's reasonably priced. I would love not to grocery shop at all or at least do it from home.

I know I sound crazy but I really hate spending hours/week just to keep my pantry filled.

#firstworldproblems

**marywantsmoney** · 08-17-2015, 07:35 AM

I don't know of any either but I'd totally pay an extra $100ish/month if all my shopping was sent to my door.

**FIREseeker** · 08-18-2015, 05:48 AM

+1 Bike trailers are fantastic!

Find one used on Craigslist. I don't lock mine up because I just don't see anyone in my neighborhood stealing a bike trailer. But if you wanted to, they make cable locks that could reach the bike rack. May be good peace of mind for you.

**John Doe** · 08-29-2015, 01:29 PM

Phase 1 is the backpack.
Phase 2 is the handlebar basket.
Phase 3 is a rear-mounted rack.
Phase 4 is panniers (bags that sling over your rear rack beside the rear wheel).
Phase 5 is a cargo trailer.

I'm at Phase 3 right now. I got a $20 rack from Amazon and it has doubled my grocery-hauling capacity. Cargo trailers can cost hundreds of dollars, so I'm holding off on one until I'm positive that it will be worth my investment.

And, yes, bicycling in the suburbs is not for the insecure. It takes social courage to stand out and risk bring ridiculed or shamed. It takes courage to risk your life and limb in streets where drivers don't expect bicyclists. It means biking long distances. It means braving the elements. But it's a worthy pursuit in every way.

**FLA** · 08-29-2015, 05:21 PM

Originally posted by snafu View Post

Have you checked out the possibility of on-line grocery & delivery service that has price match? Research says the less time you spend in a grocery store, affects the sum spent. Meal planning saves money, and you do better eating food before it goes bad or expires.

agreed, best thing ever. Ours is free over a certain amount, you get the prices in the sale flier and you can use coupons, ours do a nice job

Bike trailers any good?