Bike trailer tested: the new Chariot Sport from Thule
17.5.2017
Translation: machine translated
Cycling, jogging, walking or cross-country skiing - and with a child? No problem with the Thule Chariot Sport 1. I have been testing this flexible bike trailer for the last two weeks. The focus was on the design, functionality and suitability for everyday use.
From packaging to use
Fearing that the assembly of this bike trailer might be a little more complicated, three of us took the plunge. However, Gion Manetsch (Product Manager Bike), Theresa Schieder (Marketing Manager Sport) and I (Marketing Manager Baby and test person) were all surprised that assembling the trailer was so quick and easy. The actual trailer is compactly folded up in the box. All you have to do is unfold it, fit the push bar, click in the wheels and off you go for a walk. The instruction manual clearly and graphically illustrates how the various accessories can be attached. Thule also has a system whereby everything that can be pushed and moved is coloured light blue. This colour coding makes it even easier for you to assemble and operate the trailer.
You will need a little more time to install it on the bike. You don't even need to attach the buggy wheels. They can simply be plugged directly onto the buggy (wheels protrude into the air). This means that they are always ready to hand and space-saving, even after the bike tour or if you want to go for a short walk during the bike tour. Instead of the two front wheels, you mount the bike holder arm, which establishes the connection to the bike. To mount it on the rear wheel of the bike, you can either use the existing axle or the Thule axle that is supplied. With both variants, you have to unscrew the current axle from your rear wheel to attach the connecting piece for the trailer. For additional safety, you should place the safety loop around the bike frame and attach it to the bike trailer again.
If you want to use the bike trailer for jogging or cross-country skiing, you will need the following accessory kit:
What functions does the flexible bike trailer have?
- Compact folding and therefore easy to store
- Quick and easy conversion between different activities
- Smooth ride thanks to adjustable leaf springs
- Comfortable, padded seats that are easily removable and easy to clean
- XL stowable cargo area for more legroom when jogging
- Convenient carrying of the various sets thanks to Click'n Store
- Bike and buggy set are included
The tested Chariot Sport bike trailer from Thule in comparison with the Chariot Cross, the Chariot Cab and the Chariot Lite:
Is the sports trailer really so flexible and suitable for everyday use?
I have tested the bike trailer several times over the last two weeks. Tram, bus, walking and cycling tours were planned. Jogging and cross-country skiing are not my passion, so these activities were out of the question when I tested it. Overall, the Chariot Sport 1 bike trailer is very manoeuvrable and flexible to use. It is very easy to set up and can be done on your own. And the conversion between walking and cycling is also completed very quickly. Sometimes with a little bike oil on your hands, but that's part of the process.
For me, the trailer was particularly convincing on the bike tour. It's sensational to be able to put the child in the trailer, get on and cycle off. The child has enough space, is well secured with the five-point harness and can see the world from the pushchair. You can get from A to B quickly. It gives you new flexibility and offers a healthy alternative to the car. The integrated bag offers you enough storage space for the most necessary equipment, the rest can be strapped to your back or additional bike bags can be mounted on the bike.
In my opinion, it is not so suitable for use on public transport during the evening or morning rush hour. Because if you want to get on the tram, bus or train with the rather large trailer - the two-seater is even wider - there is grumbling and growling from all corners. "Oh, she has to squeeze in here with that thing too!" or "Can't she take a train later?" are sometimes quite normal comments. Have fun if the child then whines or screams. It's not always possible to expect understanding in after-work traffic. If you don't mind, then chapeau. Then your nerves are probably a bit stronger than mine. It stressed me out and I was glad when the journey was over after a few stops and I could walk the rest of the way home. During normal times, it's generally not a problem. However, it's not always the case that someone will help you lift the trailer on or off the tram or train if the vehicle has steps. But you're already familiar with this situation with the pushchair and know how to help yourself.
All in all, the Thule trailer is very practical and intuitive to set up and use, and is perfect for active families who want to take their child jogging or cycling with them.
Additional accessories for extra safety and comfort
Header image: In direct sunlight, you can attach the supplied sun shade to the trailer.
I’m the cook, cleaner, police officer, nurse, entertainer, motivator, author, storyteller, coach, organiser, chauffeur, lawyer and judge. To put it simply, I’m a mum to a daughter and not just a (Content) Manager at the office but also at home.
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