Kimberly S.
I haven't been able to use this yet, but based on assembling it, I wish it were sturdier for city use. I live in NYC and have a need for a trailer like this, but I'm not sure that it's built for that kind of use and at $200, I expected it to be.
The Pros:
The frame seems solid. The welds, based on an initial quick view, are good. The actual arm for the hitch is strong and the pins seem strong. The bones of the frame are good and will last.
The tires seem to be of decent quality and are quick released, so they can be taken off for repair. The quick release for the seat hitch seems as well done as any of the Zizzo bike quick releases,
The Cons:
*The handle is PLASTIC it has a joint to fold up and down that is plastic. It side has a button that must be depressed to free the joint to position. It's difficult and easy to force if you aren't delicate. It was already starting to stick on my first use. This will not hold up to weather or use and will break down pretty quickly with regular use. I would rather have a handle made of the same thing as the frame. You have to handle for this item to work.
*The tires have inner tubes. They are 12" but they don't feel like a standard brand. I'm somewhat concerned that replacing the tire or tube if it fails will be difficult, but 12 inch times are a thing so I'm not totally concerned.
*The hooks that lock the hitch pin in place are not made of a strong material. I'm not sure how long they will last or if I can replace them. They are attached by elastic that is wrapped around the hitch arm or a nylon tape that is riveted in place. The elastic will not last in the sun or weather, I'm definitely looking for stronger materials for that. The nylon cord will last longer but eventually weather, because it's riveted in place, it will not be as easily swapped out.
*The clamp for the seat post is one size and there are provided pieces of silicon to make it fit a variety of seat posts. Again, I don't know how to replace this and I don't think the material will last. I would prefer clamps in multiple sizes that I could swap out or the option to select my size especially since I'm buying this from Zizzo for my Zizzo. This is also the same material as the hooks for the hitch pin. It feels like it will rust quickly.
*The bags are definitely FREE quality. I don't see them lasting either but I wasn't expecting a lot there.
* The manual did not come with a list of parts and specifications on each part.
My suggestions would be to first offer a list of parts with specifications so that items can be replaced as needed. The frame will last and is built to last, but too many important parts won't. A couple of those seem difficult to safely jury rig. My concern is that the sizing will be just odd enough to make it hard to fix and that my money is wasted. For $200, I want a trailer that I can renew for a few years at least.
I think the handle is the biggest failure and I don't see an easy replacement for that I don't plan on adjusting it again to extend it's life.
