By Elizabeth Nemethy
Like lots of baby/child gear purchases, buying a bike trailer really requires some careful thought about how you plan to use the equipment. When reading customer reviews online I often feel that much of the criticism comes from buyers who didn‘t really look at the features of the product they were purchasing in relation to their lifestyle/ trunk size/ upper body strength. Indeed I╒ve made the mistake myself and it seems to me that you will kick yourself in ass long and hard over an ill-considered child-related purchase.
Mountain Equipment Co-op double trailer/stroller
We purchased our Mountain Equipment Co-op double trailer/stroller in 2008 and it is substantially similar to the model currently available though there have been some updates. We live near the lakeshore in Toronto, which is an area blessed with easy access to numerous smooth, easy-riding bike paths. This fact was our main motivation to get a trailer as we wanted to be able to get out as a family and enjoy weekend, recreational rides to the beach. Note the use of the word “recreational“; we don‘t use our trailer as our main child-transportation system and as such we don╒t use our trailer in the rain or on hilly/rough city streets. This means that it‘s not a big issue for us that the MEC trailer is neither waterproof, nor the lightest model available.
Jogging wheel
Most bike trailers are designed to do double duty as strollers but as, at the time, we didn╒t see the need for yet another stroller in our lives, we purchased only the trailer and bike attachment bar. It was nice that we didn‘t have to pay for additional wheels or attachments and it was even nicer that when we decided to purchase the handle and jogging wheel attachment earlier this year, we were easily able to acquire them for only $49.95! With the handle and the jogging wheel, the trailer makes a nice functional conveyance for transporting kids, particularly through the snow on the way to the rink!
Pivoting wheel
In addition to the bike and jogging wheel modes, the MEC trailer also has a small, pivoting wheel attachment (again sold separately) that makes the trailer a more maneuverable stroller. I don‘t have this one but I have heard that it‘s not that functional. But this comes back to my first point, if you plan to use your trailer as both your primary stroller and a bike trailer, you might be better served with a different (and undoubtedly more expensive) model.
Very pleased with the functionality of the trailer
The bike attachment bracket was easy to install and the trailer hooks and unhooks very easily from the bike. Changing the bike tow bar for the jogging wheel attachment is similarly easy and the whole trailer folds flat easily.Our kids are now 5 and 3 and there is still comfortably room for both of them. Behind the seats there is an ample storage area covered with a canvas flap. Indeed we now sometimes take our 3 year olds tricycle so she can join the riding once we get to the trail and it actually (mostly!) fits in the “trunk“! The trailer is a bit wider than other models but as we primarily use it as a bike attachment (not a stroller) the width isn‘t really an ssue for us. And even loaded with two, not so little kids (and a tricycle!) my husband pulls it along with no problem (easy for me to say!).
For protection from the elements
There is a mesh canopy with a plastic cover that can be folded down separately. Both can be rolled up and tucked away. The back wheels are quick release and there is an area on the front of the frame to slip your lock through.
Storage area and seat belts
There are mesh pouches next to both seats for storing snacks and water bottles. The seat belts adjust easily and there is a headrest that can be moved to suit the height of the passengers. The newer model on sale now has an infant seatbelt attachment so it can be used from birth.
However, in my opinion the MEC trailer really is best used as a recreational bike trailer. I know if I had intended to use it as my primary stroller as well as a 
trailer, I would have looked at the Chariot. And the fact that it‘s not waterproof means that unless you live in Arizona, you‘re probably going to run in to issues if you plan to rely on it for daily use. However despite that list of “cons‘ I can still say I LOVE the MEC trailer! You can‘t beat the price and I think it‘s great that MEC offers good quality AFORDABLE equipment so more families can get out and get active! It‘s all about knowing your needs and looking carefully at what you are buying. If you are looking for a durable, well-priced bike trailer for fun, family rides, the MEC is for you!
Elizabeth has worked in the banking and pharmaceutical industries. She has chosen to be a stay a home mom for her two kids for the time being. Elizabeth is a true patriotic Nova Scotian, and finds it hard to live inland without the ocean.
