Properly attaching a bike trailer to your bike can be one of the most confusing and overwhelming experiences for bike trailer owners. Trust me, I know!
Personally, I have used many different bike trailers with my kids over the last 6+ years on a variety of bikes, including a road bike, a mountain bike, a hybrid bike, and even a cruiser!
There is so much confusion about how to attach a bike trailer to different types of bikes that I decided to make this guide on everything you need to know about how to. connect any bike. trailer to your bike.
The reality is that the bike industry is changing so quickly that bike trailer manufacturers have a hard time keeping up with the ever-changing updates.
Just keep in mind that both Schwinn and Burley have updated their entire hitch attachment system in recent years to make a more “universal” attachment system.
Unfortunately, no one has yet figured out how to make a truly universal attachment system (I want to be the first!).
I have attached all the major brands of bike trailers to many different types of bikes, including a cruiser bike, hybrid bike, mountain bike, road bike, and disc brake bike . This guide covers everything I’ve learned about bike trailer attachment, and more.
This is an up-to-date guide with everything you need to know about attaching any bike trailer to any type of bike.
Can bike trailers be attached to any bike?
Bike trailers are compatible with all types of bikes, including road bikes, mountain bikes, cruiser bikes, hybrid bikes, electric bikes, and even bikes with brakes. disk. A common problem many people have is connecting a bike trailer to a thru-axle bike with a disc brake, in which case you’ll likely need an adapter.
In general, almost all bicycle trailers are compatible with all types of bicycles. It gets tricky though because every bike has a slightly different type of axle. The two main types of axles are quick release and thru-axle (see details below).
So, if your bike trailer doesn’t fit your particular bike (especially if it has disc brakes), just read below how to hook up your specific trailer to your bike.
What types of bikes can tow a bike trailer?
Bike trailer manufacturers do a good job of making sure their trailers are compatible with any type of bicycle you may have
Bike trailers use a hitch arm and coupling attachment that can be easily attached to any type of bicycle, including road bikes, mountain bikes, cruisers, hybrid bikes, electric bikes, and even thru-axle disc brakes.
If you have a choice of which bike to tow a trailer with, my recommended bike is definitely a road bike. Road bikes offer more power that is transferred to the legs through the road bike riding position.
Two types of bikes: quick release and thru-axle
Before we get into the different types of bikes that are compatible with bike trailers, it is It is important to first identify the type of axle you have.
1. Quick Release Bikes
Bike trailers are primarily designed for standard quick-release bikes. If you have a quick release then you shouldn’t have any problem attaching almost any bike trailer to your bike.
I’ve never had a problem attaching many different brands of trailers to quick release bikes.
One problem that arises for some owners, however, is if they have covered toes. Hooded dropouts may require a spacer attachment to give more room to connect the coupler, depending on what make of trailer you have. More information on hooded toe caps in the following sections on Burley and Thule.
Again, there are so many types of bikes that it’s impossible for even bike trailer companies to make a blanket statement that all quick-release bikes are compatible with all bike trailers.
2. Thru-Axle Bikes
Thru-axles are typically found on newer bikes that have disc brakes, such as mountain bikes, gravel bikes, and road bikes. Thru-axles are different from quick releases in that they are thicker in diameter, go through the wheel hub, and thread directly into the frame.
If your bike isn’t compatible with your bike trailer, it probably has a thru-axle rear wheel.Thru-axles that are at least 12mm in diameter will generally not go through the coupler hitch accessory hole that comes with the bike trailer.
An example of this would be any Burley bike trailer. Standard Burley trailers use a unique patented hitch system that allows for better turning, according to Burley. This system was not originally optimized for disc brakes that have a 12mm thru-axle, which unfortunately means additional accessories may be required.
About Hooded Dropouts
Hooded dropouts refer to a frame style that sticks out slightly above the axle hole. If you have shrouded dropouts and your bike trailer coupler doesn’t fit, you’ll need to purchase spacers to allow enough clearance to connect the coupler. Depending on the make of trailer, there are a few options available for spacers. See the sections below on Burley and Thule trailers with roof racks.
How to Attach a Bike Trailer to a Thru-Axle
Thru-axle bikes are very confusing to figure out how to attach to a bike trailer. I’ve even made a complete adapter guide for how to solve this, which you can check out here.
For Schwinn and Instep trailers, you probably won’t have a problem connecting them to a thru-axle bike.
For Thule, Burley and Hamax trailers, you will most likely need to purchase a thru-axle adapter to fit the coupler attachment.
Here’s a helpful video that explains all about thru-axle disc brakes:
How to measure your thru-axle
Most of the confusion around bike axles and trailers really comes down to the fact that there are so many different sizes of thru-axles.
Here’s a brief explanation of thru-axle sizes:
1. Shaft Diameter
Shaft diameter measures the diameter around the shaft. Most thru-axles are 12mm, so it’s probably safe to assume your thru-axle is 12mm.
2. Shaft Length
Shaft length measures the distance (usually in mm) from the head of the shaft to the end. You will need to know the axle length of your bike to purchase the correct thru-axle adapter.
3. Thread Pitch
Thread pitch measures the distance between each individual thread. You will need to know the thread pitch of your bike in order to purchase the correct adapter for your bike trailer.
You can find the thread pitch of your thru-axle by checking your bike’s owner’s manual or by looking up your bike with this handy online tool from the Robert Axle Project.
Where to get the right thru-axle adapter
Burley thru-axle adapters can be purchased for about $55 on Amazon. You can check the different sizes available at this link. Be sure to check your bike’s thru-axle size using this link.
Thule thru-axle adapters can be purchased for around $60 on Amazon. All of your sizing options can be found using this link. Be sure to check your bike’s thru-axle size using this link.
For Hamax thru-axle adapters, you can use a Thule adapter for around $60 on Amazon. Be sure to check your bike’s thru-axle size using this link.
Read the complete guide on how to fit a bike trailer to your thru-axle bike.
Is your bike trailer and bike compatible?
This section will explain the main types of bike-trailer combinations to help you identify if your bike trailer is compatible and if you’ll need to purchase an adapter.
Here’s a helpful chart to show you what adapter you might need to connect your bike trailer to your specific bike.
Note: These are general guidelines that will work for most situations. Every bike has a different type of axle and thread size.
Hooking up a Burley bike trailer
There are three different types of bikes that require special attention when attaching a Burley bike trailer: quick release, thru-axle, and hooded dropouts.
Burley Trailers On Quick Release Bikes
According to Burley’s accessory guide, they claim that most riders who have a quick release bike standard will not need any additional parts.
I have found this to be true of almost all quick release bikes except bikes with hooded dropouts (see section below on dropouts).
Burley Trailers On Bikes With A Thru-Axle
According to the Burley website, if your bike has a 12mm thru-axle, you may need to purchase more accessories up to $90 total to tailor a Burley bike trailer to your bike.
Check out Burley Thru Axle Adapters
From my personal experience connecting my Burley Bee trailer to my disc brake bike, it’s not so simple. The reality is, there are so many variations of disc brake thru-axle sizes, thread sizes, and axle lengths.
The Burley website provides instructions that don’t work for all disc brake owners. , and in some cases, the attachments they recommend aren’t even necessary.
I have a solution for you: just get the bike trailer you want and see if it fits you.
The reason I say this is based on my personal experience. I initially bought the three accessories that Burley recommends for thru-axle disc brakes (about $90 total). After getting the accessories from Amazon and using it with my Burley trailer, I realized that my Burley trailer worked just fine with my bike’s original thru-axle!
So my best advice when it comes to bike trailers and accessories is to simply get the bike trailer you want and see if it will fit your bike. If it doesn’t fit, check out this adapter guide to find the right adapter for your bike.
Read more about where to get the correct thru-axle here.
Burley trailers with hooded dropouts
If you have hooded dropouts, then Burley claims you will need Obtain an adapter that acts as a spacer to accommodate the coupler attachment.
Caution though, not all hooded dropouts are the same size, so your bike trailer coupler might fit just fine without the use of the adapter. So I recommend trying it first without the adapter and if it doesn’t fit then getting the adapter.
You can buy the hooded dropout adapter for around $18 on Amazon, which you can find here.
This is Burley’s official guide on how to hitch up their bike trailers.
How to attach a Thule bike trailer
Thule bike trailers are fairly easy to attach to any bike. If you have a quick release bike then you shouldn’t have a problem. But if you have a thru-axle, you’ll need to buy an adapter.
Thule trailers on quick release bikes
Thule bike trailers were first designed with quick release bikes in mind, so most of the bike trailers will have no problem attaching to your bike.
The cool thing about Thule is that their trailers actually come with a quick release skewer in the box to help attach them to your bike. Using the provided quick release is not necessary for most people, but I would recommend using it only to limit wear and tear on your bike’s original quick release.
Thule trailers on thru-axle bikes
If you have a thru-axle, you’ll need to purchase a thru-axle adapter.
Click here to see the different types of Thule thru-axle adapters
Unfortunately, there’s no way around this because a 12mm thru-axle (which is the standard size) won’t fit through the hole. of the Thule “EzHitch” coupler accessory.
Since there are so many different sizes of thru-axle threads, it makes it even more confusing.
Thule has a helpful guide on which thru-axle adapter you’ll need for your specific thru-axle size, which you can check out here.
But Thule has many different types of adapters, and you’ll likely be overwhelmed when figuring out what size thru-axle you have.
Therefore, I have two recommendations:
1. Use the adapter guide to find the right adapter
Thule has so many different types of adapters that it is overwhelming for most people. I recommend using this helpful adapter guide to measure and locate the correct thru-axle adapter for your bike and trailer.
2. Use a different bike or don’t buy a Thule bike trailer
I know, it’s a bit of a stretch to say this, but I’m hesitant to recommend even buying a Thule bike trailer in the first place if your bike has a thru-axle. Thule is already an expensive bike trailer brand, and paying over $50 for more accessories just doesn’t seem reasonable.
I’m surprised Thule hasn’t figured out a way to make a more universal coupler system that will fit all types of thru-axles.
Another alternative to consider is to simply use a different bike to tow your Thule.
Read more about where to get the right thru-axle here.
Thule trailers with covered dropouts
If you have shrouded dropouts, Thule sells an adapter to add clearance between the axle and the coupler. However, I don’t recommend getting the adapter until you’ve tried to see if the trailer will fit without it. There are too many sizes of bike dropouts to know for sure that the adapter will fit your bike.
You can check the Thule adapter on Amazon here.
How to Attach a Schwinn or Instep Bike Trailer
Schwinn and Instep bike trailers are owned by the same company, so they use the exact same coupling system coupling.
Schwinn and Instep trailers are the most compatible and easiest to attach to any type of bicycle. I have attached my Schwinn trailers to a cruiser, mountain bike, road bike, and hybrid bike with no problem.
However, they are not quite “universal” as their product descriptions claim .
Unfortunately, no one has figured out how to make a truly universal coupler connection system, but Schwinn is getting pretty close! They have made some significant improvements to their linkage system in recent years that even works with thru-axle bikes.
Here’s how to attach a Schwinn or Instep bike trailer to the two main types of bikes: quick release and thru-axle.
Schwinn/Instep Trailers On Quick Release Bikes
If you have a quick release bike then you should have no problem towing a Schwinn/Instep Trailer instep for your bike.
Schwinn/Instep Trailers on Thru-Axle Bikes
Schwinn and Instep bike trailers are so much easier to fit on thru-axle bikes!
My go-to combination for most rides with my kids is a Schwinn bike trailer on a thru-axle disc brake bike. And I have not needed to buy adapters, attachments or accessories.
I have a 12mm thru-axle disc brake bike and haven’t needed to buy any adapters to attach the trailer. A miracle!
The only caveat is that if you have a pre-2016 Schwinn/Instep coupler system (see photo below), you’ll need to purchase a newer coupler that will fit the thru-axle. The thru-axle will not fit on this old coupler.
If you have a newer Schwinn coupler (shown below), then your thru-axle bike will connect fine to a Schwinn bike trailer.
If your bike trailer still won’t fit the newer coupler, then you can purchase an adapter using the adapter guide.
How to couple a Hamax bike trailer
Hamax bike trailers are pretty easy to attach to any bike. If you have a quick release bike then you shouldn’t have a problem. But if you have a thru-axle, you’ll need to buy an adapter.
Hamax Trailers on Quick Release Bikes
If you have a quick release bike, then no you should have trouble fitting a Hamax bike trailer. If it does, try calling or emailing Hamax to let them know your problem.
Hamax Trailers on Thru-Axle Bikes
If you have a bike with a thru-axle, you may need an adapter to attach a Hamax bike trailer. Hamax sells its own thru-axle adapter, but it’s not convenient or easy to find the right adapter for your bike.
I recommend using a thru-axle adapter from Burley, Thule, or Robert Axle Project. Read more about where to get the right thru-axle here.
Download Your Bike Trailer Owner’s Manual
After scouring the internet, I compiled this up-to-date list of bike trailer instruction manuals More popular.
Schwinn and Instep user manuals are notoriously hard to find online.
If your bike trailer owner’s manual isn’t here, call or email the company to get it.
Schwinn Instruction Manuals
Customer Service: 1 (800) 626-2811Email: contact form
Joyrider | Download Manual
Trailblazer | Download Manual
Caribou | Download Manual
Spirit | Download Manual
Mark II | Download manual
Rascal (dog trailer) | Download Manual
Instep Instruction Manuals
Customer Service: 1-800-242-6110 Email: Contact Form
Two Seat Trailer (For Most Trailers) | Download Manual
Quick N EZ | Download manual
Presto | Download Manual
Rocket | Download Manual
Ride N Stride | Download Manual
Burley Instruction Manuals
Customer Service: 1 (800) 311-5294 Email: Contact Form
Kid Trailers
Bee | Download manual
Honey bee | Download Manual
D’Lite X | Download Manual
Encore X | Download Manual
Cub X | Download Manual
Cargo Trailers
Travoy | Download manual
Flat surface | Download Manual
Nomad | Download Manual
Coho XT | Download Manual
Dog Trailers
Caboose | Download manual
Thule Instruction manuals
Customer service: 1 ( 800) 238-2388Email: contact form
Cadence | Download Manual
Chariot Cross | Download Manual
Chariot Lite | Download Manual
Coaster XT | Download Manual
Hamax Instruction Manuals
Customer Service: 877-252-4560 Email: Form contact details
Interior | Download Manual
Avenue | Download Manual
Traveller | Download Manual
Conclusion
Attaching a bike trailer to any bike is entirely possible. For the vast majority of people with a quick release bike, any trailer will fit just fine.
But with thru-axles and disc brakes becoming more popular these days, it’s unfortunate that trailer owners have to pay around $50 or more just to get the right thru-axle adapter, especially for Burley and Thule. trailers
Don’t be put off by the details of the attachment process! If you simply figure out what needs to be done to make your trailer and bike combo work, then you’ll be out and about in no time enjoying the many benefits of bike trailers!
Need help finding the right bike trailer?
If you need help finding the right bike trailer for you, my recommended trailer for the Most people go for the Shinn Joyrider, which is an affordable two-seater that converts beautifully into a stroller. See my full review with photos here.
Check out the Ultimate Guide to Buying a Bike Trailer for more help with choosing a trailer. I’ve also compiled a list of the best bike trailers for each common situation, which you can check out here.
Hop on!
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