Schwinn bicycle trailer models are available in six versions. Of the six models, the Schwinn Joyrider bicycle trailer is noticeably more stylish and outperforms other Schwinn bicycle trailers. The Joyrider is a very popular bike trailer choice for kids and has many virtues that make it attractive to families. Not only is it a top-of-the-line trailer for Schwinn, it has a number of features that set it apart from its competition.
When shopping for a kids bike trailer, you will find many brands to choose from. The Schwinn line of bike trailers is considered a mid-range bike trailer with prices in the $ 115-300 range. The main strengths of the Schwinn Joyrider bicycle trailer, as satisfied customers often claim, include its unique style, spaciousness and comfort, sturdy materials and construction, and stroller conversion.
Schwinn Joyrider style, comfort and spaciousness
When looking at various bike trailers, you will find that the Joyrider looks quite different than most trailers. It has a modern and very stylish design that is sure to turn heads on hikes or bike rides. An articulated canopy provides a great view, while a mesh canopy allows air to flow through the cabin and keeps pesky insects out. If you happen to get caught in the rain, then the canopy has a plastic cover to keep the kids dry.
The unique design creates a spacious and comfortable cabin. The padded seats can comfortably accommodate two small children. These are actual seats, not the kind of hammock / sling type seats that many parents complain about. The seats also recline a bit so the kids are comfortable enough to take a nap. A big advantage of the seats is that the seat pads are removable so you can wash them.
The large 20 “alloy wheels provide a smooth ride and some customers claim the ride is so smooth that the trailer / stroller” practically rolls on its own! “It’s easier to roll the stroller across grass and other off-road surfaces.
The quality construction of the Schwinn bicycle trailer
In addition to the quality of the wheels, the roomy interior, and the cushioned seats, there are a number of other sturdy constructions and materials that are used in this Schwinn bike trailer. The high quality of construction and materials is one of the things that sets it apart from the competition. You’ll pay less than other “Cadillac” brands like Burley, but you’ll get similar quality at an affordable price. Although the hood design sets the Joyrider apart from other trailers in terms of style, it is a unique design that is superior to other bike trailers in a much higher price range. The hinged canopy has ribs that are metal, so if the trailer ever did tip over, there is a metal frame around your child. The trailer frame is made of strong, durable and lightweight aluminum and the seats have two 5-point safety harnesses.
Stroller conversion kit included
Many buyers of the Schwinn Joyrider bike trailer are interested in its stroller conversion features. One of the benefits of this model is that the stroller conversion kit is included, unlike many brands that require you to purchase the stroller kit separately. Trailer / stroller users say that switching from trailer to stroller mode is very easy and can be done quickly. The stroller has a swivel wheel that makes it easy to push and maneuver. It also has an adjustable handle for people of different heights. One feature that gets a lot of attention and praise is the strong and easy locking brake, which most bike trailers don’t have.
The drawbacks
While the Schwinn Joyrider bike trailer outperforms other bike trailers, there are a few minor complaints among satisfied customers. One of the complaints has been that the seat belt straps were not long enough, making them too tight for some children. The original trailer design had a cross strap for two that people thought was too short too. However, Schwinn has recently fixed this problem and now the Joyrider has two 5-point safety harnesses, so it seems that it is no longer a problem.
One of the virtues not mentioned above is the ease with which Schwinn bicycle trailers open and close. The Joyrider can be folded for transport or storage, but some customers have stated in their review that they had a hard time folding the trailer, either because they weren’t strong enough or because the button used to fold the trailer was broken. Out of the substantial number of customer reviews I read, I only saw one person who said they had a broken button, but also said they received excellent customer service when they sent it in to get it fixed. There were only a few reviews where customers said they weren’t strong enough to collapse the trailer, however most customers said it was easy if they commented on this topic.
Although the stroller option is a huge benefit to Joyrider buyers, there are two main complaints with the stroller. First of all, the stroller is wide and does not fit through the doors without removing the wheels (which is extremely easy) or folding it up. Some customers would like to see the trailer / stroller made about two inches narrower to make it easier to carry inside. Please note this is bike trailer first and stroller second. It is designed to be used outdoors. If it were made narrower, it would lose the breadth that so many customers praise. I would suggest that if you want to bring a stroller indoors then you should buy a stroller separately and use the Schwinn bike trailer for outdoor activities.
Second, the largest number of complaints seems to focus on the front wheel of the stroller when used for jogging. Apparently, there is a problem with wheel vibration and shaking, which is preventing the stroller from moving forward. For those who want to use the stroller for jogging, there is a jogging wheel accessory that can be purchased separately. Also, the trailer wheels are proprietary wheels for which there is no replacement. So if your wheels wear out or break, you’re out of luck. Hopefully Schwinn is listening to customer feedback and will fix these issues like they did with seat belts! Schwinn has very high service and customer satisfaction, so I am sure we will see improvements in this model as it is so popular!
The bottom line is that there are numerous kiddie bike trailers to choose from and I’m sure those other bike trailers are fine and perfectly safe. Why would you buy any other kids bike trailer when the Schwinn Joyrider has so many great virtues even among the minor customer complaints? If you are looking for good looks, quality construction and materials, comfort and safety, and a stroller option, then the Schwinn bike trailer is one of the best values available on the market.
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