more cycle trailer funny business.

[Sara_H]

Son, who is 13 (and a half) has requested some kind of cycle trailer to do his paper round with. We already have a single seater toddler trailer that had had seats removed that I was thinking of paring down further to just its frame and putting in a light weight platform.

Anyone got any links to sites with instructions for such a project or got any suggestions?

 

[classic33]

Size of base?

You may be able to use one or two of the fruit/veg trays. Smaller versions of the bread trays.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Why you want the top removed?
Don't the papers need protection from the weather?

 

[ufkacbln]

Quick answer

Assuming it is the standard aluminium tubing, all you need is to strip to the bas as suggested, then the top is made of a sheet of "marine" plywood cut to shape and fixed with clips like these:

Then comes the security of the load...

Velcro "cinch" straps are table to secure the Satchel provided by the paper shop (3' x 2")

For larger loads a cheap storage box will suffice and can be secured with the above straps, they can be linked together to adjust the length

 

[Crackle]

I considered this for my son but panniers are ultimately the better quicker option. He has a paper bike with a kickstand and panniers permanently fitted. We considered boxes, trailers, rucksacks, shoulder bags, the lot but once he'd got the system with the panniers it worked much better. He just goes in with two rucksack liners, fills each with the papers, slides them into the panniers. I think he also re-organizes the papers for the round before he does that too.

 

[Sara_H]

The newsagent has already folded them into his sack by the time he arrives, so he's wanting to chuck it straight onto the trailer. He's using his old BMX (so no option for panniers etc) as as it's easier to hop on and off of than his mountain bike (which is also quite an expensive pinchable bike that I'd rather he didn't use for his paper round!). And tbh, he had the idea of using a trailer himself so I jumped at the idea of doing a trailer project with him as he's not too interested in bikes and stung at the minute.

@Pat "5mph" main reason for taking canopy off if I'm honest is that a garage clear out is under way. Only way I'm allowed to keep this trailer is if it hangs flat against the wall on a hook!!!!!!

 

[Sara_H]

Size of base?

You may be able to use one or two of the fruit/veg trays. Smaller versions of the bread trays.

I've just measured it - 50cm by 80cm.

I remember once that someone made a platform from layers and layers of duct tape and it was quite successful. Can't seem to find it now.

 

[Crackle]

The newsagent has already folded them into his sack by the time he arrives, so he's wanting to chuck it straight onto the trailer. He's using his old BMX (so no option for panniers etc) as as it's easier to hop on and off of than his mountain bike (which is also quite an expensive pinchable bike that I'd rather he didn't use for his paper round!). And tbh, he had the idea of using a trailer himself so I jumped at the idea of doing a trailer project with him as he's not too interested in bikes and stung at the minute.

@Pat "5mph" main reason for taking canopy off if I'm honest is that a garage clear out is under way. Only way I'm allowed to keep this trailer is if it hangs flat against the wall on a hook!!!!!!

Ah I get it. The other option is a paper round bike, that's the route I went down after my son had his bike nicked after my repeated warnings about not using it. No one would nick the one he uses now. I suppose a trailer is cheaper though, especially if you already have it.

 

[Sara_H]

Ah I get it. The other option is a paper round bike, that's the route I went down after my son had his bike nicked after my repeated warnings about not using it. No one would nick the one he uses now. I suppose a trailer is cheaper though, especially if you already have it.

Yes that's the idea. The BMX and trailer have both been gathering dust in the garage for a few years, so if I can cobble something together without spending too much money I won't cry as much when it gets pinched! Plus in my mind, bike is less likely to get pinched with a trailer attached.

Quite keen to encourage son showing some interest.

 

[Sara_H]

Quick answer

Assuming it is the standard aluminium tubing, all you need is to strip to the bas as suggested, then the top is made of a sheet of "marine" plywood cut to shape and fixed with clips like these:

Then comes the security of the load...

Velcro "cinch" straps are table to secure the Satchel provided by the paper shop (3' x 2")

For larger loads a cheap storage box will suffice and can be secured with the above straps, they can be linked together to adjust the length

What are those clips called?

 

[ufkacbln]

Generically "pipe clips"

However there are different materials types and sizes.

Screwfix, Weekes, B&Q etc should be able to provide for you

 

[classic33]

15mm should be the size. Also available at wilko/wilkinsons.

You want a platform, what about a piece of plywood. And I'd be tempted to keep the top, folded flat, for those wet days and/or just to keep the papers dry.

No-one wants a soggy newspaper!

 

[Gareth]

Home made bike trailers are extensively covered on Instuctables

However, can I make a suggestion; a homebuilt "Long Bike" based on the bmx and the rear suspension frame from a 20" wheel bike.

I have made several for various local projects and the "none welded" ones only take about a day to build from scavenged up standard bike components
.

 

[Sara_H]

Home made bike trailers are extensively covered on Instuctables

However, can I make a suggestion; a homebuilt "Long Bike" based on the bmx and the rear suspension frame from a 20" wheel bike.

I have made several for various local projects and the "none welded" ones only take about a day to build from scavenged up standard bike components
. View attachment 141656 View attachment 141659

That's fab, however, way beyond my technical skills!

 

[classic33]

For some of what is possible, http://www.bikesatwork.com/ , can't be beaten.