Thule Chariot Cross 2 Single – our trailer test in Denmark

A fantastic camper van trip in Denmark is behind us! We spent about 2 weeks in the country and are still unsatisfied. The camper, as you know, has its limitations, so we took along our bicycles and a bicycle trailer for Annie, which allowed us to get where we couldn’t or didn’t want to go with the huge house on wheels.

However, taking the trailer was not so obvious to us from the beginning. We knew we would take the bikes, but we spent a long time wondering what about the youngest member of our team. We actually had three options:

• We take Ania’s bicycle, but unfortunately she will not ride too many kilometers on her own yet, and in fact it would only be used for riding around the campsites,
• take a bike seat. It is a cool and lightweight solution, but there is one problem: the weight of the passenger ;) while it still falls within the manufacturer’s limit, traveling with such a loaded seat is quite tiring and not very comfortable for an adult,
• packing a bicycle trailer. So far we have used a two-person Thule trailer, which unfortunately takes up a lot of space and weighs a lot, but it was the best solution for us out of the three.

Fortunately, with help came Thule, which offered us to test during this trip a new trailer, a single-person trailer with accessories, model: Thule Chariot Cross 2 Single (don’t let the two in the name fool you, this is not an indication of how many children the trailer is for, but the name of the model).

 

When we decided to take the new trailer on a trip around Denmark, we knew it wasn’t just going to be a simple test of the equipment – it was going to be a full-scale test: bike, walk, beach, transport stuff and even an amusement park. And that’s why this model seemed ideal to us: compact yet versatile, suited to an active family on the go.

Why the Thule Chariot Cross 2 Single in particular?

We chose it because we wanted a top-of-the-line and durable trailer, and we had used the Thule Chariot Cross model, only in the two-seater version, until now and knew it was reliable equipment.

Why this trailer? Safety, comfort, durability and the ability to use it not only as a bicycle trailer, but also as a stroller and mobile cabin for a child: on the beach, at the amusement park, in inclement weather.

The decision fell on the Single version, because this time every kilogram counted for us, so that the camper would not be too loaded ;) Looking at the dimensions and weight of both trailers, someone might think that there is not much difference between a single and a double, but believe us, in use and when packing these dimensions do a big job (finally, one person is able to lift it without a problem!).

What do you get in a kit when you buy a Thule trailer?

The trailer arrived fully complete and ready to ride: trailer frame and base, lightweight bicycle and stroller wheels, connection to the bicycle including bike mount, rain cover and sun cover, as well as a light and flag.

High-quality materials, well-thought-out attachments, intuitive folding – everything worked as the manufacturer promises.

It’s also worth noting that we also tested the Thule Sun and Wind Tarp cover, which worked well with the trailer – but we’ll write about it separately. In addition, we also ordered a jogging wheel, although the name doesn’t mean it’s just for running. We know from experience that such a wheel comes in handy and works perfectly in more challenging terrain, such as sand, gravel, mountains. And after all, we were planning to walk a lot on such routes ;)

What surprised us? That is, the differences from the older model

When it is not your first trailer you definitely pay more attention to details and other solutions. This is how it was for us: already familiar with the older model, we knew perfectly well how to put it together, what worked and what was cumbersome. We also thought that most of the solutions are similar in both two models, but it turned out that the difference of several “generations” is a gulf.

The biggest surprise for us was connecting the trailer to the bike. In the previous model, it was a ball with a wedge, and sometimes you had to spend a while to install everything properly. Mounting is definitely faster and easier with this model – just hook and go. But the real game changer is the keyed security device, which is already built into both the bike and the trailer from the factory. This is something we lacked in the previous model, and several times we considered buying a dedicated security device (in the end we decided not to, and we attached the trailer with the security device to the bike, which often required various acrobatics). Now this matter is easier and we left the trailer with the bikes during our trip.

The mounting of the front wheels has also been changed, now wiser, we can even quote you the name of this solution: FlipWing. This is a system that allows you to very easily lift up the smaller wheels to make a bike trailer out of a stroller.

The trailer is also folded differently, maybe it’s a matter of it being narrower, but we feel it’s easier now for one person.

For someone a detail, but in the new model, there are more pockets inside the trailer for various usefulness. It’s also nice that the manufacturer includes a light, not just reflectors.

How did it perform in practice?

You can read about all dimensions, technicalities on the manufacturer’s website, but how is it in practice?

As for the sheer size and weight – it’s definitely easier to drive, because it’s narrower than a two-seater, it can eventually be lifted by one person without any problems, well, and there’s more space left in the trunk.

The Thule Chariot Cross 2 Single trailer handles very steadily – even on uneven pavement, and travel between Danish beaches and small towns was smooth and pleasant. The suspension works very well – Anna hardly felt any vibration, and we parents appreciated the ease of maneuverability.

The bike ride was hassle-free and, we’d like to emphasize, lighter in our opinion than with a bike seat. A lot of people ask us, even hitching as we drive somewhere, if it’s hard to pull such a trailer (especially since we often also have a loaded trunk)? For us it is the most comfortable and safest solution, and this weight really does not feel :) The only downside is the unfolding, but if someone has spaces, a garage and keeps the trailer unfolded all the time, adding the new mounting system is a fastball.

We took the trailer to Legoland and Hossoland, although of course you can’t ride a bicycle through them. It served us mainly as a stroller, for transporting things and in case Anna needed a nap during (it happens all the time ;) ). We hid our jackets in it, as the weather was uncertain, food, drink and shopping. It’s a mega convenience when you don’t have to carry everything in a backpack, but can comfortably push in a trailer. We also found the rain film useful here – we kept things dry! We mounted smaller wheels for such situations – gentle paths, sidewalks, no bumps.

The bigger challenge was to be a walk on the beach. For example, when we walked toward Cape Grenen we faced a nearly 4 kilometer walk on the sand. Here we have already taken the jogging wheel, which definitely handles such terrain better. On the sand, the Cross 2 Single did better than expected. The trailer glided without jamming, and the interior protected from wind and sun. In beach conditions, we also found it useful to have a sun and wind shield: by getting to the site and taking a break, we could all hide from the sun and wind.

 

What did we like?

Ride comfort – the suspension, space and ventilation really make the child travel comfortably.

Switch modes – from bike to walk and vice versa in a few moments, you don’t even need to pull out the wheels.

Solid construction – materials and fit are impressive: everything works as it should, even after heavy use.

Easier to mount to the bike – really way better and easier than our older models

Keyed security features – nice that the manufacturer thought of that too!

Downsides of the trailer

Like any product, the Thule Chariot Cross 2 Single also has its minor shortcomings, although we must admit that we cling hard ;) What in particular did we pay attention to?

The wheels do not fit inside – we were used to a larger trailer and always packed these two larger wheels inside – here they have to be outside, but for this we have a smaller trailer :) If someone shifts from a larger to a smaller one then he may be surprised, but it is not a minus as such :)

Size when folded – despite the fact that the Single is smaller than the two-seater version, it still takes up a lot of space in the trunk of the car, plus you have to remember the wheels so you don’t leave them somewhere.

Price – definitely not a product for every pocket. Let’s not kid ourselves, you pay for quality, in this case the cost of such a trailer is more than four thousand zlotys. As a consolation, we will hint to you that such products hold their price and currently selling our two-seater we would probably still make money on it ;)

Who is the Thule Chariot Cross 2 Single for?

In our opinion, the Thule Chariot Cross 2 Single trailer will be ideal for families who appreciate active recreation and adventurous travel. It will work well for longer bicycle trips, as well as for everyday use during walks or short trips to the beach or amusement park.

The trailer will last longer than the stroller, will accommodate a larger child, and we are now treating it as transitional transportation before Anna is able to rack up miles on her own on a bicycle. We use it as a stroller, but it serves us more as a transport stroller than for carrying the baby ;)

Summary and our opinion

To sum up our Danish adventure with the Thule Chariot Cross 2 Single trailer, we are really satisfied. The trailer met our expectations and even exceeded them. Solid workmanship, convenience of use and versatility are by far its strongest points. We were surprised by the new solutions that make installation and daily use easier.

Without a doubt, this is an investment that can last for several years of intensive use, so if you are planning active travel with children – Thule Chariot Cross 2 Single will be a great choice.

Check back soon for a separate post, where we will describe in detail our opinion of the Thule Sun and Wind Tarp sunshade, which also accompanied us on our trip in Denmark.

The entry was created as part of a review collaboration with Thule.