Let them ride independently, then tow them when they get tired.
The Trail-Gator Bicycle Tow Bar connects a compatible child’s bike to an adult bike, giving families the flexibility to ride together or separately during the same trip.
Once connected, the child bike’s front wheel is lifted off the ground and a stabilising bar prevents its handlebars from turning. The adult controls the steering while the child can keep pedalling or simply coast.
Quick to Connect Once Installed
The initial brackets need to be fitted correctly to both bikes using tools. Once that setup is complete, the tow bar can be connected and disconnected in seconds without removing the brackets.
When the child wants to ride independently, the bar telescopes together and folds against the adult bike using the supplied storage bracket.
Child Bike Compatibility
The Trail-Gator works with compatible children’s bikes using 12-inch to 20-inch wheels. The child bike must have a rear freewheel so it can coast while being towed.
The maximum child-rider weight is 32kg and the adult rider must weigh at least twice as much as the child. Training wheels must be removed or folded completely out of the way while towing.
Adult Bike Compatibility
The adult bike must have wheels measuring at least 25 inches and a suitable round seatpost between 25.4mm and 31.8mm in diameter.
There must be enough exposed seatpost for the mounting bracket and sufficient clearance around any carrier rack, mudguard or other accessory. The Trail-Gator must not be attached to an e-bike or other motorised bicycle as the towing bike.
Correct Setup Matters
The adult-bike bracket, storage bracket, child-bike receiver and steering stabiliser must all be installed and aligned correctly.
When connected, the child bike should sit upright with its front wheel approximately 8–13cm above the ground. We recommend checking the complete setup carefully and practising without the child aboard before the first family ride.
Key Features
- Converts a compatible child’s bike into a towable bike
- Lets the child ride independently or be towed during the same trip
- Lifts the child bike’s front wheel clear of the ground
- Stabilising bar prevents the child bike’s handlebars from turning
- Child can pedal or coast while being towed
- Quick-release connections are tool-free after initial installation
- Telescoping bar stores against the adult bike when not in use
- High-strength steel construction
- Compatible with suitable 12-inch to 20-inch child bikes
- Maximum child-rider weight of 32kg
- Approximate tow-bar weight of 2.2kg
- Available in Silver, Red, Black and Blue
Our Thoughts
The Trail-Gator is useful when a child can ride part of the distance but may not have the energy to get all the way home. They can start the ride on their own, then connect to the adult bike when they need help.
The initial installation takes some care because the brackets must suit both bikes and the child bike needs to track upright. Once it is properly set up, connecting and storing the tow bar is much quicker.
Towing changes the adult bike’s balance, turning and braking distance. Start somewhere flat and away from traffic, take wider turns and give yourself more room to stop.
Why Buy from Chain Reaction?
- Help checking adult and child bike compatibility
- Professional initial installation available
- Practical advice on setup, alignment and use
- Nationwide New Zealand delivery
- Ongoing support from our Christchurch team
Specifications
- Brand: Trail-Gator
- Product: Bicycle Tow Bar
- Available colours: Silver, Red, Black and Blue
- Construction: High-strength steel
- Approximate tow-bar weight: 2.2kg
- Child-bike wheel compatibility: 12-inch to 20-inch
- Adult-bike wheel requirement: At least 25 inches
- Adult-bike seatpost diameter: 25.4mm to 31.8mm
- Maximum child-rider weight: 32kg
- Adult-to-child weight requirement: Adult must weigh at least twice as much as the child
- Child-bike drivetrain requirement: Rear freewheel
- Maximum child-bike head-tube diameter: 45mm
- Storage: Telescopes and folds against the adult bike
Important Safety Information
- Do not exceed a child-rider weight of 32kg.
- Do not exceed 24km/h while towing.
- Use only on smooth surfaces and never ride off-road.
- Do not ride over bumps or kerbs while towing.
- Do not use on highways, in busy traffic or on unsafe streets.
- Do not attach the tow bar to an e-bike or other motorised bicycle as the towing bike.
- Do not carry another child on the adult bike while towing.
- Training wheels must be removed or folded completely out of the way.
- The child must remain seated and alert with hands on the handlebars and feet on the pedals.
- Both riders must wear properly fitted and approved bicycle helmets.
- Check all brackets, pins and quick releases before every ride.
- Follow the supplied Trail-Gator installation and safety instructions.
