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Welcome to Velo Vision magazine, covering specialised bikes, cycling as transport and human power. It's a quarterly dose of cycle inspiration.The current issue is Issue 16. The next issue is out early March 2005.
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Convergent evolution in off-road trailersA designer in Germany has come up with a single-wheel off-road child trailer to rival the one from Gober Gear in the USA - the designs seem to have separately evolved similar features. Wiesmann Custom Bikes in Freiburg, Germany, say that they developed their 'SingleTRAILer' for riders who want to take their offspring along with them, even on demanding off-road tracks. With 20cm (about 8") of suspension travel, the child should get plenty of bump protection. A roll cage, four-point harness and either clear plastic or mesh coverings protect the child. The trailer weighs around 8 kg and should cost around DM 1800 (around £600, $900). It will be available from March 2001. I don't know of any other similar European trailers, but the Gober Gear trailer from California has been around a few years now. It looks a bit more refined - as it should - and although a little heavier, looks even tougher. It also comes with a V-brake for the suspended rear wheel. I wonder if these trailers might also be rather good for those who carry goods, not children? The 'single-wheel' benefits of good tracking and narrow construction would be appreciated in traffic, and the 'over-engineering' of hitch etc to make them safe for use with children should make them sturdy enough for freight use. The Gober is rated to 50kg - plenty. And the rear suspension would protect delicate loads... Posted on 16 January 2001 Your comments ...
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