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My knack-handed neighbour is asking me whether he can tow his Croozer trailer with his old 90s alu framed Checker Pig.
I'm thinking that given alu fatigues over time, towing a kiddie will likely trailer certainly isn't going to help.
Trailer attaches to the axle, if that makes a difference.
WWSTW say?
.
Can he? Yes, if it fits.
Should he? Depends on frame condition and usage case. That's his call, but in most cases the answer will be yes, it'll be fine - likely just pootling along once a year at centre parcs...
Why - are you trying to sell him a new bike?
Plenty of people do this just fine. As I recall the attachment is a bit bouncy so peak forces aren't too amazing, and once you're rolling they're pretty small. So personally I'd do it. When I had similar on a 00's Al bike I didn't think twice about the chainstay or whatever failing
Why – are you trying to sell him a new bike?
No bloody way! Honestly I want a little to do with him as possible.
Just fixed his missus bike after he fitted the trailer attachment. Keeps asking me why his gears are jumping (because there is about an inch of grease on the chain, mech, etc). The other month he came knocking because his boiler wasn't working (I'm a carpenter, not a plumber!), but he probably thought I could fix it seeing as I fitted a new tap a few months back when the old one was leaking.
I said, I personally wouldn't drag a trailer with the bike, but if he wants to then it's on his shoulders, not mine.
It will be fine.
And if it's not how can he possibly blame you? what special insight does he think you have?
As an adult this is kind of his decision to weigh up and make.
What degree of certainty is he looking for here?
"Neighbor who is into bikes says it should be OK" is about all He's likely to get, it's hardly a ringing endorsement...
If it was a genuine concern wouldn't he be consulting an engineer? getting some analysis done? having NDT carried out on the bike? Buying a brand new bike specifically for towing duties? sacking off trailers for a longtail?
Probably not... The level of reassurance you can offer is vanishingly thin.
Just tell him you'd buy an E-bike for towing if it was you, for no less than £5k...
Why is this a question?
Off course he can.
I did this with my old 2012 Ridgeback Flight until last year when I realised the fork had cracked at the front disc mount! I sold the frame thinking it was fine, turned out that was bent too.
Trailer often had 2 kids in and associated beach stuff, scooters or balance bikes i.e. it was heavy
Cheaper bikes maybe better due to being overbuilt a bit more?
who knows.
ymmv