We purchased the Thule Chariot Cross 2 bike trailer to celebrate our twins’ first birthday. Living on the fourth floor and without a car, the weight of the trailer held significant importance for us. This led us to choose the Cross over the Chariot Sport 2, which is 1.4 kg heavier. Now, the question arises: Did the Thule Chariot Cross 2 meet our expectations?
Comparison of Chariot Lite, Cross and Sport
At first glance, the Thule Chariot Lite, Cross and Sport may appear similar, but upon closer examination, subtle differences emerge.
The Thule Chariot Cross 2, for instance, lacks hand brakes and removable side windows compared to the Chariot Sport. As we don’t plan to use the trailer for jogging, this aspect was less important to us.
While the Thule Chariot Lite could have been a more budget-friendly choice, we valued the spacious rear luggage bag and the ability to recline the seats independently for sleeping, making the Cross our preferred option.
Furthermore, we found the absence of the convenient small viewing window at the top of the Lite model to be a drawback. This feature is especially handy when using the Chariot as a stroller, allowing us to peek at our little ones from above as they face forward. Additionally, we missed the adjustable leaf spring suspension that enhances the overall comfort and performance of the trailer.
As a bicycle trailer
Attachment to the bike
The delivery package included a hitch with a longer quick-release axle. To use the trailer on two additional bikes, I also purchased two additional hitches from Amazon.
9mm quick-release
I installed the provided quick-release skewer on my Radon trekking bike:
I simply replaced the existing quick-release skewer with the longer one provided:
Fortunately, the bike stand did not obstruct the installation process. Otherwise, a separate spacer for dropouts would have been necessary:
Classic bicycle axle
The installation process was more challenging on my wife’s bike, as it lacks a quick-release mechanism.
I affixed the hitch between the nut and the frame:
The screw no longer extends beyond the nut. While I trust it will secure adequately, I decided to order this adapter to extend the axle:
Internal hub (Brompton folding bike)
I faced similar challenges when installing the hitch on my Brompton.
Unfortunately, the axle provides limited space, but the screw remains secure:
The rear axle of the Brompton 6 or 12-speed model has the Sturmey Archer internal hub and utilizes an uncommon axle dimension of 10.3mm.
There is an adapter available for SRAM SPECTRO hub gears, and it could fit because it uses 10.5mm. Nevertheless, for Brompton bikes without an internal hub, a standard adapter can be utilized.
Conversion to a bicycle trailer
The front wheels of the Thule Chariot can be mounted on the side and carried along. This feature allows us to have everything at hand, making it effortless to switch between a bike trailer and a stroller as needed.
The handlebars are folded up and serve as additional protection in the event of an accident.
Helmets
The initial challenge was to determine if the babies would accept helmets and be willing to sit so close to each other.
In Austria, children up to 12 years of age are mandated to wear helmets, regardless of whether they are passengers or drivers.
Initially, the babies protested, but once we began our journey, they settled down. Considering their close proximity in the womb, it was not surprising that they were comfortable being so close together. We purchased the smallest size neon-colored helmets from Decathlon.
Cargo space
Fortunately, our diaper bag fits perfectly into the “XL cargo space”:
It remains to be seen whether the cargo space can withstand a heavy rain shower.
Wind, insect and sun protection
An integrated insect protection ensures a bug-free environment:
A rain cover and a sunshade can be easily attached to provide protection from varying weather conditions.
The ventilation kit, equipped with spacers for optimal air supply, ensures children have adequate ventilation. Additionally, ventilation is present in the back and foot areas for added comfort.
The transparent material of the rain cover and side walls is delicate and prone to unsightly dents when folded or due to children’s interactions.
As a result, used models often exhibit corresponding damage:
As a stroller
The following modifications are necessary to use it as a stroller:
- Install the front wheels
- Insert the drawbar on the side
- Open the handlebars
The large wheels are highly practical, particularly when maneuvering the stroller down stairs.
Transport and Storage
The Thule Chariot 2 has a width of 80cm, which may pose challenges when passing through narrow doorways, both when folded and opened. However, the front bumper effectively prevents the wheels from getting stuck on obstacles:
Folding the Thule Chariot 2 requires some skill. It is crucial to ensure that the bench seats and the fabric are folded neatly inwards to achieve a complete fold.
We keep it standing upright, and due to the sensitivity of the foam cover on the handlebar, it is currently positioned at the front.
The hitch, helmets, wheels, and other accessories can be conveniently stored in the folded trailer.
What’s our verdict?
There are now several competitive products available, including the Hamax Outback, the classic Croozer, and the budget-friendly trailers from Qeridoo.
The lightweight design of the trailer was a crucial factor for us, given that we reside on the 4th floor and we don’t have a car, relying on train transportation. For instance, the Hamax Outback 2 in the double version weighs a substantial 20 kg, considerably more than the Thule Chariot Cross 2 at 14.5 kg.
Thule’s position as the market leader results in numerous replica parts like the trailer hitch, although the original Thule accessories tend to be pricey.
While the luggage compartment could be slightly larger since our diaper bag fits snugly, there are still two mesh pockets at the back and two small ones inside for storing toys or baby bottles.
In general, we are highly content with the Thule Chariot Cross 2 as it precisely fulfills our needs. While the Sport version with removable side windows might be appealing, prioritizing minimal weight was paramount for us.
Do you currently own a children’s bike trailer? If so, which model did you select, and how satisfied are you with your choice? Feel free to share your experiences in the comments section below!
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