When she's not testing bikes, Carrie's actually still testing bikes. Bikes in the house, bikes in the garage bikes are everywhere and it's the best way of life. Its independently reclining seats is a first for trailers and greatly improves the overall functionality of the stroller mode as does its viewing window and wipe down seat cushions. All content and images are copyrighted and should not be used or replicated in any way. Whether these features matter to you will really depend on how youre using the trailer, and if you really want to save $200. And theres always a water bottle that comes along too. Are you wondering if you should save $200 and get the Lite instead of the more high-end Cross? Perhaps most importantly, it also helps support your babys head while ensuring they sit upright. It has a hole to allow water to easily pass through in the event of a spill. I did find that many times the brakes didnt fully disengage when releasing the pedal, and I had to fiddle with it to get it to fully release. The single parking brake pedal easily engages the brakes on both wheels, and there is a handy red/green indicator to show whether the brakes are on or off. It also folds completely to the front to be out of the way for trailer use. But with our own baby, we found the most ideal time to be using the Baby Supporter is from six months to around a year. The double stroller swivel-wheels come standard with the trailer and lock into the wheel guards in seconds without the need for pins. The Cross was able to absorb more of the jostling, although the Lite still did a good job. Because the stroller wheels insert from underthe trailer, it can be a bit awkward at times, but it eventually becomes natural and isnt a huge deal. The Cross comes with a zip-up mesh door that zips down easily and snaps into place at the bottom. You appear to be visiting us from France. In principle, folding the Cross is easy: push the blue buttons on either side and while holding them in, push forward on the frame. Hollandbikeshop.com and third parties use cookies to collect information about your visit to this website and your personal interests, for example to show you customized ads. Inside the trunk, there is one large storage space, a smaller interior pocket, and two inside loops meant for holding the jogger wheel arms. As you can see in the image below in the blue Cross, the arrow indicates its padded area, which provides lower back cushioning. Well also show you side by side comparisons of the Lite and the Cross. It comes standard with a 4-wheeled stroller conversion kit and the bike trailer arm. In a nutshell, its a genius blend of comfort, convenience, and quality. While not a necessary feature for most families, suspension is a nice to have feature for anyone. This is a big asset, as it prevents the trailer from coming apart when transporting. Incredibly comfortable for the child passenger, and incredibly easy to use for the parent, the Lite certainly simplifies the process of getting out for adventures. Carrie has a master's degree in Marketing from Northwestern University and thinks being a professional bike mom is living the dream. Its also removable for washing if need be, but should be left out to air dry. The sun guard, however, does not cover the top viewing window of the trailer. In 2011 Thule acquired Canadian manufacturer Chariot Carriers Inc, which specialized in the development and production of multifunctional child carriers. The Cross adjustable suspension helps smooth the ride and is incredibly easy to adjustsimply slide the latch up or down based on the childs weight. Iveremoved the pads on many trailers because theyre more of a pain than theyre worth, but in the Cross, the pads do their job without shifting around or getting in the way. Our team of enthusiastic colleagues is ready to help you. The feather-light, compact trailer arm slides easily into the wheel guard and locks in place. It kept Baby Bike Tester snug and warm, and gave me a killer workout! Quite simply, the Cross is more expensive because it is truly exceptional. The entire rear portion of the Lite is covered by a large storage pocket. Impeccable design and quality make for a luxurious bike trailer, Comes standard with double stroller wheels, Exceptionally smooth ride in both trailer and stroller mode, Easier to load and unload kids than other trailer brands, Weather covers are easy to use and provide thorough protection from the elements, Front mesh cover pulls taut for a sleek, polished look, and clips in at the bottom to prevent kids from tossing things out, Through-trailer ventilation with front vents and rear mesh backing (front vents can be closed in cooler weather), Stroller wheels and tow bar are stored on body of the trailer when not in use, Inside snack pockets are hard for little ones to reach, Covered top of trailer makes it difficult to see your child while in stroller mode. The padding in integrated into the trailer, and cannot be removed like the Cross seat bottom padding (on the right below, in the orange trailer). This accessory was a post-pregnancy life saver and sanity saver. From a child comfort standpoint, both the Cross and the Lites bum padding are plenty comfortable theres really no difference. With a 34 inseam, my feet occasionally hit the trunk when walking with the stroller if it was not folded up, but it wasnt a problem when running. Considering the Cross is one of the only trailers to have a top viewing window, is not surprising that the sun guard doesnt cover it. The Thule Chariot Lite is modern, sleek, user-friendly, and capable of rocking the outdoors in all four seasons. Everything about this trailer has been well thought-through and designed with the user in mind. Optional conversion kits for jogging and skiing can be purchased separately. The bottom of the trailer is made of the same thick nylon fabric as the sides. Realistically, even if youre not planning on doing anything crazy, you never know what condition the roads will be in. All opinions and images are that of Two Wheeling Tots LLC. We also discovered the jogging wheel is awesome for trail hikes or maneuvering through the snow! In our opinion, the Lite is a great alternative for families using it primarily in trailer or ski mode, and who dont need the additional recline of the Cross for sleeping toddlers. When we took our trailer on the plane to Canada, it made ahugedifference that the trailer was latched closed and wouldnt open on the airline workers handling the luggage. While the Cross helmet space is not as pronounced as other trailers, I have never had an issue with my child being uncomfortable. Some of our mom testers use the recline in their Thule Chariots frequently, others periodically, and me basically never. The Cross didnt skip a beat and our toddler was able to enjoy this mountain biking mecca just as much as the rest of us. In fact, in the Thule Chariot Cross that Ive used for last few years, Ive only used the recline on a handful of occasions. While there are many other great bike trailers on the market, the Cross is simply the best. Many trailers have a cut-out or other space to allow kids to wear a helmet without pushing their head forward. Its roomy for a 2-year-old, cozy for a 5-year-old, and slightly more narrow than the Burley DLite single. View our, Thule Chariot Lite is a multi-sport trailer, I highly recommend buying the handlebar console. (single), 27.5 lb. Read the review below for all the details. The seats cannot recline when the trunk is folded up, but as said previously, the seats are already so reclined in their natural position that this probably wont be much of an issue. But, if youll be using the Lite as a stroller or jogger frequently, a solid top is a disadvantage. From its standout features to various conversion kits, heres everything you need to know before you buy a cross. The rain guard is not permanently adhered to the trailer and attaches with elastic loops in 6 places. For easier stopping on the go, Thule also offers a rear hand brake as an upgrade, which activates both rear wheels at the same time. Suspension absolutely smooths out big bumps in the road, whether paved or mild singletrack or just uneven sidewalk! To the untrained eye, they may even seem identical. Its fabulously simple and easy to use, in addition to being incredibly well-made. The main storage area is in the trunk which is separate from the body of the trailer and has an elastic cover. Whether or not this is a problem is really a matter of personal preference. (double). Thule markets this padding for babies 6 months to 18 months. Like different models of the same car, the Thule Cross and Lites overall performance are the same, but with slight differences in functionality via features. Want to see the Thule Chariot Cross in action? View our Terms of Use. The Thule Chariot Lite is incredibly similar to the even higher-end Thule Chariot Cross. on the trails. I anticipate using my Cross for many years to come! Its smooth ball hitch and adjustable suspension make the trailer mode smooth and easy for both child and adult rider and the ergonomic stroller handle and straight tracking make jogging a breeze. Its really gross. Reclinable seats is the major difference that sets the Thule Cross apart from the Lite. While in some trailers these pads are removable, the Cross back padding is actually incorporated into the seat back. Last summer we went to king of all biking destinations -Whistler, Canada- and brought our Cross. At Hollandbikeshop.com you'll find a wide choice of Bicycle Trailers from the Thule Chariot line. And you dont have to look at it all the time if youre not using it. It proves thick, plush cushioning along the back, sides, and bum. If you know that you need to haul a ton of stuff (for example, bikebacking or very long trips), you may want to consider a Burley trailer for its much larger cargo area. The jogging arms are designed to be stored in loops found inside the trunk, while the wheel is strapped to the outside of the trunk. Before we dive in to the meat of the review, its important to lay out that the Thule Chariot Lite is a multi-sport trailer, available in single and double capacity. The 5-point-harness in the Cross is very easy to adjust and buckle, and the strap pads stay put where they belong protecting little necks. Probably not, but completely dependent on how you will be using your Thule Chariot. For babies less than 12-months of age, Thule offers an infant sling and babysupporter for use in stroller or jogger modes. No monetary compensation was provided for this review, however, the reviewed product was supplied by the manufacturer or distributor to help facilitate this review. Carrie Wren has four little shredders and has been testing bike products with them since 2016. This sling is a baby hammock that hooks into your trailer and sits independently above the seats. (The back of the trailer doesnt have any openings for rain to get in. The ability for a bike trailers seats to recline is considered one of the most high-end features of a trailer. Here are the 7 differentiating features between the Thule Chariot Lite and the Thule Chariot Cross. Conversion kits for jogging and skiing are also available. Even the rain cover and sunshade pull nice and tight so youre always looking crisp and smooth, no matter the weather situation. We use the Giro Scamp without issue. Simply pull the blue tab lock on the wheel guard, insert the stroller wheel from underneath, and release the tab to lock the wheel in place. Simply push the reclining button on the exterior of the trailer and gently pull back. When more freedom is needed, the Cross (and Lite) has an upper pocket to store the rolled up mesh door. You then insert the wheel between them with a quick-release axle. The seats on the Cross double recline independently of each other using the same system. (double)UV WINDOWS: YesWEIGHT: 28 lb. As the most expensive bike trailer on the US market, we know this is one of your burning questions! With every part designed and assembled to the most precise and exacting standards, these beautiful machines pull quiet and smooth, making the trailer seem at one with your bike. Click here for a full list of Thule trailer accessories. Compared to the Burley DLite, the Cross can recline much more. This makes the pocket much more shallow, and great for small items like phones or snacks. In the image below, you can see the angle of the seat back on the Lite compared to the most reclined position on the Cross. If youre worried about not having the option to easily swap between stationary and swivel wheel while running, the Qeridoo Kidgoos front wheel can do both with the flick of a button. And to be honest, even in the scorching Texas summer sun, our toddler has enjoyed daily runs and bike rides in the Thule Chariot Cross. The Cross didnt skip a beat and our toddler was able to enjoy this mountain biking mecca just as much as the rest of us. After using this trailer for over two years, Ive only used the Cross recline a couple of times. That rain cover keeps little ones super warm in cold weather (my toddler rips her hat and gloves off in 25 degree weather). I also regularly run in the rain because I know my child isnt going to get wet at all. On the back of the trailer itself, there is a mesh pocket that is big enough to hold diapers, wipes, jackets, etc. Snapping onto the front of the trailer, the sunshade moves up and down on a track system. The Lites stationary suspension is set to the lightest load level on the Cross adjustable suspension. Even the most reclined position in the Burley DLite X isnt very reclined its about at the same angle as the Lites stationary seat back. Thule Chariot Bike Trailers: 8 Reasons We Love Them! DONT bring milk in a trailer! The Cross has a supportive bench-style seat that truly reclines without any hassle. This may sound minor, but having used many trailers with thick padding that shifts around and even comes out entirely, Thules padding system is superior. The Baby Supporter is designed for use in stroller and jogger mode, as it does not work while a child is wearing a bike helmet. The Cross storage (blue trailer on the right above) consists of a smaller pocket that extends only half-way down the back of the trailer. For the average user who doesnt plan on using the trailer in really hot or really cold conditions, the ventilation on the Cross shouldnt be an issue. However, the front vents in the newer models of the Cross definitely help mitigate this issue. To prevent flats,we highly recommend using tire sealant. When using the Cross, Ive been able to remove the bottom seat and put it in the washer. The Cross thin but dense and soft pads stay firmly in place when loading your child. Those with long arms will find this easier, but I wish the buttons compressed more smoothly. So while theres no perfect trailer, the Cross single and double come as close as weve seen. The stroller wheels and the trailer arm can all be stored in or on the trailer without taking up any storage areas. The standard sitting position in the Cross and the Lite is leaned back enough to be very relaxing and comfortable for most situations. While the storage capacity of the Cross is significantly less than the Burley DLite, weve found that for our family, the storage is sufficient. All the little details done right make it a joy to use for all of your familys outdoor adventures. The included dark gray seat cushion is soft, yet smooth so it is easy to wipe down. All the accessories and attachments fit inside the folded trailer, and then the trailer latches closed. Reclined angle of the seat back and padded seat bottom are extra comfy for kids, Affiliate links are included in this review. Designed to take a beating from energetic toddlers and outdoorsy moms and dads, the precision-built Lite will be your trusty sidekick through years of constant use (and abuse!) The rain cover on the Thule Cross is so effective and so easy to use! While most trailers sit a child relatively upright, the angle of the Lites seat back is set in a pretty reclined position. Alternatively, you could just pay $50 $65 to get the removable pads upgrade, which you can see here below. On several occasions Ive returned home from a run or ride to find the water spilled and cracker mush all over the seats. The advantage of this design is that when in use as a trailer, the stroller wheels actually store in the same holes, just upside down. Jogger wheel installation is a little more involved than the stroller wheels, but not too complicated. Why the Thule Infant Sling is on My (Very) Short List of Must-have Baby Products.