In West Newton Since 1952 - On The Web Since 1995
The Adams Trail-A-Bike!
If you are in range of West Newton, Massachusetts, you can come in for a test ride...but, be warned, after you do, your child will probably insist that you buy one!
Adams Trail-A-Bikes feature a large sturdy universal-joint hitch, which does not rely on the lead bike's seatpost as a bearing surface, as many lesser imitations do.Please note that the 1998 and later Trail-A-Bikes use an improved, enlarged hitch coupling, which is not compatible with the older version.
Adams Folder Trail-A-Bike
The basic Adams Folder model features a single-speed freewheel. |
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1. Flip the Quick Release |
B. Remove the Seatpost |
III. Fold the Frame |
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You're Done! |
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Many parents are fearful that their chilren may fall asleep and fall off. I have done some research on this, surveying readers of relevant internet newsgroups and the tandem@hobbes mailing list, to find out how real a problem this was.Despite many reports of what were perceived as "close calls", nobody had actually heard of a single instance when a child had fallen asleep and fallen off of a kidback tandem or trailer cycle. Only a single occasion of falling off was reported, and this was the result of horseplay, rather than drowsieness.
These trailer cycles come with "safety flags" that attach to the rear axle.As far as I know, there is no evidence whatever that these flags enhance safety in any way, and I wouldn't bother installing one. They are quite cumbersome and make the trailer cycle very awkward to store or to transport.
There are a couple of very worthwhile upgrades that I would highly recommend, however:
- Toe-clips should almost be considered essential safety equipment for child stokers/trailer cyclists. They provide a much more secure connection of the child to the cycle. They are inexpensive and easy to use. The pedals supplied with Adams Trail-A-Bikes are all toe-clip compatible.
- The stock tires supplied with trailer cycles are heavy and slow, and have an inefficient tread pattern. You can considerably improve the performance of your trailer cycle by replacing the stock tire with a lightweight tire, preferably one with a slick or semi-slick tread. We particularly recommend the Primo Comet
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The Adams hitch has been gradually improved over the years. The early versions are no longer available, so if you have an older Trail-a-Bike and want to buy a new bike receiver, you'll need to upgrade to the new, improved style (the new version is a good deal solider and stiffer than the older ones.)To convert an older Trail-a-Bike, you need to replace the "knuckle" (the part with the hollow square hole) with the new version.
- 1997 and earlier model 12 mm square.
- 1998 model 15 mm square, vertical lock pin
- 1999 and later model 15 mm square, horizontal lock pin
The 1997 and earlier size was 12 mm (12.7 mm to be exact)on a side, new improved (1998 and later) version uses a 15 mm square. You don't need a micrometer to tell the difference, a penny will do the trick! If you can fit a penny into the square hole, it's the new 15 mm size.If your trailercycle uses the old 12 mm (1997 and earlier) version, you won't be able to fit the coin into the hole. You can upgrade to the current system by buying the parts listed below. NOTE: The fastening nuts and bolts are not included. 
If you have the following Need to Purchase following 12mm horizontal pin (1997 & Earlier)
15 mm-12mm Step Down Block
AD002$15.95
1st Knuckle for 15 mm horizontal hitch
AD003$15.95
Block sleeve hitch
AD001$24.95
15 mm Vertical pin (1998)
1st Knuckle for 15 mm horizontal hitch
AD003$15.95
Block sleeve hitch
AD001$24.95
Block sleeve hitch 15 mm Horizontal pin (1999 and later)
Block sleeve hitch
AD001$24.95
Replacement pin Hitch Pin, Clevis Type
AD004$7.95
Alley Cat
"Alley Cat" was a low-end knockoff brand that is no longer in production. These were not made by Adams, and are of generally lower quality. Sorry, we have no parts for those, only for the genuine Adams Trail-a-Bikes.
Recall Notice: Some models of Trail-A-Bike used bolts in the hitch that were slightly too short.
There is a small risk that the nuts could fall off and the bolt s fall out, causing the hitch to separate in use. For details, click here.
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