Surly Trailer

New for 2011 - the Surly trailer.  Photo credit: Surly.

Surly plans to release the above-pictured trailer sometime during spring 2011.  According to the Surly blog, the MSRP will be $750 short, $775 long.  According to Surly, the trailer meets two requirements often lacking in bike trailers: (1) it can haul a heavy load and (2) it will work with any bike.

The trailer is constructed from TIG-welded CroMoly steel tubing.  The platform is 32 x 24". The wheels are 16" in diameter, and comes with 16 x 1.95" tires, although there is clearance for 16 x 2.5" tires. According to Surly, it can carry a load of up to 300 pounds (136 kg).

As for bike compatibility, Surly says the trailer hitch is designed to align the centerline of the trailer with the centerline of any bike. "It will work with bikes that have wheels as small as 20" and as large as 29" while keeping the bed level with the ground. This is especially important when you are hauling long items that hang off the back of the trailer (lumber, tubing, ladders, etc.)."

There are so many uses for a trailer like this:

- It's another option for the car-free. Rather than investing in a cargo bike, you can simply hook up the trailer to your bike of choice when you need to haul groceries or whatever. (On its blog, Surly notes the trailer + a new $1100 bike would cost as much as a Big Dummy (their cargo bike).

- It's another option for bike camping. Rather than investing in a touring bike, you can simply hook up the trailer and haul your camping stuff. (But don't make dad haul everything!)

- It's another option for day trips to the beach or picnic areas.

It's nice to have options.