Online: www.REI.com
URL for this product:

From the U.S. and Canada — Call 1-800-426-4840
Mon. through Sun., 4 a.m. through 11 p.m. PT.
International — Call 1-253-891-2500
Mon. through Sun., 4 a.m. through 11 p.m. PT. English language only.

GOLD/GRAY

Chariot Carriers SideCarrier

$525.00

(11)

Item # 753239

REI Members get back an estimated $ 52.50 on this item as part of their annual member refund.

The REI Member Dividend

The REI dividend is a unique benefit of membership in the REI co-op. It's comprised of your member refund—typically 10% back on eligible purchases—and/or your REI Visa® card rebates.

Each March, active REI members and REI Visa cardholders who earned a rebate receive a refund in the form of an annual dividend notice.

Only active members receive annual dividend notices. To maintain your active status as an REI member, you need to make net merchandise or shipping purchases of at least $10 per year, unless you joined that year. Member numbers are issued in one name and only that person receives the member refund. Your number can be used by others in your family, but it cannot be transferred to someone else.

Questions? Call us at 1-800-426-4840 for more about your dividend or its redemption.

Learn more

More videos

To view videos or use the zoom feature on REI's websites, please download the latest version of Adobe Flash Player.

NOW PLAYING

This ready-to-ride side carrier puts the carrier directly beside the bike, allowing more contact, conversation and interaction with the child.

Child also has a clear view forward, and minimal road dust lands on the child compartment from the bike tire
Very stable with a low center of gravity; rides naturally over smooth terrain and doesn't affect bike handling
Bike can lean naturally in both turning directions, while the carrier stays upright for the child
SideCarrier hitch attaches easily to most bike frames in 5 to 10 minutes using simple tools; no need to modify bike
Carrier slides into position once the hitch is attached to bike, and removing the carrier is just as easy
Aluminum construction is lightweight, strong, structurally rigid and rust resistant
Frame construction provides supplemental protection by acting as a front and underneath bumper
Detach, fold and load into vehicle in about 30 seconds for easy transport
Stores easily in garage while still attached to bike; detach wheel and fold carrier up against bike
Top-quality lightweight wheel comes equipped with stainless-steel spokes, aluminum hub and rim, and precision cartridge bearing
Wheel instantly attaches or removes with push-button release axle design
Child comfort features include mesh upper seat, tinted side windows and integrated helmet space
Two-in-one weather cover protects against bugs, rain, wind and sun
Uses a water-resistant and sturdy 600-denier fabric with stand-out color design
Plenty of reflective material all the way around the carrier; also includes rear reflector, wheel reflector and visible safety flag
Behind the seat there is a convenient storage bag/pouch

The outside of the SideCarrier's tire to the bicycle's center line measures only 28 inches. This is less than the width of a two-child bicycle trailer. However, the left handlebar and shoulder of the rider makes the overall width slightly wider. SideCarrier fits most traditional diamond-shaped frames.

Please note: Chariot Carriers products can only be shipped to U.S. and Canada.

Imported.

Item 753239

ONLINE ONLY!

This item's hot—and it's only available online.

An oversize shipping charge of $30 applies to this item (plus regular shipping fees). Or ship it FREE to any REI store for pickup. Sorry, no shipping to APO and FPO addresses.
Important: Read more about shipping options.

View all Chariot Carriers products

REI Membership

REI Membership $20.00

Chariot Carriers SideCarrier Customer Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews

Chariot Carriers SideCarrier

4.5

(based on 11 reviews)

91%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

Comfortable ride (10)
Durable (9)
Lightweight (8)
Easy to configure and adjust (6)

Cons

Best Uses

Street riding (10)
Light riding (3)

- Reviewer Profile:
- Casual/ recreational (6), Avid cyclist (5)

REVIEWS

Reviewed by 11 customers

Sort by

Displaying reviews 1-10

Previous | Next »

Sep

2007

(23 of 63 customers found this review helpful)

1.0

SUCKS!!!

By snot.mtb.rocket

from springfield, va

About Me Avid Cyclist, Tow-Trailer also

See all my reviews

Pros

Child Viewing Capability

Cons

Bias Steering
Hard to Configure
Unwieldy on most trails
WIDE

Best Uses

Slow short rides

Comments about Chariot Carriers SideCarrier:

I wasted some serious cash on this investment. The only real value is if you absolutely have to look at your wee one constantly while rolling...er, and less dirt in the kids face from rear wheel- ha, ha!This system also panick brakes more safely then towing a trailer, but not so much to be worth the risk...oh, easier to ride over logs and up curbs...but not impossible to do w/ other systems.Otherwise, there is a long list of issues w/ this product. I'm being objective here- I tow my kids on scenic rides constantly and definitely do not like this platform and regret the purchase absolutely. I donated this and am sticking to trailers.1. You need to ensure you have a very wide Bottom-Bracket for a secure fit to your bike. The adapter does not stay super snug, snug enough, but you want that locked in feel between this trailer and bike.2. It is reasonable maneuverable- but it is too wide for most trails- judge with per how far your handle bars extend, not the wheel base. 3. The bike's handling w/ be biased to the right (where trailer is)- you can offset your handlebars to counter act this...4. DRAG- it sits out there lend to a ride of constant acceleration. At least w/ a trailer your can break the air a bit to sustain cruising speed.5. It is a major pain to switch between bikes during a ride or after the ride. Mounting the adapter is a significant activity- and I'm very, very mechanically inclined.In general- the tow trailer is the out performs this system exponentially. I always sport a commuter rear fender on my towing bikes to prevent dirt from kicking up [...]and lead braking w/ the rear.I don't see any application where this platform is better then a towed trailer. Yes, it was nice, fun [...]- however, I hoot and holler w/ my boys easy w/ a trailer and they respond in kind. This product sucks- absolutely regret buying this...er, build quality great, concept sucks.

Sep

2007

(11 of 12 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

Chariot SideCarrier--great product!

By karmantra

from Bend, Oregon

About Me Casual/ Recreational

See all my reviews

Pros

Comfortable Ride
Easy to Configure and Adjust
Lightweight
Sturdy

Cons

Bike compatibility issues

Best Uses

Best for small child
Street Riding

Comments about Chariot Carriers SideCarrier:

Great ride with or without load--works mainly with mountain/hybrid bikes--hitch that permanently attaches to the bike can be a pain to set up (took me over 30 minutes). ***MAKE SURE YOUR BIKE IS COMPATIBLE***, many are not. If it fits, it's a great little trailer!

Mar

2008

(7 of 8 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

We love it

By Liam

from Gainesville, FL

About Me Casual/ Recreational

See all my reviews

Pros

Comfortable Ride
Easy to Configure and Adjust
Sturdy

Cons

Best Uses

Street Riding

Comments about Chariot Carriers SideCarrier:

My 15-month old son loves riding with his dad. He stands by the back door and tries to get into the garage where we keep the bike and sidecar. When we walk through the garage to get to the car, he stops at the sidecar and wants to get in.

I haven't tried tow-behind trailers but being able to interact with my son while riding was what attracted me to this design. Not only can we chat, but I can even lean over and hold his hand while riding (recommended only on quiet streets!).

I found set-up to be no big deal. There was some squeaking where the trailer attached to the bracket, but after spraying with siilcone problem solved.

Yes, it's a bit narrow but my son is tall for his age and fits no problem, and seems like he should continue to have enough room until he's ready to upgrade to trail-a-bikes etc.

We had already invested in a stroller so trailer/stroller combos had no appeal. I wish the sidecar was a bit less expensive, but we are happy with this investment and recommend it to others looking to bike with one child.

Sep

2007

(7 of 8 customers found this review helpful)

4.0

Great product

By Fli

from Seattle, WA

About Me Casual/ Recreational

See all my reviews

Pros

Comfortable Ride
Easy to Configure and Adjust
Sturdy

Cons

Best Uses

Paved trails
Street Riding

Comments about Chariot Carriers SideCarrier:

This is a great product. It took us about 15 minutes to attach the hitch to my bike and now it literally takes seconds to hook up the side car each time we use it.

I much prefer being able to see my toddler right next to me, rather than hoping he is doing ok behind me. Once I was used to the width of my bike plus the side car I had no problems. And the combined width is no more than the trailer we used to us. The only "downside" is parents stopping me asking where to get one!

Oct

2007

(6 of 8 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

We love the SideCarrier

By Sidecar Cyclers

from Vancouver, WA

About Me Avid Cyclist

See all my reviews

Pros

Comfortable Ride
Easy to Configure and Adjust
Kids love it
Lightweight
Parent's love it
Safe
Sturdy

Cons

Best Uses

Light Trails
Street Riding

Comments about Chariot Carriers SideCarrier:

Our little girl has been riding in her SideCarrier since she was about 6 months old. The seat seemed a bit hard, so we added a 4 inch piece of foam for her to sit on. We love that we can see her, and talk to her as we ride. She usually falls asleep so we have a small pillow to keep her head comfortable. We like the roll-down plastic cover for cool, windy days - she stays nice and snug inside. We have had a bit of trouble with the hitch loosening, however Chariot is sending us a replacement piece free of charge. It is a bit wide on some small trails, however the trade-off of having her right beside us is worth the occasional re-route. Overall we find the sidecarrier handles great, is safe and we love using it!

Jun

2008

(5 of 5 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

Great Idea and lots of fun!

By Phattire

from Indianpolis, IN

About Me Avid Cyclist

See all my reviews

Pros

Comfortable Ride
Lightweight
Sturdy

Cons

None after hitch install

Best Uses

Light Trails
Street Riding

Comments about Chariot Carriers SideCarrier:

This is a wonderful product. I love being able to interact with my 2 year old during rides. I did not find the hitch installation a problem, but I was a bike mechanic in the past. Once the hitch is installed, the connection of the SideCarrier is a breeze. The bike does not suffer any bad handling when installed. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a high quality carrier for their kid.

May

2008

(5 of 5 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

I love it, my boy loves it

By jstro

from Lindenhurst, IL

About Me Casual/ Recreational

See all my reviews

Pros

Comfortable Ride
Easy to Configure and Adjust
Lightweight
Sturdy

Cons

Best Uses

Light Trails
Street Riding

Comments about Chariot Carriers SideCarrier:

I found this very easy to install on my bicycle, but it does require the mounting of a special bracket on your bike, so it's best to plan to use it with just one bike. The unit mounts to the bracket very easily and securely locks in place with just a clevis pin. Once installed and properly aligned, the ride is very smooth and steering does not feel impacted at all. I've taken it on streets and on dirt/gravel trails in our local forest preserves and it did just fine. This unit is sturdy and I'm very pleased with the quality of the both the framework and fabric.

The only disappointment is that I purchased this unit to be able to interact with my boy (15 mo) while riding, but he falls asleep after about 10 minutes, even on the bumpy trails! He must like the ride too.

Jun

2010

(4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

Even better than I expected

By drajanr

from MN

About Me Avid Cyclist, Bike Commuter

See all my reviews

Pros

Comfortable Ride
Lightweight
Sturdy
Visibility

Cons

Doesn't fit all bikes
Not for narrow trails

Best Uses

Commuting with kid
Errands with kid
Paved trails
Street Riding

Comments about Chariot Carriers SideCarrier:

I was skeptical of the sidecarrier, but it turns out I didn't have anything to worry about. Drag is almost non-existant (even after the 3 hour ride we did yesterday, still hardly noticed it), and it turns very easily. I'm glad it sits along side my bike, otherwise I might forget it is there. We bike on city streets, separated paved trails, and in painted bike lanes (we are a tight fit in the bike lanes, but it does fit). To visualize its width, hold a set of dropbars butt-up against the right side of your bike's handlebars; that is about as wide as the carrier is. I really love this thing. I use it almost every day to take my kiddo with for errands or just fun rides.

I would not take it on gravel, and definitely not off road, as it would be too bumpy inside the sidecarrier. I think it could get too hot inside if you keep the rain shield down on a warm day.

The one thing I wish was different is that the hitch doesn't fit on my road bike frame. I have it mounted to my hybrid. **Make sure the hitch will fit your bike**

Apr

2009

(3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

4.0

Love it - but make sure it will fit

By JanaBD

from Fargo, ND

About Me Casual/ Recreational, Commuter

See all my reviews

Pros

Comfortable Ride
Lightweight

Cons

Best Uses

Street Riding

Comments about Chariot Carriers SideCarrier:

I have daycare at my workplace and my 19 month old daughter and I commute with the bicycle and sidecar. She loves it and will always choose the bike over riding in the car. On warmer mornings when we don't need the plastic windscreen we can visit easily. I can still hear her with the windscreen but it isn't as easy. The downside is getting it to fit your bike. I have 3 bikes and it only fits one. And fits that one marginally. I think I have it properly adjusted now but I carry tools just in case. I would buy it again knowing the fit is not easy but if you are thinking of getting one, measure your bottom bracket AND the distance from the bottom bracket to your front wheel.

Jul

2008

(3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

Great Idea, and lots of fun

By Phattire

from Indianpolis, Indiana

About Me Avid Cyclist

See all my reviews

Pros

Comfortable Ride
Lightweight
Sturdy

Cons

Best Uses

Street Riding

Comments about Chariot Carriers SideCarrier:

I use this on neighborhood streets. I like that one can safely interact with their kid. My kid lives to ride in the Sidecarrier. The hitch was not as difficult to set up as I thought it would be, however I was a bike mechanic in the past. I would recommend a second hitch if this may be used on more than one bike. I love the product, and would recommend this to anyone looking to ride on bike paths and streets.

Displaying reviews 1-10

Previous | Next »