Bicycles

Versatile bike trailer carries a case of beer, folds up over the rear wheel

Versatile bike trailer carries a case of beer, folds up over the rear wheel
The Trenux folds up and out of the way for easy travel
The Trenux folds up and out of the way for easy travel
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Trenux demonstrates its trailer at EuroBike
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Trenux demonstrates its trailer at EuroBike
Trenux bike trailer prototype
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Trenux bike trailer prototype
Whether you're buying a bag of groceries or a case of beer, the Trenux folds out to carry it home
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Whether you're buying a bag of groceries or a case of beer, the Trenux folds out to carry it home
Trenux is still developing its trailer and intends to launch it next year
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Trenux is still developing its trailer and intends to launch it next year
Trenux bike trailer prototype
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Trenux bike trailer prototype
The Trenux folds up and out of the way for easy travel
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The Trenux folds up and out of the way for easy travel
Trenux brought its newest prototype to the EuroBike Show back in July and won a EuroBike Start Up Award
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Trenux brought its newest prototype to the EuroBike Show back in July and won a EuroBike Start Up Award
The Trenux trailer can be used with or without the folding fabric basket
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The Trenux trailer can be used with or without the folding fabric basket
The Trenux has been under development since 2016, and plans are to get it to market in 2019
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The Trenux has been under development since 2016, and plans are to get it to market in 2019
View gallery - 9 images

Bike trailers are super-handy if you need to haul cargo, but they can become a burden the minute you empty that cargo and just want to ride your bicycle without a trailer rattling around behind you. German start-up Trenux aims to solve this disparity, offering a lightweight, go-everywhere bike trailer that folds up onto the back of the bike when not in use. Ride all over town with it secured on the bike, fold it out in seconds the minute you need it, pedal your cargo from A to B, and then fold it back away for next time.

Still a prototype, the 11-lb (5-kg) Trenux trailer is capable of carrying a payload up to 88 lb (40 kg). Its designers say it'll haul the likes of two beverage crates, a suitcase or four boxes of flowers on its 24 x 16.5-in (62 x 42-cm) cargo area. The design includes a removable fabric basket.

The Trenux's payload isn't as much as some other bike trailers, particularly if we start talking about all-out workhorses like the Carla Cargo or Reacha trailers. But when was the last time you needed to pedal 88 lb of groceries home? In other words, the Trenux will have enough capacity for many daily errands and loads while offering the advantage of light, folding construction.

Trenux brought its newest prototype to the EuroBike Show back in July and won a EuroBike Start Up Award
Trenux brought its newest prototype to the EuroBike Show back in July and won a EuroBike Start Up Award

The Trenux relies on a central tensioning hub and several accompanying joints to fold away quickly and effortlessly, riding over top the rear tire. Each of the two Trenux wheels sits to the side of the bicycle wheel, and the bicycle is free to ride like normal, albeit with an extra 11 lb in back. Both folding the Trenux out and folding it away can be done in under 10 seconds.

It's not hard to see how an on-demand trailer that rides with you at all times could come in handy.

Pedaling to work in the morning and need to pick up groceries on the way home? The Trenux is there to carry them, without having to tow and store an empty trailer or ride a full-blown cargo bike.

Happen upon something you like at a shop or market unexpectedly on the ride home? No problem, the Trenux will carry it home.

Trenux demonstrates its trailer at EuroBike
Trenux demonstrates its trailer at EuroBike

The folks at the 2018 EuroBike Show were impressed enough with Trenux to give it a Start Up Award. The trailer is still in development, and plans call for an initial launch through crowdfunding in Spring 2019 (Northern Hemisphere). We'll keep our eye out for the campaign.

In the meantime, you can watch the Trenux prototype in use in the 2-minute video clip below.

Trenux prototype IV (English)

Source: Trenux

View gallery - 9 images
6 comments
6 comments
Rehab
I guess the days of the simple rear rack or front carriers are over?
MarkGovers
Great idea!
I can see a next evolution here, where it quick releases to allow you to also use it bring groceries up the elevator! Perhaps some people would only use this for shopping, then they could also be removing the extra weight at the same time when not needed for the next ride.
toyhouse
That's a cool idea right there! I don't think I've ever seen that done before. To answer rehab's comment below, there are times when you don't want the weight directly on the frame. For instance, when stability at low speeds or rough terrain becomes an issue. You still have to pedal for the extra weight with the trailer, but at least it's off the frame. Much better than wobbling around trying to compensate and stay upright with a heavy load. The same thing applies to vehicles I've found. Hope that makes sense. Cheers.
Syberz
I was hoping that I could have both my rear basket AND the trailer, alas that doesn't seem possible :(
I need both so that I can put a case of drinks in the trailer and the groceries in my rear basket.
Cody Blank
Pretty rad, wonder what the weight of it is.
tomtoys
Clever