Wike Deluxe (Moonlite) Review
By Jon Sharp, gearreview.com, July 2005
When the Wike arrived here at GearReview, I was excited to test it. It being a child trailer and all, I figured I'd need to find some children to strap in for the review. Immediately, an extensive search was conducted all over the area, looking for two children suitable as test subjects in this review. After some intense pressure on the part of my wife, I finally settled on my own children. They were, after all, readily available. Besides, I didn't know how to word the release note I would be legally required to obtain.
Wike claims many things— not the least of which is “Fastest folding bike trailer.” I assume they mean folding and unfolding it is fast, not that it is a folding trailer that moves quickly. In order to be fast, I feel, it also has to be simple and this, it is. The wheels remove by pushing a button in the center of the axle, and can be stowed inside the trailer. The rest of the trailer folds by removing a pin and pushing it down. This was a simple and remarkably quick process. When folded it is surprisingly compact.
The Wike connects to the bike via a doughnut-shaped elastomer hitch. On the bike, a simple metal bracket is threaded on to the non-drive side rear quick-release. This allows the trailer to be connected to any bike with an axle. There is also a safety strap that connects to the bike in case of failure (most trailers have this). Technically, this means that you can even connect the Moonlite to a disc brake-equipped bike—though when I tried this, I didn't have room for the safety strap. This connection does a great job of being out of the way and keeping the trailer upright when the bike is lying down. The Wike comes with two bike brackets. As far as I know, this is the only child trailer that comes with mounts enough for two bikes.
The mesh screen on the Wike is made of window screen material. For this reason, it is thin, flexible, and keeps out the bugs. Both the mesh screen and the plastic window (for the rain and cold) fasten to the trailer via a hook-and-loop border around the edge. This worked pretty well, though I found I didn't always get it on straight enough for a proper fit and it could take more than one try.
The Wike is a little narrower than other trailers I've tried, which wouldn't help when the subjects fought. (Which, of course, mine never did.) Combined with the rounded front profile, the width helped it feel a little less like dragging a parachute behind me. Our test Wike also came with the optional stroller and jogger kit (99USD). The conversion was simple and both attachments were solid and worked well. The stroller wheel can be left attached and swiveled out of the way when not in use. This means changes between trailer and stroller can take place anywhere—and quickly, at that. The floor is hard (nice for the children climbing in and out), and there is storage under the seat. There is also an exterior large storage area in the back—good for groceries or the extra wheel from the jogger attachment.
Besides the 2 person version tested here, Wike also makes a single-occupancy trailer. The double comes with 2 plain 5-point harnesses that can be converted to a single 5-point harness for 1 child to sit in the middle. There is also an optional Padded Shoulder Harness (15USD) for smaller children. Little children also benefit from the optional Helmet Relief Cushion (20USD) which sits behind the occupant to give the child more room for a helmet on a disproportionately large head.
As with most child trailers, every Wike comes standard with a bright orange safety flag, wheel reflectors and reflective stripes. The Moonlite holds children up to 52 inches tall, with a maximum weight capacity of 100 lbs. (For your sake, we hope the actual total weight is much lower than that.)
Summary: Wike is a well-made, light-weight, and versatile child trailer. The storage compartments are well placed (meaning, the subjects could reach them while secured safely in their 5-point harnesses) and spacious. The 314USD price tag—299USD for the single—is pretty reasonable, especially considering that each Wike is made individually when the order is placed. Again, construction is top-notch. If you are looking for a light-weight, foldable child trailer, we recommend to first, take a good look at the Wike, and second, take a long ride with your children.
Jon Sharp is a contributing editor for GearReview.com specializing in mountain biking.
Other Reviews
The Wike was also reviewed by Bicycling Magazine and Adventure Cycling.