Thule Chariot Bicycle Trailer Kit

First, to be clear – this kit is part number 20100506 and will NOT work with the Chinook line of Chariot carriers (that part number is 20100507). Even the Thule website seems a little unclear on this. So if you have a CX/Cougar/Cheetah, keep reading.This kit gets you a well built and sturdy hitch for your bicycle. It is NOT something that’s going to fall apart after a few miles. Indeed, it’s obviously designed to serve serious riders, and serve them well. There are two parts:1) The bicycle end, or (IIRC) EZHitch. This is a ball and socket-style hitch that stays on your bike, mounted on the left side. If your bike has a quick release skewer, installation is a snap. If not, you can still mount the hitch, you just need to install the hitch cup under the axle nut. I have the latter and it went well.2) The hitch arm, made of aluminum but very sturdy. When not in use, the hitch arm snaps into a bracket on the side of some carrier models (namely the Cougar and IIRC the CX – Cheetah owners don’t have the bracket), giving you lots of flexibility. The stroller kit wheels are removed in Trailer Mode and stored upside down in the VersaWing bracket. The hitch arm then goes in the front and fits into the hitch. When you get to your destination, replace the stroller wheels and put the hitch arm in the bracket on the side of the carrier, and you have a stroller. Very nice.The kit includes reflectors and a flag as well, to make you nice and legal. Each side of the hitch also includes safety straps to keep everything together in case a hitch connection fails.As for use, because the hitch uses a ball and socket design, you get a more flexible connection than other typical hitches. This means that you can lean better into corners without worry that the trailer is going to tip over. You do get a bit restricted doing a right turn vs a left turn, simply because the hitch is on the left side. However, the entire shebang is a VERY smooth ride versus other trailers, especially during turns.Now then, as for your towing rig. The Chariots tend to be in the 25-30 lb range and that’s BEFORE you put your kid and other cargo into it. I figure the average weight of the trailer for most people will be at least 60-70 lbs total, more if you have the two-child carriers. What I’m trying to say is you need to pay attention to your bike and make sure you’re set up for the different handling characteristics you’ll have. For instance, I’m using an oldish mountain bike to tow this rig – it has a wide gear range and pretty heavy-duty brakes. A light touring/road bike may need some brake upgrades (at the least) to make pulling this thing safer. You will have increased stopping distances, and I’ve already mentioned the turning issues (which thin touring tires may have some issue with, but YMMV of course). Main thing to consider is that it’s easy to drop money on the trailer, but you have to also consider your ride.All that said, if you already have a Chariot carrier, this kit is a no brainer. If you’re thinking about a convertible carrier/stroller, rest assured that this kit gives you best-in-class performance for a Chariot converted to a bike trailer.