Review of InStep Rocket Aluminum Bike Trailer

InStep Rocket Aluminum Bike Trailer
By: InStep
More Information

Cheap quality and small

On: 2008-06-09

I did a lot of research in an attempt to buy a bike trailer under $250. At first I brought home the Avenir Discovery but my wife said it needed to be convertable to a stroller...so I returned it and ordered the InStep Rocket. For about the same price as the Avenir, the quality of the InSteps side windows and seating were not nearly as good. The seat was terrible and small - the kids slid into one another. I do not recomend this carrier.

Wonderful!

On: 2008-05-05

Wonderful. Our 10 month old loves riding and just sitting in this! We havent used it as a stroller yet but will be soon on vacation. Rides smooth, lots of storage and once you have the straps setup for 1 child it is easy to use the seatbelt system ... for 2 kids it would be no issue at all from the start. We wanted her to sit in the middle and use the combined straps. Highly reccomend!

Does not attach to all bikes!

On: 2008-02-10

This trailer does not attach to all bikes. Upon receipt of the product, I assembled the trailer and attempted to take it for a spin. I was extremely frustrated when I found that the trailer would not attach to my GT Avalanche 3.0. I contacted the manufacturer and they told me to return the product as there is no attachment that would fix the problem. My bike does not have an abnormal frame and I was shocked to learn that the trailer would not work. Unless you have a bike frame with a very WIDE and FLAT area where the quick release mechanism attaches to the bike, I would suggest staying away from this product. I am now looking for a trailer that will attach to the actual frame and NOT to the quick release mechanism.

My kids love this trailer...

On: 2008-01-18

I researched and compared various bike trailers before deciding to buy this trailer. I bought this as a Christmas present to my husband who is a big time mountain biker. He is VERY picky about his bike so I was worried that he might not like the trailer I picked out b/c it wasnt the most expensive (compared to Burley, etc.) He now says he would have picked out the same trailer. It is perfect for our needs. In stroller mode, it almost drives itself - so SMOOTH. My 1 year old and 3 year old fit comfortably in the trailer and both have pockets for drinks/snacks. Plus, the trailer has a roomy back pocket for other things you might want to bring along. My 3 year old doesnt like to sit in "strollers" anymore but he loves riding in this "trailer." All in all this trailer ROCKS!

Instep Rocket - Good Buy

On: 2008-01-18

Ive only had this for a month and have used it many times. The stroller is definitely very light and a good build. The instructions on how to put it together werent very clear, but we were able to figure it out. The trailer is a bit wide and does not fit through our backyard gate, so I have to carry it side ways to get it through. The buckles and safety straps are difficult to work with when you have two squirmy kids. Other than that, the trailer is pretty roomy and the weather proof cover is easy to close up. On flat surfaces you cant even tell there is a trailer behind you, its a little harder when there is an incline, but not much. The ride with the trailer is pretty smooth except when there are sudden changes in the slope of the ground, and then you feel a sudden gentle tug from the trailer. Im pretty happy with it so far. I just wish it would fit through my gate easily.

Instep rocket trailer

On: 2007-12-26

I only tried this as a trailer (and not as a stroller.) The trailer is very light, and so easy to pull. I use it with my two daughters, each about 20kg, very easily. They have enough space inside even with the coats and snow pants.

There are two little problems: the harness straps are rather difficult to use, and the trailer attaches to the bicycle using a "coupler", meaning it is not possible without tools to attach it to a different bike, unless you buy another coupler.

All in all, definitely worth the money (120 US$)

This is a great trailer! Seatbelts suck!

On: 2007-12-13

I use this trailer extensively with my 2-year old in tow. We ride all over the place and even in grass with no problem. I really hate the belts- but they can be usable if you are creative. This is well-built and very light.

great trailer

On: 2007-12-06

I have a running stroller made by Instep and love it, and was glad to find a bike trailer made by them as well. It is light weight, even for my behind a desk 50 hours a week husband who doesnt get as much exercise as he needs. I love that it can double as a double running stroller with the removable front wheel. It is very sturdy and the wheels are bigger and safer. We have rented the more expensive Burley trailers and found this one to be very comparable in quality and much less in price.

InStep Bike Trailer

On: 2007-10-04

We are really happy with our new bike trailer. We owned a similar model a few years ago so we see the improvements that have been made by InStep. The trailer is very simple to fold and becomes quite compact for transporting. This trailer offers a good amount of space for storing diaper bags, etc. Our daughter loves the ride!

Great deal and Great product

On: 2007-08-29

I love it! It is light weight, has tons of storage, follows my bike everywhere! I like the bar around the tire, it adds width so be careful but it protects my wheels from getting ripped off by other cyclist or blind roller bladers. It folds up easily and compact. Very easy to setup and use. I would highly recommend it. Oh the 20 inch wheels are much better and safer than the smaller 13 inch ones on other models. So dont hesitate and buy it! But please dont spend out of your budget we dont need anymore credit card debt in our society. Go Mitt Romney 08!!!

Great product for the money

On: 2007-08-14

This is a great product for the price. Im sure there are higher end trailers with some better qualities, but this is pretty good. Nicely put together aluminum frame, folds down easily, and it tows nicely. I have 2 year old twins. They love it. Together, they weigh over 60 pounds and I dont have a problem.

I recommend it.

Doesn't fit all bicycles

On: 2007-08-10

We just bought brand new Giant hybrid bikes (FCR3). I was REALLLLLY excited about getting this trailer, after reading all the fantastic reviews. Unfortunately, when we bought it, it was missing the very important little piece that helps it connect with the bicycle. So, I called the company and requested that they send the missing part. No problems there. They were nice, and sent the part right away. HOWEVER, I just received the part in the mail and went out to the garage to install the connector. No such luck. Although all the parts are there, the fork around my wheel will simply not allow that part to be screwed in. Im probably not explaining this well, but if you look at where the screw goes into the fork/wheel, thats where the connector has to go. Part of the fork on mine sticks out, making it impossible for the connector to work.

I give it 2 stars for 2 reasons: It was missing a piece to begin with, and it doesnt work with all bikes. Other than that, the trailer is fine. It folds up pretty easily and is lightweight. Just be sure to save the box and packing materials, so you can figure out if it will work with your bicycle first. Lets hope Ill be able to return this without the box..YIKES!!!!

The kids love it. Quick and Easy assembly and disassembly

On: 2007-07-24

I can assemble it, and disassemble and fold it for storage in about 15 minutes. My 2 year old loves it. A couple of things which may or may not develop into a problem:

1. The wheels seem to have little more than normal friction; they do not free spin for long. But still easy to pull or push.

2. The fabric seems to have some tiny holes at the wrinkles straight out of the box. I havent noticed any new tears develop, but we have only had it for about a month and have taken it out several times on short rides locally already and one out of town camping trip.

Overall it has been a lot of fun, I attach it to my 6 year olds trailer bicycle which attaches to my mountain bike "bicycle". For additional safety I attach the stroller handle bar to it and to which I attach a flashing red light, as well as using the orange flag. And of course we all wear helmets.

Not bad for the money

On: 2007-07-18

Bought this product to use at my parents house out of state (way less expensive than buying a second Chariot). It doesnt protect our son from the sun like the Chariot, and the harness straps are more difficult to use, but he seems pretty happy in it all the same. For the price, it is completely functional for as often as it will be used. Also, the right wheel arrived completely bent out of shape. I am calling the company right now to see if they will replace it.

Well-made and light as a feather!

On: 2007-07-09

I ordered this last month, got it and put it together pretty easily. Did not get a chance to use it though until this past weekend (a month later).

There was plenty of room to stow a small cooler and a few necessities behind the seat, plus lots of room for my daughter (22 mos).

She is getting used to riding in it, but I am sure she will love it in the long run.

Its light as a feather, easy to put togther and very well made.

One note: I need to buy a mirror, so I can see whats going on behind me now.

A good buy

On: 2007-07-08

I bought this trailer to practice my biking during the summer. It was easy to assemble and very light. The material is not as resistant as the pricier models and it doesnt have tinted sides or front panels so be prepared to improvise some shades for your child. I liked the side bars that protects the tires they saved the wheels from a "sudden detachment" a few times while pasing through the bike path entrances. It is really important to be aware of the whidth needed to make it through all the time. As other poeple has mentioned, the harness latches could be better and they are difficult to remove. I havent used it as a double stroller but it doesnt have brakes so It would be a little tricky to go on a hilly ride. Ive tried the trailer with two kids and it works fine and two 30 lb kids can ride pretty comfortably, the challenge will be keeping them from fighting. Cup holders form each child are a great help.
In general it was a good buy for me.

Great Product!

On: 2007-07-06

I just got this today. The instructions were extremely easy to read and it was easy to put together even with the "help" of my 20 month old! She started climbing in it as I was putting it together. She couldnt wait to ride. She loves it! I love it too. I cant even feel it behind me. Very easy to use and ride with. My daughter is 36" long and weighs 30lbs. and she is very comfortable in it. I will keep you updated as we take more rides! I highly recommend it as of right now though.

Practical Bike Trailer

On: 2007-07-05

PRO:
Lite weight.
Well constructed.
Cheap Price. (comparatively)
Easy Assembly
Quick release spoke larger wheels.

CON:
No brake to lock the trailer wheels.
Attatchment to bike requires installation of a receiver under the bikes rear wheel quick release. This can be left on the bike.

SUMMARY:
I would buy it again. Cant come close to the quality for the price anywhere else I looked.

great buy

On: 2007-07-05

We used this down the beach and it functions great as a trailer and as a stroller. Couldnt be happier.

Rocket bike trailer

On: 2007-05-13

This is a nice trailer. It arrived with a rod for the quick release mechanism that was 1/2" too long. The In-Step company was exceptional when I called. The piece was replaced immediately with a smile.
The trailer is roomy and well made.

Nice Trailer for my 3.5 year old

On: 2007-05-12

We have been out with this trailer a few times now, and my little girl loves it! She does get a dusty face if the clear plastic cover isnt used, but overall she has a blast. Plus, its not hard to pull at all. Havent (and will probably never) used it as a stroller. Hopefully it holds up well with use - time will tell!

a great bike trailer for a good price

On: 2007-03-26

I have 2 children, ages 2 and 4 and they fit well inside this trailer. They have space for their shoulders, heads and legs as well as a space for waterbottles, etc. We especially like the hitch. It actually hooks around the bike instead of just needing to be tightened around a bar, so there is no chance of it coming loose and falling off. We had a lots of problems with this in our previous bike trailer. It doesnt have lots of frills, but we use it at least a few times a week and have loved it. We also have 2 jogging strollers from Instep and they are great. I trained for a whole year for a marathon while pushing 2 kids in it and its still going strong! Instep is a good quality brand with great prices.

a great bike trailer for a good price

On: 2007-03-25

I have 2 children, ages 2 and 4 and they fit well inside this trailer. They have space for their shoulders, heads and legs as well as a space for waterbottles, etc. We especially like the hitch. It actually hooks around the bike instead of just needing to be tightened around a bar, so there is no chance of it coming loose and falling off. We had a lots of problems with this in our previous bike trailer. It doesnt have lots of frills, but we use it at least a few times a week and have loved it. We also have 2 jogging strollers from Instep and they are great. I trained for a whole year for a marathon while pushing 2 kids in it and its still going strong! Instep is a good quality brand with great prices.

Can't wait

On: 2007-02-07

This is one of the most wonderful products I have purchased. It is easy to set up and it is very roomy. I love the drink and snack holders for each kid. The only thing is it does not have good shade when the sun is shining right in front. The kids need hats or shades. Otherwise I love it. I havent had the chance to use it with the kids in on the bike, but I know it will word great. I plan to use it when they outgrow it to tote my grocies around. UPDATE I still love this trailer, my son is very relaxed in this trailer. The only problem being when he falls asleep. The seat does not recline and his head bobbles around. So I will not use it for long trips and hopefully he will stay awake or I can find a way to stuff blankets to keep him happy.